Essential Packing Tips from the Pros

TravelPro USA

Travel Smart ... Choose an ASTA Member Travel Agents When Planning A Trip.  Look for a travel agent who belongs to the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), the oldest and most prestigious travel association in the world.

Benefits of Choosing an ASTA Travel Agent: 
Through its concerted efforts to assure the traveling public with the highest quality of service and ethics, ASTA has come to symbolize "Integrity in Travel".  For over 60 years, ASTA members have maintained a tradition of fair dealing and professionalism with the traveling public.  All ASTA members must abide by a stringent Code of Ethics, and their actions are monitored by the travel industry's most active consumer affairs department.
Carlson Wagonlit Travel / Five Star Tours is your local ASTA travel agent, and we have the skills and resources to help you plan every detail of your trip, from ticket reservations to destination information.
For complete peace of mind, look for the ASTA seal - or ask for proof of ASTA Membership.  Carlson Wagonlit Travel / Five Star Tours is a ASTA agent.

Pack Light!
Tip No. 1 ... Pack light.  you'll be glad you did.  Airlines have strict rules on the amount and size of both carry-on and checked luggage.
A good rule of thumb is two bags per person.
The flight attendant has the final say concerning the carry-on luggage and baggage which must be checked as cargo.
Check with the airline or you ASTA travel agent for detailed information on baggage regulations.

Planning Your Wardrobe
Choosing a wardrobe of basics will help you al with space limitations.  Select clothes that will coordinate with each other.
Make a list of things you intend to take with you.   Your list will prove invaluable in the unfortunate event of lost of stolen luggage, while you are away.
Think of travel activities ahead of time.  Plan your clothes of business, sports, and leisure activities.
Check seasonal weather conditions of the area to which you will be traveling and be prepared.  Pack raincoat or warm / cool clothing as appropriate.
To save space and weight prepare a kit of miniature toiletries in small plastic bottles.  When flying don't fill the bottles to the top, because the pressure may cause contents to expand.  Pack bottles in plastic bags in case of leakage.

The Art of Packing
Pack tightly.  Packing loosely wastes precious space and causes clothes to wrinkle.
Use a divider shelf to separate accessories, irregularly shaped items, and shoes form you garment.
You may also want to stuff your shoes with underwear or socks so they won't be crushed during travels.
Suits, dresses, shirts, and blouses should be packed in plastic dry cleaner bags to limit wrinkling.
Roll pajamas, nightgowns, sweaters, and other casual wear to fill small spaces, when possible, BUT don't cram your suitcase full.  If you have to force your luggage to close, remove a few items to prevent broken hinges or zippers along the way.
Try the "interweaving method" of packing for your next trip.  Drape longer garments such as dresses and pants across the suitcase with the ends hanging over the sides.  Then fold shorter times such as jackets, shirts and blouses around the longer garments so that the clothes cushion each other.  Placing a piece of tissue paper between each layer of clothing will help prevent wrinkling.
Pack each item one at a time in a clockwise direction.  When you have filled the bottom of the suitcase, begin the next layer packing each item in a counter clockwise direction.  In this way, you will form one complete package of your clothes, eliminating wrinkles and securing all of your contents.
Always carry your travel documents, medication, jewelry, traveler's checks, keys, and other valuables in your hand luggage.  These items should NEVER be packed in luggage you plan to check.

Security Tips
LOCK YOUR LUGGAGE to avoid accidental opening due to rough handling or cabin pressure, and carry the keys in your hand luggage.
REMOVE OLD CLAIM CHECKS to avoid confusing baggage handlers about your current destination.
IDENTIFY YOUR LUGGAGE both inside and outside with your name, address, and telephone number, and make sure the outside tag is securely fastened to your luggage.
INCLUDE A COPY OF YOUR ITINERARY in your luggage, with your name, address and telephone number, and make sure the outside tag is securely fastened to your luggage.
INCLUDE A COPY OF YOUR ITINERARY in your luggage with your home address and your destination in the event you and your bags  get temporarily separated.
TRAVEL INSURANCE IS IMPORTANT
If you are traveling with valuables not covered under the normal luggage allowance provided by the airlines.