| The vacation packing tips that follow are based | | | | carry-on bag. We learned this one the hard way. |
| on experience - both good and bad. My wife and I | | | | 5. When packing shampoo, perfume, skin cream |
| have done enough things right, and enough wrong | | | | and other liquids, be careful. The cargo areas of |
| to have something to teach about travel. The last | | | | planes are not pressurized fully, so the tops can |
| time we traveled together to Ecuador, we went | | | | pop off of bottles and other containers. To really |
| with carry-on luggage only - a ten-pound pack | | | | be safe, pack such items in a sealed ziplock bag. |
| each. This was one of the things we did right, and | | | | 6. Don't pack things too tight. Your luggage may |
| is tip number one. | | | | be opened and inspected, and the security officials |
| 1. Go light. It is simpler, especially if you are | | | | may not know how to fit it all back in. |
| traveling by air and you can keep it to just | | | | 7. Important documents, like passports and |
| carry-on. A few weeks ago we spent almost two | | | | identification, should never be packed in your |
| hours waiting for a relative's suitcase to show up | | | | luggage. Carry them on your person, preferably in |
| on the Luggage carousel at Denver International | | | | a hidden pocket or security pouch under your |
| Airport. At least it finally showed up, but if you | | | | shirt. |
| can do just carry-on, you leave all problems of | | | | 8. Have a good packing routine. For example, |
| late or lost luggage behind, and travel more easily. | | | | start by making a list of items you'll need based |
| 2. Have all you essentials in your carry-on bag. If | | | | on every circumstance you may be in during your |
| your other luggage is lost, you should have what | | | | vacation. Then consider each item, and remove |
| you need to stay clean and comfortable with you. | | | | any that aren't likely to be used - especially if |
| 3. Budget a little extra and buy things as you go. | | | | they can be easily obtained at your destination. |
| Don't carry 20 extra things for the five that you'll | | | | 9. Check the weather forecast for your vacation |
| end up using. You'll find that this is more practical | | | | destination before packing. You might need a |
| and relaxing than over-planning a vacation and | | | | raincoat, or a down coat, or (even better) shorts |
| over-weighting the luggage. | | | | or a swimsuit. It is easy to get a forecast online |
| 4. Valuables like jewelry are almost never | | | | now for anywhere in the world. |
| covered by the luggage insurance the airline | | | | 10. Write these tips and others down, and keep |
| provides. Be sure to pack these items in your | | | | the list handy for each time you take a vacation. |