How to Pack 101

Ready? Set? Go! Jetsetting 101

As I plan for my Australian holiday, I thought it would be great if I shared my packing wisdom. I'm a frequent flyer, so efficiency and style is key when making your home in another city for a week.

Before I begin, utilize your local discount stores. You can get high quality expensive goods at pauper's prices. If you're in the States, make use of your Burlington's, Filene's Basement, Loehmann's, TJ Maxx, Nordie Rack, or Marshalls. You really can get great deals with a good eye and a little digging.

1. Get a nice rolling suitcase, especially for a long trip. I prefer a carryon weekender bag for a short trip, but for my 3-week holiday, I'm taking a large rollerboard. You can get stylish, colourful nylon rollerboards at discount stores like Filene's Basement, Marshalls or TJ Maxx for $80 or less. I found a sassy Diane von Furstenburg brand for mere pennies. Have big bucks and/or travel frequently? Invest in heavy duty luggage like Samsonite. They are virtually indestructable.

2. Keep the number of bags you carry to a minimum. This is coming from a natural packrat, but a packrat who is excellent at packing. You really can do a 3 week trip with three bags: your large suitcase, your carryon tote for your laptop and other essentials, and your purse. Pack another "crushable" bag (i.e. duffle bag) inside your suitcase for any goodies you plan to bring back. Bags within bags are great for organisation. Avon sells packing cubes here for $15 or Ebags also sells them. This way if your suitcase gets searched, your skivvies aren't falling out everywhere.

3. Get a compartmentalized toiletry bag. You can get these for next to nothing - I actually bought a cotton Samsonite rollup one today from a discount store for $5 on clearance. You can sometimes get them as makeup bonuses from department stores with a nominal purchase too. Otherwise, check your local Target or discount store for one that is lined in plastic - in case there are spills. I have a nice set of Ralph Lauren ones that nest for when I'm packing a little lighter. I paid $16 for the set at the discount store.

4. Get travel sizes of your favourite toiletries or make your own and keep them stocked in your toiletry bag. What also helps is having a little checklist that you keep in your toiletry bag with things you normally use. There's nothing worse than being in the middle of West Virginia with no shaving gel, so keep it on hand always. You can buy travel size bottles and fill your own, or get samples from your department store or Sephora. Also keep a few bandaids and a tube of Neosporin packed in case you get any booboos!

5. Pack with a few formulas in mind. Staying a week? Take enough underwear for 9 days, just in case. Concerned about space in your suitcase? Wear layers. Four tissue tshirts and one cardigan are easier to pack than 4 bulky sweaters. The key is to pack thin layering pieces that can be switched around to get different looks and go from day to night. I will pack 2 weeks worth of clothes for my three week holiday, only because I have to pack work suits. My usual formula for a 2-week holiday is as follows:

* 2 pairs of leggings (one black, one brown - good for warmth and comfort)
* 1 pair of dark jeans (can easily go from day to night)
* 2 skirts (one stretch pencil skirt, one black fancy skirt)
* 3 dresses (one shift, one party dress, one conservative)
* 2 tshirts
* 1 cardigan, jacket, or other sweater
* 4 lightweight tops
* 1 pair of jammies (will wash them)
* 4 bras
* hosiery as necessary
* 9 pairs of undies - these can be washed in the sink if necessary
* 4 pairs of shoes - one pair of black heels, one pair of boots, two pairs of flats, or 1 pair of flats and 1 pair of sneakers

I don't wear all of my clothes generally, but this allows me some flexibility in deciding what to wear daily.

6. Back to bags - Get a smart carry on. It should have lots of pockets and compartments for holding the 1000 things you will invariably deal with - your tickets, bottles of water, your cell phone, mp3 player, books, magazines, glasses, etc. LeSportsac makes wonderful ones as does Vera Bradley and Steve Madden. And pack your carry on with care. Keep your meds with you if you take any. Also keep your travel toothbrush and paste or buy the small brushes for fresh breath when deboarding. Pack a small snack to take aboard - plane food can be disgusting or nonexistent, and the last thing you want to be is a grumpy traveller because of hunger. Nuts, fruit, crackers, and the little Laughing Cow cheeses packaged in wax are all good choices. Also keep wet wipes for spills and moisturizer for mid-air dry skin/lips.

7. Flying? Dress well to go to the airport. You may not think it matters and are most worried about comfort, but believe me, a little goes a long way. You want to look smart for when you deplane. Besides, security will be nicer to you, even if you are flying coach. Jersey knit items are always good choices - they drape well and feel like pajamas. My favourite travel gear is usually a jersey maxi dress, my cardigan/jacket, and ballet flats. Or a tunic top, leggings and flats or slipoff boots. Shoes that are easy to remove are a must for getting through security. Keep your jewelry to a minimum (earrings and a watch are plenty) as you will need to remove these in the security line. If you wear jeans, make them your nice dark ones and put on a darling top. Moisturise your skin well and wear some good lip gloss and you are good to go!

8. Wear your hair in a tight bun if it's long or smooth pomade through it if it's short - you can always rake your fingers through it later for nice waves/curls in the airport bathroom.

9. Always take a cardigan/wrap/large scarf on your trip. I like the cardigan with the long tails that you can wrap around yourself like a blanket.

10. Invest in a nice pair of ballet flats. They are a quintessential shoe that can take you from day to night, from jeans to a nice frock and the offer comfort and style simultaneously. My fave is the Tory Burch Reva flat.

You can go pricey (Coach flats are always lovely) or recession-proof (try Newport News or Target), but having at least a brown and black pair will keep you prepped for anything!

And most importantly, enjoy your trip!
Chrystal Price, July 2009