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