Does this make me a Jet Setter?

Posted on June 23, 2008

Chloe and I leave tomorrow for Denver again.  This time we are flying out to go to our friends, Lance and Midori’s wedding.  With all this traveling, I feel like I am getting pretty good at packing and I thought I would share my tips.  (Okay, so I am actually procrastinating doing the actual packing, but its still might be useful!)

1. Make a packing list beforehand with everything that you could possibly need on it.  Print out two copies, that way you can mark all over it on the way out of town, and then use it to make sure that everything comes home with you.
2. Pack clothes in outfits.  This avoids extra clothes.
3. If you travel frequently, invest in clothes folders and cubes.  It helps organize items, helps reduce wrinkling and are generally pretty compact.
4. Keep in mind any activities that you plan on doing while you are there.  For example, even if there is a chance you will go swimming, pack a swimsuit.  If you might go out to a fancy restaurant, pack a nice outfit.  Its much easier than scrambling and paying more money than you normally would to get something at your destination.
5. Pack socks inside shoes, it helps them keep their shape and saves the bulk from the socks.  pack underwear and other smaller items in the lining of your suitcase for the same reason, it helps cut down on bulk, and it doesn’t matter if those items are wrinkled.
6. Even though it is a pain to get through security, I recommend wearing bulkier shoes on the flight and packing lightweight ones.  Yes, it takes longer to untie and retie your shoes, but they take up a tremendous about of space in your suitcase.
7. Keep samples and smaller bottles of your toiletries in your toiletries bag, it helps save time later, and the smaller bottles are much more compact.
8. If you are traveling with a child (or even if it is just you) pack snacks for the flight.  You never know these days if you will get food on the plane, and even if it is a short flight, there is always the chance that you will be delayed and will end up spending more time on the plane than you planned.
9. If you are traveling with a child, bring toys, books, an extra sippy cup or water bottle, and a video ipod.  The Ipod is vital, but you need the other items for when they won’t let you use the ipod.  Chloe hates when I take the ipod away, but she is getting used to the idea that there are times when she can’t have it.
10. Finally, when going through security, keep track of you driver’s license.  Take the extra time to put it back in your wallet.  Trust me on this one!