Pack It Up

CEBU, Philippines – Frequent travelers can put  together a great go-anywhere wardrobe and pack it without wrinkling - all in one small suitcase.

How to decide what to pack:

Get organized. The week before your trip, check the weather reports. Then make a packing list, using your itinerary to help you figure out the very least you can get away with. A few days before, put your travel clothes aside in the closet and try subtracting one or two pieces each day. As you pack, take one last, hard look at what you've selected and eliminate everything you don't absolutely need.

Take a mix 'n match separates. Keep your basic pieces all in one color scheme - say, two solid, neutral colors. You can spark them up with bright, patterned accessories. Once you've decided on your colors, pick classic shapes in lightweight fabrics and layer them over each other in different ways to go from daytime to evening. A good rule of thumb: If one piece doesn't work with at least three others, leave it behind. Remember to include what you're wearing on the plane in your total wardrobe. For instance, if you're traveling in a jacket, blouse and slacks, you should pack a skirt, sweater, dress and another blouse.

Plan your fabrics. The experts recommend high-quality natural fibers and synthetic blends such as knits and jerseys. They're soft and never wrinkle. For a crisper look, try lightweight gabardine; it can be worn in all but the hottest weather. Look for labels that say "wash and wear" or "drip dry."

Bring a lot of accessories. Belts, scarves and jewelry take up hardly any room and give a multitude of looks. Limit your shoes to walking shoes, dressy heels and daytime pumps. If you're taking boots, wear them to save space. Carry a shoulder bag and pack a clutch.

Smart Tip: When going on a trip, pack one of your outfits in your spouse's suitcase and have him or her pack a change of clothes in yours. If one bag is lost or delayed in transit, you'll both have something fresh to wear upon arrival. Or, put one lightweight change of clothes in your carry-on.

Helpful Packing Checklist:

Travel alarm clock

Small sewing kit

Pocket calculator

Travel hairdryer

Adapter plugs

Prescription medicines

Travel umbrella

Nylon raincoat

Plastic bags

Clothespins

Bathing suits

Swiss army knife

Eyeglasses

Small fold-up tote

Travel diary

Guidebook/maps

Writing supplies

Laundry detergent

Exercise gear

Cosmetics/mirror

Official papers

Portable radio

Camera/film

Picnic accessories

— from Hints, Tips & Smart Advice By FamilyCircle (Mallard Press)