Packing
Tips
The word
"travel" comes to us from the French word "travailler"
meaning "to work hard." No wonder there's so much labor
involved.
They say
getting there is half the fun, but getting ready for when you get
there is at least half the irritation. Nobody likes to pack, and
most can't figure out the most pain-free to get the deed done.
We break it
down for you. Follow these 10 Steps to Packing, and let's see if
we can take some of the "work" out of it.
As a wise man
once said, "A vacation is where you take twice the clothes
and half the money you need."
And speaking of
the clothes, if you're traveling out of the USA you should heed the
wisdom of
David Sedaris, American humorist:
“Comfort has its place, but it seems rude to visit another
country dressed as if you’ve come to mow its lawns.”
In most other
countries shorts are only worn in beach settings and jeans are not
allowed in churches.
Make a list!
I know this is more difficult for guys than stopping to ask
directions, but the first time you arrive and have forgotten
underwear you'll see the value of this step!
The best
approach is to write down what you are going to be doing each day
of your trip. Then coordinate outfits including underwear, socks,
belts for each activity, each day.
Spread out
everything you'll need for the trip on a bed,
then carefully put back at least half of the clothes you've
assembled. Less is usually enough.
Pick two
colors and stay with
those, that way you can mix and match. Try to take something you
wear at least twice. Dark colors and patterns show less dirt and
wrinkles. Cordovan (burgundy) shoes go with everything.
First, pack
your belts along the
circumference of the suitcase. Shoes filled with socks, ties, and
underwear can go along the bottom of the case. Place shoes in
plastic bags (so polish doesn't rub off on your clothes).
Next go in
trousers. If you pack
more than one pair you can place them in the bottom of the bag,
waistband to waistband in the center of the case with the legs
hanging outside.
Add tissue or
dry cleaner's plastic bags (make sure there is no writing on the
bags that could come off on your clothes). Using tissue between or
plastic bags around clothes allow them to slide instead of crush.
Trash bags work just as well.
Then
pack shirts
with a "long fold" so that the front horizontal fold is
below the belt line. You can pack some socks or underwear in the
neck to keep it in shape.
