How to pack light for a trip.

I have packed a suitcase more times than I would like to count. You learn quickly how to pack efficiently when your a flight attendant. The last thing I want is to lug around extra weight when I am working a five day trip. I think I have finally mastered packing and it is one of the most valuable tools I have learned from my job. I will be sharing with you how I pack for vacation.

How much clothing should you bring on a trip? How ever many days you will be gone, cut them in half and bring for that many days. For example, if you will be on vacation for two weeks, bring enough for one week. Bring clothes that you can mix and match with and you will not have to wear the same outfit twice. Try to stay away from bringing too many shoes. This is one area people tend to over pack in, especially women. For most trips, two pairs are usually sufficient. One for walking and one for dinners and night life. If you wear one of the pairs, you will only have to pack one which will save you room in your bag.

Packing light for a summer vacation is always easier than a winter trip. Summer is a great time to go somewhere because you can get away with a light suitcase. Shorts and t-shirts hardly take up any room in your bag. For women throw in a couple of sundresses with your day clothes and your complete for night and day wear. Sundresses fold nicely and will not fill your suitcase up. Men only need a couple of nice shirts for dinner and maybe one pair of light pants in addition to the shorts and t-shirts. One sweater or light jacket is plenty for the summer. Bathing suits seems to be another item people over pack. Probably because they are small and people do not think they will take up much room. However, you will not need more than two so why not save the room.

Winter trips call for you to be more savvy when packing. Clothes for cold weather are bulky, but if you get creative you can pack light. There is a couple of things you can do to help. One, wear your heavy coat instead of packing it. You will notice more room immediately if you take that out of your bag. Two leave your heavy sweaters at home and bring your thin long sleeve thermal style shirts. Layer your clothing and you will be just as warm as you would be in your sweaters.

Do you really need all the extras? Leave your blow dryers, irons, and beach/pool towels at home. Most hotels have these items and they are not necessary. Ladies, be careful with bringing too many purses and jewelry. I have seen women fill large areas in their suitcases with these items. One purse is plenty and a couple of pieces of jewelry that are versatile will do. Gentlemen, electronics are heavy, only bring what you really need. Also, portable dvd players, laptop computers, and hand held video games all have different chargers that will take up a lot of room.

Remember, the more room you save in your suit case, the more you can shop. Always error on the light side for packing because you can wash your clothes on vacation if necessary. I promise you will be happier when traveling if you have less to carry.