Going Somewhere? Here Are Some Tricks to Being An Awesome Packer

Ever get to your hotel, check your bag and realize you didn't pack any underwear?
Ever forced to check a bag that could fit into the overhead bin if it wasn't over-stuffed?
Ever find that all of the space at the bottom of your bag is filled with shoes?
Ever get to your destination but have no time to change clothes for an event?

You know the stories. We've all heard them, and many of us have experienced them.

Billowing bags filled with plenty of things you don't need to wear on your trip and moments of realization that you forgot the one thing that you cannot be without.

I've found that the simple key to packing efficiently and keeping a sense of style is establishing basics that can be mixed and matched. It's always helpful to start with a favorite pair of jeans, business casual shoes, and a jacket, and build upon that . . Or maybe a skirt, pair of solid color pants, and a few tops to mix it up a bit.

Some tidy tips. . .

• Be sure to pack an extra outfit and some toiletries in your carry on bag in case your hotel check-in is delayed or your bags get lost

• Pack the outfit you intend to wear at the beginning of your trip on top, so you don't have to unpack everything. Easy Access!

• Roll your clothes for more room and less wrinkles.

• Place shoes around the edge of the suitcase and fill in the gaps of the shoes with things like socks, ties, scarves, or even belts.

• Try to wear or carry the heaviest or bulkiest items like jackets, or boots.

-Try items like sarongs, scarves, ponchos or wraps as they are multifunctional and can double as a blanket, towel, poolside cover-up, or warm throw if you get chilled

• You may not be traveling with children, but a pack of Baby wipes has many uses! As a napkin while eating, a Kleenex for that unexpected (and perhaps messy) sneeze, for removing makeup, to wipe down a seating area, or even for toilet paper

• If getting a shower is difficult, products like Dry Shampoo, or a travel-sized spray bottle of water with a little shampoo in it can be useful. There are also light fragrance wipes that can freshen you up in a hurry!

While in transit, to be sure I can reach certain things quickly, I pack the outside zipper portion of my bag with two gallon size zip-lock bags. One is filled with important medicines, toiletries, and emergency items that you may need to retrieve during the journey. And the other is for my important documents like birth certificate, passport, extra copies of tickets, boarding passes, identification documents, etc. You can never be too prepared in this day and age of travel, and the plastic provides extra protection from moisture or the inside of your bag.

It seems that you can't go wrong if you focus on the basics. Having a well organized bag, and easy access to the things you may suddenly need, should keep the travel headaches at bay.
So whether your next weekend getaway or holiday trip is filled with exciting experiences or stress-relieving relaxation, the less time and hassle you spend rifling through your over-packed suitcase, the more time you have to just ENJOY.

Please feel free to share any of your own packing tips below as we can all benefit from good ideas! Ta Ta for now my jet-setting Steemit community :)