Many years ago when I took my first trip abroad, two weeks traveling through Italy, I packed enough to last me two months.
I had six suitcases filled with essentials I thought I couldn’t do without; a change of clothes for each day and evening, matching shoes and handbags, an iron, a hair dryer, etc.
Porters and bellhops ran in the other direction when they spotted me struggling towards them, bow-legged under all my paraphernalia. By the end of the first week I ditched four of the suitcases and mailed most of my things home.
Before my next trip I consulted with my friend Frank, a 30-year Marine Corps veteran who had traveled the world with one duffle bag. He taught me how to pack using the military roll. Now I’m able to fit everything, no matter how long the trip is for, into one suitcase.
First, button and zip everything. Use a flat surface such as a table or bed to lay things out on. Always keep the roll tight. For shirts, blouses and jackets, lay front side down, fold at the shoulders, tuck sleeves in tight and roll from bottom to top.
Bring pant legs crease to crease. Roll from the cuffs working up to the waist. Fold the sides of skirts and dresses in, start rolling from the hem. Silk items will be wrinkle free if first placed in a plastic drycleaner bag, and then rolled.
It doesn’t matter if underwear, pajamas or bathing suits wrinkle, roll and place in the bottom of the suitcase. Tuck socks into whatever shoes you’re taking and place these around the inside edges of the suitcase.
Choose clothing that is lightweight and wrinkle resistant. You can create multiple outfits using basic colors such as black, tan, navy and cream. Use trial-size containers of cosmetics, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.
Put medications and important documents in your carryon. Use fanny packs or neck pouches that are thin enough to fit under your clothing.
As most baggage handlers were heavyweight wrestlers in another life, it’s a good idea to use luggage that’s made of tear resistant nylon.
Because we live in a post-September 11th world security at airports is tight, don’t lock your luggage, it’s subject to search. Photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport is required.
Something else when packing; when it doubt, leave it out.
Companies that specialize in travel related gear; LL Bean, TravelSmith, Magellan's.
