| p>Make your vacation run smoother and more | | | | cell phone, camera and other electronic equipment to |
| enjoyable with these insider tips on how to pack your | | | | increase the likelihood of having the items returned to |
| luggage like a pro.o Make a list before packing and | | | | you should lose them. This also works great for your |
| check off the items as you pack them to avoid leaving | | | | child's favorite teddy bear or doll.o If your child is going |
| behind necessities. (Use the checklist provided below).o | | | | to summer camp, use a permanent marker and write |
| Protected your clothing from dampness if the luggage | | | | the child's name on every item.o Never pack more |
| is transported in the rain by lining the inside top and | | | | than you can carry; this will give you the freedom to |
| bottom with a large garbage bag.o Pack comfortable | | | | move around easily and save your back! Use the |
| clothes. Prints and checkered patterns in blended | | | | smallest size luggage you can get away with so items |
| fabrics or knits will hide stains and wrinkle less.o Pack a | | | | can be packed tightly; that way, things won't move |
| mesh laundry bag or extra pillow case for dirty | | | | around. |
| clothing.o To simplify packing, items that will be used at | | | | The handy checklist below can act as a reminder of |
| the same time should be packed together so that | | | | what to take but may also help you avoid the 'just in |
| each bundle has a purpose. For example, put | | | | case' syndrome. |
| toothbrush and toothpaste together in a resealable | | | | Packing Checklisto Soapo Shampooo Toothpaste |
| bag; bundle the camera and batteries as a group; | | | | flosso Deodoranto Comb/Brusho Toothbrusho Shaver |
| combine hairpins and elastics with a comb.o Pack the | | | | razoro Cosmetics/toiletrieso Shortso T-shirtso Jeanso |
| clothing items that will be worn first at the top.o Pack | | | | Jacket/sweater/shawlo Shoeso Hato Bathing suit and |
| each pair of shoes in a large, clear resealable bag to | | | | cover upo Sleepwearo Undergarments and sockso |
| keep them visible and prevent them from soiling your | | | | Raincoat or poncho and compact umbrellao Flashlight |
| clothes.o Save space by tucking socks and | | | | & extra batterieso Water bottleo Insect repellento |
| underwear inside shoes.o Wrap clothes in dry cleaning | | | | Sunscreeno Lip balmo Pre-addressed, pre-stamped |
| bags to prevent them from wrinkling.o Before you | | | | postcards for home (or computer labels)o Medication if |
| travel, make two copies of the important information in | | | | required (keep in original prescription or |
| your passport. Leave one copy with someone at | | | | over-the-counter bottles)o Small first aid kito Tissues, |
| home and pack the other in your carry-on luggage. If | | | | travel wipes and hand sanitizero Hand creamo Small |
| your passport is lost or stolen this will make it easier to | | | | sewing kito Spare glasses/contactso Reading |
| get a replacement. Treat your passport the same | | | | materialo Camerao Important documents (plane tickets, |
| way you do your cash; always keep it in a safe | | | | passport, etc.)o Cell phone (or you can leave this at |
| place.o Put one photocopy of your credit cards | | | | home and really get away!) |
| identification in your carry-on and leave another with | | | | Now you can begin your vacation with the peace of |
| family back home. Also take a copy of your medical | | | | mind that comes from being organized and prepared. |
| and eyeglass prescriptions.o Put a return address label | | | | Have a great time! |
| (with home/office phone number and/or email) on your | | | | |