How to Pack

Once you've decided on what to take, follow these space-saving packing tricks:

Dress Clothes

Fold neatly and place between layers of plastic (such as dry-cleaning bags) to prevent wrinkling.

Pants

Fold along creases, then fold in half and carefully roll into a tube shape.

Sweaters

Fold and roll up.

Casual Shirts

Neatly fold and then roll into tube shape.

Jackets and Coats

These can take up a tremendous amount of space. Fold and roll the best way you can. However, if you are going to an area with a mild climate, try to find a lightweight nylon coat that can be rolled in a small carrying bag.

Blazers

Avoid packing if possible - wear them on the journey. However, make sure that you take them off after boarding and hang or fold gently; if you wear them while seated in the plane, they will become wrinkled and shapeless.

Socks

Roll them up and use them to fill in any gaps.

Underwear, T-shirts

Roll into a tube shape. Put some inside the shoes you're packing, and place the rest around the edges of the suitcase.

Shoes

Fill them with balled socks or rolled underwear.

Toiletries

Place in plastic bags to contain any spills or leaks.

What Not to Pack

It's important to remember that traveling always has its risks, and it's never a good idea to pack (or sometime even to take) expensive items or belongings that are difficult or even impossible to replace.

If you are taking any valuables, always take these with you in your carry-on luggage, along with any prescriptions, travel documents and cash. Make sure that any expensive jewelery or equipment is covered adequately by an insurance policy.

Identify Your Luggage

Make sure that your bags are all adequately identified; inside and out. Include a copy of your itinerary inside your suitcase, so that you can be easily contacted by the airlines if your baggage goes missing.

You should also label anything else that might go astray, such as your glasses case, camera bag or carry-on luggage. If you leave these items behind on the plane, it's essential that they are clearly marked so that they can be returned to you.

Make your luggage easily identifiable to prevent another passenger from taking your bag from the carousel by mistake. Tie a colored ribbon on the handle or secure a colored band around your suitcase to avoid this type of mix-up.