January/February 2008
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Pack Like a Pro
By Margaret Loftus
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 rinkled suits, overstuffed luggage, forgotten essentials, spilled liquids. At some point, every traveler has suffered the consequences of poor packing. Susan Foster, author of Smart Packing for Today's Traveler (Smart Travel Press), shares her best tips.
• Pare Down. The amount of clothing you take shouldn't be in proportion to the length of your trip. "Get past the concept of wearing a different outfit everyday." Instead, choose clothes that will wear well and/or launder easily. Foster likes "slinky-knit" pieces that don't require ironing. Devise a general packing list and stick to it to avoid second-guessing yourself. "The 'what-ifs' are the killer."
• Method. Place a nylon tote bag across the bottom of your suitcase (for return-trip overflow), then "interfold" clothes with plastic drycleaner bags between them to keep them from wrinkling. To interfold, place a pair of pants, or other long item, along the bottom of your bag, allowing it to drape over the side; top with plastic, then position the next pair on the opposite side and continue, working your way toward the shorter pieces. Fill in with a layer of items that can be easily rolled (such as T-shirts), underwear, and shoes, folding the legs of the pants on top. Tuck belts and accessories into shoes and other crevices. Group toiletries into plastic freezer bags and stuff them in the middle of the bag. Add a few sheets of bubble wrap for cushioning and to wrap around gifts and souvenirs you will probably buy.
• Plan B. In case your bags are delayed or lost, Foster recommends cross-packing: Pack a couple of things into your traveling companion's luggage, and vice-versa. Always travel with a change of clothing in your carry-on, or at the very least, wear something on the plane that you wouldn't mind wearing for the next few days.
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