Packing 101: 10 Tips for the Jetsetera

I have been known to pack in less than 10 minutes. Yes, I said less than 10 minutes. It is not a miracle, or a random act of God…just merely good pre-planning and organization. No matter if your trip is 2 days or 2 months, here are some tips to make it sanely to where you are going.

1.) Have a pre-packed toiletry kit. Nothing puts a downer on a trip more than when you are scrambling for product in the middle of nowhere. In my Chanel Toiletry Kit I keep the essentials; travel toothbrush, travel sized toothpaste, dental floss, shampoo, conditioner, facial scrub, body wash, comb, razor, q-tips, deodorant, baby powder, shaving cream, facial moisturizer, band-aids, toenail clippers, tooth whitener, lint brush and misc. pills for different ailments. For longer trips (1 week plus) I also pack wrinkle-free spray, jet-lag pills, spot remover stick, Vaseline and sunscreen. Everything comes in sample size for your convenience!

2.) Pre pack your makeup bag. The grab and go approach will do wonders for your pre-packing stress levels! My essentials include: foundation, cover up, eye shadow, blush, lip glosses and moisturizers, powder, lip and eye liners, eyelash curler, and mascara. Tailor your bag to fit your needs!

3.) Have a clothing packing list. No matter where I am going, it stays pretty much the same. (Mine looks a little something like this: lingerie, jeans, black pants, black skirt, knit wrinkle free dresses, black dress, knit layering tops, sweater or sweatshirt, denim jacket, lightweight trench, pashmina, tennis shoes, flip-flops, ballet slippers, heels, workout clothes, bikini, evening bag, jewelry bag.) It pays to stay with a neutral color palette, so you don’t have to worry about not matching! Make sure all clothes are “easy to wear” and “go anywhere”.

4.) Have a “You Kit” that makes sure you have all the comforts you need while being away. A typical “You Kit” could be scented travel candles, eye masks, a great book, packets of your favorite tea and splenda, and mints, candy or gum. On the plane you could indulge in your favorite healthy snack, your own bottle of water, travel blanket and your ipod.

5.) I used to work in the Lost Baggage Department of a major airline…and one of the hardest things to do was relocate passengers who had no name on the bag! On of the cheapest and most important things you could do is invest in a Bag Tag! Not only will it identify your bag, but it makes it easier to spot of the carousel with a personalized name tag!

6.) Less is More! With today’s travel fees for extra and overweight baggage, who wants to be over packed? Imagine the ease and simplicity of traveling when you have one well packed and organized bag. Planning ahead can save your stress and pointless airline fees! First, make sure you know the weight and size of your bag…maybe it’s time to toss that hard side bag for a lighter soft side. Second, pack light! Third, make sure you know your airlines baggage regulations.

7.) Never pack the important/expensive stuff (cash, passport, medication, jewelry, and camera) in checked luggage. Make sure it is with you at all times!

8.) For the Obsessive Compulsive Traveler; some other items you my find useful are a compass, a small umbrella, portable rain poncho, travel flashlight, zip lock bags, a power converter or a travel alarm clock.

9.) Leave at home anything that could be questionable to security. Say adios to matches, lighters, and flammable liquids, household items that contain chemicals or any other flammable or potentially toxic material.

10.) Be Prepared. Travel just got easier with the well-prepared travel. Check your flight status and baggage requirements, pack ahead of time, and make sure you have important documents.

Happy Travels!