Pack it like a Pro

He who would travel happily must travel light-Antoine de Saint Exupery

Over packing is a big mistake. A smart traveler knows that all you really need is one bag packed light and packed right.

Traveling with a carry-on will decrease your chances for lost luggage, save you time checking in to your flight and can even save you money. Plus, it will save your back - you won't have to haul around bags of useless items.

What to take:
Start by making a list - a brief list that is. You want to take the minimum amount of items that you need for your trip. The light traveler is aware that doing laundry as you travel is most often quite convenient and preferable to carrying an overstuffed bag.

Choose a colour scheme of approximately two colours when traveling and stick to material that is non-bulky or easily wrinkled. You should not need more than 3-4 shirts and 2-3 pairs of pants, skirts or shorts. Underwear and socks can easily be washed nightly in a sink so you do not need to bring a pair for every day that you are away from home. You should only need to have two pairs of shoes: one pair of sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots and one dressy selection.

When packing your toiletries, bring items that are travel sized. Smaller versions of shampoos, soaps, toothpastes, deodorants and the like are readily available in most drugstores or groceries. Look for folding toothbrushes, hairbrushes and even blow dryers. These can be great space savers.

Carry your ID, passport, money, charge cards and/or traveler's cheques in a money belt or neck wallet that is worn under your clothing. This is the safest place to keep your valuables. If your bag is stolen or lost, you will still have the means to identify yourself and pay for your expenses.

What to carry it in:
There is an enormous luggage selection in most stores. The choices can be staggering. Doug Dymant, author of "The Compleat Carry-On Traveler" recommends looking for three factors when making your choice.

1. Quality - Look for luggage made of quality materials and construction. Luggage can take a beating and you don't want to be stuck with an inferior product.

2. Carry-on limits - Most airlines have size restrictions for carry-on baggage. Ensure that the piece you choose is not too large.

3. Transportability - Make sure the bag is comfortable to carry. You will be transporting the bag so you had better make sure that you can do so with ease.

Whether you choose a backpack, a duffel style bag or a small suitcase on wheels is up to you. Just ensure that it is comfortable and reliable.

How to pack:
Packing is actually quite easy once you have minimized the amount of items that you are bringing. A concern of most travelers' is wrinkled clothes. In "The Packing Book: Secrets of the Carry-on Traveler", author Judith Gilford recommends bundle folding.

Basically, bundle folding consists of wrapping your clothes around a core. Think of a poster, when it is rolled into a cylinder the paper will not be creased but if it is folded indelible lines remain behind. One of the easiest ways to begin is to create a core by placing your undergarments and socks in a small bag. Pile your clothing flat with and alternate wrapping your clothing around the bundle in both directions. Roll the garments neatly and firmly. Do only one item at a time. When the bundle is complete tie it into your bag with the bag's tie down straps to prevent it from shifting and ruining your efforts. When you arrive at your destination, it is best to let your clothes breathe and relax. Unroll your bundle and hang-up your clothes if hangers are available.

Look for ways to maximize your storage space as well. Place breakable or small items inside your shoes to protect them and use less space. If you are traveling with a companion, they can bring the toothpaste and you can bring the shampoo. Avoid bringing two of everything when you can easily share.

Using several small pouches is useful for organization. One can hold your toiletries, one for your laundry supplies and so on. This way you can easily locate whatever you need and refrain from having products spread throughout your bag.

The venerable Man in Black Johnny Cash may have said it best when he sang "I ain't takin nothing that'll slow down my travelin." One bag is all you'll require for essential items. The rest will just get in your way. Pack light and enjoy your trip.