Packing 101

Hello class, and welcome to Packing 101. I will be your professor, Ms. Reynolds.

I have been to 19 different countries over the 26 years of my life, so I think by now someone should award me an honorary PhD in packing a suitcase.

Let's be honest, packing your life in one suitcase for three weeks is hard. Especially if you're a woman. We ladies love our clothes. And shoes. And makeup. And bath products. And having OPTIONS. Over-packing is extremely easy to do... then you regret doing so the second your bag is weighed at the airport.

So I've compiled a list of what I've found to be some very helpful packing tips, especially for international travel. I hope they help!

(In no particular order)
1. Roll, don't fold, your clothes. This saves a ton of space.
2. You don't need 10 pairs of shoes.
3. Wait till you get to your destination to buy toiletries. Unless you're going to the desert, your host country does sell shampoo and toothpaste. Besides bringing a toothbrush and deodorant for the 9-hour plane ride, you really don't need anything else until you get there.
4. Store your shoes in plastic shower caps - this keeps the dirty bottoms from getting all over everything in your suitcase.
5. Ladies - store earrings in pill cases. No digging in a bottomless pit of jewelry for your other earring.
6. Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on. TRUST ME. After numerous experiences of lost luggage, it's not fun living in the same clothes for three days in a row.
7. Use every inch of space in your suitcase. For example, stuff things inside your shoes - especially if you have anything fragile - the shoes can be a good buffer.
8. Take plastic bags - you never know when they'll come in handy. They're great for dirty clothes, a wet bathing suit, or protecting against spills.
9. If you're going on a long trip and luggage space is a concern (especially if you plan on shopping while you're over there) consider taking some things you can throw away or leave there to donate before you come back. For example: buy a mega pack of inexpensive socks, then throw them away when you're packing to come back.

If I haven't told you already, I'm an avid user of Pinterest. I cannot begin to tell you all the amazing packing tips and tutorials I've found! Definitely a great reference. Here are a few of my favorites:

http://learni.st/users/60/boards/21761-how-to-pack-a-suitcase-like-a-flight-attendant
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/travel/tips/a25027/genius-hacks-for-packing-your-suitcase/?src=spr_FBPAGE&spr_id=1443_70314215
http://thetravelaccessorystore.com/10-travel-accessories-you-didnt-know-you-needed/

Happy packing!