How to pack a suitcase is such a personal decision.

Theories abound on what is the best technique or best check list to use.

There are numerous books and websites on the topic!

If you need a list try Rick Steves or Onebag.com

A great resource for Luggage Videos is Ebags,
Rick Steves demonstrates his luggage, an  Eagle Creek head honcho is speaking
 about his products and there are many, many others.
You just might learn a few packing tips in the process or find a new luggage option

Follow the link above, scroll down and on the right hand side
 you will see a long list that includes luggage companies and their products


This is my actual clothing system that I pack for 3 weeks,
with PLENTY of room and weight allowance left over!

 Karen's wardrobe for 3 weeks overseas whether by land and/or ship



** In my carry on, I have a small container that I put in the seat pocket in front of me that contains lip balm, eyedrops, moisturizer, tums, a couple of imodium and chewing gum.

** Consider packing a small office supply kit..pens, highlighters, rubber bands, and sticky notes. There are a multitude of uses for them while on a cruise or land travel.

**One of the ways we save money is visiting the local markets for picnic supplies. 
Most stores abroad don't provide you with a bag for  groceries unless you pay for it. 
Eagle Creek and  Baggalini sell bags that zip into itself to be smaller than the palm of your hand and VERY lightweight to just keep in your day pack. Also, it looks a little more sophisticated to carry this as you traipse through a nice hotel, instead of a neon grocery bag!
We received one as gift and do use it everyday that we travel to bring "home" picnic supplies and bottled water each night!  *added in 2009


**If you are searching for a specific travel size item  check out the website Minimus 

on the opposite end of the spectrum .........

There's Easy Traveler Inc...who has a brilliant system! They are the same company who brought us Rum Runners   *added in 2009

** Packing your shoes - 2 ideas ~ use grocery store vegetable plastic bags or the freebie shower caps hotels provide.

** I began packing a blank calendar page. While cruising I attach it to the mirror, I mark which days we will be in port, the times, any spa appointments I have made, the formal nights and any other get togethers. While on land travel I do the same and mark where we are and when...on both calendars I mark future appointments we have when we return home..that way if we recieve an email from a friend or family member trying to schedule an appointment for or with us, I can take a look at that..while you can do this with modern technology..it's good to have a hard copy!

** Address Labels to send a postcard...I always print labels to send postcards to family and friends when traveling, this ensures that your handwriting won't be misinterpreted by someone who may read or write English as their 3rd language. You can find them in office supply stores, online and Target. There are several companies such as Avery.com that have templates for you!

** The best way to know if you can handle your own luggage or backpack during any land travel, is to pack it up and go to your local shopping mall. Pull it around, haul it up stairs, it's best to know now than later!

** Tag the Bag, not only that ~ take pictures of it, and print those out! A picture is worth a thousand words... after flying 11 hours, most of us aren't able to thoroughly describe our luggage in another language if it's lost!

** It's great to create a one stop shop storage area for all your travel items...whether it's in one carry on bag, a dresser drawer, or a big plastic bin. You will save time searching for items when it comes time to pack and it will help determine what you need to purchase before you leave on your next adventure! 

                              There are a few items that we never head overseas without:

Handiwipes-cleans up everything, including you!

Toilet paper-A Charmin to go roll

Gold bond powder-great for shoes and various body parts

Flashlight or Stick and Click lights (you just don't stick)

Ziploc bags quart and gallon size-whatever your imagination can dream up

Reynolds foil wrappers-Great for leftovers, half eaten jambon/fromage baguettes

Energi to go by Energizer for emergency charges to phone and ipod

Brightly colored washcloth

Aquis large Hair Towel-incredible if you have long hair

Handy Dandy luggage scale

Medicine Kit-see Health and Safety page

Scented Dryer Sheets-keeps everything smelling nice, even when it's dirty!

For disposable type items such as ponchos & umbrellas,
the Dollar Store is a perfect solution!

I always pack a Scarf, it's so versatile.
Wear over your head in Orthodox Churches, Mosques and Temples
shows a respect for the cultures of others, it's a light wrap for the plane,
 a pareo for the beach and extra cushion
for the treasures you are bringing back home.

Here are 2 great videos for scarf tying techniques!