Suitcase Packing for Summer Months

Headed on a vacation? Good for you! So many Americans don't take their vacation times and get away. I happen to be one of them. I thought owning my own business would mean more vacation time and it so hasn't happened that way. It's terrible. So I applaud those who do take their allotted vacation times.

However, traveling has not become as enjoyable as it used to be. At least not for me. The last time I traveled it was to ski in Utah and I had to pay to check my regular luggage AND my skis. On the way back they tried to charge me extra because the bag was too heavy- (ski boots) so I ended up packing my ski boots in my carry-on and then literally put on every shirt and sweater I owned until my luggage weight 50 pounds or less. It was the principle of the moment - Delta airlines had royally screwed up my flight and the woman "helping me" was being as unhelpful as she possibly could be.

Luckily summer months are upon us, which means a lot less stuff we have to bring with us. This is great news for us! Some friends are on their way to Italy and I was suggesting a few ideas for them to maximize their trip without taking everything with them. I thought I'd share those tips with all of you.

#1 - If you can avoid checking your luggage - do so! It saves money and you won't be worried the airlines will lose your luggage - since clothing is much less bulky in the summer time, there's a good chance if you pack wisely you can just use your carry-on. This also saves a ton of time checking in at the airport and then you don't have to wait at baggage claim either. Trust me, I did this when I traveled to Berlin, Germany for a wedding last year and it was fabulous.

#2 - Roll your clothing. This takes up much less room than simply folding your clothing. If you are worried about wrinkles, check to make sure your hotel room has an iron prior to leaving or pack a small one. Or bring stuff that de-wrinkles easily or doesn't wrinkle at all. I avoid linen for this very reason.

#3 - Shoes. Unless you travel like Paris Hilton 3 pairs of shoes should be fine. One pair for walking, one pair casual pair and one dressy pair.

#4 - You don't need a whole new outfit every day. Bring clothing that you can mix and match.

#5 - Wear your clothing more than once. If you are going for a week bring 2 pair of jeans, 2-3 pair of shorts, 2 skirts, 4 shirts and a light jacket and possibly a bathing suit. If you run out of room - wear your jacket on the plane. It gets cold on those flights and you may want it anyway. If not, you can take it off and store it above you. Wear your bulkiest shoes for travel as well. You can always take them off on the flight.

#6 - Exercise your right to have a carry-on AND a purse by bringing another bag with you. I use a knapsack as my "purse" and that way I can pack much more stuff.

#7 - Buy travel sized toiletries. This helps you get through security with the 3 ounce rule plus it's much easier to carry. You can always refill the bottle with your favorite shampoo which means you can help save the environment!

#8 - If possible, buy certain things you need there. If you are going to the beach - wait until you go to buy your sunscreen. If you apply correctly and are there for a week - chances are you'll actually go through the whole bottle anyway- but you didn't need to carry it with you on the plane.

I hope these 8 tips will help everyone have an enjoyable flight this summer wherever you are traveling. To learn more about my business, Gotham Concierge, visit my website at: http://www.gothamconcierge.com or ask to be added on to my monthly newsletter which shares more information on how to organize your time, space and life. Or become a client - we handle everything you don't want to from errand running, bill payment, personal assistance, professional organizing and time management. To learn more about our Time Management seminar, contact Alison Kero at: 646-831-9625 or e-mail me at: info@gothamconcierge.com.