::Small Suitcase Savvy::

This is the time of year when you are most likely to hop onto a plane and set off into the wild blue yonder!  Here is a helpful list of essential items not to forget.

PERSONAL ITEM CHECK LIST:

• Contact lenses and/or (sun)glasses. Extra pair if you have them. Contact solution too.
• Batteries for small electronics or appropriate chargers (cellphone, camera, etc)
• Headphones for watching movies in-flight (save yourself some cash!)
• iPod and iPod charger
• Camera (if you want something more than your iPhone for pictures)
• Kindle, Nook, or iPad (or other eReader)
• Alarm Clock (for those of you in the stone age or who are tech savvy enough to use your cellphone)
• Antibacterial wipes or gel
• Body lotion (including aloe "after sun" lotion)
• Sunscreen
• comb or brush
• deodorant
• first aid kit: antacid, gas relief medication, anti-diarrheal, anti-histamine, band-aids, triple antibiotic ointment, motion sickness medicine, mild laxative, pain-reliever, thermometer.
• dental floss
• insect repellent
• lip balm
• makeup
• personal-hygiene items
• RXs
• Razor
• Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash if you have a special kind (pack any quantity more than the allowed amount in your checked bags)
• shave gel and razor
• toothpaste and toothbrush

MISCELLANEOUS CHECKLIST:

• Addresses of friends or family.  This can be done on your cellphone or on paper.  If you are REALLY good, print the addresses onto labels which you can then stick onto postcards!
• Healthy Snacks (Michael suggests raw almonds, Kathleen suggests dried apricots)
• Cash, debit cards, travelers checks, etc
• direction or GPS unit or smartphone with a GPS app.
• photo of luggage contents in case of loss.  A list of valuables.
• Print-outs of reservations.
• Plastic bags for storing small liquid containers

CLOTHING SPACE SAVING:

Here are a few suggestion on how to pack your suitcase better than a Tokyo apartment!

1. Shoes- Stick to the basics. Pack a pair or two in a shade which can work with the most outfits.  Let your destination dictate your footwear.  This might reduce your shoes to sandals and sneaker or to heels and flats.  The most important thing to know is that shoes take up a lot of space, so choose wisely and wear the biggest pair on your trip.
2. Experts suggest keeping your color pallet neutral so it's easy to make several outfits out of a few pieces.  For example, pack an entirely white wardrobe and bring in color with your accessories.  Accessories are smaller to pack and can be worth their weight in style!  You might consider a two color max for you clothing to help maximize your options!
3. WARNING: This next tip is not for the fashion faint of heart. Try to pack 1 pair of pants, 1 skirt, 3 tops.  Mix and match!  This tip might work better for a business trip than for a week in Ibiza! 
4. Here is a great tip from a faithful reader, Sue in New Hampshire.  Check your local discount store for zip lock, space-saver "packing" bags.  These bags have a one way vent so that when you roll your garments, the excess air escapes leaving the bag flat and thin taking up less space in your luggage.  Try packing each bag with an outfit for each day of your trip!

HAPPY VACATION TO ALL!!!