There are two kinds of travelers in the world: those who packed right and those who wish they had. Follow these helpful guidelines to make the best choices and save your back and quite possibly your sanity.

MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT!
Plan the contents of your suitcase by creating a list. A packing list eliminates the panic of last-second packing, serves as a handy guide for repacking at the end of the trip, and can be beneficial in the unfortunate event of lost or stolen luggage.

Consider the events you will participate in both day and night and write down a possible outfit for each activity. Check this list to determine if one piece can cover multiple occasions. Pick clothes that coordinate well together.

Check the weather forecast of the destination and plan accordingly. Also, be sure to know the local traditions, where a t-shirt for dinner could be a serious blunder, or bare shoulders or shorts may bar your entrance into many formal or sacred places. For almost all outdoor activities, take pieces that can be layered.

Forget dress clothes for every occasion. The world at large has relaxed its dress code, showing almost universal leniency to tourists. Dark colors – a black dress or blue jacket – will get you through most dinners and plays.

TO PACK OR NOT TO PACK? THAT IS THE QUESTION!
 When packing, lay out the items you intend to take and reexamine your list. If possible, weed out single-use items and extras.

Set aside the pieces you intend to bring and ensure that they are clean and ready to be packed. Contact your travel agent about the hotel’s in-room amenities – such as a hair dryer, an iron and board, soap, shampoo etc. – so you’ll know what to leave behind.

Jewelry – don’t take what you don’t want to lose; definitely leave behind the flashy pieces that could attract thieves. Keep makeup to a minimum to save space.

When it comes to the question of toiletries, travel kits are always the answer. Having a travel kit perpetually stocked in a waterproof case will save in packing time before the trip and aggravation after arrival. Most personal toiletry items come in inexpensive travel sizes, so purchase these whenever you see them so as not to arrive with a half-empty bottle of your favorite hair gel. And be sure not to fill bottles up to the very top, for pressure inside the plane may force the contents to expand and overflow.

A few incidentals will go a long way. Important items to bring include a first-aid kit, a tin of aspirin, sunscreen and a small bottle of Woolite© or other detergent for emergency stain removal. Small metal devices such as tweezers, clippers a Swiss army knife and a sewing kit will prove handy, especially on longer trips, HOWEVER, these are not allowed with you on the plane, so they must be packed in your checked luggage.

Once your travel kit is complete, be sure to pack it in your carry-on bag to avoid a mess in your checked luggage and have on hand during the flight.
 

On September 26, 2006, the Transportation Security adjusted its ban on liquids, aerosols and gels. How does this affect you?

Travelers are now allowed to carry on-board travel-size toiletries as well as beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding area.

Carry-on toiletries such as toothpaste, shampoo, and suntan lotion must be travel-size (3 ounces or less) and fit in one quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag. Containers not packaged under these guidelines will be denied access past the screening checkpoint.

Medications that come in liquid, gel, and/or aerosol form in containers greater than 3 ounces do not have to be packaged in a quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag, but they must be declared at the screening checkpoint.

Extra amounts of baby formula, breast milk, or baby food necessary for the journey are permitted through the screening checkpoint if a baby or small child is traveling with you. All items including formula or breast milk will be inspected, but not tasted.

What to wear to speed your passage through?  Regardless of the weather, be ready to shed boots, coats, and other outerwear. Stuff your cell phone, keys, coins, and other metal objects in your coat pockets while you're at it.  If airport security needs to inspect an item, they'll open and/or unwrap any item necessary. And keep the snow globes with your checked baggage as they are prohibited in carry-on bags.

Wait until you clear security before buying your water or other liquid items. Items purchased beyond the security checkpoint are allowed on-board.

The list of banned items may change frequently, so check the TSA  before your trip for the latest. And remember that security personnel can ban any items at their discretion.

If you have any doubts about whether an item is banned, put it in your checked luggage or leave it at home. Guessing can only cause further delays and hassles.