Packing Right

The less you bring along, these days, the more time and trouble you save getting into and out of airports and the like. Fortunately, packing light doesn't have to mean looking awful.

Travel expert JoAnn Cordary scoffs at the idea of checking bags, even on a week-long international business trip. Traveling over 250,000 miles a year, most of those international trips, Cordary has mastered the art of dressing stylishly while bringing only a wheeled carry-on suitcase and a personal bag.

Her top 10 tips for packing light are:

1. Pack low-maintenance clothes that will make you feel well dressed and confident. Cordary suggests finding a "collection" that will allow you to mix and match pieces so you don't feel like you are wearing the same look every day. "I find clothes that work for the season and work them hard" says Cordary.
2. Maximize your wardrobe with black knit pieces. "I have black slacks, skirts and jackets and then use brightly colored blouses and jewelry to brighten them up." Knits work very well because they can be taken out of the suitcase and are ready to wear.
3. Always leave a little room in your suitcase to bring home something special.
4. Put makeup and skincare products in clear, plastic, resealable bags, so you can see what's inside without scrambling around for it. Underwear and pantyhose should also be packed in clear bags.
5. Roll work-out clothes and place them on the bottom of the suitcase. "I try to roll as much as I can," says Cordary.
6. Put socks in gym shoes.
7. Cosmetics should go on the top of the suitcase between a jacket and pants for protection.
8. On long trips, pack a pair of slippers with leather bottoms. They protect the feet and are comfortable.
9. Always pack a copy of the photo page of your passport in a separate bag from the one in which you carry your real passport. If you keep your passport in your briefcase, pack a copy of your passport in your suitcase.
10. Attach a couple of safety pins to the inside of your suitcase. You never know when you are going to need a safety pin.

Cordary is vice president of international revenue management, at the Marriott chain of hotels.

Courtesy of NAPSnet.