Traveling soon? Know What You Need (and What You Don't)

Most people don't know what they need to bring on a trip, save packing for the last minute, and end up bringing twice the number of items they actually need. I am, by no means, exempt from this situation. On my last trip, I packed five pairs of boxers when I needed only two or three (or, if you're like some crazy people I know, one). Why? They were new and I wanted to wear them. Did I end up wearing them all? Not even close. Packing well allows you a little bit of inefficiency, but many travelers could probably halve the contents of their suitcases. Nobody thinks they can, but a little forethought goes a very long way.

When you pack a bag for a trip, you want the following items:

• Everyday clothing (e.g. shirts, pants, underwear, socks)
• Weather-specific clothing (e.g. coats, swimsuits, boots)
• Toiletries (e.g. toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, cosmetics)
• Travel documents (e.g. boarding passes, itineraries, your passport)
• Entertainment items (e.g. computer, tablet, books)

While you won't require every example of every category, you'll certainly want a few items in each. Problems occur when you start thinking of everything you pack as "single use" items. With the exception of undergarments, most clothing can survive at least a second day and retain a clean feeling. Jeans last even longer.