Airlines and airport security are setting stricter guidelines about what items can be brought aboard an airplane. Liquids and gels are restricted to 3oz containers, and storage space for luggage that is carried on is becoming more limited. However, most commercial airlines also require a fee for any bags that are checked, so that can get very expensive. When packing a bag for a fun and exciting trip, worrying about how to pack for vacation should be the last thing on a traveler’s mind.

Fashion-conscious individuals may feel that there simply isn’t enough space to pack enough items of clothing for the trip and fit it all into a suitcase. However, there are multi-functional clothes such as skirts and blouses that can be dressed up or down, depending on the function. Those traveling for business can pack one suit with multiple shirts or ties to change up the look without overtaking too much space.

Those traveling for pleasure can base their wardrobe on the climate and location of the vacation. Beach trips or cruises will require drastically different items than a ski vacation. Make sure when making a packing list to allow for each item of clothing to be worn at least once, preferably 2-3 times during the trip. This will maximize space by decreasing the number of items.

Making a list is a smart way to begin preparation for a trip. Many items can be forgotten, such as toiletries, chargers and batteries for electronics, and even swimwear and pajamas. These are often expensive to replace while on a vacation, so packing carefully is a great way to start off the trip right.