Packing Tips (originally posted May 9, 2010)

Hmm, where do I begin?

I'm a sucker for a good set of tips, especially when it comes to travel. The folks over at Gadling maintain some of the best travel-related tips I've seen, all in one place. Here are some of my favorite packing tips from them. You can see the whole list here.

A no-brainer. I will go do this right now:

"Create a Travel Drawer -Find yourself spending hours searching around the house for your voltage converter, mosquito net, and travel hairdryer before you leave for a trip? Consider emptying a drawer in your bureau or buying a plastic under-the-bed bin to store all these must-pack travel items.
You can also keep your drawer or bin stocked with travel-sized shampoos, first-aid kits, maps, spare earbuds, and photocopies of important documents like your driver's license and passport.
Never again will you waste time digging through closets and suitcases looking for your adapter plug kit."

I swear by this one:

"Prepare an In-Flight" Necessities Pouch - Blocking the aisle during boarding while you dig for gum, a book, a hand-held computer game, disinfecting wipes, or earphones will annoy your fellow passengers -- and can delay the departure of your plane.
To avoid this, pack these small must-haves in a resealable gallon-size bag (or any small, easily grabbed "day bag") and place it near the top of your carry-on bag. This will make the bag and its contents easy to retrieve as you take your seat.
Bonus: you'll have a convenient place to stow these necessities during flight and reduce your chances of leaving something behind."

This last one is a combination of mine, and Gadling's. Who knew I would be allergic to the hibiscus flowers on my pillow in the Marshall Islands? After waking up looking like an acne-ridden teenager after an evening sleeping on hibiscus residue, I learned my lesson.

"Pillowcases Provide Comfort and Storage - Pack a pillowcase in your carry-on luggage when you travel.
Stuff a few pair of socks in the pillowcase and use it as a neck pillow during a long flight or train ride.
When you reach your destination, use the pillowcase to store dirty clothes."
Ok, so I've added using the pillowcase, well, as a pillowcase. Who knows who/what has been on that thing before you've decided to lay your head to rest for the night??

While in now way comprehensive, Gadling's list is a great place to start for some really useful tips. Now get packing!