A little preparation before your trip can provide invaluable comfort while you're away. So we've put together a few packing pointers to help you enjoy your best vacation yet.

Want the short version? Visit the blog for 5 simple rules for packing perfection.

Preparing Your Clothes

Begin by laying out your clothes. Button all buttons and zip all zippers, with the exception of tailored jackets, which should be left unbuttoned. Lay long-sleeve shirts face down, then fold to minimize wrinkling.

Fold shirts and blouses by laying them face down, then folding the arms back at the shoulder seam. Fold the arms back on themselves at the midpoint of the back. Fold the sides in to meet in the middle. Fold up about one-third of the shirt, then fold up again to just below the collar.

T-shirts can be stacked and rolled to provide cushioning for more fragile items. Roll T-shirts to act as cushions for other items. First stack the shirts. Then fold them toward the middle and roll up from the bottom.

Turn tailored jackets inside-out, then fold them lengthwise and horizontally in thirds.

Roll up socks or hose and place them inside shoes, then bag each shoe. Place underwear and lingerie in mesh or plastic bags.

The Right Way to Pack

• Put pants and dresses in first, then fold over atop other clothes. Lay dresses or slacks inside the suitcase with the lower portions draped over the edges. Line the sides of the suitcase with belts.
  
  
• Place a layer of folded items that can be allowed to wrinkle (such as sweatshirts and T-shirts) on top of the first layer.
  
  
• Bagged items and a toiletry kit go in next. Layers of folded shirts, blouses, sweaters, shorts, and the like rest atop the bagged goods. If you are packing a tailored jacket, turn it inside-out. Fold it lengthwise first, then into thirds.
  
  
• Finally, fold pant legs over clothes in the case. Put bagged shoes and other hard items along the outside edge of the case.

The Carry-On Lifestyle

If you plan to fly and want to spend less time in the airports, experienced travelers recommend packing only carry-on luggage. This means limiting yourself to two bags, and one of those must be quite small.

Since September 11, 2001, airline rules have changed from allowing two carry-on bags per person to one plus a small personal bag, which could mean a handbag, a briefcase, or a laptop computer.

Both carry-on bags must be small enough to fit into the overhead bins or underseat storage areas. Many rolling bags, garment bags, and duffels fit these size requirements, but check with your airline carrier to be certain. Most of the time you can rely on the rule of sevens. That is, your packed bag must be no larger than 7 inches x 14 inches x 21 inches. Some airlines say that the three measurements must not exceed 45 inches total. Either way, check with your airline before you get to the airport.

When packing carry-on luggage, try to pack in such a way that airline personnel will be able to look through your bag, and even remove its contents, without causing major disruption. For example, consider packing undergarments and other small items in small zippered bags, and don't pack the case so tightly that the bag will close only if the contents are in one precise configuration. Otherwise, you may find yourself at the airport, with no time to spare, trying to fit everything back in.

Also keep in mind that no knives or other sharp objects (such as scissors) of any size are allowed in carry-on luggage, and all electronic items -- from cell phones to cameras to handheld games -- are being scrutinized carefully, and could delay your passage through security checkpoints.

The carry-on mindset. Carry-on travelers tend to be a creative lot. They find ways to make do with less. Some examples are:

• Limit yourself to two or three changes of clothes. This means laundering clothes on the road if you are planning a long trip.
  
• Buy travel sizes. Most good-sized travel or luggage stores stock travel sizes of items like umbrellas, toothbrushes, and so on. Also keep an eye out for sample sizes of toothpaste and other toiletries.
  
• Coordinate colors. Stick to one or two colors when choosing a wardrobe. A navy blazer can look businesslike with dress slacks or casual with blue jeans.
• Don't carry what you can buy. Don't pack stuff you can find or buy at your destination. Examples: Soap and shampoo (provided by most lodgings), hair dryer (check with your hotel), extra film, groceries and snacks, pool towels, iron (check with your hotel), extra sunscreen.
  

So whether you travel light or for the long haul, be realistic and plan ahead. You'll enjoy more vacation time and less housekeeping once you arrive at your destination. Look for Part 2 of Travel Tips - Transportation - in your December newsletter.