Pack Intelligently

In this day of airline companies nickel and diming us for all that we are worth, we are now required to pay for checking bags. Believe it or not, this wasn't always the case. Airlines traditionally allowed us to place our luggage in the provided and barely used underbelly of the plane while we sat in the pressurized cabin along with a small carry on bag. So, in order for everyone to save a few pretty pennies, practically 90% of the plane that we board is carrying their barely-under- the-size-limit and grossly over-packed luggage on the plane. What does this mean to you? I can only imagine that it will get infinitely worse as the years press on. Therefore, my advice to you is always pack wisely! Your grandfather (A. W. Ramer) taught your mother well. I hope to pass this packing wisdom on to you. Lesson 1) You can re-wear items. Especially if you are traveling abroad. Who is going to know? And even if they do, who cares? They will likely never see you again. Besides, you should be enjoying the sites and not stressing over what to wear. You are where you are for the experience, not to make a fashion statement. Caveat - I wouldn't recommend re-wearing underwear unless you wash them, but pants, especially, can seriously be re-worn. Lesson 2) If possible, stick with one basic color. Black or brown. This will cut down on the number of pairs of shoes required for the trip. Buy 1 or 2 great pairs of shoes that can be worn with everything. This strategy can also cut down on clothes. For example, one pair of pants or one jacket can be worn with different shirts and accessories to create new looks. Lesson 3) Select clothes that are not bulky and then layer! Lesson 4) Use every square inch of that suitcase, baby!