Over-Packing Syndrome

Are You Suffering From OPS? Tips to Help Combat Over-Packing Syndrome
By Yvonne Lanelli, Freelance Writer

October 2006

Millions of travelers do—the dreaded, nearly epidemic but easily curable Over-Packing Syndrome. You’ve seen them in airports, on tour busses, at taxi stands. Huffing and puffing, the OPS-afflicted lug bulging suitcases, garment bag, computer case, camera bag, backpack and purse big enough to hold the proverbial kitchen sink.

But not you, the savvy readers of Live Life Travel. Here’s how to pack smartly and move easily anywhere in the world.

What’s the best bag for you? What's the easiest way to clean your clothes on the go? Surprise—it’s not hotel laundry or bathroom sink.

But first, what’s the best, easiest packing tip, good for everything from a weekend jaunt to a six-month safari, for lazy Caribbean beaches or powdery Canadian ski mountains, for singles or families?

BEGIN WITH A LIST!

“I start with my itinerary and imagine what I’ll need on a daily basis,” advises world traveler Stephanie. “That way I know the necessities and avoid duplication.”

As soon as you finalize your reservations, begin writing a list—even if your adventure lies months ahead.

First items: trip-specific clothes and necessities. Are you skiing or swimming? Camping or cruising? List every individual item you need. “I actually forgot my mask!” admitted Pete, an experienced scuba diver. “If I had written down everything I dive with, I wouldn’t have left it!”

Next, consider your non-specific activities, such as dining out, sightseeing, etc. Coordinate these around a harmonizing color scheme. My favorite is red, white and navy blue—and has nothing to do with patriotism. Pick your favorite color combo and list only the items that coordinate.

Going formal for the Captain’s Welcome Aboard Party? List easily forgotten accessories such as cufflinks or that seldom-used strapless bra.

Next come essentials. “Believe it or not, I forgot my underwear!” admitted Rusty. “And I didn’t realize it until opening the suitcase on a Sunday morning in a Swiss village! Next time I’m writing underwear down.” Women need dark underwear under dark clothes, light-colored under light. Review your outerwear list and assure that you listed the necessary undies.

Expect to walk long distances in mammoth airports, strange cities and dusty villages. List sturdy, well-broken in shoes or boots.

As you list clothing and footgear, insist that every item perform double, if not triple duty. For example, a neutral colored shirt will wear informally at a museum and also look nice when you dine out. Ditto a long skirt that partners with a t-shirt for daytime and is topped with a jacket or sweater for evening. A ski sweater works as a cover-up on that over-air conditioned airplane. Underwear doubles as PJs. Hiking boots work for sightseeing. Reef sandals with socks will warm your tootsies on overnight flights.

Review your list and add accessories--but only enough to get by. You’re traveling, not modeling for a fashion shoot. I don’t advise jewelry of any kind except a sturdy, unobtrusive watch and wedding band, neither of which scream “Mug me!” But if your trip includes dress-up activities, then list those matching earrings or ties.

Even list shaving and cosmetic items, prescription meds and over-the-counter first aid favorites. “I hadn’t had an allergy attack in a long time, but when I got caught in a sandstorm near Luxor, I was glad I’d listed my sinus meds,” said Ginny.

Finally, list necessities such as passport, travelers’ checks, money, glasses, tickets, credit cards and reservation vouchers, as well as niceties: camera, film or extra memory stick and batteries, paperback book or magazine, sunglasses, favorite hat, mini-flashlight, etc.

After writing your list, leave it where you can jot down or cross out items as you think of them. Your goal: one week’s worth of clothes to last many.

A few days before you leave—not the night before--pack your bags. “I simply take out my list and a pencil. As each item goes in, I check it off,” says Stephanie. “Nothing is forgotten.”

LET’S GO ADVENTURING!

Departure day arrives and you’re ready to go—a lean, mean, traveling machine.

Don’t worry if you’ve forgotten something. I’ve traveled all seven continents and have easily replaced forgotten clothes and cosmetics.

Come to think of it, all you really need is your passport, tickets and money.

Now, that’s traveling light!

Read on for more useful tips.

CLEANING YOURSELF AND YOUR CLOTHES

No time to do laundry “on the road”? Here’s the easiest, fastest and cheapest way to wear clean clothes every day.

As you undress, toss dirty clothes in the shower. Pour a couple of glugs of liquid laundry detergent (or shampoo) over them, step into the shower and turn on the water.

As you soap and rinse yourself, stomp on your clothes as if you’re Lucy Ricardo stomping grapes.

Turn off the water, step out of the shower and dry yourself. Then retrieve your clothes. Wrap them in your towel and roll them up, squeezing excess moisture into the towel.

Unwrap the clothes and drape them over shower rods, chair backs, etc.—but not lampshades. That’s an electrical fire waiting to happen.

The next morning, put on your dry clothes. Still damp? Blow them with your (or the hotel’s) hair dryer.

CHOOSING YOUR BAG

You know how much you’re packing; what are you packing it in? Choices are endless: suitcase, duffle bag, garment bag, backpack; wheeled and non-wheeled; telescoping handles or shoulder straps.

Personal preferences guide your purchase, but remember this: most airlines now allow only two checked bags weighing no more than 50 lbs. each. Overweight bags mean overage charges that vary from $25 on up.

When you make your reservation, ask or go online for your airline’s baggage allowances.

Also, some outdoor adventure gear has its own luggage issues. Take ski equipment, for example. Most airlines allow two checked bags per person, but if you take skis, that counts as one of the two bags. Solution: stuff the ski bag with poles, underwear, socks, sweaters, turtlenecks and other squishable items.

In addition to bags you’ll check on the airplane, you’re allowed one carry on bag (again, check your airline for weight and size restrictions) plus a personal item such as purse, camera or computer case. I prefer a medium-sized backpack for my carry on. A backpack frees my arms easier than a shoulder-strapped bag.

THE ART OF PACKING

To avoid wrinkles, roll shirts, skirts and pants around each other, then wrap the roll in a plastic bag.
Stuff empty shoes with matching socks or hose, then wrap in plastic bags.
Cram underwear around bulky items such as ski boots, swim fins, or ice skates.
Repack toiletries and cosmetics in small containers; pack prescription meds in original containers.
Pack liquid-filled containers in individual plastic bags then cushion them in the center of the suitcase.
Wear—don’t pack--heavy or bulky items such as hiking boots, wool pants or ski jackets.
Never pack money, travelers’ checks, credit cards, tickets, passport, cameras, film, glasses, jewelry or prescription medications in checked baggage. Those go only in your carry on bag and you never let it out of your sight.
Finally, never pack in your carry on lighters, guns, knives or scissors—no matter how small--or anything that looks like a weapon such as toy guns, pepper spray, a ski pole, box cutter or rattail comb. Yes, the plastic end of a rattail comb is considered deadly. Mine was confiscated at Miami International Airport!

MANAGING SECURITY

Terrorist threats uncovered in August have resulted in new restrictions from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on what is now permitted in your carry-on luggage.

Effective Tuesday, September 26, 2006:

Travelers may now carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit comfortably in ONE, QUART-SIZE, clear plastic, zip-top bag.

After clearing security, travelers can now bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding area on-board aircraft.

For complete details including Permitted and Prohibited Items, visit :

http://www.tsa.gov/