Packing Suggestions for Men

Although savvy male travelers usually know how to find cheap traveloptions such as cheapairplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, discounttravel deals, cheapdeals, and cheap vacation packages, theyoften are not as sophisticated packers as their female counterparts. Most men pack at the last minute.

Last minute packers tend to run around trying to pack inpanic while their partner/spouse/family members watch in irritated dismayand/or forget something critical, such as socks or a passport.

Putting a modicum of thought and preparation into packingsaves a lot of hassle and frustration later, both for you and anyone travelingwith you.

The following packing tips are recommended for men by CarlUnger:

• Dolaundry at least three days before your planned departure. Pack directly from your clean, folded,clothes. This also provides time to stopby the dry cleaner if needed.

• Packmore essentials than you think you will need. Throw in at least an extra pair of socks and underwear as well as anextra tee shirt and dress shirt. Remembersurprises happen when traveling. It rains. You may have wine spilled on you. You may even tumble down a hill.

• Packinterchangeable clothes such as a sweater that is comfortable enough forsightseeing but good looking enough for dinner. Pack shoes that can be worn to business meetings as well as to a barwith jeans and a tee shirt. If you willbe dressing up on your trip, pack combinations that will allow you to wear yoursuit jacket and pants separately so that you will not have to pack multipleblazers or dress pants.

• Roll,do not fold, your ties. Roll your tieslike a spool of tape and pack it wherever they are least likely to get smashed.

• Stuffyour shoes with socks or anything small. This not only saves space but will protect your shoes and ensure thatthey will be in good shape when you unpack. Remember dress shoes can become bent and creased while in transit veryeasily.

• Folddelicate items to the width of your bag. Dress shirts, fine knit sweaters (such as cashmere), and blazers ordress pants should go in your luggage last and be folded so that they take upthe full width of your suitcase. Thishelps reduce wrinkling and results in them being the first thing you unpackupon your arrival. This in turn willensure that you do not forget them until just before an important event whenyou extract a mangled piece of clothing from the bottom of your bag.

• Packan extra charger and keep your cords organized. Make certain at least one is in your carry-on. If you are traveling with multiple chargesfor multiple devices, place all your cords and chargers in a single smalldrawstring bag or cheap dopp kit. Beingorganized means you are less likely to lose or forget something.

• Keepall of your toiletries in a dopp kit. Aloose tube of toothpaste in a suitcase can easily result in toothpaste gettingall over your clothes. Buy travel sizetoiletries that you can keep in your travel bag vs. having to try to collectwhat you need every time before you leave for a trip.

• Layout all of your essentials the night prior to your departure. Do not forget to include your wallet,passport, keys, travel clothes, and any other important items, and ensure yourtravel documents are where you can not overlook them.

• Unpackas soon as possible after you arrive. Donot literally try to live out of your suitcase. Promptly unpack your dress shirts, blazers, or suits, or anything elsethat should be hung up. The longer youleave clothes in your suitcase the more wrinkled they will become. Place some of your clothes in drawers andyour shoes in the closet. This will makeit easier to later find what you want.