Summer vacation: travel light and travel right

Nothing says summer more than a vacation. But when it comes to traveling, for some there is a small (well, sometimes large and annoying) price to pay…packing! If you and your family are traveling this summer, you're probably excited about your destination and anxious to get ready. The last thing you want to worry about is planning what clothes to bring, the condition of your clothes during the trip and everything else that comes with packing. Nobody wants to drag around suitcases full of stuff that never gets worn either. To help travelers avoid these not-so-fun scenarios, here are some packing tips.

Less is more

The best travel wardrobe consists of a few garments that can be combined to create multiple looks. Think layering. This means fewer clothes and fewer shoes, which is especially important because footwear is heavy. Multi purpose garments, such as a simple dress that serves as a backdrop for accessories, can change looks from casual to dressy, and will also help lighten the luggage load. Minimize clothing by selecting one or two color schemes.

Choose fabrics carefully: Natural fabrics can be cooler but wrinkle more easily, dry more slowly, and are heavier than synthetics.

Paper or plastic?

Plastic bags can serve as a godsend for a travel wardrobe. Used properly, they can minimize, if not completely eliminate, wrinkled clothes. Garments can be hung on a hanger and covered with a dry-cleaner's bag, then folded and packed.

Assemble your own and your children's clothes by outfit. Then pack each outfit, right down to underwear and socks, in its own large self-closing plastic bag. Be sure to squeeze the air out of the bags before sealing them.

Pack shoes in plastic bags as well so the clothes stay clean. To help shoes keep their shape, stuff them with rolled-up socks and stockings.

These same plastic bags can be used to store small, easily misplaced supplies, such as lint rollers, cufflinks, safety pins, etc.

These same plastic bags can be used to store small, easily misplaced supplies, such as lint rollers, cufflinks, safety pins, etc.

Wardrobe first-aid kit

Be prepared. The last thing you want to deal with is sudden tear or hole, or even worse, a greasy food stain. A small traveler's sewing kit and a stain remover stick or gel, such as Tide© ToGo, can handle most clothing emergencies.

So don't let the dread and fear of packing override the excitement of your vacation. Get away and enjoy.