Smart Packing for Today's Traveler

I have bought and read numerous books on packing, packing light, packing tips, etc. No, I'm not bizarrely obsessive, I have just traveled to Europe twice with way too big of a suitcase with far too much stuff in it. After learning my lessons the hard way, I was determined to reform. I bought books from Fodor's, Anne McAlpin's packing book, read websites, and researched packing thoroughly. This book far and away outdoes the other resources. Susan Foster not only has walked the talk and traveled extensively, she covers everything from how to travel on business in a hot country, in a cooler climate, packing on a cruise, to how to pack for a family. This book doesn't just have the usual tips on security procedures and the like, it actually has illustrations drawn that show the types of suitcases, the pros & cons of each type, what to buy for what kind of trip, etc. What I found especially helpful were the diagrams that showed how to make 6-7 pieces combine into 10-15 outfits. You know how in the magazine articles they always show a capsule wardrobe and only demo about 4 combinations and then you're dying to know what you're supposed to wear the other 3 weeks of the trip? This one shows all the combos and how to layer for weather. I also learned good tips on the electronics to pack, good travel companies to use and what you need in your laundry kit to do laundry on the road. I used these tips on a 3 week trip to Europe Summer '06 and I was thrilled. I managed quite nicely on 3 prs of pants, 2 skirts, 1 pair of shorts, 5 tops and a couple jackets. Also a few pairs of underwear and socks. And I managed to be covered for evenings out, dinners, casual sightseeing and the whole gamut. Great resource, insightful book. I will use this book for years to come as it has chapters for cruises, beach vacations, skiing & adventure travel, etc. A must-have book for the traveler.

I have been doing what a travel writer lives for - traveling. I packed for a three-week trip to France (one week in Paris, the balance in Provence) in a 22" roll-aboard bag plus a small tote. Using all my best tips from Smart Packing, I had everything I needed or wanted and easily traveled by plane, train and very small car. It works! ~ Susan FosterWhen I was getting ready for a trip to Seattle a few weeks ago, we were told that the dress would be business casual. Well, since I am working from home, I needed to figure out what would be acceptable. I tend to overdress for all occasions and this time I decided to do research. After reading through the wardrobe sections, I decided to go a step below business casual and it felt right. So, are you planning for a cruise? Part III: Customize Your Wardrobe is going to save you so much time and you will have more fun shopping for the clothes you will actually want to wear. The words: "less is best" is pretty foreign to me. I pack enough for three weeks at least. Just taking a backpack would be horrifying to me. Yet, this is what some people learn to do while traveling. Whether you are traveling light or taking it all, this book has something to offer. I went with the "One Week Trip, Casual Business Wardrobe" idea. Susan has divided her book into four main sections: 1. Plan Your Perfect Trip - Planning for weather, travel fabrics, packing perfectly, etc. 2. Pack Smart - Airport Security, choosing the right luggage, checking or carrying bags? 3. Customize Your Wardrobe - Business, Cruise, Adventure, Resort, Sports, selecting clothes for your kids. 4. Travel Safely in Comfort and Good Health - Things to do before you leave home, worthwhile travel gadgets, money matters and travel insurance. Some of the helpful tips included: How to use a paper shopping bag to make unpacking easier. Great idea. How to layer clothes so they don't get wrinkled.Tips for not getting your luggage stolen when going through security. Saline Nasal Spray - Helps you not to get sick from being on a plane. Tips for traveling with infants and younger childrenTake-Along Medicine CabinetResource Guide - Lists of online sources for travel clothes, accessories/luggage, publications, organizations.Smart Packing is more than a packing guide, Susan will show you how to travel in comfort and style. Without this book, I would have felt so lost. This book gave me the confidence I needed to go shopping for the right clothes and taught me a thing or two about packing for a business trip. I still pack too much, but hey I have wheels on my luggage. On the way home, they made me move some items to another bag because I went over the 50 lb limit. Um, oops. Yeah, I went shopping. ~The Rebecca Review

I'm a travel writer and I created the CruiseDiva.com web site to share my personal packing lists. Packing for a cruise is different than for any other vacation style because of suggested dress codes. Some of the questions I receive most often are, "How formal IS formal?" and "What's 'smart casual' anyway?" Then there is the matter of how to pack wrinkle-free, which luggage to pack your wardrobe in, and all the little details that can make or break your trip. While I have my packing system pretty well in hand, I'm always open to new ideas and suggestions. It was my recent good fortune to read Smart Packing for Today's Traveler.Even an old hand at cruise travel (or travel in general) can certainly learn new tricks and Susan has every one of them covered in her book. She even includes a beautifully illustrated "Packing for a Cruise" section. Susan outlines "layering" for climate changes, takes the worry out of security and health issues, and so much more. Don't just take my word for it, though. Read the sample pages of her book and you'll see how useful it truly is. Susan Foster is the PACKING DIVA! I can't recommend her book strongly enough.

This book is an absolute must for those of us who want to take the world along when we venture away from home. My husband and I take 2-3 major trips each year, along with a couple of weekend getaways, and previously always took too much along, returning home with several neatly packed items that had never been worn. I read this book over the summer and used it to pack for an Alaskan cruise in July. The chapters on choosing the right clothes and being prepared were especially helpful, and with them I managed to put together a versatile and functional wardrobe for both 80 and 45 degree days...and we did have both. My husband, who once again lugged far too much, was so impressed that he used the book this fall for our Mediterranean cruise and land tour. It made a huge difference! The system works, and that alone was worth the price of the book for me. I also found the money matters chapter invaluable, as I took it with me to the Mediterranean. (It was worth the space!) There's nothing more disconcerting than being unsure of how to pay for cabs, meals, etc. This chapter left me far more prepared for the nuances of foreign ATMs, and where to get the best exchange rates. Buy this book and take it along..you won't regret it.

I have been a traveler for 30 years and each time I pack, I make the same mistakes and end up with a sore back from toting to heavy a suitcase, until I read Susan's book. Her packing tips are foolproof..and I admit being the fool! However what helped me the most was her checklists. For example on page194-95, she gives the reader lists of important documents like one's medical history and information on drugs that you take daily and reminds you to make copies of all you take to leave behind with your support person, in time of emergency. Her emergency takealong medicine chest list worked for me and for once I got on the plane feeling competent on my way to Bali that I wouldnt need to see a Doc unless it was a fourstar emergency. Simple as it may seem, Susan's instructions on in-transit creature comforts, page176, saved me so much grief up during my trip. I trashed my vanity and showed up for an international flight sans makeup..and for the first time, I had sense to use lotion, waterspray and lipbalm instead and emerged energized at the end of my flight. Thanks Susan. If you can do it, I can do it. Fly like a Pro that is...