The minutes pass so slowly, time drags by and suddenly, it's here. The dream vacation is about to begin. Now for the big questions: how and what to pack. This is not a trick question and while it seems insurmountable at first, it is possible to take everything needed for a successful vacation.

Do you need a packing list?

First the bad news. You would be kidding yourself if you think there is a "universally usable" packing list. It does not exist, and cannot be created! The whole premise of a universal packing list is unworkable. If you try to make it useful for everyone, it becomes useless for anyone, because what's "essential" for one person going to one place is "useless" to someone else going elsewhere.

Second, the good news. You can easily make your own personal packing list that accurately addresses your specific needs based on your vacation destination. For any trip of more than a day, it's very helpful to make a packing list.

Organization is the number one tip in packing for an exciting vacation. In the first stage, an organized packing list will include every item that is used on a daily basis. For women that includes curling irons, blow dryers, make-up, toiletries, etc. It is best if the woman evaluates her morning routine the day before departure, to insure that each item is accounted for; she should then leave everything grouped in one area.

This "staging area" allows for her to evaluate and insure that all necessary items are accounted for; this group of items will be the last things packed before departure, as she will use them when getting ready to leave. It is only after she has completely prepared for the trip that all morning and daily essentials are packed. Utilizing this packing tip, she can be sure to prevent last minute panic attacks. Men should prepare their items in a similar fashion.

A Successful Vacation is Planning, Preparation & Packing Tips

There are many ideas and suggestions for packing tips in travel brochures, travel books and on the Internet. However, it is very simple to prepare for a vacation as long as the traveler allows time to organize. Initially, it is best to divide each day of the vacation into the various activities for each day; morning, afternoon and evening. In this way, outfits can be matched to coordinate with the time of day and planned activity or excursion. By placing each outfit on the bed with matching jewelry, shoes, bags, etc.

It is easy to insure that all necessary items of clothing and accessories are in order. Once each outfit is completely laid out, count to insure that the number of outfits match the direct number of occasions, activities and events that are planned for the vacation. Once all outfits are prepared and final decisions are made, you will separate the outfits, shoes and accessories and pack in an order to accommodate the most items with the least amount of space. A tip for packing jewelry is to place each item into a travel jewelry case or travel bag. It is safest to keep your jewelry in your carry-on luggage. After the jewelry is safely secured in your carry-on luggage, place your shoes in the outside compartment of your suitcase or in a plastic bag inside your suitcase.

This will eliminate your clothing smelling like your shoes upon your arrival. Another important travel packing tip is to take each clothing item one by one and roll into a shape similar to a jellyroll cake. By rolling your clothing, one item at a time, you eliminate wrinkles and will be able to pack many more items in a small space. The easier you make the preparation, the more prepared you are when you arrive at your destination.