The most important advice anyone can give you about choosing and packing is to take only what you need.  Airlines now have strict rules on the amount and size carry-on luggage, charters are even stricter.  Less luggage means shorter waits for baggage claims, and easier customs inspections.

That said, it as not always practical to simply take the smallest cases possible.  If you are traveling with a family, or for a two week vacation, it is not likely for you will be able to travel with just a carry-on.  Furthermore, traveling in winter and summer requires different carrying capacities.

Planning What To Pack

Check seasonal weather conditions for the area to which you will be traveling, and include the appropriate necessities.  

Prepare a miniature kit of toiletries in small plastic bottles to save space and weight.  Remember not to fill the bottles to the top, because the lowered pressure at altitude may cause the contents to expand and leak.  To best protect yourself, wrap all toiletry bottles and tubes in a plastic to minimize damage in case of leakage.

For international travel please verify the electrical currents of the country you will be visiting.  You may need adapter plugs, a transformer, or a converter.  A transformer is required for any electronics: camcorder; camera etc..., whereas a converter works with appliances: hair dryer; iron etc...  

When deciding what to take with you, anticipate what articles you may want to purchase at your destination.  You may want to take extra pieces of luggage to fill on your trip.  For this purpose we recommend either good quality duffles, or a smaller suitcase.  Should you decide to take a smaller suitcase with you, simply pack it, (nest it), inside your larger, primary suitcase, filling both, but leaving you lots of additional room to fill with all your shopping.  When you need both cases, simply de-nest them, or in other words, take the one out of the other, now you have a large and a medium, or small suitcase.

Packing

Pack tightly, packing loosely wastes space, causes clothes to wrinkle, and increases the likelihood of the airlines damaging your case.  Soft luggage should always be filled completely so that it is solid when closing, but not so full that you have to force it to close.  If it is not properly filled, the suitcase could get squashed.
  Suits, dresses, shirts and blouses are best packed in plastic dry cleaner, or anti-static bags, which help minimize wrinkling.
  Roll pyjamas, nightgowns, sweaters and other casual wear to fit into small spaces where possible.
  Always carry your travel documents, medication, jewelry, money, and other valuables in you hand, or carry-on luggage.  Items of this nature should never be packed in check in luggage.
  If you plan on traveling with skis, golf clubs, or other specialized, odd shaped equipment, check with the airline to see whether they have special space for this type of gear.  Many airlines provide space for these 'extras' free of charge.

Security Tips

• Lock your luggage so as to avoid accidental openings due to moving zippers, catching, or cabin pressure changes.
  
•   Remove old claim checks or else the baggage handler might put your luggage on the plane for your last destination.
  
•   Identify you luggage both inside and outside with your address and telephone number, this will help lost luggage find you.   A bright colored luggage tag, strap, or other easily identifiable item will also help you find your luggage quickly and effortlessly.
  
•   Travel Insurance is important if you will be traveling with valuables in excess of the standard allowance.  
• Make a list which includes a clear description of the luggage, and the contents.   If it does get lost, at least you?ll make it easier to get the goods replaced if you know exactly what was in your luggage.  

Travel Insurance

Make a list which includes a clear description of the luggage, and the contents.  If it does get lost, at least you'll make it easier to get the goods replaced if you know exactly what was in your luggage.  

We hope that this document has been useful to you.  Please let us know, either way, via email at Feedback@luggageworld.com.  If you required additional information, please email us, we will be glad to answer any questions possible.