Exclusive | Island Travel: Tips for Packing

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If you're one of those travelers who watches with envy as your fashionable fellow flyers stride confidently through check in and down the aisle with just one smart, small carry on, take the experts' advice: plan, list and pack early. Download a packing list from www.travellerspoint.com/packing-list.cfm or www.onebag.com/checklist.html

Liquid assets
To avoid having to check a bag because you can't do without your Clinique cleansers or Aveda moisturizers, stock up on sample size versions, transfer to miniature containers that meet TSA regulations or Fedex all you need to your destination in advance. If you can't find ideal items in the stores, try www.minimus.biz.

Double up
A sarong comes in handy when you need a lightweight towel for a day trip.

Go to the dark side
Dark colors are less conspicuous if you have to wear items in your wardrobe on more than one occasion -- and can also work well if you have to attend any unexpected dressier events.

Roll with it
Some packing experts swear by bundling all clothes together and folding them into a suitcase. Others insist on doing it military-style and rolling each item.

Backing track
Ask ahead at your accommodations if they have in-room CD players or an iPod dock, then pack or load some appropriate mood-setters. Consider some space-conscious speakers if they can't oblige. The extra weight in your luggage could be more than compensated for by the ambience those special songs provide.

Safety in numbers
Check with the TSA (www.tsa.gov) before you pack to ensure you'll be allowed to bring everything with you.