Going on vacation is the best!  Here are some savvy packing tips to help make this one particularly not so fun part more smooth:

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1.  Roll clothes and pack them first

This is the best way to prevent creases and make the most of your space!

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2.  Choose travel-friendly fabrics

Knits and stretchy fabrics will hold the least amount of wrinkles and creases will fall out easily when you hang them up!

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3.  Pack the first outfit you'll want to wear on top

If you know you are getting off the plane and straight to a dinner or function, plan your outfit and pack it last!  That way, when you arrive, you won't have to dig through the entire suitcase to find it!

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4.  Place heavier items at the base

Keep heavy items such as shoes and books by the wheel-end of the suitcase.  This helps your bag stay stable when upright AND stops other items from getting smushed!

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5.  Use packing cubes

Find some inexpensive cube/block sets to keep your suitcase organized.  They are lightweight and stack together easily!

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6.  Avoid over or under-packing

It's very tempting to leave space for souvenirs but extra room means items can shift and possibly break.  If you need to leave space for the journey home with some fun gifts, fill empty spaces with dry cleaner bags and use those to put your souvenirs in!

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7.  Get an extra tote for souvenirs

If you don't want to leave the extra space as discussed above, bring a smaller tote or backpack and fill it with anything you buy on your travels!

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8.  Bring a few laundry bags and resealable bags

Use one bag (even a plastic trash bag) for lights and one for darks.  If you forget the, grab the plastic laundry bags from the hotel's closet.  When you get home, you have your soiled laundry already separated and can quickly toss them in the wash.  Another must have is a 2-gallon resealable bag for wet bathing suits!

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9.  Organize your liquids bags

Put any liquids you want to keep in your carry-on in a separate, clear bag so you can easily pass through security.  Not sure which liquids you can bring on the plane?  Remember TSA's 3-1-1 liquids rule:  Products must be 3.4 ounces or less and must all fit in a one quart size bag!

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10.  Keep important medications in your purse/backpack

Even if you plan to carry on your bag, there is always still a risk you could have to check it at the gate.  That has happened to me a few times!  The plane is full and no more room if you board last/late or you can't close the expandable part of your carry-on so always keep anything you MUST have with you in your personal item.

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11.  Bring cash!

Usually all inclusive resorts don't allow or encourage tipping but some do allow it.  Also, make sure you DO have cash for those shuttle drivers!  I make sure to have smaller bills ($5's and $1's) in a convenient place that I can access it easily to tip the drivers.

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12. ALWAYS TRAVEL WITH THE FOLLOWING!

• Travel Authorization from downloaded health form

• Original negative COVID-19 RT PCR test result

• Original vaccination card

• Valid passport

• Hotel confirmation 

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13.  Bring an insulated type cup (Yeti or similar) with you and a reusable straw.  This keeps your beverages cold when at the pool and/or beach.  They will fill it up for you so less trips to the bar!

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14.  Don't forget sunscreen, lip balm with sunscreen in it, aloe vera gel, wide brimmed beach hat or ball cap to protect your head and face!

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15.  Bring a beach bag from home (or purchase at your resort) to carry around your personal items and towels to the pool/beach