In our last blog post, we told you what and how to pack for your children on vacation. Now we turn our attention to you! Often competing with the anticipation of a long-awaited summer visit to Vegas and Club de Soleil, a sunny French-Mediterranean property three miles from the Strip, is the nagging consideration of what and how much to bring. This debate can befuddle even the most seasoned traveler, leaving you to anguish over the consequences of either packing too little or stuffing a suitcase to the exploding point (also known as Going Anaconda).

After scouring the web for helpful tips on the subject, we were surprised to learn packing is more complex than we thought, especially since our own packing practices typically adhere to the following rudimentary three-part formula:

1. Get suitcase
2. Open
3. Put stuff in

Well it turns out there’s so much more to this packing stuff than we would have ever guessed. In researching these helpful suggestions, we learned it was possible to cram more information into a single article than is necessary and have therefore concluded that, when it comes to packing tips, like packing itself less is best.

DO

Roll your clothes

Tightly rolled clothes take up less space than folded ones and are less likely to get deep wrinkles from creases. If you can’t break the lifelong habit of folding your clothes, consider placing them in air compression bags. They squeeze the air out of garments and give you more room in your suitcase.

Carry-on

If you’re traveling light consider the carry-on option instead of checking your bag. It will expedite your immediate departure from the airport after you’ve reached your destination.

Check-in early

Checking in online 24 hours before your flight is also recommendable for saving time at the airport and getting a better seat.

Make a packing list

Start your packing process well ahead of your departure date. Doing so will give you time to purchase any additional items you may need and ensure you won’t forget something important.

Familiarize yourself with the TSA’s liquids rule

The Transportation Security Administration permits you to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces or less per item. The TSA suggests placing these items in a small bag and separating them from your carry-on baggage to facilitate the screening process. Any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream or paste that alarms during screening will require additional screening.

Keep your essentials close

It goes without saying but it’s probably worth repeating to keep your valuable and essential belongings in your carry-on bag, not in your checked luggage. These include your identification, money, credit cards, jewelry, electronics, passport, and other valuables. You should also pack a zippered pouch containing in-flight comfort items such as remedies, tissues, hand wipes, personal hygiene items, earbuds or headphones, and a pen.

Charge it

It is recommended that you charge all electronic devices before reaching the airport. This will keep you from frantically searching for that rare unused outlet if you are running late.

Know your airline’s baggage fee policy

The airlines’ baggage fee policies are nothing if not arbitrary. Knowing them will save you a lot of frustration – and maybe some money.

Pack Snacks

Healthy snacks, that is. Nuts, breakfast bars, fruit, and baby carrots are preferable to chips and other empty calorie choices for keeping you energized on a long flight. Keep hydrated with water and avoid excessive coffee consumption, which is a recipe for dehydration and edginess.

DON’T

Pack More Clothes than You Need

Reducing the number of outfits you pack can significantly lighten your load. Bring neutral colored clothing you can mix and match, and only pack shoes you can wear with multiple outfits.

Bring Things You Can Buy At Your Destination

Save on luggage weight fees by bringing only what you need. Unless you’re going third world, you can safely assume most places have drug and convenience stores that stock simple items that are better left unpacked.

Flash Jewelry and Other Valuables

Or better yet, don’t bring them. Tourists are frequent targets of thieves, and most homeowners’ insurance will not cover the cost of lost or stolen jewelry. If you must bring along your Rolex or diamonds, pack them in your carry-on and not in your checked luggage, which some airlines have a tendency to lose.

Pack Extraneous Gadgets

Not only do they take up valuable room in your personal carry-on, they also require you to pack the items that keep them running (spare batteries, chargers, electrical adapters and converters). Keep it simple. Your precious phone and a laptop or tablet should more than suffice. And really, does anyone need to bring along a toothbrush sanitizer or a hotel door alarm system?

CLUB DE SOLEIL

Club de Soleil evokes the warmth and charm of the French Mediterranean three miles from the world famous Las Vegas Strip. Divided into two distinct properties, Club’s 162 suites offer uncommon space, convenience and privacy. Guests can enjoy two 24-hour pools and hot tubs, two putting greens, a tennis court, a fitness center and complimentary shuttle to the Strip.

Book your summer visit today!