The Packing Book: Secrets of the Carry-on Traveler

Do you need this book? Ask yourself the following questions: Do you take 40 pounds of luggage with you when all you really need for that beach weekend is a toothbrush, a nightgown, and a swimsuit? Do you wait until the last minute to pack, then end up tucking odds and ends into a bulging bag even as you're loading it into the taxi for the airport? Do you hate spending hours at the baggage carousel or battling for that last luggage cart? If you answered "yes" to any or all of these questions, The Packing Book is for you. In it, author Judith Gilford offers travelers a simple yet radical idea: it really is possible to pack everything you need into a single carry-on bag; all that's required is planning.

From choosing the right kind of luggage and the appropriate travel gear (money belts, ear plugs, etc.) to customizing your wardrobe according to the length and type of your intended travel, Gilford covers all the bases. She provides plenty of checklists so you won't forget the essentials, gives detailed instructions (complete with illustrations) on just how to pack items such as skirts, jackets, and slacks to minimize wrinkling and maximize space, and offers suggestions on packing for children and teens. Medical needs, entertainment needs--even security tips--are included in this invaluable guide to getting the most out of the least amount of luggage. The Packing Book takes the anxiety out of preparing for a trip, and even the most seasoned travelers may be surprised at how much they never knew about packing light.