I have been thinking about this as I am trying to pack for Hawaii. How many times do we overpack? Do we not know better? During a trip I just look at all of the things that I won't wear or haven't worn yet. The Bottom line is, we end up wearing the same old stuff everyday.

I am trying hard this trip. My biggest problem--I am sure other women can relate, too many shoes.

Anybody have any suggestions?

Also forgot, not to mention have to have room for souveniurs. Unbelievable.

You only ever need one bag.
Don't save room for souvenirs. Buy a cheap bag when you get there.

Haven't managed to solve the shoe thing yet, but I have found a way to make room for some souveniur items. Pack your oldest underwear, pj's, etc. and then discard after wearing. An added bonus is that you won't live in fear of airport security going through your luggage on your return trip.

I've gotten much better in not over-packing, but on my last trip to Savannah Hilton Head I discovered the Hilton Head factory outlets! Thanks to Brooks Brothers, Polo etc I was glad they also had a Tumi luggage outlet because I had to buy another suitcase!
I dont live to shop by any means, but these were bargains I couldn't pass up!

I had to laugh when I read the shoe dilemma. I never take more than two pairs of shoes (or try not to) and that includes the pair I'll be wearing, but when you wear size 13's that ONE pair can be cumbersome b/c they almost never fit well in the shoe caddy space thats in most of my suitcases. I usually put one on each side wrapped in a plastic bag to serve as cushions for the stuff in the middle and so that the inside strap rests on the shoes and isn't wrinkling the clothes in the middle. I've also put them in a carryon too.

I've seen woman with those wheeled carry ons, the ones so popular with airline employees, that were devoted entirely to shoes.

I also pack old clothes and shoes which I discard during the trip. The only problem is sometimes the hotel maids fish the items out of the trash thinking I couldn't possibly have intended to throw them out!

I also always bring a lightweight duffel bag (Sport Sac type) that I use for laundry during my trip. I then bring it home full of laundry, and that frees up room in my suitcase for any purchases.

As you probably know, Hawaii is for the most part an extremely casual place, and you will live in T shirts, shorts, capris, sandals, etc. It is also full of stores selling exactly that type of clothing (and sandals) so if you end up packing too light (not that any of us do!) you can easily buy some extra clothes. In fact, it's hard to escape such stores, you won't need to search one out.

Good luck! I'm trying hard to pack light for a trip to New York next week.

I generally don't have a problem with packing light unless I am travelling to a cold climate - then every piece of clothing takes up twice as much room. Summertime is so much easier.

I generally make sure things are in a basic color scheme - like black, cream and a color like blue so that everything can be mixed and matched. Then I pack a couple pieces that aren't in those 3 colors to mix things up a bit. I also make a list of outfits for the trip and make sure everything I plan to pack can be worn with other things. And of course, the all important baby wipes - great for getting out anything get spilled on your clothes.

For shoes, I generally have 3 pair - 2 pair of sandals and a pair of tennis shoes for summer or a pair of boots, regular shoes, and tennis shoes for winter. If we are going to be in the outdoors, I take a pair of tennis shoes, hiking boots, and sandals. I've never found the need for any more shoes than 3 pair on any trip.

Expandable luggage is the only thing that saves us. It amazes me how everything fits perfectly on the way out but halfway through the trip the clothes and such must be crammed in there!

My secret to packing light is to bring mix and match colors (black/beige & other colors), 1 pr walking shoes and 3 prs of sandals in neutral colors. Last time I went to FL I packed 7 days worth of clothing in a pilot case and a carry on.

There is one bonus to summer clothes, they do take up way less room. I love the statement that everything fits going our then coming back nothing fits.

That is so true. My suitcase is nice and neat then on the way back everyting is in a ball and the suitcase is bulging. not a problem though, everything is usually dirty and smells like hotel.

Any one notice that when you unzip your suitcase when you get home, always smells like hotel..weird.

As far as the shoes, for 14 days, I am probably bringing 8 pairs of shoes...crazy. that's alright, my husband is only bringing 2 pair, and one he is wearing, so I am entitled. I do usually wear tennis shoes on the plane as they take up the most room in the luggage.

Hawaii is the state of flip-flops. You only need to pack a dressy pair of shoes (if you must), sneakers and flip flops (dressy and casual rubber) can be bought there.
Remember, Hawaii is in the United States and there are Wal-Mart's, and K-Mart's and Costco's there. You will also live in t-shirts and shorts most of the time, extremely casual.

Aloha!

I know, but still. I have to have the right shoes to match the outfit. I will probably end of pairing down (no pun intended) and only bringing 4.

If I know I will need several nice outfits, I simply overnight to the hotel, letting them know first, and enjoy traveling lite. Then I send home economy rates, and only carry-on what I will continue to need daily. It saves alot of time, struggle and energy. And what a luxury, to travel lite! Yet still have absolutely everything I need and just want!

Bodi, I have a feeling that what you are saying may very well be my travel tip of the century but I am missing something here. Help me through this one more time.

You mail your stuff to them... ok. As soon as I hit "Post" I knew what you meant. Sorry for the above message.

Brown sandals go with anything.

I agree Hawaii is totally casual but so hot you need to change clothes frequently. I try to stay with color schemes and use expanding luggage the best invention. My solution to luggage inspection...pack all the dirty underwear spread out on top.

Bringing coordinating colors really helps, but in a hot climate, you need a lot of changes unless you plan to spend $4-7 per item to dry clean.

It seems like an expense to "overnight" a suitcase when it travels free on the airline...but then, you can avoid the lines at the airport, right? So how about golf clubs, anyone every overnight them? If so, how expensive is that?

I'm an ultra light packer. (I usually pack lighter than the men.) What I do is go over in my mind what I'll wear each day...and pack that, making sure that I bring things that will mix and match. (Black capris Monday & Thrs, for example. I will wear the same outfit to the airport as I will returning from the trip.)

As for shoes, I wear one, bring one or at the most, two. If it seems that I'll need more than that, I'll change my outfits so one (or two) pairs of shoes will work with whatever I wear. Or, you can wear one pair, and buy the others there.... Always wear the pair that is bigger.

I buy really cheap shampoo & Conditioner (Suave) for about $1.00 each and then leave them there when done.

Roll up your clothes before packing. Saves room, and helps prevent wrinkles. Stuff things in shoes.