CNN - Travelguide - Essentials - Packing

(CNN) -- Packing is a very personal experience. What you take on a trip depends largely on you ... who you are, where you're going, and what you're going to do once you get there. But there are some general guidelines for packing -- not requirements, mind you, but some handy hints that could make your trip a little less weighty.

Use luggage that's in decent condition, relatively lightweight but sturdy enough to take some punishment. Wheels (or a baggage caddy) will come in handy, and working locks are a must.

Make a list of what you plan to take, and check it off as you pack. It's best to keep your color schemes to a minimum for maximum mix-and-match strategies. Keep the list, in case you need to file a lost luggage claim.

Leave yourself a note by your car keys or on top of your luggage as a reminder of last-minute packing needs such as medication, hair dryer, hanging bags, etc.

Pack lightly but tightly. Roll most items -- they take up less space. Don't pack more than you can handle.

Wrinkle avoidance procedures: pack in plastic dry cleaner bags, fold backward to prevent creases in the front, interweave (longer items draped over suitcase, ends outside, smaller items folded inside). Tissue between layers is also helpful.

Stuff small items in the toes of shoes to prevent collapse.

Bring extra underwear and socks. (Your mom was right.)

Pack miniature toiletries -- sample sizes are good. DO NOT pack liquids in glass containers. Put any containers holding liquids in a sealable plastic bag. On your return home, refill the items you've used and the bag is ready for the next trip.

Keep a bottle opener or corkscrew in your suitcase or toiletries bag.

Pack a collapsible bag for new purchases, dirty clothes etc.

For air travel -- baggage restrictions vary from airline to airline, so call first. Two bags per person is a good rule of thumb (airlines may charge for extra bags or if your bags exceed their size restrictions), and carry-on baggage is almost universally limited to two pieces that must fit in the overhead bins or beneath the seat. Keep in mind no two model airplanes are exactly the same, and what fit in a Boeing 767 may not pass muster in an MD-80.

Most airline carry-on restrictions do not apply to purses, coats, diaper bags or camera bags. Restrictions usually do apply to briefcases. The flight attendant has the final word on whether or not a particular bag goes on board or must be checked. Don't push it -- restrictions are imposed not only for passenger comfort, but for safety as well.

On many flights between two international cities, baggage is limited by weight rather than number of bags. Excess weight charges can be levied if your bags weigh too much, so be sure to check with the airline about each leg of your flight.

When checking your bag with an airline, remove shoulder straps and other loose items that could get caught in conveyer belts. Be warned that wheels and handles can get broken off -- you can file a claim with the airline, though you may not be reimbursed.

Label your luggage inside and out with your name and a contact phone number.

Wise move: When flying, put anything you may need in the first 24 hours (clothing, toiletries, etc.) into the carry-on bag in case your checked luggage is lost.

Make sure you have $1 bills to tip skycaps, taxi drivers who help you with your luggage.