10 packing tips for stress-free travel | CNN

Compression is key —

Smart space savers can mean the difference between fitting one week's worth of clothing in a carry-on and watching one week's worth of clothing explode out of the overhead bins.

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Get emotional about baggage —

Don't be the pathetic traveler trying to cram an oversized carry-on into the unyielding "does your bag fit?" frame at the gate. Luggage should err on the safe side of the standard size -- in inches that's slightly under 22 x 14 x 9 (height x length x width). or 56 x 36 x 23 in centimeters.

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Wardrobe malfunctions —

Build your travel wardrobe on a foundation of neutrals, like a white button down and black slacks for men. You won't exactly be setting the fashion world alight, but seriously, in the proud traditional culture of the country you're headed, that on-trend fetish leather suit won't just land you in trouble, it'll give you a nasty heat rash.

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Double duty —

It's possible to fit two weeks of clothing into a carry-on, the items just have to be carefully curated, with some pulling double shifts. (Not your smalls though. Please, not your smalls.)

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Gadget overload —

Do you really need so many gadgets? Probably not. Get a good phone, load it with music, movies and memos, grab some headphones and leave the rest at home. Better still, leave your phone and bring a needle and thread.

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Contain it —

Think airport security workers are looking younger these days? Maybe it's all that lovely lotion that gets confiscated from travelers still not wise to carry-on liquid regs. Get yourself some travel size containers. Get squirting. See those forehead wrinkles vanish.

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Iron man —

Ironing at home is already a chore, so why take it on your travels? Reduce the need by slipping clothing into plastic dry cleaning bags to keep it crumple free. Or just work the slept-in-a-hedgerow look.

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Foot notes —

What are you? A centipede? No one needs that many pairs of shoes! Pack one dress pair, one casual pair and one comfort or athletic pair, the bulkiest of which should be worn on board.

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Pro packing tips for stress-free travel

CNN —

Choosing the right suitcase can be a travel adventure in itself. Packing it properly with just the right contents is an art form.

Get it right and the journey to your destination will be a joy of lightened luggage containing just the right outfits. Get it wrong and it’ll be a misery of excess baggage charges, strained back muscles and cursing at the bewildering logic that led you to pack 17 pairs of shoes for a barefoot beach trip.

There are a basic set of lessons to packing like a pro. Here’s a handy 10-step guide:

1. Bag the right bag

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First, let’s end any debate about whether to go for a carry-on or check-in bag: Unless you really can’t travel without taking every single thing you own – plus a few extra sweaters just in case – these days taking only what fits in an overhead is the way to go.

There are two schools of thought when it comes to luggage.

Some swear by the durability of the hard shell suitcase. Others insist the extra pliability of soft side bags can prove beneficial. Either way, lightweight and thoughtful design are keys.

A bag should be light enough empty that when packed its weight is still easy enough to hoist overhead without any unnecessary toppling into the lap of the scary looking dude in seat 17D.

Bags weighing less than 6 pounds (2.7 kilograms), like Heys’ softside spinner are ideal, and those that are roomy with smart compartments like an exterior accessible laptop section for simple removal and replacement are both functional and security-line friendly.

Most importantly, luggage should err on the safe side of the standard carry-