Bluegreen Colorful Places

Becoming a smarter traveler begins with limiting what you pack for vacation. Once you’ve gotten used to the idea of taking only what you will need, you’ll wonder why you ever traveled any other way. It requires a little forethought and planning, but it’s well worth the effort.

Plan ahead.
Avoid packing the day or night before a trip, which can lead to over-packing. Also consider your planned activities. Many of us bring clothes for a wide range of activities, when, in fact, our plans might boil down to spending a lot of time poolside or indoors.

Remember the in-suite amenities
Most Bluegreen resorts have washers and dryers in the suites, offering the option of doing a quick load of laundry during your stay.

Start with the bag
Instead of determining what you’re going to bring and then looking for a bag large enough to hold it all, start with the bag. Select something versatile and fill it working from the perimeter inward.

Think ‘travel size’.
Instead of a 14.5 ounce bottle of shampoo, look for ‘travel size’ toiletries: 3 ounce bottles, for example, or a small tube of toothpaste. Consider, as well, eliminating toiletries altogether and stopping at the local drugstore once you arrive.

Consolidate.
Select what you need and combine it in a plastic bag with items that a traveling companion might be bringing.

Roll, don’t fold.
Roll clothes instead of folding them. Not only does this save space, but it cuts back on wrinkles. Exception: lay belts flat around the perimeter of your bag.

Use the shoes.
Many people forget that their packed shoes can be utilized as storage space for all sorts of things: socks, underwear, medications.

Mix and match.
A good rule of thumb is to assure that each item of clothing you pack can be used as part of an outfit twice.

Leave a little room.
Resist the temptation to stuff your bag. Leave some room for your souvenirs on the outbound trip.