DBT Corporate Travel

* An extra folded flight bag at the bottom of your suitcase takes very little room but comes in handy on your way home when you have all those souvenirs.

* If you can get away with just cabin luggage you don't have to wait for luggage to be unloaded and won't worry about losing a bag.

* Use a cabin bag with wheels similar to the ones the flight crews use. But be aware that airlines are enforcing the cabin bag regulations. You can take two pieces of carry-on baggage with a combined weight of 10kg as long as one does not exceed 7kg and the height, length and width together don't exceed 115cm. You can also carry on a handbag, rug, reading material, camera, infants food, bassinet, folding pushchair and disability aids if required. In any case double check these allowances directly with the airline as it can vary from carrier to carrier.

* The space above you in the overhead locker is not reserved with your seat. Because it's first in first served, make sure your cabin bag is not too big because you may have to put it under your seat. However, that can be a bonus for short-legged people who can use the bag as a foot rest.

* Heavy moulded luggage is great if you're not the one carrying it and if you don't mind waiting at the airport for it to be unloaded. In contrast, nylon bags are lighter but less durable.

* If you are travelling with someone, pack half your clothes in their bag and carry half theirs in yours. If one bag gets lost, you at least have half your things.

* Pack small things in the toes and heels of your shoes.

* Place shoes at the bottom of the case where the hinges are. They will stay in place and not shift clothing around by their weight. In fact, all heavy items should be placed there.

* Travelling with a backpack gives you the freedom to use both your hands.

* A 65 litre pack, with front zipper to access contents at the bottom of the pack without unpacking, is big enough for 30 days travel (that includes heavy footwear). Put a day pack in your main pack, remove it at the airport and use it as carry on luggage with essentials for several days should the main pack get lost.

* Wear or carry your bulky clothes on the flight if possible rather than packing them. It creates extra space in your bag.

* Put liquids in plastic containers, not glass. They aren't as heavy and not as likely to break.

* On international flights, replace any aerosol cans of hairspray, deodorant, and insect repellent with non-aerosol versions. Many are available as travel size or in smaller containers.

* Film canisters are great for holding little jewelry items like earrings and rings.

* If you use a hair drier take a converter plug. Alternately get a short wash and wear hairstyle. Get your hair styled shortly before you leave home, you won't waste valuable holiday time and money and a short cut is perfect for a busy holiday. It also means you won't need a hair drier, spray etc.

* Going to the Middle East or Asia, take your own toilet paper.

* There is more luggage allowed via USA (up to 64kgs) as opposed to 20kgs via Asia.

Clothes

* Take as few clothes as possible. Plan on doing the washing.

* Only take shoes that are comfortable

* Roll clothing instead of folding to maximise space.

* Pack smaller items such as socks and underwear in separate plastic bags - they will be easier to find and the bags will come in useful for all sorts of things.

* For fewest wrinkles, lay clothing on the bed in layers, one on top of the other, and fold to fit in bag. At the folds place pantyhose, underwear or whatever to prevent a crease at that point.

* Or, fold all blouses and T-shirts in a bundle and slip into a plastic bag. Then, fold all pants and slip them in another plastic bag. Do the same with any other items you want kept wrinkle-free. Plastic bags seem to keep clothes more wrinkle-free than any other method.

* Wear a hat, not just a visor, and save yourself a headache or worse. Don't forget your sunglasses.

* Pack cheap plastic raincoats for rainy days (anywhere in the world). A light nylon all-weather jacket with a hood and lots of pockets is very useful.

* Keep clothes colour coordinated. Tops (T-shirts and long sleeve blouses) and bottoms (trousers or skirts) coordinated around two colours will give you variety but cut down on the number of shoes and accessories you need.

* Trousers look better with the walking shoes you'll need sightseeing. A mid-length skirt or slacks and T-shirt are ideal and will allow access to most tourist spots that may have a dress code such as cathedrals and museums.

* Knit fabrics are easy to wash and dry, lightweight and wrinkle-free.

* Bring one cardigan/sweatshirt for cooler nights even in tropical climates. Bring one casual full-length black dress in case you decide to "dress up" and a pair of dressy flat sandals. You can wear the dress during the day with a T-shirt for a two-piece casual look.

* Sandals can double for slippers and a long tee-shirt can double for a nightgown.

Packing for comfort

* Comfort on holiday is more than wearing comfortable shoes. Comfort on a holiday means thinking about where you're going, what you're going to do and for how long, as you pack your bags.

* For temperature comfort, the layered look is best. Then you can peel as the weather changes. For example: a nylon rain jacket can fold into a pocket; a cardigan can be tied around the hips; a shirt can be unbuttoned or taken off to reveal a tank top (replaced when the sun's too hot). The same goes for high heels on cobblestones. A shapely leg may turn a head, but it may also turn a ankle. Bare feet on hot sand is definitely not cool.

* If you've bought new shoes for the trip wear them a few times first, rather than risking blisters on your first day.

* Leave all but your wedding ring and a cheap watch at home.

* Washable silk clothing is very versatile, it can keep you warm, especially when used in layers, but also can keep you cool. It dries overnight and takes up hardly any space. Even when creased it still manages to look stylish.

* Take older clothes that can be discarded along the way (great for growing children). In many places, the local people are pleased to get these castoffs.

* Wear old underwear and socks etc so you can discard them as you go. There are travellers who take nothing but old clothes so they have that much more room for bringing souvenirs home.

* If both the time and money for laundering are concerns don't take jeans - they take too long to dry.

What to pack in your cabin bag

* anything you might need during the journey

* ear plugs

* eye mask

* wet-wipes

* pen and paper

* a good book to read

* water bottle (full)

* small change of clothes (in case your bags go astray)

* toilet bag

* medication

* spare glasses or contact lenses

* inflatable neck pillow

* spare warm socks or slippers

What to pack in your toilet kit

* toothbrush

* toothpaste

* antiperspirant

* razor or shaver

* shaving cream

* nail scissors/clipper (do not pack in your cabin bag)

* combination soap/shampoo

* comb or brush

* mirror

* moisturiser

* tissues

* sunscreen

* sewing kit

* Have a dry run before you go. Pack everything a day or two before leaving just to make sure it all fits. Walk around the house pulling your cabin bag, carrying the camera bag, coat and whatever you'll be carrying, to make sure you can handle it all with no help.

Consider these extras…

* electrical adopter

* currency exchange calculator or pocket calculator

* travel alarm clock

* small collapsible umbrella

* business cards - for introductions, new friends or hotel desk staff who don't understand English and can't spell your name.

* take a few tea bags and cup boiler for a cuppa in strange countries

* general purpose sink plug - many countries don't leave them in the rooms

* Swiss army knife. Does a thousand jobs at a reasonable price, opens bottles, files nails, cuts fruit. (do not pack in your cabin bag)

* pens or pencils to trade or give to children or people who have helped you (make sure they have a Kiwi or other identifiable emblem)