With Spring Break approaching (and Summer thereafter), many people are planning now for their 2012 vacations. Whether one travels locally, nationally, continentally or globally, details must be threshed out. Some people even scour their routes for the cheapest gasoline. One thing that many of us tend to minimize as a matter of importance is the way we pack.

Pack Light – You’ll Thank Yourself Later

There are plenty of methods, such as clothes-rolling or bundle packing, that can help squeeze out a few extra cubic inches’ worth of luggage space (there are even wrinkle-avoidance tips). The real essence of packing, however, is knowledge-based. “Packing light” is where you’ll really get your money’s worth – ask anyone who has hauled extensive baggage anywhere.

Other Considerations

There’s more to it than just leaving room for the souvenirs or leaving your extra western holster belts at home. Certain places offer considerable variety in climate. For instance, it isn’t uncommon for a mid-May day in Scottsdale to top the 100-degree mark, while two hours to the North (by car), there may be snow on the ground in Flagstaff.

Whatever your wardrobe, there are other packing considerations in play, particularly with regard to air travel. Modern security measures mean that fluids may not exceed the volume allowed (3.4 ounces at last check). When in doubt, check online… You may be surprised to find that ice skates and hand weights are okay, but not snow globes.