Wherever you're going on your trip, you can't get away from the chore of packing. But just as you can learn more about your destination from guide books, fellow travelers can help you simplify this unavoidable task.

So we asked our customers to send us their favorite packing tips. We collected the ones we hope will be most useful to the rest of you and published them in our Late June 1991 catalog. Thanks to all of you who sent in packing tips. And bon voyage to all of you who'll be using them!

Hangin' out on the road.
For shirts, dresses and other garments you normally hang up: pack them with a thin wire hanger. Gently push the hanger down into the garment until only the hook is showing at the neck. (You might want to wrap a tissue around the hanger hook to protect delicate garments.) Then when you unpack, simply pop the hanger out. You save time by not taking clothes on and off hangers, and you always have enough hangers on your trip.

Mariann
Dallas, TX

Be prepared!
Pack a self-closing plastic bag with these never-know-when-you'll-need-'em supplies: band aids, aspirin, cotton balls, safety pins, vitamin E pills, a pack of salt, a pack of gum (eases ear-popping when flying), extra tissues.

Lisa
Kensington, MD

 

How to pack ties without wrinkles. Hold the end with the narrow point in the palm of your hand. Roll the tie tightly around your hand (removing thumb after first "wind"). Pack the rolled-up tie, making sure wide end isn't bent or loose. Leonard North Little Rock, AR

How to pack everything else without wrinkles.
I pack everything in plastic, and I never have wrinkles. I place the garment inside a plastic bag (the dry cleaners is a good source) and then fold it up, so the folds are wrapped in plastic.

Joanne
Tucson, AZ
 

The sock solution. Stuff socks into the shoes you're packing. Gives you more packing room, prevents shoes from getting crushed. Then pack shoes in plastic bags so clothes stay clean. Kathy Kensington, MD

Many customers sent in this one.
Pack small, multiple items like underwear and socks in clear, self-closing plastic bags. Prevents these items from working their way to the "dark bottom." Remember: squeeze the air out of the bags before closing them.

Jen
Chisholm, MN
 

This is one smart Mom! Pack complete children's outfits in large self-closing plastic bags, then put bags right into the luggage. You'll know you haven't forgotten an essential clothing item for the kids, and you won't hear, "Mommy, where's my socks?" They can just grab a bag and get dressed. Mary Jane Indianapolis, IN

Travelers, beware!
Use your office address on luggage tags. It's safer than using your home address.

Diane
Evanston, IL

Thanks, Sandy.
My packing tip? Use Lands' End luggage. It holds everything you need and a whole bunch of stuff you don't (but couldn't resist taking along).

Sandy Daly
Syracuse, NY