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Do you pack paper clips and binder clips in your travel bags? They don’t take up much room, weigh practically nothing, and have so many uses.

Use one when your skirt, pants, or shirt loses a button. Clip a shawl or pashmina at your waist for a quick, makeshift skirt.

Clip your documents together in your purse or bag. Use one clip for air documents, one for hotels, one for rental cars, and more.

Clip your cords together in your bag so they don’t wander around.

If using a paper map, clip it open to the spot you need. Clip the pages of your guidebook to make them easy to find.

Put a binder clip over the end of a regular, non-electric razor to prevent it from cutting anything in your luggage.

Clip your purse to the table or to your chair.

There are so many more. What do you use them for when you travel?

Do you have a check list of things to do before you leave home for a long vacation? Here are some things you might want to add, if you don’t already have them on it.

Check the expiration dates on your passport and driver’s license.

Do you know what your medical coverage is? This is especially helpful if traveling to a foreign country.

Have you called your credit card companies and your bank?

Is someone picking up your mail and paper or do you need to stop the delivery?

Clean out your refrigerator.

Check your thermostat.

Unplug any unnecessary devices.

Check the weather at your destination.

Make sure all windows and doors are locked and your alarm is set.

Do you have someone pick up your mail or newspaper when you leave for several days? Do you ask your neighbor to walk by and look at the house when you are gone?

You could ask your neighbor to park their car in your driveway while you are away. Ask a friend or neighbor to water your plants.

Anything else you do to make it look like someone is still at home?

Make a copy of your passport, birth certificate, driver’s license, credit cards (both sides), and any other important documents before you travel. Give those copies to a relative or close friend before you leave. In case these documents are stolen or lost, you will have copies to use to get the originals replaced.

Have you ever used those space saving bags inside your luggage when you travel? They shrink the clothes in them by removing the air. If you are taking bulky sweaters, jackets, or any items that take up extra room…these work great.

You can buy the travel version of these that don’t need a vacuum to operate. Or, you can try it on your own with large zip topped bags. Fill the bag and squeeze out as much air as possible. You will be amazed at how much space you can save.

What happens when your suitcase is stuffed full and there are still a few leftover items that need to go in it?

Try zipping it closed, standing it up, and then re-opening it. You may find there are a few spaces without anything in them…corners, spaces between shoes, etc. It just may be enough space to fit in those few items still left on your bed.

 You’ve probably read that if you roll your clothes before placing them in your suitcase, you will be able to fit more. Plus, clothes don’t wrinkle as much.

Those are true for me. There are some other tricks that work for me as well.

Layer thin sheets of tissue paper on your clothes before you roll them. For some reason my clothes wrinkle even less than just being rolled.

Try stuffing your shoes with smaller items. Socks, underwear, belts, and t-shirts are some items that fit nicely in shoes. If you lay your shoes on their sides, you can also maximize space.

Where are you going in 2014? In January, I’ll share some travel places that would make a great trip in 2014.

Let me know about your plans…

Think about packing a wide mouth travel mug in your carry on bag. Make sure it is one with a screw on lid.

Use it for the obvious…water or coffee or tea. But, it can serve a whole lot more purposes than just liquids.

Transport your sunglasses in it…they won’t get crushed. Pack delicate souvenirs to bring home. Store your extra cash in it in the bottom of your carry on bag. Keep your cords for your travel gadgets in it. Toss the extra change in it so it doesn’t weigh down your pockets.

If you’re traveling with kids, put their crayons or markers in it. You can even roll up some drawing paper and put in with the crayons.  Or, put their snacks in it so they don’t turn into crumbs.

I’m sure there are plenty more uses…what do you do?