The ultimate guide to vacation packing | members only

PACKING FOR THE LADIES Getty Images BAG THE PURSE. Don’t waste your personal item allowance on a pocketbook. Switch to a minimalist cross-body bag with just enough space for essentials. Then

tuck it into your personal item bag when you reach the gate. “I also recommend packing a stuffable backpack in one of your bags for carrying snacks, a water bottle and maybe a wrap when

you’re walking around,” says Brooke Schoenman, the Australia-based travel guru behind HerPackingList.com. Getty Images CONSIDER SMART CLOTHES. Bring core pieces made from finely woven,

all-season merino wool. While pricey, they’re temperature regulating and naturally antimicrobial, can go weeks without a wash, pack like a dream and turn layering into an art. Test the

waters with a white boxy tee or wear-everywhere basic black dress. “I know of women who find merino dresses so versatile, they even sleep in them,” says Amy Tull, whose Traveling Tulls

website and social media accounts focus on sustainable travel during retirement. Also choose pieces made from lightweight, fast-drying, wrinkle-resistant synthetics like polyester, nylon,

Coolmax, Tencel, Cordura and other tech fabrics. Depending on the weather, consider lightweight pants, bamboo tops, featherweight blouses, packable raincoats and puffer jackets that layer

well, and a wrap that multitasks as an airplane blanket, neck scarf and cover-up. Schoenman also won’t go anywhere without her compression socks. “They make my legs feel great and are so

cute, I wear them on the plane and throughout my trips,” she says. PACKING FOR THE GUYS Getty Images Courtesy REI TRAVEL TROUSERS. Lightweight, stretchy, wrinkle-resistant and fast-drying

pants and shorts in tech fabrics can explore with you all day and still look civilized at dinner. NEXT-GEN BAGS. Fanny packs are back, so have at it. The latest are ultralight, and many

feature anti-theft slash-proof fabric, credit-card-protecting RFID (radio frequency identification) pockets, internal attachment points for your keys and wallet and enough space for a 7-inch

tablet. HATS THAT CRUSH. Be weather smart and pack a mesh-ventilated, washable nylon topper that repels water, blocks sun and retains its shape even after hours in a bag. BATH ESSENTIALS.

Consider a roll-up organizer, which typically includes several pouches, a hanging clip and a mirror. Changing up your wet shave routine with a moisturizing shave bar, brush and disposable

razor will help you whiz through bag check at security.