Never seem to pack enough clothes for your vacation? Or, do you pack half your closet and never end up wearing most of what you’ve brought? Here are some tips to help take the stress out of your packing challenges and make you a traveler in the know!

First, create a checklist of what you need to wear each day and make little piles of clothing before you pack. For example, Day 1 – outfit for first day in sun, outfit for dinner. Day 2 – clothing for a day hike (including shoes), outfit for dinner, club gear, etc. Get the idea? That way, you’re not throwing together ensembles on the fly.

Now on to how to pack those clothes. It’s pretty simple: Don’t fold them individually in your suitcase. This will cause them to crease when closing your luggage, leading to unsightly wrinkles. Plus, it’s not the best use of your space. Instead, try rolling your clothes, the secret of backpackers everywhere. How else do you think they can travel the world with one backpack strapped on their backs?

Not a fan of rolling clothes? Try a Pack-It Folder from Eagle Creek (www.eaglecreek.com). It work wonders and provides a wrinkle-free alternative while allowing you to get more clothes to fit inside your luggage than you normally would.

And if you just don’t know how that cute straw hat you just bought will make it through the trip without losing its shape, here are two suggestions: Carry it on the plane and stow in the overhead compartment, or put in your suitcase and fill the inside with your underwear and socks. Voila! You’ll have crush protection and make more room for the important stuff.

And, the most important packing tip of all: Never, ever pack your medications in your checked luggage. Always carry them on board with you in case the airline decides to lose your bag!