Advice From A Pack of Experts

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Books/DVDs

· "The Packing Book: Secrets of the Carry-on Traveler" by Judith Gilford (Ten Speed Press, $12.95).

This book details how to pack different bags, including standard suitcases and convertible backpacks. Its many packing lists are incredibly detailed -- among them are lists for last-minute packers, cold-weather seekers and "minimalist" toddlers.

· "Pack It Up: The Essential Guide to Organized Travel" by Anne McAlpin (Flying Cloud Publishing, $19.95).

The book includes tips for cruising and the author's "ultimate traveler's checklist." The accompanying 30-minute DVD shows you numerous ways to tie a colorful scarf to dress up a neutrally toned travel outfit. The companion Web site is http://www.packitup.com/ .

· "Smart Packing for Today's Traveler" by Susan Foster (Smart Travel Press, $19.95).

If you can't picture how a few separates can create a multitude of travel outfits, study the drawings in this well-thought-out book. The companion Web site, http://www.smartpacking.com/ , deconstructs Transportation Security Administration rules for travel into an easy-to-read guide and gives more packing tips.

Web Sites

· OneBag.com ( http://www.onebag.com/ ) is for the ultimate minimalist, yet even pack rats can take away ideas from creator Doug Dyment's stellar packing suggestions, including a batch of non-liquid products.

· The tips section of the travel site Walkabout Travel Gear ( http://www.walkabouttravelgear.com/ ) includes fun-to-peruse advice from readers, including this one: "When packing for a trip, lay out all the stuff you plan to pack, including your money. Take half the stuff and twice the money."

· The general advice Web site eHow.com ( http://www.ehow.com/ ) has a section on "How to pack a suitcase" that includes four dozen additional tips.

Packing Lists

· Find 10 different packing lists each for men and women on the Web site of the specialty product company TravelSmith ( http://www.travelsmith.com/ ). The lists are based on destination and include "Nordic travel," "safari" and "city excursion."

· Download the "Packing Control Journal" from the Web site of the FlyLady ( http://www.flylady.net/ ) for a 13-page, family-oriented packing survey/checklist.

· Backpackers should consult the specific must-haves at Art of Travel ( http://www.artoftravel.com/ ), a 25-chapter e-book written by seasoned independent traveler John Gregory.

-- Elissa Leibowitz Poma