How to Pack for a Trip in Ten Easy Steps

Going on a trip? Not sure what (or how) to pack? No problem. Here's how to do it...in 10 easy steps.

1. Figure out where you are going.  This is the first and most important thought that you should think when packing.  Your destination will obviously affect what you pack. For instance, it would make no sense to pack skis and sweaters when you are going to Hawaii.  Nor would it make sense to pack lingerie when you are going to grandma's.
2. Pack the night before you leave.  If you are reading this 30 minutes before your plane takes off and you haven't packed a single thing, you're on your own.  It just makes good sense to pack everything the night before.  That way you will be totally less stressed the day you leave and you can sleep longer, which is always a good thing.
3. Pack extra.  Don't care what it is, just bring more than you think you'll need.  This applies the most to underwear and deodorant.  People can get by without many things but clean undies and non-stinky pits are not two of them.
4. Use an expanding suitcase.  Whoever invented the expanding suitcase is right up there with Jesus, Gandhi, and the dude who invented air conditioning.  This even better than sliced bread.  No one likes having to fold their dirty clothes when they come home from a trip.  And where are we going to put the million souvenirs we bought? Well, with this beauty you can fit it all in there. Ta da!
5.  Don't be afraid of having multiple suitcases.  Obviously, you won't want to have twenty million bags.  But if you can't fit it all in one bag, having a smaller second one won't be the end of the world.  Also, they don't have to match.   Honestly, the only people with perfectly co-ordinating suitcases are prissy models and people who try too hard.  And you don't fit into either category, do you?
6.  Girls - Make sure you have everything that you need to make your hair and face look the way you want it to.  Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean you're suddenly not going to need make-up.  Going to New York does not magically turn you into a fashion model. Also, don't forget any...ahem...hygiene products (you know what I mean).  Even if you think you won't need them, bring them. Guys - ...yuk it up.*
7.  Bring a lint-roller.  Even if you aren't bringing a suit or dress, you'll probably going to want to brush some sort of dust/cat hair/dandruff off of your clothes.
8.  Don't forget your swim suit.  Better to have your swim suit and never use it than to get to your hotel after a long day and see the big blue pool full of refreshingly cold water and know that you can't go swimming.  There's nothing worse.  Trust me.
9.  Pajamas! For some reason, these are the clothes that I almost always end up almost forgetting.  I don't know why.
10.  Take a deep breath and remember that vacationing is supposed to be relaxing.  So have fun on your trip and be in full confidence that you have everything thanks to this handy list.  But just don't forget to turn off the lights.

*Guys, if you want to see something fun do this: 1. Pack the very barest essentials in the smallest bag you can possibly find. 2. Complain to your mom about how much stuff you have to bring. 3. Sit back and watch the fire-works.**

**Attempt at your own risk.