Making a list and checking it twice. Decide before you start to pack what you will actually need to take with you. A good place to start is to think of all things you wish you had brought on previous trips. Sit down for a minute and imagine you are already at your destination, try to think hard about what you will need. Don not forget to review your list after you have packed and check off items you have packed.

Try a new way to pack. Sometimes you can fit more clothes in if you roll them up. Do not forget to fold your clothes in half first so that creases will stay same.

Learn about water supply in country or city you are visiting. Many countries have tap water that is only safe to drink if you boil it first, it is still save for washing in. You may want to take a plastic water bottle from home for your day trips as most western style hotels have there own filter system and you can save money on buying bottled water.

Plan out your colors well. Make sure you pack outfits that match each other. This will save you trouble caused when you arrive and find out you have packed jeans and dress shirts, or you have ski boots but no gloves.

Pack for climate of country you are visiting. Remember that Australia has there winter at same time Americans have there summer. You may also want to check out things like amount of rain in a certain month so you can pack accordingly. Canada is a good example, in winter it may be 70 degrees in Vancouver and 35 degrees in Calgary at same time of day. Do your research.

Shoes, snow boots, or rubber boots. Make sure you find out how much rain or snow will be around when you visit country. You can research this easily online. Nothing is worse than wet or cold feet.

Bring your own toiletries and medicines. Be aware that your prescription drugs may not be easily available in country you are visiting. Also some western products may cost a lot more depending on country you are visiting. Do not forget things like cigarettes as these vary by country and they may not have your brand.

Do you really need to take... if you know you will not use it, do not pack it. Carrying heavy suitcases or backpacks is not only hard on back but slows you down. Pack items you will need quick access to into a good quality backpack.