With airlines attempting to limit the number of bags that you can check by charging per extra piece of luggage and TSA restrictions on what you can bring on board in your carry-on luggage, its more important than ever that travelers learn how to pack light and pack smart. Any time you start making up your packing list for your vacation even when packing for a cruise its wise to check out the TSA website to see what the current regulations are regarding what, exactly, you can bring with you on the plane. You probably already know that you cant bring knives, swords, guns or ice picks on the plane, but you may not be aware that most sporting equipment must be checked, too, including baseball bats and pool cues. Packing with airport security in mind can be confusing you can pack scissors and screwdrivers in your carry-on luggage if theyre less than 7 inches in length, but youd better not pack a snow globe. You may bring up to four books of matches, but no lighter. Your carry-on can include a 3 oz. or smaller container of gel sports supplement, but not gel-lined show inserts.

Absurd? Absolutely. But theres nothing you can do about it, so your best bet is to know ahead of time what the current airline carryon regulations are, and plan accordingly. One way to get around some of the more annoying TSA rules is to purchase travel products that are designed to pass inspection. Several companies offer these products or you can shop at your local Target store's travel product aisle (the best I've found) with "liquid, gel and aerosol" in mind.

Knowing the rules is especially important if, like many travelers, you intend to pack just one bag so you can get from car to airplane to cruise and back again without any of your belongings going missing. Packing light for trips takes a bit of clever planning, but it can be done. When making up the packing list for your trip, pare down to essentials necessary toiletries and medications (including basic first aid like Band-Aids and aspirin); important documents like your passport and plane tickets; simple clothes that withstand wrinkling and can be worn in a variety of situations (or, better yet, just leave vanity at home and resign yourself to being mismatched and rumpled); and the barest minimum of small appliances like hair dryers and travel irons.

If youre vacationing, youll probably pick up a number of books, pamphlets, brochures and informational materials while sightseeing pack a large manila envelope at the start of the trip and keep them all organized. At the end of your trip, if the envelope is bulky and taking up too much room in your bag, you can mail it to yourself and free up the space. Also, pack a plastic bag to separate your dirty clothes from your clean ones. Rumpled is fine, but you dont want to smell like dirty socks!

And always be willing to cross items off your travel packing checklist if you absolutely dont need them. Chances are, youll be fine without that extra pair of sneakers or special shampoo. After all, one of the adventures of traveling is leaving home behind!