• Make packing less stressful by having ample preparation time.Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  Packing a suitcase is an art that many attempt and few master. If you forget something crucial, a family vacation or a luxury honeymoon could be ruined. It never hurts to be prepared for all types of travel, so start early and pack smart to avoid disaster.
  
  

Necessities

• The most important and irreplaceable items every traveler needs are travel documents. Make sure to pack passports and appropriate visas for traveling abroad, and driving license and identification for domestic trips. Make several copies of important documents and keep a spare copy in your suitcase and your travel partner's suitcase. It is also advisable to leave a copy of these at home with a trusted friend or relative. Decide whether you will use cash, credit cards or traveler's checks and be aware of the currency and exchange rate, if visiting a foreign country.
  
  

Clothing

• Versatility is important when packing. Take into account the climate for the time of year you will be visiting and the weather you are likely to encounter. Interchangeable outfits in a particular color scheme are recommended. Determine whether or not you will be attending formal dinners or going clubbing, as some establishments do not allow gym shoes or jeans. Also, if you plan on visiting churches, women usually must cover their shoulders. One formal and one informal outfit per day is plenty, plus appropriate shoes for hiking or sightseeing and one pair of dress shoes.
  
  

Electricals

• If you are vacationing outside the United States, you will need voltage adapters for small electrical appliances. Make sure your hairdryer, flat iron, shaver or laptop can handle a higher voltage and be cautious of transformers and converters. Remember batteries for cameras and charger cables for a laptop computer. Many travel stores sell a simple plug attachment for American to European conversion.
  
  

Odds and Ends

• Be wary of packing heavy liquids like mouthwash or shampoo as these are readily available in drugstores overseas and add unnecessary weight to baggage. Do not forget contact lenses (along with an extra pair), saline solution and glasses, as well as any prescriptions or medication. Having a backpack or small day bag is advisable for excursions and as a carry-on item for plane travel.