ASK THE EXPERT: Avoiding packing woes

Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf service, once you’re onboard the train, you’ll never have to transport your luggage again. Each day, your luggage is whisked away to your next destination, waiting in your hotel room upon arrival. Of course, you’ll still have to carry your luggage to/from the airport, so here are a few packing tips to make traveling a bit easier.

Pack light Most people bring along clothes and other things that never leave their suitcases.

Maximize space Insert socks and small items into your shoes. Roll up sweaters and undergarments on the bottom and sides of your luggage, followed by layers of wrinkle-free clothing—after all, who wants to iron while on vacation?

Coordinate your wardrobe Focus on single or coordinating colors to get more mileage from fewer items. Limit the number of pairs of shoes you’ll need with your outfits.

Prepare for lost luggage Packing a change of clothing and sample-size toiletry items in your carry-on bag can help you get by for a few days in case the airline mistakenly reroutes your checked baggage to Timbuktu. And always carry money, valuables, important travel documents, and prescription medications with you.

You can save yourself from the stress, by following these simple guidelines. If you’d like to learn more packing tips come see travel packing expert, Anne McAlpin, at the AAA Vacations Showcase presented by AAA Travel on Feb. 1-2, 2019, at Broncos Stadium at Mile High.