The Packing Book: Secrets of the Carry-On Traveler [Paperback]

Judith Gilford (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1996

Fully updated for the 21st-century traveler, this definitive packing guide will empower overpackers to throw down their brick-like suitcases and become carry-on pros. The Packing Book reveals the secrets of packing efficiently, with time-saving tips, techniques, and technologies. Packing consultant Judith Gilford describes her famed Bundle Method step by step, so that every carry-on hopeful can achieve wrinkle-free, space-saving perfection. This edition also addresses new carry-on security concerns and guidelines, including what you can and cannot take on the plane. Complete with packing checklists for every kind of journey, The Packing Book will prepare you for beach vacations, business trips, European excursions, and more-without leaving you weighed down, wrinkled, and weary.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Do you need this book? Ask yourself the following questions: Do you take 40 pounds of luggage with you when all you really need for that beach weekend is a toothbrush, a nightgown, and a swimsuit? Do you wait until the last minute to pack, then end up tucking odds and ends into a bulging bag even as you're loading it into the taxi for the airport? Do you hate spending hours at the baggage carousel or battling for that last luggage cart? If you answered "yes" to any or all of these questions, The Packing Book is for you. In it, author Judith Gilford offers travelers a simple yet radical idea: it really is possible to pack everything you need into a single carry-on bag; all that's required is planning.

From choosing the right kind of luggage and the appropriate travel gear (money belts, ear plugs, etc.) to customizing your wardrobe according to the length and type of your intended travel, Gilford covers all the bases. She provides plenty of checklists so you won't forget the essentials, gives detailed instructions (complete with illustrations) on just how to pack items such as skirts, jackets, and slacks to minimize wrinkling and maximize space, and offers suggestions on packing for children and teens. Medical needs, entertainment needs--even security tips--are included in this invaluable guide to getting the most out of the least amount of luggage. The Packing Book takes the anxiety out of preparing for a trip, and even the most seasoned travelers may be surprised at how much they never knew about packing light.

Review

"This handy guide contains tips on the best ways to pack . . . plus advice for traveling with a computer and a useful list of voltages and electronic outlets worldwide. Even the most jaded traveler can pick up a pointer or two."-The New York Times"It'¬?s not a method, it'¬?s a miracle!"-The Packing Book reader

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Ten Speed Press; Revised edition (May 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898158214
• ISBN-13: 978-0898158212
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,786,452 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

96 of 96 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Concise, easy-to-read guide to packing light, April 9, 1998

By 

Casey Stewart "kcfoxy: accept no substitute" (San Joaquin Delta) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Packing Book: Secrets of the Carry-On Traveler (Paperback)

Although I've been traveling and packing for years, Judith Gilford's guide gave me several new ideas for packing light. I recognized myself in the traveller who thinks he must take one of everything...as if stranded on a desert island.

There are lists for traveling with children and teens as well as sections on traveling to various terrrain and climates. Lists are provided to assist you in packing thoroughly, but wisely. A handy guide helps with the invariable stains you'll obtain while noshing, trekking and exploring.

There is a section with faq the writer has received in her packing seminars as well as tips from readers/customers such as wearing-rather than lugging-your heaviest outfit, coat or sweater and shoes. A reference chapter gives ideas on wrinkle shrugging fabrics as well as a valuable resource guide for items mentioned in the book, and companies that provide luggage, clothing and accessories.

With Gilford's bundling system, it is possible to pack for a week's travel in a carry-on bag, with minimal wrinkling and no need to check luggage. I will incorporate many ideas given here into my not-so-shabby current travel savvy-I would recommend this book to the beginning and experienced traveler for the warm and sage advice.

48 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Road Warrior learned a few tips!, February 6, 2002

By 

Chaleigh (Alpharetta, GA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Packing Book: Secrets of the Carry-On Traveler (Hardcover)

I love this book! I travel every week and I always find the packing for the trip to be the worst! I absolutely dread it each week. This book helped change that!

The different checklists are great for getting organized AND making sure that you pack every thing you need for your trip.

The bundling system is so incredibly simple and easy... with no wrinkles once you arrive at your destination.

The last part of this book is chock full of good reading on how to pack those bulky items such as shoes and winter sweaters and coats.

With all the security requirements with the airlines now (and tough limits on carry-ons), I really recommend this book... and I'm a road warrior that should've figured out how to pack by now!

31 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book!, July 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Packing Book: Secrets of the Carry-On Traveler (Hardcover)

I plan to try the "bundle method" on my next trip to Europe. The checklists in the book are wonderful! Also, I like the list of travel resources at the back of the book.

Suggestion to the author: Have a web page containing links and updates to the travel resources. Some stores may have added web pages by now, and others may have moved.