When frequent travel is part of your job description, knowing how to pack a proper suitcase is a must. Whether you are traveling for work or fun, developing that skill will undoubtedly save you time, money, and heartache—especially on international flights. After landing in Los Cabos, you must first go through Immigration, collect checked luggage, and go through Customs. Cutting out one step makes a big difference.

Prices and policies vary, but several airlines charge up to $50 U.S. for a single checked suitcase. Whenever possible, you want to stick to one rolling carry-on and a personal item that fits comfortably under the seat in front of you. (Double-check the dimensions of the overhead compartments when making plane reservations.)

Now, what to pack? Every time I have a trip coming up, I pick out all the clothes and accessories I want to take with me. And then, thanks to some very good advice I received years ago, I put half the clothes away. For a typical five-day trip to Los Cabos, I suggest five tops, two pairs of pants or shorts, and one sweater or lightweight rain jacket. Women may also want to bring a dress or two depending on dinner plans. Of course, everyone will want undergarments and swimwear. Aim to keep clothes within the same color family for more flexibility in dressing while on vacation; you can use accessories to make outfits pop. If you have wrinkle-resistant clothes, opt for those. Shoes tend to take up the most room, so choose wisely—will you be on the beach, out at dinner, or hiking?—and wear the bulkiest shoes on the plane. The same rule applies to clothes and accessories; keep fine jewelry on your body while traveling. (See checklist on right for other must-pack items.)

Different types of clothing require different approaches to packing. Begin by setting your shoes to the side. Roll softer clothes—think knitwear or pretty much anything made of cotton. Those items go into the suitcase first, followed by a layer of folded jeans and other stiffer pieces of clothing. To avoid wrinkling, you can top this layer with a dry cleaning bag. Keep your suitcase smelling fresh by inserting a fragrant dryer sheet. If there are any items you anticipate needing first or in a pinch, place them on top of the dry cleaning bag. Loop belts, ties, and scarves around the perimeter of the suitcase. Make the most of space by tucking miscellaneous smaller items inside your shoes: phone chargers, waterproof cameras, and a jewelry case or generic container with inexpensive jewelry in it. Drop your shoes into resealable plastic bags, then right into your carry-on.

Save room for all your beauty and hygiene products. The biggest challenge to carry-on-only travel can be a reliance on certain products or brands. Make things easy for yourself by getting on the website www.3floz.com and ordering TSA-approved-size products like hand cream and self-tanner. All liquid products must be in containers 3 fluid ounces. or smaller and kept in a clear plastic bag. This bag should be the last thing to go in your suitcase, so that you can easily extract it when going through airport security.

You’ll also want to save room for mementos. Pop into Puerto Paraiso for an affordable beach bag and hat. Few things are more annoying than having to carry a floppy hat through the airport, but you’ll be grateful for the sun protection. Should you forget any necessities, you can go to Wal-Mart or City Club.

The Packing List
Keep in your personal item:
• Passport
• Driver’s license
• Health insurance card
• Printouts of your reservations
and important phone numbers
• Glasses and/or contact lenses (plus an extra pair)
• Sunglasses
• Cell phone (call your service provider beforehand if you plan to use your phone in México and be sure to list a contact as ICE, or In Case of Emergency, on your phone)
• Headphones
• Antibacterial wipes
• Lip balm with SPF 15
• Prescriptions
• Magazines to get you through takeoff, landing, and sunbathing sessions (take extras; prices are marked up at airports and in México)

Keep in your carry-on:

• Copy of your passport (you’ll also want to leave one back home)
• Swimsuit cover-up
• Aloe vera gel
• Lotion
• Brush or comb
• Deodorant
• Face cleanser
• Floss
• Insect repellant
• Feminine hygiene products (Los Cabos stores don’t necessarily carry the same products)
• Razors and shaving gel
• Shampoo, soap, and conditioner
• Sunscreen
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Money
• Waterproof camera
• Chargers for your cell phone, cameras, and laptop