Are you a mature woman planning a trip in the near future? Or the spring or summer? When packing for a trip that would take a week or longer, you really must plan ahead for most contingencies.

If you’re like me, you like your own special hair and skincare products, have important medications you must include, and don’t want to spend time at your destination shopping for incidentals. The tips listed here are my tried, true, and tested strategies.

Having made a few mistakes throughout my travels, I’m always happy to share my best advice, so here are my top 10 tips to help make the dreaded packing adventure easier!

Select Outfits for Days and Nights

The first thing I suggest you do is select a number of day and night outfits equal to the length of your trip. Then remove a third of that! Sounds crazy, but if you are like me, you’ve packed way too much clothing on past trips. You could also pack a few extra basics, like solid-color tees, for backup.

Roll Your Outfits Together

It may sound surprising, but rolling your outfits together works amazingly well. No more wondering why you brought that top or those shorts with nothing to wear with them! Rolling also keeps everything organized allowing all your pieces to fit into your suitcase neatly.

Use Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are handy items that allow you to group related things together. Underwear? Check! Bathing suits and beach covers? Check! Shorts and top? Check! You can literally put the cubes right into the drawer of the hotel or cruise ship and don’t have to unpack.

Include a Foldable Tote or Backpack

If you run out of room on your return flight or purchase some great new fashion items (and who doesn’t, right?), you can use a foldable tote or backpack as a carry-on on your trip back home.

Bring Ziplock Bags

Ziplock bags (or alternative brands) are great for so many things. Pack your spillable or wet items, like your wet toothbrush or swimsuit. Or even that little extra snack you brought back to your room from the restaurant while traveling. These are so handy!

Pack a Small Carry-On

It’s always a good idea to pack a small carry-on with your toiletries, pajamas, and a change of clothes. Include any important medications. This will absolutely save you if your luggage gets misplaced!

Protect Your Electronics

Place your cords, adapters and other e-materials into one bag. I use a small packing cube. This saves you from searching all over for that one particular cord or adapter. I pack this in my carry-on, so I have everything I need and can charge while delayed at an airport. (That never happens, right?)

Bring a Pair of Flip-Flops

Flip-flops take up hardly any room in your suitcase and can be worn as slippers, by the pool, or even for a quick trip to the market or ship store.

Scan and Email Copies

Before you leave, send copies of your important documents to your phone. Also, include a copy of your passport inside each suitcase. This is a big help should your luggage get lost or misplaced.

Take or Wear a Large Scarf

Most women like scarves, and a large one can be worn as a shawl on the plane (those planes can get cold!), or in the overly air-conditioned airport. Until it’s needed, you can leave it around your neck to add some style to your basic travel outfit.

What is the most essential item you never forget to pack for your travels? Do you have special packing recommendations that you know work every time? Please share them in the comments below.