One of the last things vacationers want to worry about is the condition of their clothes. And nobody wants to drag around suitcases full of stuff that never gets worn. To help travelers avoid these scenarios, here are some packing tips.

The best travel wardrobe consists of a few garments that can be combined to create multiple looks. This means fewer clothes and fewer shoes, which is especially important because footwear is heavy. Multi-purpose garments, such as an oversized shirt that can serve as a bathrobe and a coverup at the pool, or a simple dress that serves as a backdrop for accessories that can change the look from casual to dressy, will also help lighten the luggage load.

Plastic bags are a boon to a carefree travel wardrobe. Used properly, they can minimize, if not completely eliminate, wrinkled clothes. Garments can be hung on a hanger and covered with a dry cleaner´s bag, then folded and packed.

Once the destination is reached, hang the garments and remove the bags. If there´s no room for hangers in the luggage, hold the garment and bag by the shoulders, allowing the hanger to fall out before packing.

To help shoes keep their shape, stuff them with rolled up socks and stockings. Pack the shoes in plastic bags so the clothes stay clean.

Assemble children´s clothes by outfit. Then pack each outfit, right down to underwear and socks, in its own large self-closing plastic bag. Children will enjoy the on-the-road independence of being able to dress themselves. These same plastic bags, in assorted sizes, can be used to store small, easily misplaced supplies, such as band-aids, aspirin, first aid cream, etc. Be sure to squeeze the air out of the bags before sealing them.

Be prepared for some wardrobe first aid. A small traveler´s sewing kit and a stain remover stick or gel can handle most clothing emergencies. Use it to pretreat stains at the end of each day.

When choosing luggage, keep in mind that two small bags, with evenly distributed weight loads, are easier to handle than one large, heavy one.