Anyone who has resorted to sitting on their suitcase while their partner strains to pull the zip around its bulging girth may be glad of the sites that aim to take the hard work out of packing.
In case you are so pragmatic that you don't feel you need any everyday advice, then Defoe's Robinson Crusoe provides some interesting alternative strategies.
1 What to Pack: User-Submitted Travel Tips
Submit your own tip or try one of the dozens available on this site. Best tip: Take a black marker-pen for polishing scuffed shoes. Worst tip: Take a big bottle of shampoo. (Why? They are heavy. And they leak).
2 The Universal Packaging List
Not only has Mats Henricson, a highly-organised Swede, provided a list of things to pack, he has also written a list of things to do before you go away. These include washing the dishes, changing the message on your answering machine in case a burglar calls, and (for longer trips) updating your will. The list of diving equipment is also invaluable; indeed, the whole site is highly recommended.
3 How to Put Stuff in Your Luggage
A rather brief idiot's guide to minimising the volume and weight of your luggage. The site makes it into this list on the strength of a separate page devoting to the art of packing a bicycle.
4 Eagle Creek Traveller's Checklist
Although Eagle Creek sells travel products, its checklist is a standard one which is likely to be useful for independent travellers. The presence of a portable door-lock and duct tape may be slightly alarming, but it's good to see that there are such items as a travel journal and playing cards included on the list.
5 Travelite FAQ
Probably the shortest list of holiday necessities that has ever been produced, so perfect for those who are determined to travel light.
6 The Compleat Carry-On Traveller
Find out how to fit all your essentials in a carry-on bag, avoiding a wait by the airport carousel at the other end. Like the rest of this epic endeavour, the section on bundle-folding technique is notably detailed.
7 HAC Packers Suggested Camping Gear Page
This site is chiefly of interest to campers, backpackers and people taking their car on holiday. Best tip: "Strong backpackers can carry 35% of their body weight (a 70lb pack for a 200lb man). If you exceed that, then you are either a glutton for punishment or on a mission from God."
