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When travelling, it's always difficult to decide what to pack. But there are several things you can do to maximize your space, so you have fewer hard decisions to make!

Unless you are going somewhere remote, don't pack lots of toiletries. Decant your favourites into smaller plastic bottles, or buy travel-size products. Even if you are going on a long holiday, take only enough for your first couple of weeks: part of the fun of traveling overseas is trying new things, so take this chance to try a French shower gel or an Italian shampoo! If you're decanting, be careful not to overfill the bottles three-quarters full is safe, to allow for expansion in the aircraft hold.

Always put your toiletries inside a plastic bag, in case of spillage.

Roll, don't fold, your clothes. They'll be easier to fit into odd spaces in your suitcase, and won't crease as much as if they were folded.

Don't roll up belts or ties. Leave them unfurled, and tuck them around the edges of the suitcase. That way they'll take up almost no space at all!

Never pack empty shoes find small items to put inside them.

Pack underwear and socks last. They can be scrunched up and used to fill in small gaps between other garments.

If you are expecting unpredictable weather, pick garments you can layer. For instance, you might take some long-sleeved T-shirts, thermal vests, a fine wool cardigan or jumper and a windproof jacket. If the weather is mild you can wear just the T's, but if it is really cold you can wear the vest under and the cardigan on top, and be cozy without having to fit a bulky sweater or padded parka into your case!

Selecting clothes that can do "double duty" like this is one of the best ways to save space. For women, stick to separates that you can mix and match to produce different outfits, except for sundresses. If you are going to one major evening event, then an evening gown is fine - but for something like a cruise, where you have several special nights, bustiers and skirts/pants will give you more different outfits in far less space.

If you will be staying in hotels, there's no need to take towels, even if you plan on going to the beach. Most hotels state that you shouldn't use their towels at the pool or beach, but in most cases they will give you a pool towel on request. Even if you do use your room towel, they're unlikely to say anything, provided you bring it back! If you feel absolutely lost without your own towel, pack a microfibre travel towel instead.

When deciding what to wear on your flight or train trip, try to choose the bulkier items if you can (taking comfort into account). For instance, if you wear your Reeboks and pack your sandals instead of vice versa, you will have more room in your case.

An experienced packer once said to me - pack everything you think you need, then take it all out, and cut it down by half. That's what you REALLY need on your holiday. I haven't quite been able to stick to that rule yet, but I'm working on it!

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