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I was in a Paris Metro station when I decided the art of packing a suitcase was going to become a higher priority in my life.

My beloved orange Diane von Furstenberg rolling bag was bulging, overstuffed, and subsequently, top-heavy after many days of traveling. I had only let it rest at the top of a winding staircase for the length of a heartbeat before it pitched and tumbled into a crowd of people, sounding a sickening thump on each and every step.

"Here come the Americans!" yelled one of my companions.

The French were not amused.

Post-Paris, I sought advice from fellow jet-setters, so on my next journey I might be able to avoid bulky bags and bodily harm.

First, I bought some foundation garments, if you will: a pair of wrinkle-resistant dress pants (from boutique retailer Cathy Cross in Northampton, Mass.; cathycrossfashions.com) and a travel skirt (from Chicos; chicos.com).

I abandoned the notion of bringing several items of clothing in order to dress based on how the moment struck me; I decided my fashion sense could take a break, and my back and shoulder muscles could do the same. I threw in a spray bottle of wrinkle releaser (Downy makes a good one, but pack it in a plastic bag in case it breaks in transit) to avoid packing a travel iron, or ironing all together, and along with a few solid-colored cotton shirts and a pair of jeans, rolled them burrito-style in my luggage to save space.

Though there are still plenty of times I resort to the old sit n' zip plop on top of the suitcase, grab both zippers, and pull, pull, pull-I've noticed that packing my life into one little box is a skill that is learned on a gradual scale. Like any self-improvement ritual, I am constantly checking my bags to see what I could be doing better.

I can attest that luggage with a low-annoyance quotient does indeed make for a better trip. Lop-sided bags wobble and pitch through airports, and overloaded cases result in bruised legs, blistered hands, and curiously overdeveloped biceps in one arm.

Here are a few other tips I've taught myself on recent adventures:

Canvas bags with shoulder straps from H&M break. Bring a back pack.

We basically have to strip naked at the airport to get through security these days. Skip the belt and put jewelry and watches in a carry-on, but my God, wear socks. Many international airports have failed to install carpet, relying on funky linoleum.

If you wear contacts, put your glasses on for the flight instead. The dry air in airplanes will make contacts shrivel.

If you're leaving on a long trip or one that requires special clothes or equipment, such as ski trips, consider packing a smaller amount and taking advantage of the hotel's laundry service.

Pack travel-sizes of certain musts, such as sunscreen, lip balm, and individually-wrapped snacks, but forgo bulkier items like bottled water until arrival.

Pack a simple plastic folder or portfolio. Before leaving, fill it with information from the Web on resorts, restaurants, landmarks, and other points of interest to provide some extra guidance and inspiration for your travels. This is also a good way to save photos, postcards, and other mementos for the return trip, while preserving much needed space.

By studying the art of packing, I've improved my own travel habits and continue to work toward more-savvy exploring. And when I return to Paris, it's my hope that I'll be significantly better at negotiating the Metro, blending in with passersby instead of mowing them down

Learn more about this author, Jaclyn C. Stevenson.
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