Select a bag that is within your airline's size restrictions. Most American airlines allow you to bring one personal item, like a purse or briefcase, plus one bag that can't be larger than 9 by 14 by 22 inches. Check with your airline, particularly if it's a foreign one, before picking the correct duffel bag or small suitcase.
Tuck your passport, money, hotel reservation information and boarding passes inside a wallet and stow them in an interior pocket. Another option is to stuff these documents deep inside your bag so they're out of reach of any pickpockets. They do need to be accessible enough that you can reach them quickly as you move through the airport and security check points.
Pack at least one day's worth of clean clothes, as well as a few pairs of underwear and pajamas, in case your checked bag becomes lost. Add a sweatshirt or light jacket to the bag, plus a travel umbrella and sunglasses, or gloves, a hat and a scarf if you're headed to a cold location.
Place any medications you take, still in their original bottles, in a clear plastic bag near the center of your suitcase. Pour any liquids or gels, like hand sanitizer or shampoo, into travel bottles that are no larger than 3.4 ounces. Place all these bottles in a second, one-quart plastic bag. Double-bag these items for extra protection from leaks. Stow this bag near the top of the suitcase, since you'll have to take it out during security screening.
Wrap any electronics in T-shirts to protect them from breaking. Pack each item's charger in your carry-on as well. Add power adapters for each item, if your destination uses a different type of plug than used in the United States. Any travel store sells these adapters.
Add to your carry-on a fully charged MP3 player full of your favorite songs, a book, eye mask and inflatable pillow for sleeping. Include a light blanket if you have additional room. Place snacks like trail mix, granola bars and dried fruit strips in the bag. Buy a bottle of water once you get through the security screening
