People may be traveling less, but they are still traveling -- some to visit family for the holidays or to a nearby town for a getaway weekend, while others are taking their dream trip abroad or visiting places coast to coast. Meanwhile, business travelers are still going to wherever an important meeting or convention is taking place.

With shorter vacations and endless airline restrictions, smart packing is more important than ever. To the rescue comes a new, updated and expanded edition of SMART PACKING FOR TODAY'S TRAVELER by Susan Foster (©2004 www.smartpacking.com, $19.95 pb). As a packing expert, Foster makes it her business to be up-to-date on the latest changes. However, the basics of packing smart remain the same. Here are 10 smart packing tips to ensure that each and every trip will be hassle-free, at least regarding your luggage.

1. Plan ahead. Know what type of weather to expect and what your activities might be, then pack the right clothes for the climate and your events.

2. Pack less. Expect to wear each clothing item more than once. Choose versatile pieces that can be worn in different combinations so you don't get bored.

3. Pack a "go-anywhere" wardrobe. This means taking clothes that blend in with the local population and provide safety from those who target tourists. For instance: modest necklines for women; long pants or skirts; shirts with a collar and sleeves; and comfortable shoes (see below).

4. Pack easy-care clothes that you love. To ensure that you will look and feel great on your trip, choose clothes from your closet that still appear fresh at the end of a long day. If things wrinkle at home, they will wrinkle while traveling.

5. Take comfortable shoes. You will not have a good time if your feet hurt. Three pairs of shoes are the maximum for most trips: one to wear and two to pack. Include good-looking and comfortable walking shoes or sandals, more dressed up shoes for dinner and social events, and sport or athletic shoes.

6 Choose the right bag for the trip. Structured bags with wheels protect the contents and offer independence in airports, while bags without wheels and without structure are generally easier to squish into small places, such as in the trunk of a car.

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