Traveling is an adventure, but you don't want the entire trip to be one unpleasant surprising adventure after another. You may be traveling on business or taking the family on a trip simply for the joy of making memories. In either event, good planning will help you give more attention to the original reason for the trip and less to fixing problems you encounter along the way.

There are a number of places that you can find packing tips with many helpful suggestions. Here are our favorites. The first two need to be done well before starting to pack.

• Check the government’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) site for changes or updates on carry-on restrictions. Make sure you understand the requirements for liquids and gels being carried on. There are exceptions for medicines and baby food, so read the TSA site carefully if you will be carrying either item.

• Inspect your luggage to assure it is in good repair. Losing a wheel or a handle as you run through the airport is unnerving. Determine if you can fix any problems or if you need to have a professional address repairs. Allow plenty of time to have the repairs done and your luggage returned prior to your trip.

• Roll, rather than fold, items of clothing to minimize wrinkles and conserve space in your luggage.

• Fold larger items such as bulky sweaters, and less pliable items, such as jeans.

• Store small items in shoes and store shoes in plastic bags. Don't store liquids in your shoes for obvious reasons. Good things to tuck in shoes are flashlights and socks.

• Seal grooming supplies and make up in zipper type bags and place in checked in luggage.

• Prescription drugs require extra care. They belong in your carry-on purse or tote, not in your checked luggage. Keep a copy of your prescription with you in case your medications are questioned.

• Pack a flashlight. You never know when you will need one at your destination, but it is likely that you will.

*Anticipate the type of adapters you will need for your electrical equipment and make sure yours will work in your destination country.

• Don't lock your suitcase unless you use TSA approved locks. These can be purchased wherever travel supplies are sold. If you lock your luggage with something other than a TSA approved lock, and yours is selected for inspection, the lock will be broken off.

• Since you should drink plenty of water during long flights, make it interesting by packing some single serving no calorie drink mixes to put in your water. Other liquids are fine, but water should be your main source of hydration.

• Put comfortable slippers in your carry on to wear during the flight. You will be getting up and walking around every two hours on long flights to get your blood flowing. It helps to have comfortable footwear.

We are offering these tips to get you packing in the right direction. Be sure to check the TSA site first so you don’t have any surprises at the gate. Now pack up, and go out and make some memories!