With warmer weather approaching, many people are gearing up for their spring and summer vacations. Summer is a great time for a vacation, whether it's for two weeks or two days. Long sunny days, warm weather, and school breaks only encourage taking a trip.

Here are some things to keep in mind the next time you're packing for a getaway. If you think about these tips before you go on vacation, it will take some of the stress out of packing.

Pack Lightly -- When you're on vacation, the last thing you want to have to focus on is keeping track of a mountain of luggage. So try to pack as lightly as you can while still making sure you have what you need. If you can, try to fit everything into a carry-on. That way, you won't have to worry about dealing with checked baggage. Lightweight suitcases help to keep you below the airline's baggage weight limit. So if you're still shopping for luggage for your upcoming trip, pay attention to the weight given in the product specifications.

Keep The Valuables Home -- While some nice jewelry can accent your outfit when you go out to dinner, is it going to be a pain making sure that it isn't stolen throughout the rest of your trip? When travelling, it's best to keep the valuable things to a minimum and bring things that you won't regret losing if your bags are lost or stolen. Keep the valuables that you do bring in your carry-on. Also, never put your passport or other important documents in your checked luggage.

Organize Your Laundry -- While you were packing, you may not have been thinking about how to bring back the wet swimsuits and dirty clothes later. To keep your wet clothing separate from your dry clothing when you come home, pack a waterproof bag before you leave home. And if you don't want dirty clothes mixing with your clean ones, pack a bag to stash them in, too.

Expect To Bring More Back Than You Brought -- Anyone who takes a trip knows what it's like to try to pack everything up to return home and realize you have even more than you brought. If you're the type of person who buys souvenirs for everyone, pack a small bag to carry them in or even ship them back home before leaving. But to avoid carrying extra bags or paying postage, try instead to prepare before you leave home by leaving a bit of space in your suitcase for extras you'll bring back. Having lightweight suitcases will help you here, because you'll have more space to pack up within the airline's weight limit. Though it's not always possible to leave space in your suitcase, doing so will make your return trip a little easier.