Dear Heloise: Since I travel about 99 days a year for my job, I’ve learned a few tricks that might be of help to others who travel. I’d like to pass these hints along to your readers:

1. If your hotel curtains don’t close all the way, take one of the pant hangers and clip the curtains together in two places.

2. Place all underwear in zip-close plastic bags. If your luggage needs to be opened and inspected, an inspector can see what you have without directly handling your personal items.

3. Place all liquids, such as shampoo and conditioner, in plastic bags to insure that your clothing does not get soaked if the bottles happen to leak.

4. Always travel with a small lint brush.

5. If you travel a lot, use a small makeup bag with travel-sized items, such a toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, etc. After each trip, be sure to inspect your bag for needed refills, and this way, you’re ready to travel at a moment’s notice.

6. Two important things: Always have a small flashlight in your travel bag. Next, leave your hotel key on the floor by the door. This way, you won’t forget to take your key when you leave the room. — Ashley D., Baton Rouge, Louisiana

PACKING LIGHT

Dear Heloise: Travel restrictions about the weight of luggage has made it important to pack light. Here are some hints on how to reduce the weight of your suitcase:

First, wear or carry as much as you can. For instance, you can carry a jacket or coat over your arm and still wear a lightweight jacket or a sweater over a blouse on the plane.

I usually pack a basic skirt in black, navy or brown. Then I pack two suit jackets in red, black or white and wear a third jacket in a different color. This way, I can mix and match clothing.

Always have two or three basic dresses in solid colors that you can pack if needed, but try to pack only one. While stilettos may look sexy, pack a pair of shoes with a medium heel in a color to match your outfit. This is especially important if you walk a lot on the job. Roll up your jeans and T-shirts, and tuck them into a bag, along with either a pair of ballet flats or tennis shoes.

Never travel with expensive jewelry. There is a lot of costume jewelry today that looks very nice. And one last thing — pack a pair of slippers or socks to wear around your hotel room. — Connie M., Jackson, Tennessee