In response to your request for packing tips (Traveller asks, October 16), when packing for a holiday our family of five always uses the packing cells available from IKEA. Underwear and socks are neatly organised and everyone knows which ones are theirs.

Julie Lynch, Oyster Bay, NSW

OPEN AND SHUT CASE

I have just returned from one of my twice-a-year four weeks away, this time in Asia and Europe. My packing list is always the same. In winter I add a coat and wear boots on the plane.

You do get bored with your clothes but you certainly do not have to think about what to wear and can concentrate on doing things. I buy new-season tops and  pants each trip so that I feel good and not daggy. I have  anything laundered that needs it during the trip.

Here's my list: one black jeans (wear on plane); one black day pants; one black night time pants; two day tops (wear one on plane); one dressier night top; one dress that can be worn day or night; one cardigan/casual jacket (wear on plane); pyjamas and three sets of underwear (wear one); one pair of walking sneakers (wear on plane ); one pair of good-looking walking sandals (for day or night).

I take the smallest amount of makeup possible; SPF moisturiser; smallest amount of medication (I take four Panadol and Bandaids and antiseptic cream); wallet and fold-up umbrella; tablet and my own earphones. My luxury item is a pair of long running pants and a cashmere jumper that I change into on the plane and it adds to the choice.

I take a small Longchamps bag for daytime and only carry one credit card, some money, phone, map and compass. The compass is because you know where you are and you know where you want to get to but often you don't know which way to turn. I just go east , north etc by the map and compass until I get my bearings again.

All this fits easily into a carry-on. I only take a suitcase and check it on because it comes back full of beautiful stuff .

Heather Webb, Albert Park, VIC

SCRUNCH TIME

I just returned from an around-the-world trip (seven flights in seven weeks). The thing that was most useful was a small scrunch-up nylon tote bag and the zip-bag it came in (about the size of a coin purse).

It bagged dirty shoes, carried groceries and all the excess small change that some currencies have, and a change of clothes on a snorkelling day cruise. Its patterned design made it easy to spot in a large suitcase.

It carried books, water, nibbles when flying. It's strong and durable and now packed into its tiny cover in the suitcase ready for the next trip.

Sue Hinchey, Warriewood NSW

WELL-TRAINED THIEVES

We recently travelled from Venice to Milan in Italy on the fast train. Travellers are encouraged to place their bags in the luggage area, which is situated at each end of the train, then proceed through the automatic doors to their seats.

Please be advised to only leave your large suitcases in the baggage area and to take smaller bags into the cabin where there is overhead storage above the seats. Theft of smaller cases and bags is rife.

We witnessed a police officer chasing a man through the carriage, and it was explained to us that this is a common occurrence as there are many unemployed youth congregating around  Venice's Santa Lucia station.

Bill Mansell, Roselands, NSW

DEAL ME IN

To accomplish the maximum locations and experiences when travelling I will keenly study information for the best deals and advice from multiple sources.

Not needing five star accommodation or treatment (well, maybe sometimes), I have experienced a range of places to stay across my destinations. Some of these have been hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts and even an occasional backpacker hostel. All amazing adventures.

Judy Hopwood, Hornsby, NSW

SEND US YOUR BEST TRAVEL TIPS AND ADVICE

Tips and advice may be edited for space, legal or other reasons. Preference will be given submissions of 50 to 100 words or less. Please write "Tip-o-meter" in the subject heading and email us at travellerletters@fairfaxmedia.com.au. Please include your name, address and phone number for verification purposes.