Travel agents say the key to packing for a trip is to keep luggage to a minimum.

“Generally speaking, try and take as little as possible,” said Barbara Walker, travel agent for Royal Travel, 122 N. First St.

Walker suggested setting out all items to be packed and then trying to take away half of those things in order to pack economically.

Joanne Puttkammer of Advantage Travel, 444 E. Hillcrest Dr., said many things come in travel sizes, and other essentials such as beach towels can sometimes be bought at the vacation destination and be used for souvenirs.

Puttkammer said it is a good idea to leave extra space before going on vacation to make room for souvenirs.

Some space can be gained by sharing items, like hair dryers, with travel companions, she said.

Puttkammer also said travelers should not buy items until they are on vacation, such as suntan lotion,because the vacation area will have the right protection formulas for their specific location.

Travelers should “make sure you have picture IDs” and should also use traveler’s checks and bring the receipts along, she said.

Walker said some things should always be left at home because they are potentially dangerous.

Included in these potential hazards are flammable items such as matches and propane (for camping trips) and there can be “no kinds of fireworks or other explosives” taken on the trip, she said.

Avoid bringing an iron by taking non-wrinkle clothes, Walker said. She suggested using a garment bag because it keeps clothes orderly and is “an easy way to pack and unpack.”

An important thing to remember when packing is the placement of items the traveler packs, Walker said. She warned that any medication should be in hand luggage, cameras and other breakable items should also be there in case the checked luggage is lost or banged around.

American Airlines Reservation Clerk Renee Wilcots said the airline has a limit of three bags per passenger, with no more than two being carried on the plane. She said bags cannot exceed 70 pounds.

Wilcots said if more than three bags are brought, or if they exceed weight or other specifications, there is a $30 charge.

Generally, it is likely most airlines have similar specifications for domestic flights, she said.