Consumer Watch: What should you pack for your summer vacation?

Ellen Phillips

August is the nation's primary vacation month and, as promised, I'm including this column and another in a few weeks to help everyone make their travel plans. PromotionalCodes.com has put together a list of what to do to make your trip easier, happier and safer.

' Use your smartphone to check in at the airport. Forget the long line at the ticket counter. Instead, check in and get your boarding pass by phone. Not only does this save time, but the boarding pass remains safe and sound in the phone. Smartphones have become our lifelines to the world. So take a portable charger or charging station when you travel. (I recently purchased a portable charger to carry in my purse. You can buy them at phone stores, office supply stores, Walmart and even some grocery stores.)

' Personal entertainment devices save money. Rather than paying for headphones and squinting at tiny plane screens, preload your tablet or smartphone with movies, TV shows and games. This also is a great babysitter to calm an unruly child.

' Download travel-associated apps. Got a question about airport parking, translating foreign phrases, best gas prices, nearest public restroom or anything else associated with travel? Answers are available on apps.

' Pack like a pro. With almost every airline charging extra for checked luggage, it's more urgent than ever to pack economically. Roll clothes instead of folding them, for example. Tuck smaller items in corners and crevices. The key is to use military-style packing, especially if you plan to utilize carry-on luggage exclusively. Another tip is to carry a backpack (in lieu of a purse if the passenger is female) to create more room for essentials and extras.

' Use shipping companies. Whether purchasing gifts or gathering dirty clothes, a UPS or FedEx office anywhere in the world is a great place to stop before the trip home. Why take a chance on breakage or extra baggage fees when, for a few dollars, your belongings can make the trip without you?

When we traveled to Ireland for our long-awaited trip back to my "mother country," I went nuts in the Waterford outlet in downtown Dublin. Those folks packed my pretties and shipped them home for me for $25.

You can't beat that!

Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@timesfreepress.com.