Girlfriend Getaways

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(Illustration by Violet Lemay/agoodson.com)

Pile it on
"To limit wrinkles, I take multiple shirts, lay them on top of each other, and fold them all together." —Sandy Gordon, VP of in-flight service operations and training, Delta Air Lines

Get a good set of wheels
"I love my Diane von Furstenberg wheelie because it has a separate section for a laptop and shoes. It's genius: I don't have to carry my laptop on my shoulder, and when I pull it out at security, no one can see my underwear." —C.J. Kettler, president for North America, Travelzoo

Discard as you go
"When my husband and I go on vacation, we take an entire rolling bag full of magazines and books. On the way back, we use the bag for our souvenirs." —Joy Rothschild, senior VP of human resources, Omni Hotels

Slip into something more comfortable
"I change into workout clothes once I'm on board the plane. I also wear those Dearfoams ballet-type slippers—they don't take up any room in my carry-on." —JoAnn Cordary-Bundock, senior VP of international revenue management, Marriott

Tune out
"I'm never without earplugs when I travel. I have about 10 pairs in each purse." —Samantha Brown, host, Travel Channel

Swish with care
"Don't brush your teeth with the water in the bathroom on the plane. I save the last bit in the water bottle I get from the attendants and use that instead." —Porter Gale, VP of marketing, Virgin America

Explore on the run
"When I arrive at an international destination after a long flight, I ask the hotel concierge for a route and go for a run to get a feel for the place." —Michelle Peluso, president and CEO, Travelocity

Sweat it out
"I love having a physical activity to keep me going. Swimming is my thing, so I try to stay at a hotel with a pool." —April Merenda, president and cofounder, Gutsy Women Travel

Book cabins strategically
"If there's a particular place on a cruise ship where you know you'll be spending a lot of your time, you might want to book a stateroom nearby. If, for example, you like to get up late and get to breakfast two minutes before the dining room closes, ask for a stateroom by the elevator closest to the dining room." —Carol Marlow, president and managing director, Cunard Line

Reserve activities in advance
"You're going to want to get some pampering on a cruise. Make your spa and beauty appointments in advance if you can, or soon after getting on board. The spas fill up quickly." —Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales, Royal Caribbean International

Cover your bases
"I tend to overpack. I spread everything out on my bed and take inventory. I'll eliminate some slacks and skirts, but I always bring one or two extra tops—and jeans because, inevitably, someone suggests going somewhere casual." —Karen Hughes, vice president of global leisure sales and distribution, Starwood Hotels and Resorts

Lose the shoes
"Shoes take up a lot of space, so I pack a pair of black or brown shoes and sneakers. That's it. You don't need three pairs of black shoes." —Peggy Bianco, group vice president of hotel supply, Orbitz