I recently had some good friends come to visit for their anniversary. I noticed my girlfriend Gina's suitcase was packed impeccably and I jokingly commented that I needed to know her packing secret. "Easy", she responded, "Tom always packs for me."

What? Her husband, Tom—the strikingly handsome, burly, athletic, a total man’s man, no nonsense, Tom, has delicately packed his wife's suitcase for the past 13 years of marriage. Not because Gina is helpless or lazy, nor incompetent, but because this is one of his many gestures of affection. Gina, an intelligent, successful businesswoman, acknowledges that her husband has a much better eye for detail and an innate ability to fold and wrap her travel wardrobe. She appreciates his efforts and reciprocates the kindness in other ways.

Ladies and gentleman, that's called love—it’s doing the unexpected or what may generally be out of your "norm" for another person simply as a gesture of consideration and goodwill, with nothing expected in return. It has nothing to do with power struggles, antiquated gender roles or what your friend's might think if they found out. Not even a hint of "What's in it for me?" If you are planning a vacation in the near future, either together or solo, consider surprising your spouse with a perfectly packed suitcase.

1. Bring it on board. Unless you are going for an extended vacation, consider traveling with a carry-on and an oversized purse or tote bag (2x if you are traveling together). Put your wallet and personal belongings in the tote, along with any magazines, a pair of comfortable shoes for your trek through the airport and anything else you will need during your flight.

2. Check it off. Make a check list of the basics; pj's, reading glasses, medications, contact lens case, make up, underwear, band aids, etc. Don’t forget to review the list before leaving the house.

3. Is that regulation? Make sure your carry-on suitcase is FAA regulation size. Regardless if your suitcase is made of leather, aluminum or sturdy cloth, or even a duffel-style carry-on, make sure it has wheels. Throw your tote bag over the handle of the wheeled case and off you go.

4. Easy access. Store your larger suitcase in the overhead and keep your tote under the seat in front of you for quick access to magazines, tissue, hand sanitizer or your laptop.

5. Wrinkle-free tip. Recycled dry cleaning bags works miracles for wrapping sweaters, skirts, shirts, trousers and assorted articles of clothing. This tip is the key to your clothes arriving wrinkle free.

6. Bag the footwear and get them in position. Place your shoes in old grocery bags, wrap them in dry cleaning bags or professional shoe bags and line them around the perimeter of the suitcase. This will create a sturdy shell, allowing you to place your garments in the middle and preventing them from shuffling during the flight.

7. Keep 'em separate. Use small travel bags or zip lock storage bags to separate undergarments, belts, inexpensive jewelry (wear the good stuff or keep it in your tote—never check it), toiletries, medicines, computer and cell phone chargers and all other miscellaneous items that inevitably get lost or sink to the bottom of the suitcase.

8. Wrapped up. In your tote, pack an oversized scarf or pashmina that can be used as a blanket for the frigid plane trip. Nothing is worse than feeling chilled and your only option of warmth is the dirty airplane blanket that is crumpled up next to the earlier passenger’s old newspaper.

9. Don't get chapped. A good quality lip balm is always a plus to have available. Invest in travel size equipment such as hair dryer, steamer, pillow, alarm clock, and a small purse that doubles as a wallet that can easily be stored in your travel tote.

10. Nice and comfortable. Select workout clothes that can be worn as daywear such as yoga pants, a light-weight jacket and comfortable walking shoes.

11. Keep your clothing flexible. Choose clothing that coordinates in one or two complimentary palates. Wrinkle free shirts, micro fiber pants and a little black dress made out of a jersey material are a safe bet when traveling. 12. Tone it down. Go easy on the wild prints and florals. Instead, throw in a few colorful scarves or accent your look with some great costume jewelry. 13. Unless you're attending Fashion Week… Don't over do it on the shoes. Pack shoes that will go with several outfits, a pair of heels, a pair of flats and a pair of tennis shoes for your workouts. Don't forget a pair of cheap flip flops if you are not comfortable walking around on the hotel floor. (Okay, I admit I'm a little germ phobic.)

14. Keep it identifiable. Label your luggage with a distinct luggage tag and before you zip it up, throw in a couple of empty trash bags for dirty clothes. Bags don't weigh a lot and you can use them to separate your smelly gym socks from your delicate lingerie.

15. Travel ahead. Finally, consider pre-shipping any gifts that may be fragile or breakable. Better safe then sorry and it will be one less thing to worry about.

Diane Gottsman, a nationally recognized etiquette expert, is the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in etiquette training for corporations, universities and individuals, striving to polish their interpersonal skills. You can reach Diane at 877-490-1077 or www.protocolschooloftexas.com.