I have been traveling an inordinate amount in the past few months. My newest book, "Martha Stewart's Cooking School" (Clarkson Potter), was published in October, and I embarked on a multi-city book tour that lasted for weeks. I also made several business trips, to California, Maine, Ireland, Poland and even Iceland.

Because I travel so much, and to so many diverse locations and in many different kinds of planes and other vehicles, I have devised my own style of packing that works well and is effective. Little is left to chance, nothing gets lost or damaged, and my clothes and other items needed for the trip can usually be worn directly from the suitcase or hanging bag.

For two- or three-day trips, I find I can usually get away with a carry-on duffel/handbag, a smaller messenger bag and a small "wheelie" that fits into a plane's overhead compartment. If I must check luggage because I need many changes of clothing, I use a rigid aluminum suitcase. I also have several good zippered garment bags that can be carried onto a plane.

I carry lots of electronics and cameras with me, and their attendant chargers and batteries are cumbersome and heavy. I pack each charger separately in a labeled resealable plastic bag so everything is visible and at my fingertips.

My makeup and toiletries are packed in separate zippered pouches, which are then inserted into large resealable plastic bags. If I am bringing a laptop, that, too, is packed in my hand-carried duffel, which can be transported easily atop my wheelie or overnight bag.

What's most effective about my method of packing is that it lets me pack outfits together on one hanger. Each outfit is stored and folded in a dry-cleaner-type plastic bag so that once I reach my destination, I can simply hang up my clothes and wear them without having to press them.

Packing by outfit enables me to figure out exactly which undergarments, stockings, shoes, scarves and purses I will need. All my shoes are packed in flannel shoe bags, and I use the same type of bag for belts and evening clutches. If I am traveling with a hat or two, I carry them in a lightweight shopping bag so they won't be crushed.

I have also devised a list of essential "do not forget" items. I refer to this list so that I don't neglect to pack vitamins, a favorite tea, extra resealable plastic bags, jewelry, sunglasses, contact lenses and cleaning solutions, a hairbrush, checks, cash and my passport.

This packing system works well and is easy to incorporate into your next trip. I hope that you will find it as useful as I do.