If you're planning a vacation, it's usually hard to decide what to take with you and what to leave behind. With space limited and concerns about theft or loss, you can't take everything -- such as all your jewelry. But at the same time, you want to look good for those photos too. 

Here's how you can choose wisely in packing your jewelry and be happy on vacation while also staying worry-free. 

What to Leave Behind

The most important rule of traveling with jewelry is not to bring anything you can't live without. Even if you're traveling to a relatively safe (or very safe) location and worry little about theft, things still get lost while moving around. Don't risk your best jewelry, your large wedding ring, or family heirlooms. Leave them behind and travel without having to worry.

If you're going to be attending a special event (like a wedding or anniversary) on vacation, you may need to bring an important piece of jewelry for the occasion. In this case, be sure you carry it with you on any planes and make use of the hotel safe rather than wear it unnecessarily.  

What to Bring 

You'll want to pack pieces that coordinate with several different outfits you're already packing. This may take some preparation by considering your clothing plans well before you leave, but it will help tremendously to give you some good-looking jewelry options that you'll be happy to have. Look for inexpensive but attractive pieces of jewelry that mix and match with different outfits -- things like gold and silver chain necklaces, a string of pearls, multi-colored bracelets, and small hoop earrings. Consider swapping out your wedding ring for just a plain band or even a special (but inexpensive) travel ring that can take its place during the trip. 

While it's best to pack neutral jewelry, you should also bring a couple of fun or trendy statement pieces. If you are wearing the same clothes for an extended time, you will be happy to have something to dress them up with for a night out, a special dinner or some memorable photos. 

How to Pack It

Pack your jewelry in your carry-on bags inside a travel organizer or jewelry roll if you have one. If not, you can make jewelry organizers yourself using a few household items. Here are a few ways:

• Straws. Slip necklaces into straws and close the clasps around the straw. You can snip off the end of the straw to fit the necklaces (and bracelets) to keep them tangle-free. For larger necklaces, try cardboard toilet paper rolls instead.
• Index cards. Poke holes in index cards, then place earrings through the holes. A little bit of tape can keep the earrings in place and organized. Wrap the whole thing with a cloth for protection.
• Pill boxes. Daily pill boxes make excellent organizers for earrings and small necklaces. They can be a little bit larger than other organizers, but they will keep things clean and separated. 
• Plastic bags. Small plastic bags can be great ways to pack your jewelry. You can find different sizes of bags that range from tiny sealable plastic bags often found in craft stores to snack-size baggies and sandwich bags for large pieces of jewelry. 

Traveling with jewelry should be a way to add enjoyment to your vacation, not a way to make it more stressful. By selecting jewelry that coordinates with your clothing, leaving behind pieces you would worry about and organizing your packing well, you can make sure your next vacation is both beautiful and enjoyable. Talk to a jewelry store for more tips.