AVOID THOSE TOURIST TRAPPINGS; HOW TO TRAVEL IN STYLE - WITH EASE, ELEGANCE.

Byline: Barbara De Witt Daily News Fashion Editor

Short shorts, loud prints and fluorescent colors.

Talk about a travel disaster.

That hula-hip look that's sizzling in the Valley and many sunshine cities leaves the rest of the nation - and Europe - cold. And those big red polka dots that make you look like Disney sweetheart Minnie Mouse will surely turn you into the ``ugly American'' you've heard so much about.

As you pack for your summer vacation, think about traveling in style.

Not only will you be appropriately dressed for the community or country you're visiting, but the flight attendant might even let you sit in those empty first-class seats you saw on your way to the back of the plane.

Honest. It happens.

According to Suzy Gershman, author of the new book ``Best Dressed'' (Clarkson Potter; $25), ``Travel is both a business and an art; looking right for every destination is usually a learned skill that takes a lot of thought and planning.''

Gershman, who writes for several travel and fashion magazines, says that a trip really begins long before you leave for the airport because of all the planning and packing. Sure, you could just throw and go, but she says that usually results in mistakes that make a vacation less enjoyable.

To pack with panache, Gershman bases her entire travel wardrobe - including shoes - on one color group.

``Black is the easiest, but not the only choice,'' she said. ``And pare down the items packed so that they can mix and match to expand - such as a three-piece suit (jacket, skirt, trousers) - but always pack one emergency extra outfit (in your carry-on bag) because you never know what can happen.''

An experienced traveler, Gershman says, ``If I've learned anything for a well-rounded leisure travel wardrobe, it's to trade up my look and find some happy medium between casual and chic.''

Translation: No shorts or sloppy sun dresses.

Beverly Hills boutique owner and frequent flier Gayle Hayman has picked up a few travel tricks of her own that she has put together in her book, ``How Do I Look?'' (Random House; $24.95). She suggests visualizing the itinerary and preparing for the weather.

For instance, she says, ``It's usually a mistake to think I can always pick up a sweater if I need it. Maybe you won't be able to, and you'll end up cold and anxious, or you might have to settle for a sweater you wouldn't otherwise have bought.''

Hayman says she always takes several pairs of shoes so her feet won't hurt, plus a bathrobe so she'll be appropriately dressed if she has to share a bathroom at a relative's home or answer the door at a hotel. And she likes to take a big silk scarf to tie under her chin and protect her hair, plus a dinner dress, khaki pants, casual shirts and a sweater for walking or sightseeing.

Traveling by ship means more stuff. You'll need to add formal gowns for the evening dinner parties, and also a modest cover-up for your swimsuit.

OK. You've got that basic ensemble with plenty of matching separates. You've added a few scarves for a color boost. You remembered to bring clothing with polyester or those new microfiber-blends that minimize wrinkles and dry quicker than 100 percent cotton - which is important when visiting where people don't use dryers for their laundry.

Now you've got to decide on luggage. And what you choose is especially important these days.

``Luggage today is very lightweight with a soft-body frame because the airlines are limiting carry-on luggage more than ever,'' said Jackie Blakely, a salesperson at Jay's Luggage in Canoga Park. ``Generally, it's got to be 20 inches tall or under. Others allow 22 inches. It depends on the price of your ticket, your destination, and how full the plane is, so it's always best to check with the airlines in advance.''

Although the luggage appears to look alike, Blakely says you want fabric that's so tightly woven it's considered ballistic, which means it might puncture but won't easily tear. ``To be labeled ballistic, it's got to be 1,800 denier and above,'' she adds.

Denier? ``It's the thread count per square inch, and the higher the number, the sturdier the fabric,'' she explains.

Ayala Shked of Robinsons-May in Canoga Park, also advises looking for luggage with interlocking straps so that you can attach small carry-on pieces to the larger upright style you're rolling through the airport or over cobblestone streets.

Once you've got your luggage, start packing by putting the heaviest items on the bottom and placing each garment in plastic bags (like the dry cleaner uses) to help avoid wrinkles. Then put socks in shoes, and place shoes in zip-tight plastic bags to keep clothes odor-free. And be sure to pack extra plastic bags for dirty clothes on the return trip.

When packing a duffle bag, follow the military's lead. Clothing is rolled instead of folded, allowing you to stuff more clothes inside.

ABOUT OUR MODEL:

Trina McGee-Davis has appeared with Sylvester Stallone in ``Daylight'' and Robin Williams in ``The Birdcage.'' She is seen every Friday night as Angela on ABC's ``Boy Meets World.''

She's a Virgo (birthdate is Sept. 6) who was born and raised in New York's Bronx section, studied at Howard University and learned her craft while performing with the Naked Angels Theatre Group in New York City. Now living in L.A. with husband Randall Davis, McGee-Davis is working on her first CD of pop/rock/folk songs. Her summer travel plans include her favorite destination: Rome.

- Barbara De Witt

PACKING WITH PANACHE

Look for soft-body luggage in tightly woven waterproof nylon and check the label for the denier, the unit of weight for measuring the fineness of threads. For the best strength, select luggage that ranges from 1,800 to 2,500 denier.

Airlines have gotten picky about what goes under the seat, and suitcases must measure less than 22 inches tall (wheels included).

The newest luggage shape is a duffle bag (some have wheels) that's ideal for train travel.

Tie a ribbon on your suitcase handles so you can quickly spot your luggage when it comes down the shoot. Have the entire family use the same color.

Put an identification tag on the outside and inside of suitcase.

Ask well-traveled friends or travel agent what type of clothing is appropriate for your destination.

To travel light, stick with a single-color wardrobe.

Shop for polyester or microfiber-blend fabrics that dry quickly and won't wrinkle.

Bring at least one skirt (or dress) for visiting churches.

Don't wear shorts outside the U.S., unless you're going to a tropical climate. Most Europeans think they're tacky.

Put one change of clothes and underwear in your carry-on luggage.

Be sure to bring adapters for your hair dryer and travel iron if traveling outside the U.S.

Put toiletries in a sealable plastic bag with a washcloth (if a bottle opens, the washcloth will absorb the liquid).

Pack each garment in a plastic bag (dry cleaner's type) to avoid wrinkles.

To release wrinkles, hang clothing in a steamy bathroom for 15 minutes; let dry overnight.

When traveling out of the U.S., leave a photocopy of your passport, tickets and medical information with a family member.

When you're on an all-day guided tour, dress in layers that can be taken off as the day warms up.

Leave your best jewelry at home.

Wear sneakers or rubber-soled shoes for walking on cobblestones.

Carry an all-weather coat on the plane to save room in your suitcase.

For safety, wear your shoulder bag strapped across your chest. Or try a new-again fanny pack (a pouch on a belt) or zippered tote bag with a built-in organizer for credit cards, lipstick and travel guide.

Don't leave home without insect repellent, small sewing kit, and safety pins.

Pack camera, cosmetics and prescription medicines in your carry-on luggage.

When packing for a cruise, be sure to include formal attire (evening gown and tuxedo), and a swimsuit cover-up.

- Barbara De Witt

CAPTION(S):

6 Photos, 2 Boxes

Photo: (1--Cover--Color) On the cover: It's a happening ensemble, but leave it at home. When traveling light and/or to foreign destinations, play it safe with a neutral wardrobe that can be dressed up or down with a few accessories.

(2--Color) same as above

(3--Color) Actress Trina McGee-Davis plays the role of best-dressed tourist in a microfiber blend pantsuit by Liz Claiborne Classics (jacket, $148; pants, $98) teamed with a pink Spandex T-shirt under a white blouse. Her microfiber tote is by Nine West, and her new soft-body luggage of 1,800 denier ballistic weave polyester is Big Sur 2000 by Ricardo Beverly Hills. All fashions courtesy of Robinsons-May, Topanga Plaza in Canoga Park.

(4--Color) Although she likes pink, McGee-Davis uses it sparingly on her basic black wardrobe. For dressier events she's added a Liz Claiborne silk cardigan ($44.99) over her Karen Kane nylon top ($50) and Jones New York rayon and polyester-blend skirt ($72.99).

(5--Color) For daytime travel she wears stretchy black pants by Liz & Co. ($48), topped with a white T-shirt by Karen Kane ($30) and cotton pique jacket by Liz & Co. ($69). Her pink fanny pack is from Nine West Body Gear ($36).

(6--Color) Won't have time to change in the evening? The same black pants are now topped with the pink T-shirt and cardigan for a twinset look, accented with a Liz Claiborne scarf ($20) and faux diamond stud earrings by Ralph Lauren ($36).

Photos by Andy Holzman/Daily News

Box: (1) ABOUT OUR MODEL: (See text)

(2) Box: PACKING WITH PANACHE (See text)