It may be difficult to believe, but it is true! When we travel - even when it is overseas for a month - we do not check bags! Realizing that you can travel with plenty of clothing and minimal items is freeing! The key is to plan in advance and to not panic as the travel date gets closer by throwing in items that you “might” need! Here are some suggestions, lists and guidelines if you are looking to travel without the fear of losing your luggage or just want to enjoy traveling without the weight of too much stuff!
Carryon suitcase items:
All clothes items are rolled up and placed primarily upright (like cinnamon rolls) in one side of the carryon suitcase.
If you are going to experience hot and cool places during the trip, pack layers! When I needed to, I used scarves to change the look of outfits.
Typically, this is what I wear on the airplane - my bulkiest shoes, long pants with pockets, long-sleeved shirt, jean jacket and a scarf. These items are also listed in the packing list below.
Sample packing list:
Two nice but comfortable pairs of pants with pockets
Three long-sleeved cotton shirts
Three lightweight dressy scarves
White leggings and black leggings
Eight to ten dresses - mostly casual
Four to six nice shorts/skirts
Five or six nice short-sleeved tops
Jean jacket
REI black hooded rain jacket
Sun hat that can fold flat
Three pairs of walking shoes - wear one pair - and one pair of nice neutral-colored sandals. Lightweight water shoes are also good if going to a beach.
One swimsuit - two only if I am going on a beach vacation
Beach wrap/scarf that can also be used in lieu of a beach towel
One light set of pajamas - or a t-shirt and shorts
Undergarments
Two TSA pouches with small bottles of liquids - shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, body wash, bar soap, laundry soap, travel contact solution, etc.
Individual pouches of sunscreen, bug lotion, etc.
Folded lightweight tote that can be used as a beach bag, shopping bag, etc.
Foldable plastic hangers and plastic clips for hanging wet clothes
Small empty spritz bottle to spray clothes with water to release wrinkles
Backpack items:
Choose a backpack that is large enough but is not going to be too heavy to carry, and choose one that has a slide strap to fit on top of the carryon suitcase.
Sample backpack list:
Pouch with travel documents - passports, etc. Cash in pouch from countries where we will be traveling.
AirPods
Small battery pack and cord
Phone and watch charger
Flat jewelry pouch with costume jewelry
One backup dress rolled up with underwear and socks
Flip Flops or flat sandals
Extra scarf
Umbrella in outside pocket
Makeup bag
Medicine bag with small amounts of several items
Glasses and extra contacts
Sunglasses
Wet ones and alcohol hand spray
Packets of snacks - nuts, crackers, etc.
I might also have one of my TSA pouches with liquids if it does not fit in my suitcase.
Crossbody purse with zippers - it has to fit inside the backpack so that it does not count as an additional carry-on.
Sample purse list:
Small wallet (driver’s license, insurance card, two credit cards, one debit card, photo copy of passport, small bills for tipping), phone, reading glasses, makeup compact, chapstick/lipstick, one extra pair of contacts, hair tie, bobby pins, individually wrapped wet ones, individual bug and sunscreen packet, a few bandaids and a few safety pins.
Other space-saving tips:
Download books, audio books, etc. on phone instead of taking a Kindle or iPad.
Purchase disposable water bottles as you go instead of taking a heavy refillable one.
For walking shoes, I like Skechers in black, gray or light tan. They are lightweight and come in a variety of styles.
Have items do double duty. Use one of the casual dresses as a swimsuit cover up.
This is surely not a complete list, and it may not be for everyone. Use this as a guide for traveling light! Once you try this, you may never go back to overpacking!
