The art of traveling light hasn’t come easy but after years of trial and error, I finally managed to ditch the checked bag and travel only with a carry-on. There are many benefits: No waiting at luggage claims, no lost or delayed bags, no dragging a huge suitcase through the airport or trying to roll it over uneven cobblestone streets. A lighter and more maneuverable bag will make your trip much more enjoyable, believe me!
In my early days of travel, I wanted to bring all my favorite clothes and shoes. I even packed my preferred beauty products (even my hairdryer!). Add to this all the stuff packed in ‘Just in Case’ and you can imagine…
Let me recount how I was dragging two huge suitcases through the Paris subway system and how I almost got stuck in the turnstile! You see in Paris to exit the subway station you need to insert your ticket and then the turnstile doors open (and only very briefly) and snap shut, presumably to avoid many people exiting at once without valid tickets. Well sure enough, as I was trying to maneuver my way through, the automatic doors closed on my suitcase (better that than on me!). I was caught trying to wrestle my bags free from the iron jaws of this machine while rush hour traffic was muttering under their breath about the darn tourist! Don’t be that girl! When we finally got the bags free, guess what, a long flight of stairs and no working escalator. Never again!
The craziest thing was that I didn’t even use half the stuff I brought along since it was colder than usual. I ended up wearing the same sweater every day. Lesson learned, get a smaller suitcase and next time bring a light vest or jacket.
1- Start by downsizing your toiletry bag:
When I started traveling, I used to bring regular sized bottles of sunscreen, body lotion and make-up remover. Heavy stuff that sometimes leaked in the checked bag. I now bring travel sized products with me, if I can’t buy my brand in a convenient TSA allowable (<100 ml) size, I fill my own small leakproof travel bottles. When traveling for a longer period of time where I may run out, I usually borrow some room in my husband’s bag, or make do with some local products which I pick up along the way. It’s all part of the adventure!
I even managed to ditch most liquids (except for sunscreen) and replace them with solid alternatives: shampoo and conditioner bars, makeup remover cleanser towelettes and an insect repellent stick or towelettes. I’ve tried all these products and they work well. As a bonus they are leakproof and lighter than their liquid counterparts.
Ladies, we don’t need all that make-up! Who has time for that on vacation? I pack an SPF 30 sunscreen powder brush, mascara, a black eyeliner, and a colored lip moisturizer. That’s really all I need. I used to bring blush, foundation, eyeshadow and make-up brushes, and all of these stayed in my make-up bag. I’m guilty however of bringing my flatiron. That I can’t do without unless I want to look like a fuzzy mess. Unfortunately, sometimes the humidity has the same effect but I’m powerless over that!
2- Limit the amount of clothes you pack:
There’s really no need to bring seven different outfits for a week’s vacation. Limiting your selection to a few color-coordinated choices is enough: 3-4 tops, 3 bottoms (pants, shorts, skirts or dresses), a light vest or a sweater, a scarf, one pair of walking shoes and one dressier but comfy pair of shoes or sandals. Reversible items are a great choice. It’s all about being able to mix and match as well as being able to dress up or down your outfits. It’s amazing how a scarf can jazz-up an ensemble.
On some trips we have been severely limited on weight but we’ve been able to launder our clothes and reuse them. This is often expensive at hotels, but some lodges offer this for free, and on cruises it’s offered as a perk for status members. There are also many brands of travel clothes that are easily washed in the sink and guaranteed to dry for the next morning, brands like Tilley or Exofficio among others.
I always pack a swimsuit and a sun hat, even for cold destinations. Hotels often have a pool and spa so why not be prepared and take advantage of these amenities. I bring a pajama, 3-4 pairs of quick-dry socks, underwear and bras. I also pack a quick-dry exercise outfit for the gym to go burn off all those extra calories consumed while sampling local delicacies.
If traveling to a colder region, I bring a down-filled puff jacket and a raincoat. Both are lightweight and pack very small. I also bring a hat and gloves.
3- Remember that you’re also allowed a personal item:
Sometimes, we might have to gate check our carry-on so in our personal item we should keep all our travel documents, medication, money, credit cards, bank cards, and IDs. If you must bring jewelry (not recommended) keep it in this bag also.
In my personal item I keep room for my small travel purse, phone and charger, camera and accessories, medication, a double wall insulated water bottle, a book (the rest are eBooks stored on my phone), headphones, earplugs and an eye mask as well as a small tin of shea butter (to replace hand and face moisturizer). I also, bring a cashmere or merino wool sweater to stay warm, as it can get chilly on airplanes. In addition, my personal item does double duty and becomes my daypack while touring at my destination.
Related post: Packing Tips: Maximizing Carry-on Space With Your Personal Item
Conclusion
I’ve been traveling light now for years and even then, I always seem to bring more stuff than I really need. I even started to keep notes on the stuff I don’t use including silly gadgets like this footrest I picked up for the plane!
In any event, if we forget something it’s not the end of the world, we can usually buy it while abroad even if it’s not exactly the same brand that we’re used to. Unless you’re going into the jungle or into a really remote location, don’t pack all the “Just in Case” stuff and enjoy the freedom of traveling only with a carry-on. It also helps to keep a packing list. Start with mine and build on this to include your own essentials.
See our Packing List
Every rule can have exceptions. In my case, the one exception I do make regarding checked bags is when we’re going on a scuba diving trip. In that case, I prefer to bring my own gear for safety reasons and because I am familiar with it (and its maintenance history!). My dive camera even has its own suitcase! Ha, ha!
