Pack Light to Travel Well
Streamline Your Luggage and Your Life

Pack Light to Travel Well 

The less luggage you carry, the less there is to worry about. Packing light is easier on the environment and saves time, money, and stress. This packing style has saved me many times. On my last trip to Cuba, I was in jeopardy of missing my connection in Miami for Cuba. But, I packed light with carry-on luggage so I didn’t need to claim and re-check bags. I jumped onto an electric cart and zoomed across D terminal. I was able to catch my flight in the nick of time. Phew! Plus, I love the freedom of packing only my favorite and most comfortable clothes and managing my luggage with ease and confidence. 

How to Pack Light

For a 1-2 week trip, I pack one rolling bag 21” (carry-on size) and one backpack. I bring a belt bag to secure money and passports and a sling bag for day outings. These brands are top notch and I’m always so happy to travel with these pieces. I love my luggage! 

• SwissGear Roller Luggage 21”
• Vans Warp Sling Bag
• Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L
• Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Backpack

To Roll or Fold?

I use a combination of rolling and folding clothes to maximize space. Personally, I fold button-down shirts, jeans, dresses, and pants to prevent wrinkles. Then, I roll the rest to make the most of the space in my suitcase – t-shirts, athletic wear, and travel fabrics. I also have a few Thule compression packing cubes. They save space and are great for separating shoes from underwear and delicate items.

Break down of items something like this:

Use the 5 Cs of Packing to Pack Light to Travel Well

1 / Calendar

Look at your calendar and check your day-to-day itinerary. Take note of the types of clothes you’ll need for different days. No matter how long you’re traveling, you’ll find that you need about a week’s worth of clothes, give or take. If you mix and match, you’ll have 10+ outfits by swapping out different tops and wearing bottoms more than once. I always bring a small laundry bag inside my luggage to keep clean clothes fresh.

Most of the types of outfits you’ll need will fall into one of these categories:

• Sightseeing = Comfortable Top + Bottom + Shoes + Outerwear (or Dress)
• Traveling = Comfortable Top + Bottom + Shoes + Outerwear Outdoor
• Exploring = Athletic Top + Bottom + Shoes + Outerwear
• Going Out = Nice Top + Bottom + Shoes + Outerwear (or Dress)

Break down the number of items something like this:
5-7 tops
3-4 bottoms
1-2 dresses
2-3 pairs of shoes 
Accessories
* I love colorful scarves that dress up any outfit and protect your shoulders from the sun.

2 / Check Climate

Check the weather! Look at the weekly forecasts for your destinations and think about season items and adventure gear — will you need a rain jacket, winter coat, gloves, sneakers, sun hat, swimsuit, water sandals, snow boots, or an umbrella?

3 / Consider Culture

Consider the culture so you can be a conscious and considerate traveler. Conservative countries tend to have customs and norms around clothes. Find out if you should cover your shoulders and legs (this will also help with sun exposure!) think scarves, hats, long sleeves, pants, or long skirts or dresses. Research and respect these traditions to avoid unwanted attention or offense.

4 / Color Choices

I like to stick with mostly solid neutral colors in comfortable travel-friendly fabrics. Sticking to a limited color palette, all of your outfits will match, no matter the combination of pieces. I accent with bright colored scarves or light pretty blouses to dress up in the evenings. I keep jewelry to a minimum when traveling – but I’m a minimalist anyway.

5 / Comfort is Key

Choose comfortable pieces and all your “go-tos” that you love to wear all the time. Pack natural and performance fabrics — they’re lightweight, and can be hand-washed easily if needed. Leave behind anything that’s uncomfortable, doesn’t fit, or that you’re unlikely to wear more than once. On the fence? Best to leave it out. Be realistic — those stilettos will not mix well with cobblestone streets.

So, get packed and go have fun!