Traveling LIGHT

Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.

Dalai Lama

It seems I was on an airplane my entire childhood.  As far back as I can recall, I was looking out of a window into the clouds or on road trips to nearby places.  Photos with my mom and dad captured memories of Europe, Moscow, and the Caribbean, as well as Upstate NY, Niagara Falls, and the surrounding tri-state areas.  Seems I have inherited their love for packing up and hitting the road.

Over the years, whatever the mode of transportation – planes, trains or automobiles, the key to successful stress-free vacations is how you pack.  Trust me, from my experience, there is nothing more frustrating than pulling or pushing overweight luggage through a crowded airport and hoisting an overstuffed carry-on onto the TSA security belt.  What’s worse, arriving at the hotel, opening luggage filled with items that are wrinkled or unsuitable for the trip.  Sure, you want to have options but not at the expense of enjoying your trip.

Following a sequestered pandemic season, Americans are slowly returning to a travel mindset and so am I.  I am more than excited to return to the skies and visit new places. In the meantime, I want to be completely sure I am packed with just what I need so I can spend more time eating, visiting restaurants and museums and less time at the local Target trying to look for walking shoes to replace the strappy sandals I mistakenly packed.

Here are a few of my personal tips to traveling light and looking your absolute best in the process.

1. Use a carry-on size bag
   • Light luggage is easier to carry and handle
   • It serves as a reminder of how much you are willing to carry.
2. Plan + Research
   • Identify the type of trip you are expecting to enjoy; is it beachwear or hiking or dinner and shopping. 
   • Check the weather, get the 10-day forecast.
3. Stick to a packing list
   • Write a packing list and stick to it.
   • I have used Pinterest as my inspiration. I’ve come across posts of outfit ideas to manage my packing and travel strategy.
   • I use a 5-4-3-2-1 Packing formula; 5 tops; 4 bottoms, 3 dresses or rompers, 2 shoes, and 1 handbag, accessory, and scarf. It can be changed according to your trip.  See below an example of a TRAVEL CAPSULE WARDROBE

3 Days 2 Tops 2 Bottoms 1 Layer* 1 Pair of Shoes	5 Days 3 Tops 3 Bottoms 2 Layers* 2 Pairs of Shoes
7 Days 4 Tops 3 Bottoms 2 Layers* 2 Pairs of Shoes	10 Days 5 Tops 3 Bottoms 2 Layers* 2 Pairs of Shoes
14 Days 5 Tops 4 Bottoms 3 Layers* 2/3 Pairs of Shoes

• Bring items you can mix and match
  • Create a table including the days, the activities, and outfits.  That way you can see what each outfit includes. For example, denim shorts works equally well with a white button down shirt, or a tank top, or a stripped knit top.
  • Take tops and bottoms in a similar color scheme that will allow you to recreate looks for just the right occasions and activities. A few color schemes include black-white-grey or white & navy, or white-nude-grey.
  • You’ll be surprised at how you will create more outfits with less items
• Don’t pack all your shoes
  • Pack no more than three (3) pairs plus a pair of flip flops.
  • Be imaginative about what shoes will work best with your travel needs.
• Wear bulky and heavier items on the plane
  • Bulky items, boots, jackets, jeans take up space in the carry-on. 
  • Airports and planes are usually so cold anyway, the heavy jacket and jeans will come in handy.
• Don’t pack clothes “just in case”
  • Again, plan your trip.  Identify walking or hiking excursions, evening dining and dancing, trips to the mall or hanging out with friends.  Once you have become clearly specific about who and what you are doing on this trip, you will pack accordingly.
• Use packing cubes
  • Packing cubes are essential in my carry-on.  They keep my clothing organized and I can unzip and place the entire cube into the hotel dresser drawer.
  • They also serve a purpose to hold dirty clothes separate from the rest of your items.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to plan your travel.  Even a short vacation to the beach requires some design from what you will wear on the plane, to the number of days you spend in the sand to visiting local hotspots.  Resist the urge to travel without some sort of idea as to what you will pack and wear once you arrive at your destination. 

Take your time to create a restful vacation without the hassle of excess clothing, shoes, luggage, or other items you may not need. It makes sense to use the extra time to enjoy the surroundings of your vacation site.

Safe travels.

.

…now what, Linda