Eight Tips for Packing Light While Traveling

Less is definitely more when it comes to packing for travel. With baggage fees ranging from $25 to $50 per bag, everyone’s trying to minimize so their bags can fit in overhead bins. Or, if you’re checking a bag at the airport, you may want to pack lighter to fit more souvenirs in your bag for the return trip home. Whatever your reason, if you don’t want to pack a vacuum sealer in your suitcase, follow these steps to make the most of a small suitcase.

Think black, white and tan. Pack classic clothing in these colors to mix and match, creating an entire wardrobe out of only a few pieces. For instance, pack lightweight, high-quality t-shirts in black and white, a black cardigan, black pants, a black nylon skirt, a white skirt, khaki pants or shorts and a lightweight top in a different color to create multiple looks.

Accessorize with color. Feeling like that black and white wardrobe is a little blah? Pack lightweight silk scarves in bright prints to liven up your wardrobe, or a few chunky necklaces or long earrings. Color suggestions include turquoise, fuchsia and orange, which really stand out against black and white.

Wash in the sink. If you’re traveling for a week or more, you may want to plan to wash clothes – especially workout clothes – in the sink and wear them again. Pack travel-sized detergent, a lightweight, super-absorbent (microfiber) towel and a travel clothesline to wash clothes at night, press out the water and dry them overnight on the clothesline.

Go travel-sized. Reduce the bulk in your bags by purchasing travel-sized options of your favorite products. Sites such as Mimimus.biz offer miniaturized versions of thousands of drugstore and grocery store products, and Sephora.com has pint-sized luxury products, skin care and makeup in its “Beauty Minis” section.

Accept what’s provided. You won’t have to pack shampoo, conditioner and soap (and risk potential liquid spillage all over your clothes) if you use the hotel-provided toiletries. If you’re staying at a place that doesn’t have shampoo or conditioner, purchase an all-in-one shampoo/conditioner/body wash beforehand and store it in a 3-ounce container.

Do without. Do you really need seven lipsticks, three eye shadows and bronzer powder on your Caribbean cruise? Evaluate what you need and pack only the basics, whether they’re for you or your children, to eliminate extra stress.

Limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. Shoes make up the bulk of what’s in your suitcase, so if you wear one pair and pack another, you’ve freed up a huge chunk of space. If you’re a woman, pack flats (or flip-flops or tennis shoes) and heels; if you’re a man, pack a pair of workout shoes and a pair of dressy shoes.

Don’t shower. Of course, this won’t work for trips longer than a few days, but you can get by with packing a few baby wipes for cleansing and dry shampoo instead of toiletries for a weekend getaway. Don’t forget the mini-deodorant.