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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I have read on here about people who can travel for 2 weeks in a carry on.  I always have a large checked bag.  What are some good tips for finally stopping this.  I don’t use 1/2 of what I take, but I get stressed out trying to decide what to pack.  I am also a very last minute packer.  Any help would be appreciated.  [/quote]

First thing is - do what works for you!  If you want to check a bag, check a bag (I would make sure you have meds, valuables, and a change of clothes in your carry on though).

If you want to reduce - think about your reasons. Is it to reduce the weight you are carrying, to lower stress on vacation by having fewer choices to make, worry about your luggage making it to your destination, make it easier to move from place to place (trains, smaller planes, etc).  Some people get caught up in "packing light" and make it a competitive sport! Figuring out your reasons will help you determine where to cut back.

I prefer to travel with a wheeled carry on and a personal item (tote or backpack).

My normal smallish purse and meds, electronics, toiletries, and one change of clothes go in my smaller personal item (plus something like one bathing suit if it's a beach vacation - basically whatever I'll need for the first 24 hours or whatever is hardest to replace). This is just in case my wheeled carry on gets gate checked.

It all depends on where I'm going and what I'm doing, but my basic rule of thumb is 3-4 bottoms, 5-6 tops, a jacket, maybe a dress, 2-3 shoes (this includes my plane outfit - wearing the bulkiest stuff on the plane). I don't necessarily make sure everything matches everything else, but everything must be able to be worn with at least two things. I usually have a plan for doing laundry during a trip, but a lot of my clothes can be sink washed in a pinch. I also buy things that are lighter weight and dry quickly and fold up small. You can do this without looking like you're going on safari or running a marathon.  Athleta, Title 9, Eddie Bauer, REI, prana, etc all have normal looking clothes. I usually only take jeans for cold travel, I have decided I don't like them or wear them if it's warm.

There are so many websites, forums, youtube videos etc dedicated to packing light.  Sarah Murdoch has some good YouTube videos.

And if you decide it isn't for you - that's fine too![/quote]

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