Less Is More!

"Pack it up, pack it in. Let me begin."

        My first-ever big trip was to Spain for an exchange program back in high school. I brought a suitcase I could've easily curled up and fit into. Many treks later, I realized that over-packing is always a big mistake. First of all, I looked foolish dragging something as big as I am around a foreign country and secondly, it was a hassle from start to finish. My checked back ended up being overweight, so I had to scramble to find new homes for shoes and other heavier items in order to get down to the airline's acceptable weight. They typically charge a fee if you aren't able to distribute the weight elsewhere. Once we got to the capital city of Madrid, I regretted bringing the world's largest suitcase even more. I remember lugging that thing on and off the bus, from city to city, noisily down old streets, in and out of our hotel and finally into my host family's house, all while looking like an amateur tourist. We all have to start somewhere, right?

        I have since traveled far and wide and I now have packing down to a science. It's helpful when I write down a list of the essentials first(and to keep this list for future reference). It also doesn't hurt to check the weather forecast where you're going. I personally tend to get cold on airplanes and at night, even in the tropics, so I bring a sweatshirt or a long sleeve shirt with me regardless of my destination. I start by taking out my rolling duffel(a huge downgrade in size from the enormous Spain trip suitcase). I got this rolling duffel bag at L.L.Bean because of the lifetime guarantee, the perfect size, the flexible material, the carrying handles and especially the roll-along wheels. I used to start packing a couple days before, which feels a lot like last-minute Christmas shopping. I'm anxious by nature, so I learned that a little at a time is my preferred method for getting things done. This way, instead of rushing around and feeling stressed, my only emotion in the days prior to traveling is pure excitement! Packing can turn into a daunting chore if you try to do it in a hurry. As I do daily tasks around my apartment in the week or two before my trip, I like to start placing the items I'll need aside. A couple days before my departure, I have everything in one place and I try to cut the number of items in half, rolling up the chosen ones tightly to save space. Even when I pack light, I don't usually use or wear everything I bring. So, make sure you have at least one of each of the staples, but ditch the extra "stuff" that you aren't sure you'll need. In the past, I went shopping and bought even more stuff, until I realized it was just that: stuff. I rarely actually needed what I purchased and it just further complicated packing. These unnecessary purchases also wasted money that would be better spent while actually on my trip. When we get excited we get carried away, but keeping it simple is the way to go.

        I often remind myself that most anything I forget can be procured wherever it is I'm going. Here is an example list of some necessities, but you should tweak it to your liking!

-Passport

-Photocopy of passport

-Photo ID

-Cash & credit/debit cards

-Cell phone & other electronics

-Chargers for electronics

-Medications

-Glasses or contacts

-Sunglasses

-1-2 pairs of underwear for each day

-Socks

-Shoes(Sneakers & sandals, weather dependent)

-Sweatshirt(s)

-Toothbrush & toothpaste(in carry-on)
-Sunscreen

-Headphones

-1 outfit for each day + 1-2 extra outfits

-Nude colored bra and/or strapless bra

-Bathing suit & cover-up (I always bring a suit even if I'm not traveling to warm weather, just in case a hottub pops up!)

-Pillowcase

-A smile, an open heart and an open mind

Other tips: 

Check the airline's website to find out liquid allowances. 3-ounce bottles are typically allowed, but they should be placed in a large zip-lock baggy to be safe. Anything over 3 ounces should go in a plastic bag in your checked bag before you get to the airport(plastic bag is important in case of leakage! The last thing you want to do when you get to your last stop is wash your sunscreen-soaked suitcase!)

Happy travels to you and yours!