Cheryl's Travel Blog Volume 1: Packing light

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Volume 1:  Packing light

 

         Packing light is my family’s rule and tradition. It all started with the polar opposite, my mom. She’s a legend for taking 21 bags for a 3-night cruise in a closet sized, inside stateroom.  It doubled after visiting the Nassau straw market where she bought an assortment of purses, wig boxes and hats never to be used again.  Our 3 week plus summer vacation always started will a huge fight over baggage that often resulted in the rental of a trailer to carry her stuff.  Even in her later years her baggage for a week in Vegas filled a large car.  I found it so annoying that I annoy my family and all who travel on my dime with the Tubel, thou shall not check bags rule.

 

This is easy to do if you follow these hints:

 

1.        Take one outfit per day for evening, keeping fabrics lightweight and wrinkle free.  Chico’s traveler collection works great.  A black skirt, slacks or capris can be used more than once with different tops. So can jeans.  Daywear depends on the trip but usually for me is a bathing suit, cover-up, jeans or casual clothes that can be used more than a partial day.  PJs, robes…no, just no.

 

2.       Shoes….one pair black evening shoes, walking shoes and maybe beach shoes.  My daughter can’t do this but manages matching shoes somehow.  She says to put shoes, hair dryer, and larger items on the bottom of the bag and the clothes will mold to them.  I say forget the hair dryer, use the hotels or go out in the breeze or sun.

 

3.       Keep makeup and toiletries to the minimum, use sample sizes or hotel products…my daughter disagrees with this also, but magically fits it in.

 

4.       Take a large tote with a small purse inside.

 

5.       If all this fails and you can’t close your bag, do as my daughter…use your husbands bag for overflow!!!

Finally limit souvenirs.  Remember a good piece of jewelry takes up no space!!