Things You'll Need:
- A 20" suitcase (length, not width)
- A small tote bag or large purse
- Febreeze
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Step 1
First of all, we need to determine how many days you will be gone and the purpose of the travel. For trips under a week, buy the travel size of the toiletries you will use. For cosmetics, perfume and luxury creams, get testers from the cosmetics counter or buy little jars and bottles that you can fill. For longer trips, consider buying more travel sizes when you get to your destination.
(For this article, we're going to assume that we're packing for a week long trip.) -
Step 2
Be realistic with your clothing choices. Don't bring your gym clothes if you never work out. Don't bring a cocktail dress if you're planning a beach vacation and have no set plans for a fancy dinner. You can always buy one there.
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Step 3
Bring a pair of underwear for every day you are away, plus one. Same with socks. Bring no more than 2-4 pairs of shoes (including the one you are wearing). Generally this means dressy shoes and casual shoes/sneakers/beach shoes, depending on your trip. Pack your swimsuit and something to sleep in that can also double as lounge around clothes.
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Step 4
Bring three less outfits than you think you need because you will wear the same things over and over.
You can get away with bringing 1-2 suits: spot clean, Febreeze it and air it out or take advantage of the hotel's laundry service.
Bring two pairs of jeans or pants, only if they are very different. Bring one dressier top for evenings out and 2-3 casual tops. Bring a light jacket or sweatshirt for chilly nights. I love pashminas. They dress up an outfit and double as a blanket on airplanes.
Comments
JudyCutler1946 said
on 11/20/2008 This is a great article on packing light. I always pack like I am moving.
blaquetweety64 said
on 11/16/2008 Great tips 5*
taskeinc said
on 8/31/2008 Always good to know. I have to travel light. There's just no other way .. B