7 STEPS TO PACKING LIGHT AND STILL LOOKING STYLISH WHILE TRAVELING

Now THIS was one of the first travel lessons I had to learn, and I boy did I do it the hard way! On my first international trip, my girlfriend and I packed like we were going to California for the weekend (we live next door in Nevada). Beautiful outfits with matching bags and shoes and all the accessories you could imagine. BIG MISTAKE! Once we started riding the train from London to Denmark with every stop in between, hefting our suitcases up and down flights of stairs, lifting them onto the train and finding a place to store them, we realized our error. We quickly found out how to ship 70% of the items home so we could finally breathe and enjoy the exciting adventures that awaited us.

Packing light isn’t just for minimalists or those magical travelers who survive on two T-shirts and a single pair of jeans for a month. It’s for anyone who wants to roam freely, keep stress levels low, and still rock fabulous outfits while doing so. As a personal culprit of overpacking, and then decades of doing it the right way, I’m ready to share with you some great tips about lightening your load and having more fun!

1. You Must Have a Plan (Yes, Really)

Contrary to popular belief, spontaneity and a good plan are not enemies. When it comes to packing, a little forethought can mean the difference between breezing through the airport and finding someone (good luck!) who is willing to help you get your bags from point A to point B.

• Check the Weather: If you’re heading somewhere tropical, you probably don’t need those wool sweaters. If you’re going to a cooler climate, pack layers instead of a bulky parka.

• Make a List: Jot down everything you think you need, then cut it by at least a third. Trust me, those “just in case” outfits are usually the ones that never leave your suitcase.

• And don’t forget you can wear the same outfit more than once: You’re not packing to impress people you don’t know in another state or country…you’re packing to have the most fun and ease you can.

The guide below provides 50 packing hacks and I always prepare an Excel spread sheet that lets me plan my wardrobe daily (including repeated outfits) and probably saves me another 30% of space in my luggage. And it reminds me to leave behind that fifth pair of shoes that I really, truly won’t wear.  My friends think it’s overkill, but the experience has shown me that this level of planning is just what I need.

2. Capsule Wardrobes are a Lifesaver!

If you’ve never heard of a capsule wardrobe, it’s basically the concept of having a few versatile pieces that mix and match into a bunch of outfits. Think of it like a puzzle where every piece fits together, except these pieces are your favorite tops, pants, and jackets.

Here’s how you do it:

• Pick a Color Palette for the trip: Neutral shades like black, white, navy, or beige are your friends here. Add a pop of color with accessories.

• Choose Multi-Tasking Items: A simple dress can be dressed up with heels or dressed down with sneakers. A lightweight jacket can work as a layering piece or a stand-in for a cardigan.

• Limit Shoes: Yes, I know it hurts to leave behind that entire shoe collection, but each pair takes up precious space. Aim for two or three pairs max, like comfy walking shoes, versatile flats, and maybe one “wow” pair if you’re feeling fancy.

  
  

3. Make the Best Use of Rolling and/or Folding Your Clothes

How you pack your clothes can make or break your entire operation. Rolling them not only saves space but also helps prevent wrinkles, meaning you can avoid that dreaded “I slept in this outfit” look upon arrival. For me, rolling works most of the time, though I do fold a few items here and there for better use of space.

The handy little fabric containers below help you group items (e.g., tops, bottoms, socks) and keep them from morphing into a giant ball of chaos by the time you reach your destination. There are lots of packing cubes to choose from, this one worked very well for me and comes in several colors.

And don’t let the inside of your shoes go to waste. Fill them with socks, underwear or smaller accessories. It’s like turning your footwear into sneaky storage compartments.

4. Be Very Selective of the Accessories You Pack

Accessories are your secret weapon for creating different looks from the same basic pieces. A single scarf can turn your plain top into a Parisian-chic ensemble, while a statement necklace can elevate your go-to black dress from classy to eye-catching.

Just keep in mind the space and weight in your bag, and how many times you’ll actually wear an accessory. A huge chunky belt might be fashionable, for example, but it’s also bulky. Opt for thinner belts or foldable hats that can tuck neatly into your bag.

5. Decide in Advance if You Want to do Laundry on Vacation

If you’re traveling for more than a week, doing laundry might be inevitable. But it doesn’t have to be a big production.

• Hand-Wash Essentials: Pack a small container of travel-friendly detergent and rinse out socks or undergarments in the sink. They’ll usually dry overnight if you hang them up.

• Seek Out Lodging with Laundry: Many hotels or rental apartments offer laundry facilities. Take advantage of them. It’s far easier than packing two weeks’ worth of clothes.

6. Research in Advance to Make Sure You Have the Right Tech Needs

While we’re all for minimizing, certain tech items can be lifesavers, like a compact phone charger or a tablet for entertainment.

• Multi-Port Charger: Instead of bringing a separate charger for every device, get a multi-port USB charger. It’s a game-changer for your electronics (and for your sanity).

• Travel Adapters: If you’re going abroad, a universal adapter will allow you to avoid a panic situation if your hotel doesn’t have one to lend you.  

7. Toiletries and Makeup

And let's not forget an area that many of us run into problems, and that is packing minimal makeup and toiletries. So many of us bring full size bottles of shampoo, bath soap etc. when there's really no need. Most times hotels provide very nice products such as these, and if you do decide to bring your own make sure it's travel size (available a Walgreens etc.) or you can pour some into a small travel bottle for ease.

Here's a simple guide to help you streamline your beauty kit without sacrificing your look or self-care:

#1 - Choose a Compact, Clear Bag

• Use a TSA-approved clear toiletry bag or a flat, zippered pouch.

• Tip: A hanging toiletry bag saves counter space and keeps things organized.

 #2 - Pack a Versatile 5-Minute Makeup Kit. Think multi-use, travel-size, and no-fuss.

• Tinted moisturizer or BB cream

• Cream blush/lip tint stick (doubles as cheek and lip color.)

• Brow pencil or tinted brow gel

• Mini mascara

• Travel-size concealer

  
  

Optional Add-ons:

• Neutral eyeshadow stick

• Small brush/sponge (if you don’t like using fingers)

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 #3: Toiletries. Use multi-purpose and solid products when possible.

• 1. Travel-size cleanser

• Moisturizer (Choose one that works for face and hands/body.)

• Solid shampoo/conditioner bar

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss (Use a travel kit or foldable brush.)

• Deodorant (Travel size)

• Razor & small shaving cream or oil

• SPF (Face & Body)

  • Consider a stick or compact for easy reapplication.

    
    

Optional:

• Dry shampoo (mini)

• Perfume rollerball or sample-size spritz

  
  

Here are a few important tips that have made travel so much more convenient for me. And remember, just about anywhere you go has similar (often better) products you can purchase in case you run out.

1. Rebottle your regular products into reusable travel containers.

2. Label everything to avoid confusion.

3. Keep a copy of this list in your suitcase between trips.

Packing light isn’t just about saving your shoulders from lugging around a monster suitcase. It’s about freeing yourself to move, explore, and live without extra baggage (in every sense of the word). By planning strategically, choosing versatile pieces, and embracing the power of a well-packed carry-on, you’ll not only look stylish on your adventures but also feel unstoppable. Because when you’re traveling with confidence and clarity, you can focus on what really matters — making memories, having fun, and being comfortablE.

This is “AGING OUT LOUD, No Limits, No Apologies, No Regrets.” That means we’re leaving behind the baggage of societal expectations, literally and figuratively. So, pack that carry-on, slip on your comfortable-yet-chic shoes, and get ready to explore the world without the burden of a 50-pound suitcase weighing you down.

~~~ Have you ever had a memorable "overpacking: or "under packing" moment on a trip that taught you a valuable lesson? ~~~

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Until next time, keep living boldly, aging confidently, and AGING OUT LOUD —

No Limits, No Apologies, No Regrets!

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