I am not a fan of checking bags. For me, it is no Bueno! There is something about stepping off a flight and heading directly to customs and straight out to catch an Uber, jump in a private car, or find my shuttle bus that warms all my cockles.
While I have never lost my baggage on a trip (knock on wood), I’ve heard so many horror stories that 3 years ago I decided to stop overpacking and learn the fine art of packing and traveling light. It has been a game-changer.
Here’s the thing, I still like to look fly and cute so I don’t under-pack, instead I plan my wardrobe carefully and accessorize with a cute crossbody bag, fashionable sandals, and great (but inexpensive) jewelry. I am off to Mexico in the near future for remote work, and to see if I like it as a longer-term relocation option. My first stops are Tulum and Playa del Carmen. I want to be comfortable in the very warm weather but still, look cute. Read along and I will share how I pack, what I pack, and links to key items that are my personal favorites.
What, you may ask, is the key to packing light? Four things are critically important:
1. Find good sturdy but lightweight luggage with great compartments
2. Use packing cubes
3. Color coordinate your wardrobe
4. Pack the right gadgets but not too many
Here are the items I am taking on my next trip:
Luggage
I found a lightweight 8lb Samsonite Carry-on Suitcase at Marshall’s. It was inexpensive and the perfect airplane-approved size. It has great compartments to carry many of my listed essential items below.
My second bag will go under the seat in front of me. It is a smaller roller bag by Lucas I also found at Marshall’s. It has great compartments and will carry most of my listed essentials below. Here is something similar.
I do not like backpacks because they always cause me back pain so I use roller bags but there are great rolling backpacks and backpacks as well.
I will also wear my favorite fanny pack around my waist. It is by Gucci but you do NOT need a designer fanny pack. Any sturdy cute small fanny pack will do. I carry my phone and passport in mine.
My Travel Essentials (these always go everywhere with me) in my under the seat bag:
Laptop and charging cord
Ipad and charging Cord
iPhone
Castleguard respirator mask (specifically for flying)
Favorite Airplane neck pillow the Trtl neck pillow
Compression socks
Mini First Aid kit – clips to the bag
Mosquito repellent wipes and spray
Sanitizing wipes
Facial Towelettes (make-up remover)
Mini Lint Roller
Hand Fan
Mask & earplugs
Anker Portable Charger (with 6 hours of charge)
Make-up bag
Swimming cover-up scarf
Large Scarf I can use as a blanket on the plane and headwrap if needed.
2 Washcloths – Lots of countries don’t provide them so I always bring a couple.
Little ziplock bag with tea, sweetener
Little ziplock bag with Q-tips, facial swabs, dental floss, razors
In my carry-on suitcase (along with large & medium packing cubes):
Portable Carbon monoxide & smoke detector
Convertible backpack (doubles as a beach bag)
Rain poncho
Sunscreen
Perfume Rollerball
Small travel size bottles with the following: Body spray, hand sanitizer, lotion, detergent, moisturizer, facial wash
Clothing
When it comes to clothing, I try to keep it simple, practical but cute. I always pack my bags in packing cubes. On this trip, I bought a couple of versions of this dress I found on Venus.com, in both the long and short versions. It is cotton. It washes easily, it is flattering on me (I think) and it is lightweight and easy to pack. When I find a lightweight dress that I like, I buy it in multiple colors. While I am only taking 3 colors on this trip, I have this dress in multiple colors in each style. As I mentioned, packing cubes are key.
Here is a link to my favorite packing cubes but you can find less expensive cubes a Marshalls, Ross, and TJ Maxx. On my upcoming trip I am bringing the following in each packing cube:
Large packing cube
2 coverups
1 2pc hot pink Bikini set
1 Monokini
1 long T-shirt (my fave Biggie Smalls T-shirt) from Free People
1 pair – Biking shorts
4 sundresses
Medium packing cubes:
Five cardigan sweaters
Two pairs of cotton drawstring shorts (got mine from H&M)
3 T-shirts
One sports bra
One strapless bra
One regular bra
Small Packing cube (inside my second personal (under-seat bag):
1 Black bikini
1 sundress
8 fabric face masks
1 T-shirt
Black turban
In total I am taking:
6 sundresses
4 T-shirts
3 bathing suits
8 fabric face masks (hey they match my outfits)
One pair of heels
Two pairs of flip-flops – one dressy & one casual
1 pair of tennis shoes that I will wear on the plane*
*tip – never pack tennis shoes, wear them on the plane and save space!
Yes, ALL Of these items into carry-on size bags that should meet airline specifications unless a really overzealous airline person decides to be a pain in the ass (smile).
I have provided links to some of my favorite items where I could still find them, especially to my essential items because I LOVE Them and they have been with me on many, many trips. Feel free to comment and ask questions, I will try to answer if I can. I hope you find the pictures and information I’ve shared helpful as you plan your travels. Feel free to share your favorite essential items and tips in the comments as well.
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