The Art of Packing Light: A Guide for Smart, Stress-Free Travel

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The Art of Packing Light: A Guide for Smart, Stress-Free Travel

Whether you are jet-setting to Europe, heading on a Caribbean or Alaskan cruise, or road-tripping with the family, the way you pack can make or break your travel experience. After years of traveling, we have learned a thing or two (usually the hard way), so here is a guide on what you need to know to pack smart, stay organized, and avoid “why did I bring this?” regret.

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Start With This Mindset: Pack Light, Pack Right

Packing light is more than just a minimalist trend. It is a strategy that can save you time, money, and major headaches. Less truly is more when you are traveling. You will have less to carry, less to keep track of, and bonus: less to unpack when you get home!

Looking at this messy suitcase gives us anxiety lol Do you need to bring your snorkeling gear? Why are the shoes not in their own bag?

As travel advisors, we have seen it all. Before we dive into the how, let’s talk about the why:

Airlines lose bags. (Even with AirTags.) Or, damage items or have long delays and cancellations.
Hotels and ships have laundry services.
You do not need to bring your entire wardrobe “just in case.”
You can usually buy what you forgot at your destination (yes, even internationally, though maybe not your favorite brand).

But, with a little planning and the right mindset, you can breeze through airports and cruises like a pro!

Essentials That Never Belong in Checked Luggage

Repeat after me: “My valuables stay with me.”

If you are checking a bag, no matter where you are going or how long you are staying, make sure your carry-on or personal item includes:

Passport
Jewelry
Prescription medications
Medical devices
Important travel documents
A change of clothes (or two!)
Toothbrush/toiletries
Swimsuit (because priorities!)
Chargers/power banks

And if the airline asks you to gate-check your carry-on? Open that bag and pull those valuables out first. Trust us. We can not stress this enough: airlines can lose or delay your bag even with tracking devices like AirTags. Better safe than sorry!

Travel Tip: You can Pack Light for Trips Under 7 Days

For trips lasting up to 7 days, we highly recommend traveling with just:

A personal item (like a backpack or tote with a zipper so nothing falls out)
A carry-on suitcase. Our favorite is the 22-inch wheeled duffel, (we have the pink and grey versions) which somehow fits more than the average spinner!

Remember the advantages:

No baggage fees
Faster airport check-ins
No waiting at baggage claim
And if the airline misplaces a bag? Not your problem ; )

Packing Pro Tip: Use Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are a game changer. Not only do they help organize your clothes (think: shirts in one, pants in another, or color code red for Mom, blue for Dad), but they also prevent overpacking. If it doesn’t fit in your cube, it is not coming.

You can use standard or compression packing cubes, just be warned: compression cubes will let you overpack and may create the illusion that your bag is magically expandable. Spoiler: it's not.

You Need a Packing Strategy

It is not just about what you pack, it is about how you plan.

We recommend making a list broken down by days and events. For example:

Day 1 – Travel day (comfy clothes, layers, slip-on shoes)
Day 2 – Embarkation day
Day 3 – Sea day + formal night
Day 4 – Port excursion
Day 5 – Chill day/swimming
And so on...

Real notes used for a cruise. You can also go back and see what you actually wore vs predicted.

This helps you pack intentionally instead of emotionally.

Also: Can any of your clothes double up? Sundresses that double as pajamas? A black top that works for dinner or daytime? A swim dress that doubles as a day dress?

Loving the swim dress because it can also be used as a dress, especially on a hot day at port, sea, or theme park as it dries quickly!

What About Laundry?

Many cruise ships and hotels/resorts have affordable laundry options. From self-service machines to full-service wash & fold. Or, if you are really living that minimalist life, rinse a few things in the sink and hang dry. Boom.

Doing laundry means:

Less to pack
Less to haul
Less laundry when you get home!

If you have the option for self-service machines, many also have the option to buy detergent and dryer sheets. We pack Tide or Gain Pods and our own dryer sheets in a zip lock. It does not take up much space and it is one less thing to pack once used.

Doing laundry on Discovery Princess September 2023. We bought this bag at Walmart.

We also like a foldable laundry bag for short trips or a bigger one with a strap to carry it on our shoulder like Santa Claus for longer trips. We do not like the mesh laundry bags as it does not separate the clean clothes from the dirty bags as it has holes.

Using the full-service wash & fold on Emerald Princess October 2023. You can wash anything and everything that fits in the bag. You also need to itemize each piece of clothing. Ex) 2 shorts, 3 underwear, 1 shirt, etc.

Shoe Strategy

You do not need 5 pairs of shoes.

Pack:

Your bulkiest pair (sneakers or boots). Wear them on the plane!
A pair of flip-flops or sandals
A dressy pair (heels/flats)

Three max. You got this.

Do not forget to pack the shoes in shoe bags to avoid getting the rest of your stuff dirty : )

Last day of our Alaska cruise : ( I'm wearing my snow boots (my bulkiest pair of shoes) and many layers.

Traveling with Kids?

Things change a bit if you are packing for babies or toddlers. Think diapers, swim diapers, wipes, baby meds, etc. But the same rule applies. Only bring what you will need for a few days, then buy the rest at your destination.

Now, unless your baby requires a specific brand of diapers or wipes, then pack what you will need. We usually packed 10 diapers/ pull-ups per day per child to be in the safe side knowing we would have extras and less to carry on the way home.

Here is a blog about what to pack in your diaper bag!

We also highly recommend bringing a gate check bag for your stroller and car seat (if you are not using it inside the plane) which are complimentary. Just go to the ticket desk at your gate where you will be given a tag to put on the gate check bag (or stroller if you do not have a gate check bag).

Most destinations, even international have:

Shampoo
Conditioner
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Maybe a different brand or price, but still available!

Pumping?

Your pump bag is complimentary! Yes, complimentary. Just pack your pump parts in a clear bag or zip lock so the TSA agent does not touch it with dirty gloves. Rarely have we seen them change their gloves between touching people's items.

Toiletries and Makeup: Travel Size is Your Friend

When flying with carry-on luggage only, stick to the 1-quart clear ziplock rule for liquids and gels in your carry-on. Every liquid item must be 3.4 oz (100 mL) or less and fit in that single quart-sized bag that fills up quickly!

But let’s get real, you do not need your whole vanity.

Ask yourself:
What do I actually use daily?
What can I live without for a few days?

Here’s how to keep your beauty routine travel-friendly without sacrificing your favorite essentials:

All liquids = smallest size possible
Use 0.33 oz, 5 ml, 8 oz, 10 ml or 1 oz bottles for everything liquid. This includes:

Foundation
Liquid highlighter
Setting spray
Perfume
Hair serum or oils
Shampoo and conditioner (you can also buy your favorite travel size brand, then refill it)

Use refillable mini containers
Invest in tiny, TSA-approved containers (often found in travel toiletry kits). These are perfect and refillable. A little goes a long way. You will be surprised how little you use during a 5–7 day trip. We have used them for our facial moisturizer or Deep Blue Rub.

Go solid where you can
Save space and liquid allowance by switching to solid versions of common beauty products:

Solid primer (yes, it exists!)
Stick foundation or BB cream
Powder blush or highlighter instead of cream
Bar cleanser or moisturizer sticks

Do you really need your entire makeup bag?

Ask yourself: Mascara or lash extensions? (Many travelers opt for extensions before vacation!)
All the eyeshadow colors or just one neutral shade? Or none at all?
Brow gel, or skip and go natural?

Hair tools: Be selective

Do you really need both a straightener and a curling iron? If yes, try a 2-in-1 tool or bring a mini straightener and curling iron.

Remember: You are not trying to replicate your full beauty routine, you are trying to feel good, travel smart, and avoid TSA stress. Lastly, if you forget something, you can almost always find it at your destination (even if it’s a different brand).

When we travel, 3 oz of sunscreen is more than enough. However, when it comes to lotion we do need more than 3 oz, so we buy it when we get to our destination (unless someone in our travel party has a checked bag so we ask if we can put it in their bag). Same thing when we are going on a cruise and can bring a 750 ml bottle or 2 of champagne or wine, we just buy when we arrive at our port city the day before the cruise!

What If My Luggage Does Get Lost?

It happens, even to the most seasoned travelers. Here is what to do:

Hopefully you bought travel insurance. Let us know ASAP! If you booked with us and you have travel insurance, we will help file your claim. Need a travel insurance quote?
Buy what you need at your destination. Your comfort matters. Buy clothes, toiletries, and anything else missing and keep your receipt.
Enjoy your trip! Breathe. You are still on vacation and it is more than what is in your suitcase. Please, do not let it ruin your trip. Hopefully, all your valuables were in your carry-on.

As your travel advisors, we will call airlines, tour companies, and hotels to help, but delays are out of our hands. We will always advocate for you when making the necessary phone calls and help with documentation. But please remember: sometimes the airline blames the airport, who blames the transportation company, who blames the tour operator… and well, we have heard it all.

We promise to do our best, but nothing is ever guaranteed when it comes to lost luggage.

Summary: Why Packing Light is the Way to Go

✔️ Less to carry
✔️ Less to stress
✔️ More freedom
✔️ Less to unpack when you get home

Want a Personalized Packing List?

We would be happy to send you a tailored checklist based on:

Destination
Cruise vs resort
Who is going (solo, couple, family with kids, etc.)
Time of year
Type of activities

Just drop us a message or comment below to make an appointment!

So...have you ever lost your bags?

Drop your story in the comments or share your best packing tips. We would love to hear how you travel smart!

With gratitude,

Ana & Travis

702-482-7774

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