I am a minimalist when I travel. As an often solo traveler, the less I have to carry, the better!

At 6 feet tall, losing my luggage would be more than just a nuisance. Losing my bag in a place like Japan would be catastrophic because there are no tall or plus size stores. There are not clothes easily available for people my size. So, I’ve “backpacked” on three trips to Japan and several to Europe. No bag check for me!

Recently, during a flight delay, there was a gate and plane change. I ran from one gate to another at the opposite end of the very crowded airport to make my connection. I am NOT a runner. I ran that day!  I watched other people drag heavy suitcases on a plane and off a plane. They maneuvered through a crowded airport and on to a new plane. Then they navigated up narrow airplane aisles. Not to mention trains, shuttles and security lines.  Having everything in my back pack made me much more agile in navigating the airport and the crowds that day. I probably would have missed my connecting flight if I had to drag a wheeled bag.

For me, it is simply less stressful to travel light. I find freedom in my ability to quickly move through crowded spaces with just my backpack and purse. Additionally, in many places in Europe, the streets and sidewalks are cobblestone or brick. I have had travel companions whose wheels have broken on cobblestone.

A good rule to follow: If you can’t lift your bag over your head without assistance, you’ve packed too much! Also, you should be able to pop it into an overhead compartment without assistance.

It takes some planning, and trial and error, but over the years I have figured out a few tricks.

1. Most of the time, you only need two pairs of shoes.

I bring one pair for walking, one pair for dress. I love ballet flats. They are lightweight and easy to wear. I always put a sport/tennis shoe insole in them to make them more supportive for walking. Additionally, I’ll toss in a pair of flip flops to wear in the hotel room. Even nice hotels can have gross floors. It’s easier to slip into flip flops to run down the hall to the ice machine. I like a pair with a bit of structure. This is in case I need to wear them instead of my ballet flats.

I wear my bulkiest shoes on the plane and keep the ballet flats and flip flops in my bag.

2. Everything can be worn twice. Mix it up!

Plan a capsule wardrobe. For one week, I typically bring: One dress, 3 bottoms, 4 tops, jacket/sweater, undergarments and something to sleep/lounge in. Every item I bring can mix and match with everything else in my bag. I mostly wear Black, White, Denim, and one or two pops of color with a jacket or accessories.

3. Use a Vaccuum Storage Bag

I pack everything soft in a vacuum bag. Once the air is removed from the bag, there will be no wrinkles. I am amazed by how compact everything becomes and how easily this bag will slide into a backpack. Plus, it’s waterproof.

4. Wear your bulkiest clothes on the plane.

I always wear a jacket and layer my heaviest clothing on the plane. It can be cold on the plane, and layering gives me less to carry.

5. Streamline cosmetics and accessories.

I keep my cosmetic bag packed at all times. I have duplicates of what I use every day at home. This way, I am never without anything I need. I have found solid or stick forms of eyeshadow, foundation, and even moisturizer. Keeping this bag packed means all I have to do is toss it in the backpack and go.

6. Create a travel drawer

I have one drawer at home where everything is stored to pack for a trip. When I get home from a trip, my backpack, vacuum bags, passport, and cosmetic bag go back in the drawer. Any other items I always carry with me also go back. They are always ready for the next trip.

7. Pockets

Everything I wear for travel has pockets. Preferably pockets that zip, snap or button closed. This gives me easy access to my phone or camera. It often means I don’t need to carry a handbag while wandering, touristing, and visiting museums.

8. Cords and Chargers

I also keep duplicates of my phone and tablet chargers, earphones, and watch packed and ready to go.  This way I am never searching for these smaller items while packing.