Tips for packing light:

Do Your Homework:

1. Check the weather so you can know what to expect when you arrive at your destination.

2. Research your airline, because different airlines now have different rules about how many bags you can pack and fees associated with baggage.  Check the website for your airline before you arrive at the airport.

3. Double check dress codes.  Some places, especially religious destinations, may require special dress codes.  Most guidebooks will mention any specific clothing that’s required.

Plan Ahead: think about each day’s plans and what you will realistically want to wear each day.  A packing list will help you stay on track.

Take Your Time: rushing while packing is a surefire way to over-pack.  Take your time to make thoughtful decisions and stick to your list instead of throwing everything in at the last minute.

Be Versatile: bringing clothes you can wear for different occasions is always a good idea.  A simple black dress can be dressed up or down, a white cardigan can go with just about anything, and a pashmina wrap is perfect for the day or night.  Vamp Jenica said one good accessory can go miles.

Lay It All Out: lay out everything you plan to take on your bed or bedroom floor to help yourself evaluate what you’ve chosen.  As a general rule, eliminating 1/3 – 1/2 of what you initially want to bring is a good idea.

Toiletries: these tend to be really bulky.  Anything you can put in a travel-size or smaller container or eliminate completely can save a lot of room.

Shoes: this is my weakness.  However, a good rule of thumb is to take one pair of versatile shoes for a weekend trip, and one pair of sandals, one pair of flats, and one pair of heels for a weeklong trip.  Smaller slippers or a thick pair of socks are a better choice for cold mornings rather than bulky ones.

Remember to save room for souvenirs!