 Absolutely. In fact, these days I recommend it whenever possible. Whether I'm traveling for a week or nearly three weeks, I almost always take one carry-on suitcase and one personal item—a backpack or bag that slides over the suitcase handle. After years of traveling throughout Europe, Antarctica, South America, Australia, New Zealand and countless river and ocean cruises, I've become convinced that traveling lighter makes the entire journey easier. No waiting at baggage claim. No worrying about lost luggage. No dragging a giant suitcase over cobblestones, onto trains, cruise ships or through small European hotels. Just grab your bag and go. My Two Go-To Bags I have two favorites.
For shorter trips, the smaller bag has become one of my favorites. As airlines continue to fill overhead bins, the smaller size slips into tighter spaces much more easily. The Secret? Pack for One Week (max 10 days). This is the biggest mindset shift. Whether your trip is 7 days, 14 days, or 21 days... Pack for one week. Ask yourself this: Do you remember exactly what you wore last Tuesday? Neither will anyone you meet on your trip. Most clothing can easily be worn multiple times.
Build a Coordinated, Mix and Match Wardrobe This will be the single biggest space saver. Choose one basic color palette—perhaps navy, black, gray, or tan—and make sure every top works with every bottom. I generally aim for about three tops for every bottom, then mix and match throughout the trip. You'll be surprised how many different outfits you can create without packing nearly as much as you think you need. Accessories like scarves, lightweight sweaters, or jewelry can completely change the look without taking much space. Shoes: Less Is More Shoes consume more luggage space than almost anything else. I typically bring:
The trick? Wear your bulkiest shoes while traveling and pack the lightest pair. Your suitcase will thank you. Your Personal Item Works Hard. My backpack carries everything I want easy access to during travel:
Having these items with you also means you're prepared if your flight is delayed or your suitcase must be gate-checked. What About Toiletries? Today's TSA liquid rules still apply - I stick with travel-sized containers or solid alternatives if possible. I've started to look at shampoo and conditioner bars and solid sunscreen to save space while eliminating worries about liquid limits. For longer trips, I can replenish supplies along the way. Maybe not the same brand, but nearly everything you use at home can also be purchased overseas. That said, travel sized toiletries last longer than you may think. Check out this article for guidelines. I've Learned Something Every Trip After every journey, I look back and ask myself: "What never left the suitcase?" There's almost always something. Those items come off the packing list for next time. Every trip helps me pack a little smarter. Traveling Lighter Means Traveling Easier. Packing light isn't about sacrificing comfort. It's about gaining freedom. You'll move through airports faster, navigate train stations more easily, walk those charming cobblestone streets without wrestling oversized luggage, and spend less time managing your suitcase—and more time enjoying the destination. Whether you're setting off on a one-week getaway, a two-week European adventure, or a three-week cruise and land vacation, remember this simple rule: Pack for one week (max 10 days) - not for three. You might be surprised by how little you actually need... and how much easier travel becomes because of it. Of course some of these rules change based on where you are going, dress requirements (formal, casual, etc.), weather, etc. But in general, if go by the rule of packing for a week, you'll do just fine! Ready for an experience that takes your adventure to a new level? I'm here to help you. Call 602-540-7338 or GO HERE to get started. This article was originally written in March 2022 and has been updated to reflect today's travel realities, along with a few packing lessons I've learned after many more adventures. I still travel with just a carry-on and backpack whenever possible—and I don't miss checking a bag one bit!
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