I vow to pack less.

This year, our shorter trips will outnumber the long ones. It won’t be until the end of the year when we take an international flight and spend multiple weeks in multiple locations. However, after many years of packing and unpacking, we’ve got it down to a science. And the science is all about the carry-on. I will NOT pay to check luggage. Actually, with our Delta Skymiles membership, we never have to pay for luggage. With that said, we never check unless we absolutely have to. When we fly other airlines, it’s non-negotiable. We will not pay to check. I like my money where I can see it - in multiple bottles of hot sauce or tubes of lipstick (my go-to souvenirs), but that’s a story for another time. Take into account all the recent horror stories of lost luggage and that’s reason enough to choose only a carry-on. Figuring out the packing dilemma is a must for sanity and for cost. There are strategies, and with no children in tow, two coots should be able to manage, for this is not rocket science.
      Here's the best answers to the questions that’s on everyone’s mind, and the ones we put into practice every time we hit the road.

The Luggage + Backpacks + Day Totes

Four 360-wheels, for sure. Last year, Len and I invested in two bags - international, carry-on’s, and vowed these will be all we will ever need. I say investment because it was; in hindsight, it’s the best travel purchase we’ve made in a very long time and solidified my affection for the Tumi brand. Our choice, the Tumi, 19 degree international expandable. We carry many Tumi products, all which have exceeded our expectations with storage, expandability, and durability. The carry-on is lightweight plus has an external USB port. We did purchase during a sale, so if you’re going to invest, keep your eyes open for sales. Our other Tumi products include the Voyageur Backpack, Ruma Crossbody (the amount of things you can get in this little bag is mind-blowing), and the Just in Case Backpack. The Just in Case folds in a small pouch, goes in our luggage and on every trip. I use it as a day bag or an extra bag to bring purchased items home.
   
The Clothes

Choose a color palette and layer, layer, layer. Mine is black, white and cream. We're upping our game this year and trying packing organizers/compression cubes by Eagle Creek. Once upon a time, I was a strategic and relentless roller; these days, it depends on types of materials. Traveling and packing for winter months is a different animal than doing the same in the warmer months. Nevertheless, also keep it simple, Hanes cotton long-sleeve t-shirts in a variety of colors are always a must and will layer with everything.

The Shoes

I don't need what I think I will need. I always have a pair of Old Navy flip-flops in a zippered pouch in my suitcase for hotel rooms. I never go far without my Birkenstock sandals or clogs. What I bring is dependent upon seasons and itinerary. If there are outdoor activities that require boots, I wear my hiking boots on the plane rather than using up space in my luggage. I’ve worn this Merrell boot for over 10 years, and it remains solid and supportive (ankles) for all outdoor activities. Don’t balk at spending more on shoes; the older I have become the more I realize that THAT is exactly where the money needs to be spent. Taking care of your feet is necessary if you intend on traveling. I’m a nut for LAMO cushy boots; to date, I have worn out three pairs. They are comfortable, water-resistant, and my constant companion during the winter months.

And, my newest footwear, OC. No need to break-in (On Women’s Cloud 5 shoe, waterproof). They feel cloud-like the first minute. Honestly, I had never heard of the brand until the salesperson at Trailful Outdoor Co. in Hiawassee recommended them. Geared toward hikers, this shop knows their stuff, and whether a hiker or a baby boomer in need of a good shoe they nailed the recommendation.

The Makeup

Necessities only. The older I have become, the less I feel the need for makeup. It’s amazing how much time not having to do makeup adds to the daily routine. I carry Perbelle cream to smooth out my skin tone. That plus mascara - Thrive - and I’m ready! However, skin care has become a priority. I have been using Elemis (discovered on vacation in Ireland at Bushmills Inn) for over five years, and the difference in my skin is dramatic. The Pro-Collagen Marine Cream is my morning ritual. Before bed, wash your face with the cleansing balm (rose is delightful); then, the night cream tucks me in at night. One container of each will last almost a year with daily use.

The Toiletries

Medications are a must. For me, I’m a once-a-day, only a few kind of gal. It’s the vitamins that become bulky and consume most of the containers. So, I use a small one for my meds; a larger one for vitamins. You can mix and match for longer trips. My new companion for travel this year is CADENCE containers. Leakproof and magnetic. Different sizes. Unique labels. I’m a sucker for organization.
And because Len lives by this rule, always carry a small bottle of aspirin. It works on most anything.
Samples - I grab them where ever I go and save them for travel. I love L'occitane and get multiple samples every time I order the full size products. The body cream that travels with me, L’Occitane Ultra Rich Body Cream, shea cream that is the only reliver of my dry skin.

The Jewelry

I've learned from toting everything I have that I need nothing. I wear my usual pearl earrings (which by the way speaks volumes to hotel/air personnel when requesting upgrades - I was shocked to learn this) or diamond studs, a watch and maybe a string of pearls and that's it. From day to night to everywhere in between, I'm ready.  Plus when you're on tours, you sweat; sweat and jewelry do not go together. This green velvet organizer is ideal to hold extras during travel.

The Technology

This is where traveling becomes sketchy. With camera gear, it's a loaded answer. For international travel, we love our Think Tank International V2.0 Rolling Camera Bag. We keep everything stored in this even when we're not traveling. We have the older version, and it has been tossed and shuffled more than we’d like to admit; through it all, camera gear remains in tact. This case is for multiple camera bodies, lenses and other gear.
In addition to camera equipment inside, we put our phone and tablet chargers, an extension cord, a headlamp, anything technical or electronic. It's always in THIS bag.

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