THE DOWNSIZE: HOW I PACKED LIGHTER
Well, many people believed that this task was impossible, but I did it. I took an international trip to Europe using only one piece of carry-on luggage. Yes, this phenomenon had been done once before, but it was a trip to Costa Rica and a backpack was involved. Those were different circumstances. There were no light weight swimsuits, beach coverups and floppy hats on this trip. Real clothing was needed! The occasion was spring break. The location was Malta. The season was supposedly spring, but when I checked the temperature, it was more like a Texas winter.
Normally I carry my giant Samsonite suitcase, aka “Big Red”, on my international trips. Big red can hold a complete mini wardrobe, a mobile salon and a makeup studio. I know this for a fact because, these are normally the contents of my suitcase. Due to a time sensitive connection in London, and few luggage mishaps in the past, I decided to downsize my luggage to only the essential items. Let me explain.
This is what I would normally pack. I would take clothing “outfits” for every day, at least three evening outfits, a pair of evening shoes, slippers, a curling iron, a flat iron, hair mousse, Moroccan oil, hairspray, facial cleanser, toner, moisturizer, sunblock, detox mask and makeup. Whew.
Now, this is how I was able to cut the bulk. First I purchased a set of the packing cubes from Amazon, in pink of course, which helped me to organize my luggage. I then realized that I had to re wear clothing in order to make this mission work, so I packed coordinating colors. Just in case I decided to do a load of laundry, I took a travel size Tide laundry detergent.
I also needed thin, light weight, yet warm clothing. Since it was still boot weather in Malta, and leggings and boots are a great combination, leggings were an obvious choice. Another benefit of leggings is they are light weight and roll up into basically nothing. I prefer basic colors like black and grey, in addition to one printed pattern. Neutral colors also pair easily, plus they can be worn multiple times. I also packed a Wolford body suit which kept me warm under my light weight tops. http://www.wolfordshop.com/bodysuits I know you are thinking, “I am going to look blah!” No, that is what your accessories are for, flare, plus they do not take up a lot of room.
The next thing I packed was my skincare. I kept all of the sample packets of my moisturizers, cleansers, toners and eye creams that I received when purchasing my products from the department store. If you do not have sample packets, just transfer the products into smaller TSA approved containers. I purchased my containers from Target in the travel section. You can also do the same with your haircare products. You can also ask your stylist to purchase the travel sizes of your favorite professional brands. Hair stylist love keeping their clients prepped with proper hair care products.
The only things left were my pajamas, toiletries and fluffy socks. This was a breeze, travel sized everything. Also, do not overthink things. This is the 21st century and if you forget something, you can always buy it. This was how mission impossible was accomplished. Happy travels. Ciao!
