I just saw an article on women overpacking when they travel. The piece also suggested that packing deterred some people from traveling.

I will admit that trying to decide what to pack for a trip is an exercise in self control. But I pride myself in being able to pack for a two week international vacation in one carry on. Our last adventure to Australia was five weeks and I checked one midsized bag that had plenty of room left inside.

To me, luggage is cumbersome and can slow you down. Give me a backpack and one roller bag and I am good to go. Seriously. . . Less is better when you are on the road.

The decisions of what goes into those two bags are sometimes difficult. I usually start by laying aside articles of clothing that match the weather and planned activities at our destination. Once I have a critical mass, I begin to mix and match clothes. Each item that goes into the bag has to work with at least three other items of clothing that are going in the bag. In this way, three shirts, three pants, three jackets can give me at least twelve different outfits.

I also carry a few very lightweight dresses and one piece garments. I can usually get at least three of these in the backpack. If we are doing a lot of outdoor activities, I have to select a hat that can fold flat, and sometimes gloves. A scarf is always a good choice. If it is cold it can warm your neck; if cool it can serve as a shoulder wrap. Everything is rolled tightly to save space and control wrinkles.

I don’t worry about jewelry. I carry just a few old, basic pieces that can work with everything. I don’t want anything flashy that draws attention. I really like to blend in with the locals if at all possible.

Hardest of all…..at least for me….is shoe selection. I am a shoe girl. In my daily life, I like high heels and shoes with character. Shoes make the outfit. If you know me, you know I am very particular about shoe choice.

Minimalist travel doesn’t allow for my shoe addiction. I usually only find room for four choices. The bulky boot or hiking shoe must be worn on all travel days (they don’t fit into the bag). I am left with uninspiring neutral colored ballerina flats, sandals, or canvas shoes that can be folded and shoved into corners and crevices.

The remainder of space is taken by a hair brush, and very small clear bag to hold essentials like toothpaste and mascara. Make up is minimal to nonexistent when I am on the go. And finally, the electronics which may include a camera, laptop, kindle, and phone (and all the cords).

One bag. One pack. You don’t need more. Besides you have to create room for travel souvenirs. Leave yourself some space. Don’t let life weigh you down. Get out there.