The key to 1 bag travel is having the right bag

And a good packing plan

I have 2 go-to bags, depending on the trip

The Away Bag is hands down my favorite roller board. It’s lightweight & sturdy and fits in airplane overhead storage bins (even the regional jets like Embraer). Added bonus - it comes with gadgets like a built in battery charger, plug adapters and a pocket for laptop/tablet. For work travel this is my go-to.

When I’m traveling for fun and leisure I opt for my Osprey backpack - this fits into airplane overhead storage bins and it has a daypack that unzips from the main pack making it super convenient for day trips. The straps are adjustable in 4 ways making it easy to balance depending on how its contents are distributed.

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Pack Light List

Things you don’t need:

  • Hair Dryer - every hotel / accommodation has these

  • Makeup bag - pick your favorite daily basics and pack a small kit

  • Perfume/Toiletries - goes without saying if you are going carry-on

  • Jewelry - keep it simple - less to lose and forget in the rooms

  • Flat iron / curling iron - Euro & global electric standards are different from USA (USA is 110v, most countries outside of North America are 220v) - invest in a combo travel size that is dual voltage if you aren’t willing to forego the hair tool; you don’t want those kind of fireworks on your trip - here’s the one I like

  • Wardrobe in the colors of the rainbow - it’s ok for a pop of color but a coordinated palette will allow you to mix and match pieces and give options without making you feel like you are wearing the same thing every day

“Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light”
— Yogi Bhajan

For me, packing for a one-week trip is the same as packing for a month. Every country has washing machines—and I always bring a laundry packet just in case.

After too many trips to Europe with oversized checked bags (and wearing only a handful of what I packed), I’ve learned it’s better to just bring my favorite, most versatile pieces. Less to carry, less to think about, and I always feel like myself. Anywhere I travel has clothes, so if I really need it I will buy it there.

Seasons matter - here’s my summer pack list:

  • 2 shorts - pair of denim cutoffs I love from Gap and a linen wrinkle free pair from Quince I’ve been living in all summer

  • 3 tops - neutral palettes effortlessly pair with my shorts

  • Sweater + Athleisure- I usually wear this on the plane

  • Workout - I run daily so 1-2 tops/shorts that I can wear/wash/hang dry

  • 3 dresses - Quince / Vuori / Lulus are my favorite brands this summer (no affiliation just like the style)

  • 2 swimsuits

  • 1 beach / lounge coverup this can also be a sarong or double as another outfit

  • If hiking is on the itinerary swap 2 dresses for the utility pants & tops

  • Sleeping / lounge outfit

  • Shoes - 1 sneakers (wear these on the plane); the other pair should be neutral, dressy & versatile

  • socks/bras/underwear

  • Travel charger I like this one because it charges all my devices (Airpods, phone, watch)

  • Travel adapter this one has ports for USB & plugs so I don’t have to carry extras, and it’s super small

  • 1 small clutch purse - if I don’t want to take my cross body bag

  • mini makeup kit & travel toiletries

  • photocopies of Driver License, Passport, Health Insurance card - just in case

  • International Driver License - these are becoming increasingly more important in Europe if renting a car; you can obtain at the local AAA office

  • Vacuum packs - these aren’t usually necessary for summer as the clothes are less bulky but can be useful depending on what you’re packing; note: they will make your bag much heavier as the density increases

  • Travel Insurance - covers lost bags, incidentals, and out of pocket costs for illness