Travel Blog: Me vs. My Suitcase

I recently took 30-day journey back to the U.K. to visit friends I met studying abroad. I refused to pay extra for a second suitcase, so I had to fit everything in one 50-pound bag, one carry-on and one large purse. This wouldn’t seem so hard, except that I had to plan for cold days in Wales, nights of going out, a music festival on the beach with the chance for warm and sunny or cold and rainy and 85-degree beach weather on the Spanish island of Majorca.
 

My suitcase stuffed to the brim with 30 days worth of clothes and shoes.
 

It was a challenge, but I’ve picked up some tips and tricks that can save you some seriously precious space for that essential pair of high heels.
 
How to Pack like a Pro:

1. Pack pieces that mix and match. For every piece you pack, find at least one other way to wear it.
2. Use a Space Bag for coats and bulky sweatshirts to remove air and create more room.
3. Roll t-shirts, tanks and anything else you don’t mind wrinkling into tight tubes to take up less space.
4. Put shampoo and conditioner into 3-ounce bottles for your carry-on and empty the rest into 8 oz bottles to use when you’re not flying.
5. Stuff socks and scarves into boots and tennis shoes. You’ll save space and the shoes will keep their shape.
6. Take less makeup. Do you really need 30 colors of eye shadow?
7. It’s all about dresses and rompers. One piece = one complete outfit!
8. Take a few pairs of black tights. Throw them under dresses, jean shorts and skirts for colder days.
9. Invest in a travel hair dryer that stores the chord in the handle.
10. Don’t over-pack. Shopping when you get there is half the fun!

 
*Disclaimer: I had access to an iron. If you wont, don’t pack so much. Wrinkles are not fun.