- Find a lightweight but sturdy suitcase that is less than six pounds and fits the requirements for your airline- whether carry-on or checking.
- Compression bags can help you to fit double the amount of clothing that you need.
- Try to plan your wardrobe for your trip to be filled with mix and match items and neutral palettes.
- Use dry cleaning bags to prevent wrinkles.
- Pack a collapsible duffel that can be used for toting and later utilized for bringing back items that do not fit in your bag.
- Keep the footwear down to three pairs or less.
- Maximize your allotted “personal item” to fit your important electronics and items, as well as any important clothing that didn’t fit in your bag.
- Reduce gadgets and only bring what you really need.
- Leave behind the toiletries that you don’t really need and only bring the necessities in the right sizes/containers.
- Maximize safety and security when you travel by preparing your personal data as you see fit.
Click here to read more from Tara Donaldson for CNN Travel.