I just got back from a 4-day stay in Nashville, Tennessee. I did not have to check a bag. I had four days of clothing and did not need anything extra. So here are some tips for your next trip that I hope will get you thinking about traveling lighter.
TIP ONE:
Use the hotel room drawers to keep all your horizontal surfaces clear. The drawers serve as hidden flat surfaces. You will be surprised at how serene this makes you feel and how easy it is to locate items.
TIP TWO:
Try using a tiny under-the-seat-sized suitcase. Decide ahead of time you will only pack what you can fit in your bag and stick to it. The key is wearing heavy items like jeans and coats, bulky sweaters, and one pair of good walking shoes that can double for wearing with a dress or slacks. You can also pack a pair of non-bulky sandals for dress-up occasions. Think no-fuss materials when you fill your bag. Think everything goes with everything else. Think layering when you board the plane. They weigh your bag, not your body!
TIP THREE:
Invest in a tiny crossbody purse that you have only essential things in. You will be glad you have a light bag as you go through the airport and sightseeing at your destination. You can always use a shopping bag to carry around extra things you may accumulate on your shopping sprees.
Try these three ideas out when packing for your next trip and see how surprised you are that you can become a lighter packer and enjoy it. Of course, the more you practice, the better you will get!