The good news is, most airlines are still allowing 2 pieces checking in on transatlantic and transpacific flights. But if you probably have noticed that the lighter you pack, the less stress you get while on trips. Frequent business travelers all seem to understand packing the essentials, and only the essentials. But most people tend to pack more than just necessary for a stress-free vacation. There are many things you really don’t need such as a radio, hair dryer, etc. Most hotel rooms have these, and even if they don’t, you can live a few days without.

Many women pack shampoos, conditioners, and everything they have in their bathroom at home. You don’t need all that. If you’re visiting relatives, friends, you don’t need those. If you’re staying in hotels, you don’t need those. The days of packing a dozen underwear are gone. You only need 5 underwear and wash them by hand in the hotel. Also you only need one formal wear, be it a dress or a blouse. Mix and match. Shoes, 2 pairs are enough. One pair to walk in and one pair to party with. I’m planning a European trip for one week in the summer with one backpack. I’ll let you know how it works out.

Many savvy travelers I know have been shipping their bags to destinations in advance. Or if you have one of those award programs, frequent flyer miles or airline credit cards that allow you one free luggage, then you can still pack all your essentials like the old days.

But for most travelers, the old days are gone. Plus I’ve never been a big fan of large check in bags anyway. I’ve gone to Europe and Asia with one carry-one even before the airlines started charging fees. If you’re just going for a trip, there’s no need to bring too much. Knowing what to pack and use all packed clothing is the key.

Be expected to hand wash some of your clothes in hotels. Bring wrinkle-proof and light, fast drying clothes. Take advantage of space saver bags to pack underwear, shirts. Avoid jeans as it takes too long for them to dry. Just pack enough for 5 days of clothes even if you’re going for 10 days. You can re-wear and hand wash.

Here’s a little trick that I have learned throughout my traveling. Buy the travel sized space saver bags. Depending on how long you will be gone, get 3 of these great bags and you won’t regret. Use one for all your under wears and socks. One for your shirts and one for dresses.

Fold your clothes normally and put them in the bag and vacuum seal it. It’ll compress the space by 75% less. Although they will weigh the same, you have more room. My experiences with them are: a full suitcase can become half full. Don’t put jeans, hats, and such in the space savers as they don’t compress as much. Usually it’s the soft and bulky items like sweaters compress the most.

Rolling your clothes rather then folding them always makes more room in your suitcase. If there is any room left, I then add the things from my “want” to bring pile. Make sure that you put any liquid items in a zip lock bag so that if it does open up during your trip you won’t have toothpaste or shampoo all over your clothes.

Also, don’t forget to save room in your suitcase for souvenirs that you will want to bring home!