By Miss Britt from In Pursuit of Happiness

I used to travel with an incredibly large suitcase, just-in-case shoes, and enough hair products to style an entire bridal party. Then airlines started charging for checked luggage and my frugal habits required me to change my packing patterns. Whether I’m traveling for a weekend or a week, I almost always get everything I need into a single carry-on suitcase. Here’s how.

1. Use the hotel’s toiletries. There’s no need to pack even tiny bottles of shampoo; the hotel you’re staying at will almost always have what you need to wash and moisturize yourself from head to toe. Remember that hotels also have hair dryers.

2. Pick one color palette. I generally wear black and choose one or two coordinating colors for an entire trip. This makes it easier to mix and match jewelry, shoes, and scarves, which means I don’t have to bring duplicates.

3. Do not pack for emergencies. You don’t need three extra pairs of pants or home repair kit in your luggage. Pack what you know you’ll need and rely on convenience stores to fill any gaps that are unlikely to occur.

4. Re-wear the basics. Jeans can be worn more than once, as can cardigans and pajamas. A travel wardrobe made up of coordinating staple pieces that are punched up with small accessories is much easier to pack than a bunch of one-wear outfits.

Planning for only what you need allows you to be a diva on the road without being that woman with the mountain of luggage - and that means more money for shopping back home!

Do you have any packing tips?

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