If you’re sick of hearing me talk about packing light, then you should probably stop reading now.  I know I talk about it a lot, but to quote my favorite traveler (for the millionth time) “I have never heard anyone brag that with each trip they take, they pack heavier each time.  You always hear about how little they packed.”  There is something exciting and rewarding about not needing so much extra weight.  Remember that scene from Up in the Air with George Clooney, where he tells that girl how much time she’ll waste by lugging a giant suitcase with no rollers?  (If you’ve never seen it, here’s the clip.  Just watch the first 2 minutes.)  If you haven’t thought about this before, you are most definitely packing too much.  We always over pack without a proper system.  This is why I have my system down to a science.  It takes time to create your own packing style and figure out what you truly need and don’t need for a trip, but it’s worth starting a system of your own.

I thought I’d share what’s in my carry-on for a three-day trip in terms of clothing.  I carry other things with me (such as a curling iron, phone charger, sunglasses, etc.)  But I thought I’d show you my basic bare bones packing list.  No matter how long my trip is, whether I’m flying or driving, I bring one carry-on and one personal item.  This system works for a 3 day trip, or a 14 day trip.  Although a 14 day trip will have a lot more underwear, a few more shirts and one more pair of pants.  Otherwise, this is my basic, no frills, packing system.