less is more and more just doesn't work for a carry on bag!

With the onset of ridiculous fees for baggage checking, [exception: Southwest Airlines, of course] just about everyone is planning to carry on their luggage these days, no matter how big or how small the bags!  Can you believe the whoppers people try to squeeze, punch, or otherwise forcibly shove into the overhead compartments?  

 

Ah ha!  So that's why they tell us to get to the airport early!  It's not about the long lines for security checks.  It's about boarding before all the overhead bins are completely full!

 

But, enough about the hassles.  Let's look at the bright side and all the reasons why taking just one carry-on bag is definitely a great idea!  Yes, that's right.  One bag for a one week, two week, even a month long stay!  

 

Is that even possible you ask?  Absolutely.  I know this because I took one carry on bag for a two week trip to Europe.  One of my clients took one bag for a month long vacation that included a number of different destinations.  I stand in awe! 

 

And wouldn't it be great to come home from your next trip and say, "I wore everything I packed, I had everything I needed, and I looked really good the whole time."  Now, that's what I call the perfect pack. 

 

Like most things in life, planning is the key.  Setting aside some time to think about where you are going and what you will be doing once you get there is the ideal way to start.  The more thinking and planning you do ahead of time, the more perfect the pack.

  

1.  Think about the "culture" of your destination.  Is it big city urban, small town country, island resort, or lake house cottage?  [Wearing lots of black may be chic in Manhattan, but in Napa Valley? Probably not.] 

 

2.  Go to www.weather.com and look at average temps this time of year for your particular destination.  Be as specific as you possibly can.  You will also be able to get a 10 day forecast which may or may not be accurate, but at least you will know if you should pack an umbrella.  [Often neglected, this is probably THE most important step of all.]   

 

3.  Ask yourself [and your travel companions] will we be walking, hiking or cabbing it?  Touring, swimming or lounging?  Clubbing or dining out?  Driving or boating?  Gallery hopping or museum shopping?  And if this is a business trip, will you be attending conference seminars or meetings?  Speaking publicly or doing some informal networking?  Chatting poolside at a casual cocktail/appetizer event?  [What should you wear?]   

 

4.  Call ahead to see if the place where you are staying has shower essentials, an iron, a hair-dryer, laundry facilities and/or dry-cleaning services.  This is absolutely vital information if you want to make wise decisions about the clothing items you pack!

 

5.  Make a list, check it twice and pack only what you have on the list.  I repeat.  Make a list! 

 

Once you have managed to check off the above five items, you are well on your way to the perfect pack.

 

And if you are in or around my neighborhood on Tuesday, June 21st at 7:00 pm, come on over to the La Grange Public Library and see my packing demonstration.  I will show you what I pack and how I pack it! 

 

Meanwhile, please travel safely this summer and enjoy every single minute.  Life is short and so is summer!

 

Best regards,

Nancy

 

PS.  Open dates are still available for summer workshops!           I would love to set one up for you and your friends.

                    summer workshop information