Picture this- I step out of my sleek black town car feeling all posh and cool at LAX airport. I sign the papers for the driver and go to reach for my luggage handle which is retracted and pull it out and step onto the curb take about three quick steps to catch up to Reid and feel the handle fly out of my cute purple carry-on and fly about two feet backwards. I turn around and notice a long line of people standing on the curb and my driver staring at me and I just have to laugh. So much for feeling posh and cool.

I call out to Reid who comes over and examines the situation, chucks the handle in the trash and proceeds to carry my massive over stuffed carry-on through the world’s most obnoxious airport. So- needless to say I am on the search for the perfect piece of carry-on luggage.

This is my most important piece of luggage. It gets the most use. In about two years of heavy traveling (we are talking on average two roundtrip plane rides a month) I have checked luggage MAYBE one time and that was probably the flight attendant forcing me to check my carry-on because there was no more room in the overhead compartments (biggest pet peeve ever people!).  I have only used my big suitcases three times and two of those times were to move. Even if I go on long vacations I still only bring a carry-on because I have (somewhat) learned how to pack.

Anyways- this essential piece of luggage must have pockets galore, have the ability to be expandable, have wheels and a handle that won’t break, be a bright recognizable color, and duh be cute. I have about two weeks before I fly cross country (which happens twice next month- Myrtle Beach and Kentucky) so the search is on!!!! Any good recommendations?

Checked luggage fees getting you down? Learn to pack light, not only is it good for your wallet but it’s good for your back too. Personally, I always pack light. I haven’t checked a bag in years. Although checking a bag can be convenient- meaning you don’t have to lug around a carry-on, or heft it into the overhead bins (if there is room) it also can be very inconvenient if the airline happens to lose your luggage. You’ll save upwards of $50 from the newly added fees tacked on by airlines. Controversy or not, packing light  has always been an art. One that I excel in. So here are a few tips that may or may not help you out:

1. Pack only the things you know you will need i.e. leave your hairdryer behind (most hotels have them), your extra large bottle of tums, and your third pair of shoes

2. Plan your wardrobe appropriately. Do you really need that winter coat in Phoenix? Probably not.

3. Roll your clothes- do not fold. Don’t worry you can iron once you get there.

4. Don’t waste an ounce of space- I love rollerboards because they are easy to maneuver throughout an airport, but they aren’t always the best thing to pack conservatively in. Duffel bags allow cushion room and you can pack them more full.

5. Most importantly as you are packing think to yourself: “Can I do without this?” If the answer is yes then not packing it will be quite simple!

There are many websites that offer other tips and advice that you may find valuable:

One Bag sponsored by Expedia

Pack Light and Travel Happy

How to pack light

Packing light and right

And as always happy traveling- email me and let me know of your upcoming trip!  Would love to have some guestbloggers blogging thier tips!