New ideas to help you pack more efficiently for holiday travel and beyond
Recently, I checked my suitcase for the first time in years. It was a long-haul flight, I had a layover in Hong Kong and I was feeling lazy. I had a small bag and could have easily carried it on, but I wanted to feel unencumbered, so I let the bag go—and instantly regretted it. With a connecting flight, I was worried about whether it would arrive safely to my final destination.
And then I realized: What’s the point of traveling light, if you feel weighed down by emotional baggage? Worrying about my bag was a bigger burden than carrying it would have been. I started to think about how I could make my bag smaller, lighter and even more compact, for the next time. Here are some great ideas on how to lighten the load.
A Workout Organizer
I confess to a growing addiction to organizer bags. The new Eagle Creek Pack-It Sport organization offers several different systems designed to keep your apres-workout wear (socks, swimsuits, sneakers) separate from all the rest. It also controls moisture and odor with an antimicrobial fabric that will keep everything smelling sweet—or at least neutral—until you get back home. eaglecreek.com
The Go-To
Flight 001 is the go-to for everything from lightweight, indestructible suitcases to global phone adapters designed like a Rubik’s cube. The company's legendary SpacePak system includes two pieces that I can’t live without: the SpacePak 4 for Undergarments, which holds up to two weeks’ worth at a time, separating the clean ones; and SpacePak 2, which flat packs up to 25 pieces for your carry-on. Both compress your clothing volume by one-third. flight001.com
The Travel Set
These Essential Travel Sets, from John Masters Organics, come in a reusable organic cotton cosmetic bag and offer everything you need for a short trip—perfect for holiday visits to friends and family. Choose from Essential Travel Kit for Hair & Body, Normal Hair or Dry Hair; each includes four TSA-approved products, all under 2-ounces—a little goes a long way! johnmasters.com
Portable Packets
These Giovanni Cosmetics’ Sanitizing Hand Towelettes are individually wrapped in biodegradable packets, which are extremely convenient. Plus, they are loaded up with organic, germ-killing, antibacterial essential oils, in three varieties: Peppermint Surge, Lavender Calm or Grapefruit Splash. giovannicosmetics.com
Roller Balls
I love to travel with a roller ball moisturizer. It’s an easy, mess-proof way to apply face oil, especially handy on a long, dehydrating flight. I also love aromatherapy roll-ons. They help bring mind, body and spirit into balance; lift your mood; and, in a pinch, will mask unpleasant odors. Try: Emtage Organic Roller Balls, Argan Oil and Argan and Rose Hip blend, emtagebeauty.com; Zoe Organics’ Mama’s Ritual, zoeorganics.com; Aromatherapy Oil, Organic Infusions’ Roll-On Aromatherapy, organicinfusions.com