Luggage? I Barely Know Her: The Art of Traveling Light (and Laughing Through It)

Let’s get one thing straight: If you're packing your entire skincare routine, five pairs of "just in case" shoes, and that one jacket you’ve never worn—you're not traveling light, darling. You're moving in. As someone who’s sprinted through airports dragging a suitcase with one busted wheel, I can tell you this: life is better when you pack light—and pack your sense of humor first. Here’s how to breeze through your next trip with less baggage and more belly laughs.

Melissa Ridge

4/24/20252 min read

1. Clothes: The Capsule Closet, Not the Walk-In Wardrobe

Stick to basics that mix and match like your dating life should—versatile, drama-free, and wrinkle-resistant.

Pro tip: Need help planning a travel capsule wardrobe that doesn’t scream "beige boredom?" Check out this ultimate travel planner designed to keep you chic, not schleppy.

2. Toiletries: TSA-Compliant and Emotionally Stable

Keep it small. Keep it simple. If your moisturizer has a name longer than your ex’s apology text, leave it.

Want to simplify your packing game? This minimalist lifestyle guide is all about ditching the clutter—physical and emotional.

3. Shoes: You Only Have Two Feet, Babe

Limit yourself to three pairs max: comfy walking shoes, something cute for dinner, and sandals that double as beachwear.

And if you must squeeze in that fourth pair, maybe you need this decision-making journal more than I thought.

4. Tech: Don’t Be That Person at TSA Unpacking Like a DJ Booth

One charger, one power bank, one universal adapter. Bonus points if your tech pouch doesn’t look like an angry octopus.

Want to travel smarter? Try this digital detox toolkit. Because not every moment needs to be TikTok’d.

5. The Real Secret: Pack Your Humor, Not Your Anxiety

Delayed flight? Laugh. Lost luggage? Laugh harder. Your travel experience is only as good as your ability to roll with it—preferably in a carry-on.

Need help calming your travel nerves or turning every mishap into a win? This mindset-shifting guide is like a therapist in your backpack.

6. Bonus: Stuff You’ll Regret Not Bringing

Travel insurance (or an extra pair of undies, at least)
A reusable water bottle (hydrate or dry-drate)
A cheeky travel journal that lets you document disasters with flair

7. Stuff You’ll Regret Bringing

Full-size shampoo bottles
That "maybe I’ll start knitting" project
Your ex (emotional or actual)

Go Forth, Lightly (and Hilariously)

Traveling light doesn’t mean giving up your sparkle—it means choosing your sanity over your 14th pair of socks. And if something does go wrong? Laugh, pivot, and blame Mercury in retrograde.

Now go—book that trip, pack half of what you think you need, and bring your sass in full.

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Disclosure:

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly believe in (and would pack myself if I had room).