Years ago, when I needed some me time, I’d fill a suitcase with books, oatmeal cookies, and doll clothes, then get away from it all… down the street to my best friend’s house. I was six, but I’ve relished packing for adventure ever since.

Today, I rarely check luggage at the airport, so my carry on has to service all needs–sturdy, light, roomy, and stylish. After trying every version of soft luggage and component system, I landed on Ebby Rane’s Quartermaster spinner. They obviously care about female travelers like me because every detail is considered and it’s all wrapped in an attractive and durable shell. From check-in to the overhead and on to the front desk, I feel organized and elegant making the journey so much more enjoyable.

After decades in the travel business, I’m always looking for ways to streamline the packing process and lighten the load. The following suggestions are for the nimble, carry-on traveler.

Start the process early

A week before lift-off, I start selecting nominees for Wardrobe Most Likely to Travel. I hang the contenders out in my room so I’ll see them every day. By trip-time, I know who makes the cut and who stays home. (Sure, it hurts to be left behind, but that vintage burnt orange ski jacket will be there when I get back.)

TIP: To streamline the process, load the infinitely customizable Packing Pro app on your iPhone.

Limit colors

I pick three colors–black, white, and ___________? Then I ask myself, does every item go with at least one other item? If not, it stays home.

TIP: Third color options that work everywhere include khaki, denim, and tertiary or off-colors.

Ok, sometimes I add a fourth color for accent, but I try not to mess up my system.

TIP: For local flair, buy it there. Seriously, it’s great fun to buy a new top or scarf on-location.

I always steer towards wrinkle-free fabrics like microfibers, Lycra®, wool, and polyester that double duty day or night. For example, black yoga pants balance perfectly between working out and going out.

Footwear

Shoes can be heavy and bulky, so be extra critical here. No matter the destination, three pairs is my limit. On surf safari I could get away with just flip-flops for a whole week. They may be a little exposed at SFO in February, but in Puerto Vallarta they fit right in.

TIP: I wear my heaviest shoes on the plane. I stuff the others with socks and underwear to keep their shape and pack them in freezer bags so they don’t share odors.

When city-bound, I take shoes I can wear all day. If staying in a hotel with a gym or near a park, I pack lightweight cross-trainers. For a night out, black ballet flats can get a table by the window or make a mad dash for the subway. And don’t forget to test your shoe choices against your travel wardrobe. You might not need those candy red pumps.

TIP: Never test new shoes on your trip or you could end up carrying a pair of unbearable wedges all through Europe.

Tech stuff

Put your chargers and adapters in a clear freezer bag for easy retrieval. I don’t pack little speakers if my iPhone plugs into the hotel clock radio, so I bring a short audio cable to plug in my phone for music. I used to bring network cables, but not anymore because wi-fi is everywhere.

TIP: Back up your data before you leave!

TIP: Put a sticker with your contact info on your tech in the event it gets left behind at the cafe.

Surfboards

I’ve hauled enough surfboards to know they’re big and bulky. The airlines charge at least $100 each way and there’s a good chance you’ll get a serious ding. Now I just leave my board at home because I know Las Olas surf safaris has a complete rack of boards at the clubhouse.

Luggage

I love my Ebby Rane Quartermaster spinner. It’s lightweight, spacious, and meets all international carry-on requirements. I searched high and low before I settled on mine, but I wanted simplicity and style. I also travel with an over-shoulder bag as my “one personal item”. It sits squarely on top of the spinner, perfect for lengthy airport connections and waiting in lines.

Packing Time

I roll my clothes burrito-style to avoid wrinkles and reduce exposure to stains. If you use a wheelie, put the heaviest stuff closest to the wheels. That way it will stand up at the airport and hotel lobby.

TIP: If you turn a white shirt inside out before you roll it you just might save it from travel grime if it rubs up against something icky.

The TSA airport security is asking that we put our cosmetics in a separate clear plastic bag. That works for me–it’s my last line of defense against a leaky bottle of nail polish. Zippered packing cubes are becoming popular for organization, protection, and easy transfer to the hotel drawers. I use a couple for small items and toiletries. And I pack my toiletries and whatever I sleep in on top so I can grab just what I need for bed after a long journey. I’ll unpack in the morning.

TIP: Pack extra plastic zippered bags for returning home with wet swimsuits and laundry.

Assorted sundries

Most basic cosmetics and toiletries are available at your destination, so don’t fret it if you forget toothpaste. Do take a double supply of any special medications, contacts or extra eyeglasses, naturo- or homeopathic remedies, etc. with you in your carry-on.

Remember, any liquids containers over 3.4oz/100ml will be confiscated at airport security regardless of how much is left in the bottle. Get travel rated containers at the drugstore and transfer your liquids before your trip. Don’t bring pocket knifes or multi-tools, nail clippers or files, scissors or swords, or anything metal and pointy. If you wouldn’t run with it, it probably isn’t allowed in carry-on. 

TIP: Pack a tiny water spritzer for a quick facial pick-me-up after landing in Puerto Vallarta. ¡Fresco!