Chasing Clean Air

Victorinox Spectra Expandable Compact Global Carry-On Review

A suitcase to rely on... I am always on the lookout to pack more efficiently for travel. Bring only necessities, (if only I understood what they were for changing weather and lifestyle conditions) and use the best suitcase for carry-on--which is what I normally take because traveling light is a priority.

I was at the airport a few months ago, when a well-traveled businesswoman raved about her suitcase that had traveled with her for 5 years. She rattled on about her suits and running shoes and computer stuff all combined in her one Victorinox Carry-on luggage. She opened her suitcase to show me how well organized she was.

Wow! I had to give it a try.

Helpful Packing Tips for Travel

Victorinox Spectra Expandable Compact Global Carry-On with Baggallini Tote

Pack it right!

Packing well is more than utilizing a quality suitcase or backpack, it's knowing what to bring and how to roll, align and pack. Don't get me wrong, using a quality suitcase or backpack is extremely helpful, but you still want to maximize your space with simple tips. 

I use the following tips to pack efficiently, typically traveling with one carry-on suitcase and a large Baggallini Travel Tote with a sleeve that fits snugly on top of my luggage. These totes are very spacious: I'll carry toiletries, a Kindle, a small purse to be used at my destination, a rolled-into-a-pocket down jacket, sweater, wool hat and camera in just one tote. 

Now packing the suitcase:

1. Lay out clothes you want to bring, and eliminate all but the essential. (Note, this is the hardest part for most of us) Think about weather and activities. Stick to a simple color scheme, and add colorful accessories if that's your thing.
2. Roll socks and place them inside shoes to save space. Wear your bulkiest shoes during travel. In my case, hiking boots.
3. Align shoes foot to toe along the inside edges of suitcase. I packed two pairs of sandals - flat (day) and low-heels (night) - and wearing the hiking boots on the plane. 
4. Fold shirts and pants into airtight packing cubes or garment folders. I use two small Eagle Creek Pack-It-Garment Folders in my carry-on luggage. And roll skirts and dresses into the spaces left over on the sides. For my next trip, I'll bring one skirt, one dress, one pair of hiking pants, one pair of shorts, one workout pants, a few shirts that I can layer. Bathing suit.
5. Stack the heaviest items at the bottom and the lightest on top.
6. Pack toiletries and cosmetics on the top or if you have a large purse, in your purse for easy use while traveling.