We’ve gotten pretty good at packing light. This is important now that some airlines have begun to charge for ALL bags! There was the spur of the moment trip to Great Falls Montana where the Cevrainis left their house with nothing but a change of clothes, some P.J.’s and a few snacks! It was one of the best weekend’s ever! (The whole story is back on my personal blog: http://cevraini.wordpress.com/2010/05/24/lewis-and-clark-adventure/ ) I went to Edmonton for the week for work in the spring, and only took a back pack and my laptop bag (pictured above)! I had enough clothes for the week, including some workout stuff. Krystal and I went to North Carolina for the weekend for a retreat and we had a duffel bag each! Our families went to Florida this spring for 10 days and the Worths (5 people) had 3 suitcases and the Cevrainis had 4 (one for each person). We saw families with A LOT more than that and they struggled through the airport. Never again will we be like that.

The benefit is, it usually only takes me about 15 minutes to pack and then I don’t have a ton of stuff to try to carry around! I love it! The only thing we were missing for Montana was swim suits, but we did that on purpose because we all needed new ones and they were cheaper there! LOL!

Here’s my list of things that I normally pack in my suitcase (to be checked):

1. PJ’s
2. Toothbrush & paste
3. Shampoo & soap
4. Small bottle body lotion
5. Norwex facecloth – this is the only thing I use on my face
6. Norwex towel – this is light weight and dries quickly
7. Contacts, solution & glasses
8. Minimal “first aid” – tylenol, homeopathics etc.
9. Feminine hygiene
10. 4 pairs undies & socks
11. 1 sport bra
12. Capris or my other comfy pants
13. 2 short-sleeve tops
14. 2 long sleeve running tops – these are nice and are cool or warm for every day, great for layers
15. 1 yoga pant
16. 1 yoga top
17. Swim suit
18. Sandals
19. Journal & Pens
20. Books (1 or 2)

Here’s my list of things that I normally pack in my carry on:

1. Passport and documentation
2. My small wallet
3. Book and notes that I’m working on
4. iPhone and/or GPS for travel car (and charger)
5. Laptop
6. Few granola bars and snacks
7. Kleenex
8. Gum & mints
9. Lip balm
10. Water

Try packing less the next time you travel. What’s the worst that can happen? You may need something, but chances are it’s pretty minor. You won’t regret it – and you’ll love the ease of moving through the airport compared to the others that need a cart!