1. Invest in a lightweight, microfiber, rolling carry-on. You’ll be less inclined to overpack and less likely to go over the airline’s allowed carry-on dimensions.
2. Pack one pair of shoes. Make the ones you wear onboard slip-ons. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and your fellow passengers will thank you when it comes time to remove them.
3. Decant your shampoo. No need to pack whole bottles into your checked luggage. Buy inexpensive 3-ounce plastic bottles at your drugstore, and decant at home.
4. Pack one lightweight sweater suitable for day or night. Unless you’re visiting the Arctic, there is no reason to travel with your entire winter wardrobe. Choose carefully, and pack lightweight clothes that can be layered.
5. Stick with one color scheme. Our experts uniformly agree that packing clothes that are black or white is the wisest way to travel. Everything will always match, black can be very dressy (or not), white always looks crisp, and you can brighten up outfits with a simple, lightweight scarf.