I once read there are two types of luggage – carry-on and lost.   I strongly adhere to that.  It is very possible to pack for most trips of 4 weeks in carry-ons.  In order to minimize your belongings, put everything in one place with your luggage. Choose critical items and outfits for each day/occasion. Keep removing half the items until they fit. Ask yourself if you will ever see the people again. Ask yourself if you can survive without the item. No, really, can you survive?

Packing cubes and compression bags are invaluable. You can put a day’s worth of clothes per cube or types of items together. I like to pack the components of outfits together so I am not pulling everything apart searching for the jacket that accompanies something. Rolling your clothes can save space. I pack around matching colors to minimize shoes and to mix and match. If I am moving a lot or on a tour where I may have to leave a bag out before I am ready to go each morning, I keep critical things in my carry-on like my PJs so if I am running late, I am set. Watch your weight! Going over the 50 pound limit on most flights gets very expensive.

    • Purchase the right luggage
      • Make sure it has wheels!  You can now get wheeled underseat bags, but make sure it can attach to larger luggage.  I use that instead of duffles now as I get older.  For carry-on regular suitcases, max size is 22″.  However, the international max size is 20″ so I stick with that.  Make sure it is lightweight as many airlines are now weighing carry-on.   Use colorful luggage or luggage tags.
    • Use pack-it cubes.
    • Make sure you have a photo of your luggage in case you need it for a driver or if it is lost.
    • Pack your electronics like chargers together.
    • I usually pack my purse or messenger/sling bag in my carry-on due to item count restrictions.  I carry a tiny purse big enough for my phone and some cash, including small bills for tips, and my passport.  I put that in my sling bag and then put it readily accessible in carry-on.  That way I am ready for any configuration.

Visa and COVID info:Visa and COVID info

Here is a link to some travel items I use and like.
Travel items I like

Here is my printable packing list with steps to get ready, developed from my years of practice

Printable packing list and preparing to travel

Africa is a whole other animal when it comes to packing.  Here is a list.

African safari packing tips

If your suitcase is this big, you overpacked!