012 | You Only Need 1 Suitcase

012 | You Only Need 1 Suitcase

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“My bag is packed.”

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Some are going to call me crazy.  Those of us who travel frequently and smartly will agree…all you need is one suitcase.

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Are there some exceptions?  Sure.  Exceptions shouldn’t be the rule, though.

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I have been traveling pretty hardcore since around 2004.  A visit to my parents in Pennsylvania or Jersey, work trips that took me to 20-30 states, to visit my friends scattered across the country, or to explore other countries.  And it took a lot of trial and error, but I am convinced the only way to travel is with one carry-on suitcase.

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Yeah, I said it…only a carry-on suitcase and your personal item.  You can travel anywhere in the world very easily.

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All you need is a good quality suitcase that is well thought out.  Why a carry-on sized suitcase?  This is for a few reasons:

·        Easy to Manage: Moving through airports, train stations, going in and out of cars is smooth.  Also, everyone on a trip age five and up is responsible for their own bags.  You heard that right…when my parents join me on a trip, they each maintain their own bags it is critical to success.

·        Weight: Keeps your bag lighter.  You are not going to “weigh out” a carry-on suitcase with your belongings.  The bag itself weighs less than others which are larger.  The biggest bonus is it keeps you from paying add-on fees at the airport and you meet the weight requirements in other countries.

·        Expandable:  Carry-on suitcases are still expandable.  If you need more space, expand it.  I have a hard and fast rule you never travel to a place with an expanded suitcase.  Only home with your treasures! 😉

·        Flexibility: A smaller bag gives you the flexibility to check or not to check that is the question.  It gives you options.

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My favorite carry-on suitcases are:

·        Victorinox:  I am on my second bag from Victorinox as of November.  My first one lasted me 10 years 2008-2018.  It is a big pricier than some, but the quality, style, and features are next to none I have seen on other bags.  (My first job out of school was in the buying office of Bloomies for luggage…I have tried a bunch.)  If you travel once a month, I highly recommend this piece.  It withstands everything.  Black luggage rarely goes on sale at amazing prices.  If you want the best price, purchase a secondary color when it is being discontinued for the best price.  Not only do you get a deal, but it is easier to find your luggage.

·        Delsey:  I am a huge, HUGE fan of Delsey for casual travelers.  Especially younger and older travelers.  The brand is affordable, quality, and has a great line of lightweight bags.  I bought these for my parents to tour Europe and they worked like a charm!

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Talking about my parents, when I went to buy my parents new luggage, I asked them what each of them wanted size wise.  My mom wanted a large size than a carry-on and I got it for her explaining she would be responsible for her bag as we toured Italy.  Fast forward a few years…and now, she is a carry-on suitcase traveler, too.

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If she can do it, you can do it.  If you need more convincing or packing inspiration, check out my post on 3 Tricks to Packing Efficiently.

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Chat later, friends!

Love, Kelly