Traveling and packing, can’t have one without the other. And who enjoys packing. Well, maybe I do. But let’s be savvy travelers by packing smart and light.

There are 5 sections I will divide this travel light post:

1-5 Clothes & Attire

It’s important to pack for the destination season. Try to pack light but with your favorite color or if any hue for that season. Pick that color that compliments your skin tone or just goes with a good jacket.

1) Pick one or two colors for the season with your favorite neutral tones (Think red with black during winter festival season or think a light pink top or tank with a jean jacket during spring/summer).

2) Select your basics: You can’t go wrong with a wool coat or black jacket that should be a staple for frequent work travelers or global jet setters where it can get cold fast anywhere on the plane.

3) Jeans or black slacks can go with anything and I usually have one or two pairs of each.

4) Pack 1-2 formal/informal dress or blouse/top that’s going to make the outfit pop. I like the Leatherette Skirt from Vetta Capsule.

5) Don’t forget a staple piece like a black or your preference color t-shirt or tank top.

Accessories seem to be my jam but that’s my opinion and personal style. You can’t go wrong with a staple jean jacket or black blazer. It goes with about everything. Plus, it’s great if the weather changes. Also, it’s always so cold in the airports and when you first board the airplane.

6-10 Accessories: Jackets, earrings, hats, belts

6) Don’t forget to pack the hats whether it’s for a sunny day at the beach or open air week-end market.

7) Find you beautiful earrings or necklaces which I have found to be the best story teller on a train or bus. You can also skip them and buy some at a local artisan market.

8) Pack the umbrella or rain jackets. They are the most famous must haves when going out at night or during the day it goes with everything and you will be read for rain.

9) Scarves are so underrated in the U.S. but so ubiquitous outside the U.S. Use them as a headscarf, use them to accent a white t-shirt, wear a scarf with your black jacket.

10) Purses: 3 purses I recommend are the clutch, backpack and cross body bag.

Bonus: Don’t forget your undies and bralettes and I suggest PACT.

Don’t forget the necessities for your everyday self-care including shampoo, make up and hair accessories.

11-15Toiletries (make up, hair accessories, underwear and bralettes, oh yea.

11. Make up Bag (1 bag that’s it).

12. Hair accessories bag tucked with accessories compartment

13. Hair products in spill proof bag.

14. Toiletries Resources here courtesy Container Store.

15. Or two main toiletries bags to serve your basic needs. Keeping it simple adds less confusion.

16-20 Shoes or “Zapatos” in Spanish (527 million speakers spanning 21 countries). #4 most spoken language and growing…oh yea.

16 Dance party shoes because you never know when you are going to a party abroad! Fancy high heels or great pumps.

17. Ballet shoes to hang out at a bar.

18. Tennis Shoes for your shared bicycle expedition

19. Sandals/flip-flops for lounging at the pool or at hotel

20. Boots for all things city.

21—25 Souvenirs

21 A great souvenir for ya that’s small enough to fit into your travel bag so you can have great memories each time you see it in your purse. Think bookmark or cardholder.

22.Postcards & a health book (b/c sometimes the books are cheaper in a local bookstore)

23 Postcards & a travel book

24.Postcards & a fashion book

25 Journal of your experience

There you have it. Revise your travel list of must have and I often just leave one or three off the list. But be sure it’s what you want when you buy it because, remember, you will need to fit it into your luggage. Keep it simple.

Check out my process as I prepare for my sustainable travel bag. We will be providing behind the scenes, giveaways, challenges and you won’t want to miss the latest on the prelaunch sneak peeks. I invite you sign up for the email e-newsletter so you get informed first.