First of all, I love to travel. It is one of my favorite things to do. And there’s something about summer travel that feels like an exhale—the soft dresses, the sun warming your shoulders, the kind of days that stretch long and golden without needing a plan.
One habit I have leaned into is a quieter kind of luxury when I travel: taking less with me.
Because here’s the truth no one talks about enough—traveling light is freedom.
Less stuff, more magic
The first few times I committed to carry-on only for vacation travel, I felt that tiny flutter of doubt. Could I actually make it work? Even for a couple of weeks? Even in Europe?
But somewhere between stepping off the plane in Milan and catching a train to Florence without a second thought, it all makes sense. On one trip—Milan to Florence to Rome to Venice, all by train—I wasn’t dragging a heavy suitcase over cobblestones or waiting around at baggage claim. I could move easily, say yes to last-minute changes, and slip into each city with agility and more ease / less stress.
Scotland and England - one suitcase, easy. Tokyo - yes, even Tokyo (but in all fairness I ended up buying so much that I did check an extra bag I bought for the return). New York - many times. When you travel with less, everything opens up. You’re not managing your stuff—you’re living your trip.
The stress you don’t have to carry
There’s also something deeply grounding about keeping everything with you. No standing at the carousel, watching identical suitcases go in circles. No quiet moment of panic when yours doesn’t show up.
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With carry-on only, you land and you’re already on your way. It’s such a small shift, but it changes the entire energy of your travel day. Lighter. Calmer. More present.
Traveling light is both a joy - and an art!
A few tried-and-true rituals
Traveling light doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or intention—it just means choosing pieces that work for you in more than one way. Over time, I’ve found a few essentials that make everything feel effortless:
Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane. It saves so much space in your suitcase. Sneakers, boots—whatever takes up the most room, just wear them.
Pack just one extra pair—and make it count. I always bring foldable ballet flats. They take up almost no space, slip easily into a tote, and somehow feel perfect whether I’m wandering during the day or heading out to dinner at night.
Bring a pashmina. This is one of those pieces that quietly does everything. It’s a blanket on the plane, an elegant shawl for cool evenings, a wrap by the pool, even a little extra layer for a breezy train ride. It’s comfort and style in one.
Lean into multi-use basics. I love bringing a small bottle of coconut oil, a travel-sized unscented pure castile soap, and a few essential oils—lavender, frankincense, peppermint, tea tree (melaleuca). With just those, you can take care of so much: washing your face, soothing dry skin, scenting your wrists, taming hair ends, freshening your breath, helping with sleep, easing headaches or tummy discomfort, treating blisters, zapping a blemish, even doing a quick sink wash of your clothes. I’ll share more detailed travel solutions and remedies in separate posts (and feel free to comment or reach out with specific questions), but truly—these simple items go a long way.
Pack a travel clothesline. I like the braided rubber rope kind—it makes it so easy to wash a few things in the sink and let them dry overnight. This one small habit lets you pack dramatically less without ever feeling like you’re running out of options.
Focus more on accessories than outfits. This is where the magic really happens. Bring simple, neutral clothing that all works together—think your favorite black dress, soft layers, easy silhouettes. You can wash and re-wear them throughout your trip.
But if you want variety in your photos (and let’s be honest, we do), let your accessories do the storytelling—layered necklaces, infinity scarves, wispy cardigans, a bold earring. The same outfit can feel completely different, depending on how you style it.
Travel, but softer
What I love most about traveling this way is how it changes your experience. You’re no longer juggling things or planning around your luggage—you’re present. You notice more. You linger longer. You move intuitively.
It becomes less about what you packed and more about what you’re feeling.
Morning espresso in a quiet piazza. The hum of a train as it carries you to somewhere new. Golden light spilling across a city you didn’t expect to love quite so much.
So if you’re planning a summer escape—especially one that involves moving between places—consider going carry-on only. Let it be easy. Let it be light.
And let yourself wander a little more freely because of it ✨
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