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No lineups, no lugging, no lamentation. Commit to using a small carry-on backpack and take a vacation from mental and physical weight.
1. Ziplock and Load. Large freezer bags are excellent fabric compactors. Roll clothes, stuff into bags and squeeze out excess air to create extra room in the pack.
2. Outer Space. Use J-clips to attach water bottles and other loose accessories to the exterior of the pack or your belt.
3. Splurge on the Convertible. Clothing with zip-off sections is more versatile since loose sleeves take up less space than an extra shirt.
4. Laundry Hamper. Instead of carrying a reserve of clean clothes or a wad of dirty ones, pack a mini laundry line and soap and wash as necessary. Local laundromats are also a good bet.
5. Light Lit. If you’re going to Italy , don’t bring a guidebook for all of Europe ; photocopy or rip out the necessary pages. This isn’t the time to tackle that hefty hardcover, either. Choose a shorter read and take advantage of book exchanges at hotels and cafes along the way.