Tips on travelling light?

I only ever use a small suitcase, not that much bigger than a bigger carry-on, and don't have any trouble on a 2 week trip. But TBH I don't believe in the pared-right-down 'capsule' idea - it's very annoying to run out of clean things if you can't wash them yourself or get washing done quickly. Or having to buy something you've got at home. And a lot will always depend on where you're going and how hot and sweaty it will be, or not.

Having said that I had a week in Majorca with a friend and we went Ryanair, hand baggage only, VERY restricted - 10 kg including your handbag, and dimensions were strictly adhered to. It was fine, but then it wasn't over hot and we had the use of a washing machine. Thank God for the Kindle though - couldn't have done without it on that trip since I go mad with nothing to read and can go through a book in a day.
One thing I find that helps with summer hols, I mostly stick to blue, white and yellow for summer things, so they do generally all go together. And it's separates - I don't do dresses as a rule.

When I go to Spain to visit DS and family I fly with Ryanair. The larger cabin bag is full of stuff for them and mine is in the small extra cabin bag and my 'sod off Ryanair' jacket. The small bag is not weighed (or hasn't been) and I can get lots in the small ruc-sac from Decathlon which is the max size allowed (20 x 20 x 30 I think). The jacket has lots of pockets on the inside (put there by me) and by squashing everything into sealed bags I can get in all my underwear, a couple of t-shirts, nightie, book etc.
When DS and DiL come here with 3 x DG'S they send a box via a carrier company which is much cheaper than cases on Ryanair and as it collected and delivered is much easier too and no waiting for it to come off the carousel.

It is liberating to travel light I think. We are all weighed down by all our possessions. It makes it so much easier to decide what to wear when you only have a couple of choices. Much easier to pack too.When our kids were little we packed for 7 in two suitcases including towels but we did go self catering and had a washing machine.

We regularly go away for winter sun. A three week break on cabin luggage. I agree with everything said above. Minimal capsule wardrobe, decanted 'must-have' toiletries, others bought when there but most important a washing machine at our holiday home! Still manage to take stuff I don't wear but am gradually getting better. Have a good holiday!

Depends who you are flying with. Now on BA in economy you can have 23 kg suitcase. Small suitcase for the cabin (the size Ryan air and easy jet allow) plus hand luggage. If you can't get everything you want in that you are taking too much. I travelled last week and you can have more than one clear bag for toiletries but each toiletry must not be more than 100ml.

In warm holiday destinations people dress very casually and others have given good guidance. Once you have a tan you won't need so much make up. Cut down on shoes. If you are coming to Portugal avoid high heels as the famous cobbled pavements are dangerous in heels and leather soled shoes.

Is three large suitcases,a rucksack and a large handbag traveling light? If so, I've cracked it.

Absolutely agree with the roll things up approach. It not only fits into your suitcase more easily, it also means no creases at destination, and, if you leave then in your case you can pick out which top etc you need. I managed 3 weeks in Europe travelling around with just a carry on bag. It is easy if it's summer of corse, but even husband found it difficult limited to just a carry on bag! Felt a warm glow of pride when he said "impossible!" But we did it!

In Southern Spain right now. It's cold and has rained in torrents every day since Saturday. Packed lightweight clothes in small case wish I had put in a few warmer heavier things! Sometimes it's impossible to get it right!

I go on holiday with my husband on a motorbike. I have ONE panier for my stuff and I still take too much. I take as few clothes as poss and wash what I have on holiday.. My toiletries have to multi- task. I take a few cosmetics and they double up as well. You do not need oceans of stuff.
Only thing non-negotiable is the hot hair brush.
About half way through our holiday, we usually re-assess and anything we we have over-packed we post back to the uk in a box bought at a post office. It’s worth the price of postage for the chance to free up the space.

Someone pointed out on the previous thread on this subject to remember, if you are flying hand luggage only, you can only take one see through bag of toiletries. I work out how much of things like shampoo, conditioner etc I will use and decant only what I will need. I take Bare Minerals foundation which is not liquid and toothpaste pastilles (Lush, if you can bear the pong in the shop).You can get shampoo and conditioner bars but I don't go that far. Look at some specialist travel shops for lightweight clothes. They're not all about trekking trousers. I got a plain black dress from Rohan which looks great on its own or with a scarf. Have a good time.

Share toiletries with your hubby. No need for two of everything. Don't bring towels, use the hotel ones. Wear things that go together i.e tops that go with skirts, trousers and shorts. Be prepared to wash them and wear again. Don't pack books, pack a Kindle.

Shameless plug! I did a how to pack for carry on last November after a trip to New York, the clothes are all wrong for now but the ideas might help and there's a packing list at the bottom. Hope it helps.
www.alternativeageing.net/fashion/2015/12/16/what-to-take-for-xmas-in-a-carry-on-case

Hammam towels are incredibly light, super absorbent and come in really lovely colours. Dry in an instant. Really cheap and readily available on line. Sorted!

Silk is the answer. If you can wear silk as it is very light and packs down to nothing.

White trousers, cut-offs, white skirt, bright cotton shirts/blouses/tops/tunics
(Both T shirts and jeans are usually too hot ) a loose shift dress , and you're ready to go most places.
Sarongs can double up as scarves to dress up in the evening, but the evenings are very warm too. June can be incredibly hot, so take mainly cotton.
Shoes and sandals are very cheap. So are beach towels.
Mind you, I am talking about Southern Spain, where I lived and worked for 12 years. Weather in the north is much more like here.
Have a lovely holiday!

Thanks Lillie.

Just use a smaller case..I can now take just a carry on bag even when I'm away for a week!! Roll your clothes and you take up less space....

If you roll, rather than fold, clothes you definitely get more in, and they don't crease up as much.

The answer is a definite yes, unless the scissors are more than 6 cm. I never have a problem flying out of the London airports.

www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions/personal-items

Tricia the answer is a definite no to scissors in cabin bag!

Yes, TriciaF, nail scissors ok.

I'm just going to stay with family and am taking a carryon bag. Night and toilet things already at their house.
Can you have nail scissors in a carryon bag? (Flying BA.)

Strongly agree with those who have advised sticking to a couple of colours and using accessories, the "capsule wardrobe" approach!

I put toiletries, my shoes and travel kettle into OH 's suitcase as he takes fewer things than me

Get a smaller suitcase than you normally use - seriously it sounds basic but we always fill our suitcases no matter what the size is.
Sort out all clothes to co-ordinate with each other - keep to one basic colour then add a few high lighting T shirts or scarves.
Cheap supermarket jewellery that blings up an outfit - honestly have just been on an river cruise where I had many compliments from some very stylish passengers for my 'statement' jewellery that was actually bought in M&S sales!

If you can afford to collect up a travelling wardrobe I'd always recommend Rohan clothing as it washes, dries quickly and is very lightweight yet hardwearing and well cut.