Packing Light For Travels

We LOVE to travel. And traveling with 2 kids has now become a chore. So ANYTHING to simplify our lives when it comes to traveling is a blessing.
In the past I have embraced a semi-minimalist lifestyle and have worked on downsizing my wardrobe to some simple choices. I take a lot of inspirations from hiking i.e. layering for different types of weather. So when we travel I don't bring a variety of clothes, rather, I bring a number of same garments with some color variations and assume if I forget something, I can always pick it up from the local store.

With that said, I still pack a week worth of socks, underwear, t-shirts, flip flops for lighter weather, toiletries, notebook, etc... When all said and done, I can fill a small suitcase or a carry on and then some. So to make matters easier for our family when we travel, I opted out to pack everything I bring into this backpack:

What I LOVE about this pack is:

• 1. it frees up my hands to help with other luggage, kids, documents, etc...
• 2. it is small enough that with some effort you can stuff it in those size containers at check-in lane
• 3. it is essentially a backpack and oftentimes passes the sniff-test and I am not hassled to demonstrate how it fits in, but if I am...
• 4. it comes apart and essentially becomes my "carry-on" + "personal item".
• 5. it fits into overhead space on most flights and does not take up much space. And when I am flying locally on small planes, it can come apart and either part slides easily under the seat or then fits into overhead compartment.
• 6. It has a nifty cover that if you are asked to check it in b/c the cabin is running out of space, you can use that cover to protect the pack from damage and it keeps all the straps neatly tucked away so they don't get damaged as well.

There likely are many other examples of these packs on the market, but I found this one to offer all the bells and whistles I am looking for, with plenty of room, yet small enough to not be checked in.

Say no more to lost luggage and travel with a backpack!

C-Bug, DDS