When I pack bags to travel I always pack like an expert. An expert in indecision. It starts innocently, I set all of the necessities out. Once I feel organized anxiety takes over. What if it rains while I’m there? What if I’m being chased by a pack of wild dogs? Certainly, I’ll want to go out for a fancy dinner? PS-I’m the least fancy person ever.

A few years ago in invested in an Osprey Porter 46.  It fits everything I need for almost any solo trip I go on.  It was designed to be the maximum carry on size for most airlines and it’s easy to lug around.  Travel cubes help keep me organized.  The small ones work better for me.  I use them to hold cords, prescriptions, my passport, and boarding passes. I have a friend who organizing her clothes in large travel cubes.  All joking aside, less really is more.  Less to schlep around, less items to worry about, and less clothes eliminate unnecessary decisions and stress while traveling.

Once I’ve gotten over the panic and have a respectable amount of items set aside I pack. This video is one of the quickest, most informative I’ve found.