Nomadic Diva: Tips for Traveling Light – How to Be Prepared for Any Adventure and Be Fabulous

A few years ago, I presented on the topic of traveling light at the inaugural Ladies, Luggage and Lipstick conference in Nashville, Tennessee. It was a phenomenal experience! I was shocked by the number of attendees who had an interest in my specific topic.

Normally, I’m presenting on topics like strategic planning, personal branding, monitoring and evaluation, or some other rather heavy topic. However, this conference was geared at preparing women of color who might be thinking about traveling abroad to take the plunge. I’ve been stuck one too many times having to carry my luggage all by myself at great distances and up and down flights of stairs. I knew I had to enlighten them on the pros of traveling light.

There have been times when I’ve had to turn down last-minute treks because I had too many things to carry. There have also been times when I didn’t have the right items in my luggage. Either, I had too much of the wrong things or not enough of the right things. Over the years, I have visited and worked in 15 countries and learned how important it is to make sure you traveling right and you traveling light because women are notoriously carrying too much stuff.

Although this wasn’t the most serious of topics, I knew it was vitally important. Although, I was a bit worried that the attendees wouldn’t think so. But, boy was I wrong! It warmed my heart to know that so many women understood the value of the lesson of my session and I’m pleased to say that it was standing room only! Here are some tips I’ve learned along the way for traveling light, while still having everything I need to look and feel my best.

Top Tips for Traveling Light:

• Everything in mini…carry travel size products
• Use only black underwear
• 3 pairs of shoes: sneakers, dressy flats, flip-flops
• Carry lightweight separates in solid colors
• Vaseline can save your life