After many years of frustrating travel experiences with luggage I feel that I have finally got packing down to a fine art. When I mentioned to people that I was cruising for 12 days with only 13 real items of clothes, the common response was, “No Way!”  So, here is the list of these 13 items along with all the clothes I’ll be wearing on the flight. I do offer one very silly idea, but everything that helps save space and weight helps. I also include the must have items that don’t count as clothes and things I put in my famous “Just in Case” bag that I’ve written about before.

Luggage

I will carry a 4-wheel upright carry-on suitcase by Kenneth Cole. It is turquoise of course. On that note, be aware of luggage trends. For years I was the only pink suitcase on the airline luggage carousel until everyone decided pink was a great suitcase colour!  Now the trend seems to be turquoise. I will also carry a small fold up backpack that can be squeezed into my carry-on bag if necessary when flying Easy Jet or one of the other budget airlines.

For my upcoming Norway (very winter) Cruise with Hurtigruten, I am flying to Bergen with Scandinavian Air, so will take advantage of being able to carry the small backpack as well as my carry-on suitcase.  I’ll put my laptop, chargers, a few snacks, magazine, one real paper book and knitting in that small lightweight backpack. It will also be a perfect day pack on the cruise.  I will also wear a tiny cross body bag to hold my passport, wallet, phone and one tube of lipstick!

 Things I’ll Be Wearing – and My One Silly Idea*

  • Phone
  • Winter Coat (Purple)
  • Waterproof Boots
  • Warm Winter Scarf (Purple)
  • Beret (Lavender)
  • Black Pants
  • Pink T-Shirt
  • Black Tunic
  • Socks (2 pairs) *
  • Underwear (2 bras and panties) *
  • Black Tights
  • Pearl Necklace (2)*

Must Haves

  • Medicines
  • Technology
    • Laptop and Charger
    • Small 6 inch Camera Tripod
    • External Phone Charger (2)
    • Universal Plug Converter

Beauty

“Just in Case” Bag

  • Ankle Brace

  • Duct Tape
  • EpiPen
  • Magnetic Hooks (3)
  • Suction Hooks (3)
  • Mini Hot Water Bottle
  • Sea Sickness Pills
  • Cold Sore Medicine
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Lanyard (for cabin key)
  • Hand warmers

Jewellery

  • 2 x Multi-Colour Necklaces
  • 1 x Interchangeable Necklace with 7 different looks
  • 2 pair Earrings

Scarves

  • Floral
  • Leopard
  • Solid Coral

Clothing (one of each)

  1. Thick Black Leggings
  2. Black Thermal Pants
  3. Black Sweater
  4. Coral Sweater
  5. Black Dress
  6. Thermal Sleeveless Vest
  7. Black T-Shirt
  8. White T-Shirt
  9. Sparkly Black Top
  10. Long Sleeve Nightdress
  11. Pair Black Shoes
  12. Warm Green Pashmina Shawl
  13. Walking Shoes

So that’s it for my packing list. I use this same checklist for all trips, substituting short sleeves and lighter weight depending on the season.

I’d love to know whether you think you could travel this light – or even lighter!  What do you pack in your “Just in Case” Bag? Do you have any packing tips or tricks you’d like to share?

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