Princess Marie Antonio

I have lost my luggage twice in the last 15 years. The first time I thought it would be genius to pack my clothes and my daughters’ in one large suitcase. Afterall, they were 3 and 5 and had small clothes. We were headed to Aruba and I spent countless hours buying them adorable swimsuits with matching cover-ups and flip-flops to tie them all together. I too had purchased some new swimsuits and dresses since we were going on a company trip, and I was excited to be somewhere tropical. We landed in Aruba after having checked that large suitcase. We went to baggage claim, and everyone else found their luggage. I had a sickening feeling, which quickly turned to panic. My husband began damage control. I was assured by all that it would show up at the hotel later that day or worst case the next day. Long story, short, it never showed. There is a woman and two little girls in either Charlotte or Aruba who looked pretty darn cute in their matching swimsuit and cover-up ensembles. Thanks to friends on the trip and a quick trip to a local all-in-one department/grocery/auto store, we had new clothing essentials.  The girls particularly liked their new underwear that had “Princess Marie Antonio” scrawled across the fanny. I still don’t know who she is. But they were a hit with our girls. Thankfully too, Arial, the mermaid, is popular in Aruba too. We snagged a nightgown with her face plastered across the front and it too, became a favorite. 

The second time we lost our luggage was flying back to Charlotte from Miami last year. We went with some of our best friends for spring break. Since they were checking their luggage, we hesitantly agreed to check ours too since we’d be waiting anyway. I wish I had listened to my inner voice who was screaming, “Remember Princess Marie Antonio!” Now in all fairness, our flight was canceled due to some bad storms, and there were at least hundreds of people who met the same fate. Luckily for us, our luggage made it back to our front door step in the wee hours of the night about a week later. 

So, after those two experiences, I am committed to becoming a master packer. I WILL NOT check my luggage if I can help it! As I prepare for another company trip with my husband, I wanted to share some tips on how to cram the maximum amount of stuff into a suitcase that fits in the overhead bins. Additionally, your second carry-on bag must be large enough to stuff under your seat but packed to the brim with any overflow from your suitcase. This is a worst- case scenario strategy, which is not normally how I operate but traveling requires it. Some suggestions you may already know and do. Others are things I have found work for my family and me. 

• Choose the best rolling suitcase you can find. We were given a Tumi suitcase several years ago that has held up well. An extra bonus: the company will fix any issues no matter the age of the bag. Additionally, choose an over-the-shoulder tote bag for under the seat. You need a bag you can dump the random things in and one that will expand and contract for all the last-minute things you forget. If the tote has a zippered pocket, that’s a plus.

• You must roll everything. I’ve tried packing bags that fit inside your suitcase and they do work, but once you arrive, they are kind of a pain to deal with. Especially if you don’t want to unpack your suitcase. 

• It is imperative that you plan out and try on your outfits ahead of time. Including your shoes and jewelry. Consider dresses as they are a one and done roll and outfits that you can repurpose and re-wear some of your shoes with. 

• Count out your days and plan accordingly. Use your swimsuit/coverup combo or your workout clothes as your breakfast outfit. 

• Be sure to wear an essential pair of shoes on the plane. Maybe it’s even your sneakers as they can be bulky. Jeans are also a good choice as is a light sweater for the cold plane and cool nights. 

• If you are taking a fun straw hat, go ahead and get in the vacation spirit and wear it on the plane. It will get completely smashed if you pack it.

• If you plan to wear a sundress or button-up shirt one night, use it as a cover-up another day if it’s casual enough.

• Avoid fluffy sweaters, full dresses and skirts. They take up too much room. Silky tops and silky pjs take up very little space.

• I never pack a robe or hairdryer as the hotel almost always has one. Now I will say though, if you can’t live without your hairdryer then you’ll have to ditch a pair of shoes or something else to make up for it!

• Use your carry-on tote as your pool/beach bag.

• Fill a clutch with jewelry or makeup so it serves double duty. 

• As mentioned before, be sure to put in your tote, a swimsuit, cover-up and flip-flops for when your room isn’t ready and you have to wait.

• Don’t bring your everyday purse. Just grab your wallet and throw it in your tote’s zippered pocket. You’ll have your makeup bag there already along with your toiletries bag so no need to double up when you are needing your lipstick or hand lotion.

• Try (keyword in this sentence) to not overpack so you have some room for any purchases you may make while on your trip. Or ship them back if you have to!

Oh By the Way, I haven’t given up buying some fun things for my trip. Check out some options I’m considering below. Sadly, there are no Princess Marie Antonio undies available right now.