You are faced with many tough decisions when you decide to pack light and travel with only one suitcase. Stuffing everything you need into one suitcase might seem impossible until you learn how to simplify and employ a few tricks and tips from professional travelers.

Once you discover the ease that comes with traveling with only one suitcase, you will probably never look back. You will also discover that amazingly, there are some things that you never wish to pack again! Follow these tips to pack fearlessly and add more space to your single suitcase.

1. Begin your packing process with a list. As you work on your list, consider what activities you will do each day while you are gone. Only choose clothing pieces that will combine well with at least 3 other items. As you pack, check each item off of the list, Always check your list one more time the night before you leave.

2. If you are going to stay at a hotel, plan to use their complimentary soaps and shampoos. As long as you have no allergy challenges, there is no need to pack them. Most of us, end up taking them home for future use, so why not skip that step and instead use them when you find them?

3. Eliminate large and hard case containers. Use large zip-lock bags instead. Zips work well for cosmetics, hair products and other items. They not only keep liquids from draining out onto your clothing, they save a lot of space in the process.

4. If you can find moisturizers that also act as sunscreens or sunscreens that provide bug repellant, pack these, It will save you space.

5. Plan to wear only a few pieces of jewelry. Don’t pack pricey jewelry or other valuables. I have heard many sad stories about missing diamond earrings and other expensive items. For one suitcase packing, they are not really necessary and if they are, wear them on the plane and plan on wearing them most of your tripi.  When not wearing them, make sure to place them in the room safe while you are away from the hotel and buy insurance in advance. If you are not going to wear them while flying, make sure you keep them in your carry on.

6. Choose your guidebooks carefully and carry only one when you depart. Most places now have internet connections. This allows you to plan your trip online and access your information while you are there. My new favorite website is http://www.virtualtourist.com/. If the internet is not going to be readily available, photocopy useful pages from other books and fold them into the one book you have decided to bring with you.

7. Make sure to check into the current local weather at your destination before you pack. Choose your outfits accordingly. Pack one lightweight sweater and long sleeve shirt with rain poncho to layer if temperatures drop unexpectedly during your trip.

8. Choose neutral colors for your extended trips. With proper planning, every item will combine with the others to create many outfits from only a few select pieces. Pack shoes that will combine with most, if not all of the outfits. Remember to pack light and choose wisely, especially when it comes to shoes. Wear the bulkiest shoes when you fly.

9. Magazines or newspapers can be purchased at your destination or at the airport. Once you are done with them, leave them behind for others to read. Many hotels have lending libraries. I always bring a small paperback onto the plane and exchange it for another during my trip.

10. Final tip: You can replace almost everything you might have forgotten at your destination, even in third world countries, so lighten your load and make a pact to pack only what you know you will need for your next trip!

The key to packing lightly is to choose one main color palette, black, brown or navy and you are already halfway there! Include classic wardrobe elements and you will be able to mix and match most of the items that you pack.

Choose a dark hue for your basic slacks, jeans, jacket, and skirt. They will look fresher longer during your tour with less frequent washing. Use shirts and accessories to splash color into your wardrobe.

Leave your expensive jewelry home; you don’t need the ongoing liability and concern as you travel. Consider leaving all of your earrings at home and wearing only your favorite pair of stud earrings the entire trip. Pack a few bangles, necklaces and scarves to add variety to your clothing combinations.

Pack 2 pairs of basic slacks, 1 pair of jeans, 1 lightweight jacket, 2 lightweight sweaters that can be layered together, 1 skirt, 1-2 Pashima wraps, three casual shirts (2 short sleeve, one long sleeve or vice versa if you tend to run cold), 11 pairs of underwear, 1 bra, 1 sleeveless shell, a dressy blouse and a sheath dress that doesn’t hold wrinkles. Also include a swimsuit and wrap if you will have pool/spa facilities. Plan on doing a load of laundry half way through your tour.

Pack a pair of sandals and pumps with kitten heels. The secret to sexy kitten-heel pumps is that you can wear them comfortably all day and they dress up elegantly for formal dinners with your sheath dress and wrap.
Wear jeans, walking shoes and your heavy sweater during the flight. Carry or wear your coat on board to save space within your suitcase.

If you decide to check your suitcase, make sure to pack enough clothes and toiletries for an entire day and night in your carry-on. Avoid feeling miserable if your luggage takes longer to arrive than you do. An extra blouse, underwear, pajamas, makeup and toiletries are essential elements for your carry-on bag. This habit also helps you pack a few more clothes without breaking the ‘one suitcase rule’. Pack a lightweight collapsible shopping bag to use on side expeditions throughout your trip.