9 Tips for Traveling Light Without Feeling That You've Left Something At Home

Disclaimer: I received clothing from prAna in exchange for this blog post and my honest opinion. It's easy to be positive about prAna clothing!

I just love summer and what's more fun than a trip out of town? With airlines becoming increasingly restrictive about carry-on luggage, travelers really have to pack light or risk having to check a bag. I recently took an overnight trip to a half marathon in Alabama and booked a "basic economy" flight on United. While the ticket was inexpensive, I was restricted to what was basically a tote bag which had to fit under the seat in front of me. I researched the bag size and found lots of options online if I wanted to purchase one that met the requirements. Fortunately, I had a small duffle bag which fit the size restrictions and carefully selected which items I needed to bring.

I take weekend trips fairly often and have become pretty good at packing. Here are some tips for traveling light without feeling like you've left something at home!

1. Make a list of everything you want to bring on your trip. Lay everything out. Then remove half of what you've laid out. You never need as much as you think!

2. Don't pack to bursting. Save room for things you may purchase on your trip.

3. Stuff small items, such as socks and underwear, into shoes you have packed.

3. Wear your bulkiest pair of shoes on the plane. I always like to go for a run no matter where I am, so I have to pack running gear. My running shoes take up the most room in my bag, so I usually wear them on the plane.

4. Carry a sweater or jacket to wear on the plane. It's normally cold on the plane anyways. Don't pack bulky items that you can wear.

5. Instead of packing books or magazines, download any reading materials to your phone or tablet.

6. Pack items that mix and match. That way you can have a variety of outfits out of just a few pieces. Don't bring anything that can't be worn more than once.

7. Bring clothes that can multi-task. I have running skirts that are so cute, they can pass for a regular skort. I recently received this cute Merrow tankini top from prAna which can do double duty as a cami under a blouse or a sweater. It also works well alone. I paired it with some prAna bottoms that I already owned.

I am in love with this top. It fits well and stays in place, even when I wear it to work out. I can't wait to wear it waterskiing! The cut-out design in the back is really stylish and attractive. Wouldn't it be cute with a skirt?

8. Roll, don't fold your items. This helps prevent wrinkling as well as making it easier to arrange items in your bag.

9. Pack items that don't wrinkle. This Ardor dress from prAna is made from lightweight recycled polyester fabric with moisture wicking technology and unfolds without wrinkles. It can be dressed up or worn for a casual outing. The bright colors can be accessorized with a variety of items like a colored sweater or a jean jacket.

Like the tankini, I love the cut-out design on the back. This dress is so comfortable and I've gotten so many compliments on it. Between work and travel, I'm going to get a lot of wear out of this dress!

Not only is prAna clothing beautiful and practical, you can feel good about wearing their clothing. prAna clothing is made responsibly with sustainable materials. prAna is a member of the Fair Labor Association, making sure that workers making their products are treated fairly. prAna makes clothes that travel well and fit my active lifestyle!

What packing tips do you want to share? Do you have any weekend trips planned for the summer? Any racecations? Do you want to check out prAna's clothing? You can use my code TRTLS18 to save 15%! 

I'm linking up with Marcia, Erika, and Patti for Tuesdays on the Run, Annemarie and Nicole for Wild Workout Wednesday, and Debbie and Lora for Running Coaches' Corner.