Allow Erykah to help you pack! After trekking through Japan with two oversized bags and a carryon, I think it’s safe to say I have learned the value of packing light. Granted I share the female gene, What If. You know, What If!? What If it rains, What If I meet a cute suitor and have a date?! What If the wind blows……therefore I should pack my entire closet, because, What If?! 
For my latest adventure across Europe I decided to forego the one free checked bag and simply take a carryon. I will be utilizing several modes of transportation to include, airplane, train, and bus to explore Europe. So, while my plane ride from the States to Rome would be a breeze traveling Vueling a smaller and cheaper airline to Barcelona would have been quite expensive with a huge checked suitcase. 
Reasons why I pack light:
Packing light allows me to enjoy my explorations without fear of my luggage being lost…..this has happened before; I’ve even had my luggage stolen right in front of my face at baggage claim….but I digress.
It’s much cheaper! If you plan to be a jetsetter or a Frugal McDugal, like myself, you have to be able to minimize.
Nothing screams tourist like a person dragging a huge suitcase behind them over cobblestone.
21 days is quite a long time so I can imagine the thoughts that are running through your mind, namely, “How can you fit 21 outfits, at minimum in a carryon?” Easy I say! With gumption and I mean it!!!!

I packed:
 30 pair of underwear….sorry I’m not a fan of leaving my unmentionables up to chance, plus they are small enough to roll up in larger pieces of clothing. You can always do laundry, rather you choose to use your accommodations laundry services or hand wash your items, it’s possible to have clean clothing.  
6 pair of shorts
5 shirts
3 dresses
2 rompers
2 pants
1 light jacket
2 pair of sandals
2 bathing suits
3 thin disposable towels 

I rolled my undies in larger pieces of clothing very tightly, sometimes doubling up my unmentionables. Pieces that I thought were too bulky or would unroll; I placed a rubber band around them, sometimes two.  Then I neatly placed each piece vertically in my carryon, making sure the pieces were placed as close together as possible. For longer pieces like my maxi dress I turned it horizontally. 

I purchased clear travel-size bottles from Target. They came with clear labels that were easy to place on the bottles.  The bag that the bottles came in also doubled as a quart bag that my items could be stored in for my escapade. I filled one of the three bottles with body wash, one with oil and water for my hair, and the third with lotion. I didn't use the fourth bottle. While on the travel-size aisle I also purchased sunscreen and toothpaste.  I also grabbed baby wipes and make-up remover wipes. These items will come in handy between long layovers. 
Finally, I added two single use laundry packs to my luggage. These are lightweight and easy to store in a zip-lock bag. 

Tips:
Read your mode of transportation’s luggage policy clearly and then research how others managed to pack light. 
Don't wait until the last minute to start packing!!!!! You’ll want to pack and repack, rearrange things and ensure that everything fits and is still the correct weight.  And if you’re like me you’ll definitely forget something the first time you pack so…..
Choose a comparable color scheme so that you can easily mix and match your pieces. 
Don’t be afraid to shop your local thrift or second-hand store to find items you won’t mind leaving behind if you need to make room for your new purchases. 
Last, but I'd say the most important thing to remember…..Enjoy your carefree adventure :)

Let me know your tips and secrets for packing light in the comment section.

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