August 5, 2026
One of my favorite things about traveling isn’t the destination.
It’s the moment I start packing.
I pull out my carry-on, make a cup of coffee, and begin laying everything on the bed. Over the years I’ve learned that traveling isn’t about bringing more. It’s about bringing the right things.
This trip was especially exciting because I was flying to San Francisco to spend a few days with my son. We had no real agenda. Maybe dinner by the waterfront, a morning coffee, a little shopping, and simply enjoying time together.
That kind of trip calls for pieces that work hard without taking up much space.
The first thing I packed was my garment duffel. I love that it carries my clothes without leaving everything wrinkled, yet still folds into a carry-on sized travel bag. It makes packing almost effortless.
For daytime, I packed a comfortable linen outfit that could take me from breakfast to exploring the city. For dinner, I tucked in my favorite black MEROKEETY wrinkle-resistant dress. It rolls beautifully, travels well, and always feels appropriate whether we’re eating at a casual neighborhood restaurant or somewhere a little more special.
Of course, a LuLuWrap found its way into my suitcase. It always does.
It becomes a scarf on the plane, a light wrap when the evening turns cool, or the finishing touch that makes a simple outfit feel complete. It’s one of those pieces I never have to think twice about bringing.
My LED travel makeup case came next. Hotel bathrooms never seem to have the lighting I want, and having my makeup organized in one compact case makes getting ready much more enjoyable.
Then came one of my favorite travel discoveries: my portable espresso maker.
There’s something comforting about making a really good cup of coffee in my hotel room before the city wakes up. I don’t have to search for a café before I’ve even had my first sip. I simply enjoy a quiet morning, look out the window, and ease into the day.
For longer trips, I always recommend packing a compact travel steamer. For a weekend like this, the garment duffel and wrinkle-resistant fabrics did most of the work, but a steamer is still one of my favorite travel companions when I’m away for several days.
By the time I zipped my suitcase closed, I realized I still had room to spare.
That’s become my favorite way to travel.
Not because I packed less.
Because I packed better.
Travel has taught me that the best trips aren’t measured by how much you bring. They’re measured by how free you feel once you arrive.
And that feeling begins long before the airplane takes off.
It begins at home, with a thoughtfully packed suitcase and the excitement of knowing another adventure is waiting.
Happy travels,
Linda
My Packing List
For this trip I packed:
Travel Tip
Leave a little empty space in your suitcase.
Not just for the treasures you’ll bring home, but because traveling with a little breathing room makes every part of the journey easier. A thoughtfully packed carry-on is lighter to lift, easier to organize, and far more enjoyable than one stuffed to the zippers.