When it comes to packing for a trip, there are so many articles you can find about how to pack light, pack smart, and pack an insane amount of stuff into a tiny little space. This post is a little different. Sometimes it's just best to leave most of your stuff behind.

First, a caveat: I am a woman, like most of my readers (in case you were wondering). I'm also well aware that I have far too many clothes and a whole lot of hair and beauty products (all of which I "need," by the way)! This bit of travel advice I'm about to dish is a challenge, even for me. It may seem like an impossible task, but I hope you'll see the benefits of trying it.

The TSA and all major airlines have been socking it to us over the past few years. It seems every travel season there are stricter rules concerning allowed items and the size and number of our carry-ons. We all know the liquid rules (if you don't, read up on them here), but now our carry-on luggage is also being downsized. Bags on most domestic American airlines can now be no larger than 22" x 14" x 9" (see Delta's notice here) and there's word that many international airlines are going even further. But never fear, SHEbirdie is here to help you make the most out of your limited space.

As you may know from my other travel tips, I highly recommend going carry-on only when you fly. With that in mind, and considering that up to 40% of our luggage as women is toiletries, the focus here will be on paring down our beauty arsenals. 

At the beginning of this post I mentioned that sometimes it's best to just leave most of our stuff at home. Well if you're doing carry-on only, this is pretty much a necessity. Taking this approach will require that you allot some extra cash ($10-20) to buy a few toiletry items from the local drug store when you arrive at your destination. If you're concerned that there won't be a drug store around, or that you won't have the transportation to run errands, don't forget that most airports have drug stores in them! 

Here is my list of what you should pack versus what you should buy:

Notice that under "PACK" there are only 2 items listed that will count against your liquid allowance (with leeway for a few specialty products). Also, if you get done with all of your packing and still have room left, you can of course pack in some of the "BUY" items and save yourself a bit of cash.

Overall, I think it's worth spending a few dollars at the drug store to save yourself the aggravation of trying to pack an impossible amount of toiletries into your small carry-on bags. As long as you're not too particular about your toothpaste, this approach may be just what you need to get around one of the major hurdles of air travel.

• What do you think? Is this something you already do, or would try?
  
• What other ways do you simplify your packing?

Summer travel season is back and there's nothing like planning a trip to spark my motivation to blog again. 
This year, my big trip will be to the West Coast. Thanks to my friend who's a California local, we will get to experience some hidden gems as well as some quintessential Cali tourist spots.

California has been calling my name for as long as I can remember. One of the big items on my "lifetime to-do list" is to drive up the Pacific Coast Highway, in a top-down convertible, the wind in my hair, and a pair of spectacular shades donning my smiling face! I can hardly wait to explore all the beaches along that iconic roadway. I will finally get to do this next month and I couldn't be more excited!

We'll also be exploring 3 major cities in California: San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco (which is another "to do" on my list). In another post, I'll list our intended itinerary that can be used as a starter travel guide if you plan on visiting the Golden State too. 

One thing that I cannot take for granted, and one thing that I highly recommend cultivating for yourself, is acquiring kind and generous friends in far places. Sometimes it happens by chance, other times you can seek people out through online groups or family connections. However these friends come into your life, I recommend pouring into relationships like these, not to earn a "free stay" favor, but because you can expand your opportunities and your world by simply paying a visit to a friend. Many different cultural experiences can be had just by getting out of your neighborhood, much more your state or country. Having good friends in far places opens up your world and theirs to new experiences and once-in-a-lifetime chances. And don't forget to return the favor - invite them to your neighborhood too.

Keep following the blog for travel ideas you can use for your trips this summer. Let me know what tips you like best! You can also follow my actual adventures in California at the end of July-August on Insta (#shebirdielife + #californiabirdie).

• Are you one of our California birdies or have you visited recently?
• What do you recommend for restaurants, activities, or best places to spot a celebrity or two?

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