Travel Prepping

I'm really trying to stick to my decision to travel as much as possible as often as possible. Seems like real life gets in the way. A LOT. Anyways, by researching and prepping I feel that I am increasing my chances of getting away whenever I can.  One thing I know that I need to do is upgrade my luggage.

Last year for my cruise I bought a large spinner  bag that is HUGE. I'm talking big enough to fit Shay in. Literally. And yes he could lay down in there.

It was perfect for what I needed it to do, but really is much too large for most of the trips I take. I have a smaller wheeled carry-on that serves me well but I'm finding I hate pulling the dang thing. I also realize that I pack too much. Yup, I'm one of those "What if...." packers. I joined a travel group on Facebook and have been following a lot of posts on packing tips and luggage suggestions.

I've toyed with the idea of buying a travel backpack (As if I don't have enough backpacks already right?)

That's not all of them!  Just the ones not being used elsewhere. I have 3 more!  Plus the one I gave my mother.

So why not use one of those?  First and foremost, hiker funk. Do I really need to explain that?  Anyways these are all for backpacking or day hiking so are dirty or perpetually funky. I really don't fancy bumping into my Scottish dream man on the streets of Inverness and him wondering what that weird smell is.

The second reason is hiking/backpacking packs are designed with that in mind and I have tried travelling with the two left packs, but while they work for daypacks and the cramming method of loading a backpack, they don't work for the order I want on a vacation. A travel backpack has a bit more substance shape wise but doesn't have the rollers and telescoping handles of a pull along suitcase. They also have a large central pack space instead of smaller compartments. And some are like clamshell suitcase. So I'm currently liking the Osprey Fairpoint 40. Osprey is a well known brand to me and it good quality but...

This puppy is $160! *Faint*

The other Osprey that gets high recommendations is a convertible roller backpack with a detachable day pack.  Sounds great right? Best of two worlds yada yada yada.  Price tag? $300 NOPE!

Another highly recommended pack is TLS Motherlode Weekender and Weekender JR. The JR is just a smidge smaller and conforms to all International airline standards for carry-ons (the others miss a few). It is also small enough to fit under the seat...which is kind of nice as it gives me a place to rest my feet. At under $100 this is a contender with their lifetime warranty. So, we'll see what happens. You know me, I don't make purchases on the fly.

My other research has been in packing tips. I kept hearing the term "capsule wardrobe". WTF? (Thanks RabbitsandRuns for explaining that one.) It seems I kind of already do that since I lack much of a wardrobe at all. LOL Hurray for the woman who doesn't buy clothes often!  The tips I've found so far
 
>Cut back on shoes. Not a problem. I usually only bring 3. Walking shoes, dress, and water.
>Limit your lingerie. Again, not a problem. I'm used to trail washing underwear and socks.
>Make your wardrobe do double or triple duty. Yeah, that can be a problem with what I have on hand. Also I'm told it is too "American grunge" for some locales. Hmmmm.
>Pack for "knows" and limit "what ifs". UGH OH!  Houston we have a problem....

Packing styles. What method do you use?  I was raised on the fold and stack. Then I rolled. Sometimes I bundle, but this just hasn't appealed to me. I don't like everything bound together like a burrito/spring roll. Packing cubes may be my answer there or maybe a mixture of all three?

What are your travel packing hacks?  Do you have a favorite bag or pack?  Which method of packing do you prefer?  Are you a minimalist or a luggage hauler?  Why?  If you could change one packing habit you have, what would it be?