The 3-1-1 on packing light for air travel

I love to travel. I also love it when my hair is cute. Until I discovered this nifty TSA-approved travel kit at the grocery store—the best ten bucks I’ve ever spent—I didn’t think I could have both.

The kit comes with little plastic bottles that are designed to maximize the space in your carry on quart-sized bag. And there are all these neat little labels so you don’t confuse your “hair gel” for “eye cream.” (God, I hate it when that happens…)

Effectively packing your 3-1-1 bag is the first step to a carry on only air travel experience. Here are a few more travel tips:

• Get (usually) free cosmetic samples from mall make-up counters to save space.

• Use powdered mineral makeup instead of cream or liquid products.

• Take only enough of products like lotion or toothpaste to last the duration of your flight. You can get more when you land.

• Prioritize your needs and pack accordingly. For example, I leave out the eye cream to make room for product to feed the Moster that is my hair.

• Save pill bottles to store bobby pins, hair ties or a small sewing kit.

Photo by Ruth Terry