Packing light

Packing light is key to our easygoing travels. Because we often take the train to get around Europe, we can't have more than two suitcases.

Here is how we do it:

2 suitcases for clothes etc. 
Ideally one suitcase would be best for moving around... well, that or a private jet.

1 knapsack for books or other heavy items that we check-in as our third piece of luggage. 
This bag can sit on top of one of the suitcases when moving about. We keep a heavy bag so we can stay under the weight restrictions of 50lbs for each bag when flying. The bag is lightweight and folds away easily if we do not need it.

2 items of carry on luggage that are hands free. 
One knapsack for kids stuff and one messenger bag that is safe for holding  tickets and passports.

1 lightweight collapsible stroller. 
We really like our Uppa Baby G-LUXE. We roll it around the airport right up to the moment we get on the plane. 

What we skip:

1. The carseat. 
This is a heavy piece of equipment that I have never attempted to travel with. Luckily there are plenty of options to travel without this ball and chain.
Airport pick-up services such as Taxis Baby Seat in Paris will meet you at the airport with a car seat already installed. First class service, I can't say enough nice things about them.
If you are renting a car, some companies have carseats available for rent as well. Check ahead.
Second last choice is public transportation. We tried this approach in Istanbul with suitcases and it did not garner a warm reception. Many public transportation systems are pretty packed, and squeezing your family's gypsy caravan into a subway car is not a good way to make friends. Another important point is that many old European apartments and metro stations do not have elevators, and you may have to go up or down several flights of stairs. If however, you are looking for an excellent cardio and muscular workout,  this is a highly recommended training circuit. You will have sexy arms and legs at the end of your trip.
My last choice is to take a taxi. Taxis in most countries are generally exempt from laws requiring a car seat or a infant or child, but of course there is a risk involved.

2. The third suitcase. 
We could bring a third suitcase, but then, we would need a third arm. One parent is rolling our son around or running after him while simultaneously pushing the stroller, and the other parent has two suitcases and the heavy items bag. That's quite enough.

3. Keeping our purchases with us on the road. 
Who doesn't love to pick up art work or some funky kitsch as they travel? The key is to mail it back home, along with any seasonal clothing that has run it's course. 

4. The portable crib. 
Don't get me wrong, these are amazing inventions, so amazing that almost everywhere we go they already have one. If a crib is unavailable, we have a small, extremely light weight child's camping mattress from MEC which we will be test driving this trip.

5. Books. Truth be old, we always have a few books,  we love books. This trip we are trying out a kobo reader that was lent to us, and relying more on travel guides that are available online. 

Upcoming post on minimalist wardrobe that travels well.