When I want to, I can economize a week of travel into one cute little carry-on bag.

Start by putting outfits together, laying them on the bed if you need a visual. Ensure that each item can do double duty with something else in the pile. All skirts and pants must go with all the tops – shoes too. Dresses are the only slackers. Pick accessories around your staples. Bright scarves and unique jewelry can transform an outfit.

Then look at the best case scenario. What can you live without? If it might be cold, pick one wrap or coat that will serve you in multiple situations. Do you need a different outfit for your return trip or will the same one do? Can you wash undergarments in the sink? When in doubt, leave it out. When you're ready to put everything in your bag, roll the clothes - a tip an uncle in the military taught me. Roll your clothes as tight as possible and stuff undergarments and jewelry into shoes. Every last inch of real estate should be filled.

Take enough toiletries to get you started but remember they can also be bought at airports, drugstores and malls. Like you needed an excuse to go shopping…

Have a travel tip to share with your GoGirlfriends? Send us your tips, tricks and strategies and we'll publish them here. Email us or connect with us on Twitter and Facebook. Let's continue the conversation!