For air travel, slip on shoes and pants that don’t require a belt.

don’t bring sand to the beach

Traveled around the world with only carry-on luggage. Keep all liquids easily accessible in a dedicated compartment, have multiple credit cards and keep them in different locations, have comfortable sports shoes that can easily be combined with all sorts of outfits, have one good (physical) book around, and always book multiple consecutive flights at once on (eg on Kiwi) to save $.

Use those clear plastic bags that you can roll up and get the air out of for bulky clothes like down jackets.

Always go for the backpack (with optional rollers) if you’re traveling in old Europe (cobblestones) or the 3rd world.

Never check a bag!

I have lots more but I’ll leave it at that to keep it somewhat concise lol

Usually check a bag. Don’t be a schlep. And in the .02% chance you lose it, enjoy the adventure and new clothes