My advice is to read and to learn everything that you can about the ART and CHALLENGE of packing light. Get the opinions and recommendations from experienced travelers on discussion boards (they are more than willing to help a fellow traveler), read the packing tips sections from your guide books/touring documents, and spend time (okay, a lot of time on the internet).   Once you have done your research: Compile all your information and create your packing list. Divide and organize your items by specific categories. Clothing, Toiletries, Electronic/Camera, Travel Documents (copies of passport, itinerary, packing list, guidebook, address book, camera instructions, journal, etc), Medications, Miscellaneous (ie., emergency kit, travel alarm, etc.).

Use the information that you learned from your research and maintain your list as a work in progress. Add and delete as you go along until you arrive at a final workable list that you feel comfortable with. TIP: Try to maintain a Master packing list for future vacation trips. I don’t really delete things off of my list. I simply indicate that I will not be packing the item.

Once you have your final list, do a Mock packing.  Make sure that you leave enough extra space for those souvenirs.  Then take your luggage and weigh it to make sure that they fall within the weight limits of your airline carrier.  Once again, remember your return trip and make sure you leave some room for the additional weight.  On this trip, I packed an extra fold up duffel bag to pack the over weight of items from my big luggage.  On my next trip I would definitely pack lighter to avoid the extra weight and the need to expand to two luggage.

Packing Test:   Take your luggage and move it around.  Drag and lift it up a few stairs (because that's what you'll see a lot of - especially if you're using mainly public transportation).  If you see the veins and biceps bulging from your arms - it's a definite sign that you've packed way too much!