The importance of packing light when travelling is something that every seasoned traveller has advised. You don’t want to end up with the constant hassle of dragging your big suitcase everywhere you go. And chances are, by the end of the trip, you’ll find that you’ve only used a small percentage of what you packed in that very big suitcase.
Here are some tips for packing light for your next vacation.
One bag that is the size of a carry-on. That’s it. It will fit in your airplane overhead bin and you will enjoy the mobility and freedom that is restricted with lugging around a heavy suitcase. When you can carry your own luggage, it is less likely for it to get lost, broken or stolen. You can easily take it with you on the bus, taxi and airplane. This saves a lot of time and frees you from worrying about your possessions. However, having only one bag can improve your travelling lifestyle by not displaying you as a typical tourist (also exposing you to any con arts) and it makes changing locations simple.
It’s easy to get stumped on trying to figure out how to fit a whole trip into a small backpack or suitcase. But the answer is simple: don’t bring much. Regardless of how long you’re travelling, whether it is three weeks or three months, pack the same.
Keep your clothes tightly packed and super organized by zipping them up in packing cubes. This also helps keep things from getting wrinkled. This is also great for underwear and socks, and other miscellaneous items. Also, when putting things in your suitcase/bag, put the heavier items at the bottom (where the wheels are) because it makes it easier to navigate.
Put everything you think you might need on your floor. Pick each item and ask yourself if you will use them enough times to justify carrying it around all summer. If you can buy the item wherever you are going, then do that instead or at least bring mini versions of it (if possible).
Don’t start packing for the worst-case scenario. Pack for the best-case scenario and then just buy yourself out of any jams if need be. Bring layers instead of a heavy coat or sweater. Think of what you can do without, not what will be good to have. Know that you can buy toiletries wherever you are going.
In this day and age of technology, it’s not surprising to know that people will bring a laptop, an iPad, their phone, a camera, headphones and more. Instead of packing all of those admittedly heavy items, think about what you really need. Most phones take amazing pictures and anything that you put on an iPad, you can put on a phone. Easy!
With these essential tips to packing light, you’ll have a hassle-free trip without the aching back from dragging around an overly large suitcase!
