The fantasy of frictionless travel collides with the grim realities of split suitcase zippers and lost baggage panic attacks. But what if there were a way you could escape all these travel tribulations altogether? The best kept travel tip is packing light, or how to work a carry-on; both lead to a much simpler and more pleasurable travel experience. Not about renouncing comfort or style, more about packing mentality. The best packing tips and tricks to ensure your pack is as easy as possible, taking away the hassle so you can focus on enjoying your trip as much as the destination in this post. Tip #1: The Key to Packing Light is in the Plan
Light packing demands planning so plan like a pro long before you start dreaming in clothes, shoes and toiletries. The first thing you need to know is how long the journey is and the nature of that journey. To pack for a weeklong business trip is not the same to pack for a weekend beach trip. Study an itinerary to know exactly what you are going to do what the weather is likely to be like etc. This data helps you to know what to wear and to pack only the necessary clothes with you.
Next, make a packing list. Sounds simple, I know, but a decent list (grouped by clothes, toiletries, electronics and documents) helps resist the temptation to upscale on impulse purchase, and prevents departure without something you actually need at home. Review this list critically. Ask yourself: Do you really need 3 pairs of shoes for a 3 day trip? Are there things that you can wear more than once and combine? To have an unbroken suitcase, you need to be picky about what you pack.
Finally, be aware of the weight restrictions on your airline for the hand luggage. Knowing the exact measurements and weight restrictions so you will not pay hidden charges or having to endure the heartbreak of checking your bag at the gate. In case you are NOT travelling with extra luggage, we still suggest to weigh your bag before you leave home for a spare of 10 kg on a secure side. Instead, this puts you ahead of the curve, relieving the burden of stress off your shoulders in return, allowing you to travel like a pro.
An expert in wearing clothes that do double duty
To bring less stuff, pick clothes that have variety. Wear no-fuss neutral clothes that are easy to mix and match. And I choose versatile basics (neutral t-shirts, dark-wash jeans, a light cardigan, a dress or skirt that I can pair with different shirts) These items can be worn together or mixed/matched in a couple different ways, so you need less total clothing.
Fabrics have to be among the most important choices. Wear lighter weight, wrinkle free, fast drying fabrics. They are ideal for traveling since they pack small and require little to no ironing. Search for merino wool, linen as well as quick-drying nylon blends. Avoid thick and bulky fabrics such as thick cotton or denim that add bulk and weight to your bag.
Layering is your friend. Beach temperatures will be variable, so wearing layers you can put on or take off will help. Layering with a lightweight base layer, a fleece mid-layer, and a waterproof outer shell is ideal; warm, but compress down and won´t take you multiple bulky jackets to stay warm in various weather conditions.
Pack It in: Tactically Spacious
Good packing strategies can significantly reduce space you need for a luggage! Rolling your clothes instead of folding them: it's a well-known travel hack that doesn't get much love. It also saves wrinkles, there by stuffing maximum cloth in minimum space. However, for heightened products, folding is still a staple technique.
Utilize packing cubes. These organizers, meant for space-saving, form sections of your valuables in your bag so that you can get extra organized and free space inside. Amazon UP TO 64% OFF: Amazon UP TO 64% OFF The top priority is to organize clothes you wish to wear and prevent those from wrinkling. Vacuum storage bags are the other wonderful manner through which huge belongings like sweaters or jackets can be compressed, which can considerably lessen their quantity.
Leave empty space. Yes, we want to avoid over packing, and their clothes are not packed so tightly and so densely packed together as to not wrinkle, so you have a little wiggle room if you happen to pick up some souvenirs or purchases on your travels!
Toiletries and Essentials: The Minimalist Approach
Toiletries tend to fill up your whole suitcase Minimise footprints by investing in travel-sized containers or reusable squeeze bottles to decant your favourite products into. Many brands have also released travel-sized versions of their product these days, so really, you don't even need to take the hassle of decanting.
Utilize solid toiletries. Solid shampoos, conditioners, and soaps are a great space-saving alternative to their liquid counterparts. They're also typically more environmentally friendly and reduce the risk of a spill during transport.
Consider making various purchases when you arrive at your destination. You shouldnt have a problem finding most of your basic toiletries (shampoo and toothpaste — all that other stuff you ever wonder about): your destination will have it. So you wouldn't even have to take them from home. So, that is making it one less item occupying some precious real estate up there in the carry-on.
The technology and documentation stuff: making it work with the minimum
Digitalize your documents. Scan your passport, boarding pass, travel insurance and other essential travel documents, then upload them to the cloud or save on a cloud which is downloaded to your cell phone. There is no burden of carrying heavy paper, and this will secure access to documents even if your papers have been lost or damaged with escrow services.
Choose versatile electronics. Opt for a simpler multi-purpose device for example → A smartphone (camera, GPS, e-reader and entertainment systems.) That reduces the number of gadgets you have to take around with.
Limit your accessories. Bring the bare essentials of jewelry and accessories that will go with everything you have packed. All that bling only drags you down, occupies space. Opt for clothing that can be layered, and items that you can use for many of your outfits. Remember, the goal is to be minimalist, not to take your entire jewelry box with you.
Follow these tips and tricks and you will know how to pack light in no time and can look forward to a whole new level of stress-free travel! Traveling light is made easy — and believe me, this is a journey we encourage you to consider doing.