How to Pack Light for Travel
Packing light isn’t just a skill, it’s also a mindset. Have you ever noticed it’s always the same people who take 2 suitcases and a duffle bag for their weekend holidays? Taking less with you on your travels means more freedom, less stress, a clearer mind(really), a lighter load and potentially less or no baggage fees. It opens the door to more spontaneous adventures and weekend trips without being as weighed down.
Learning how to travel light will transform the way you picture travel and will open up easier travel to you.
Why Pack Light
Travelling without checked luggage saves you some money, prevents overpacking, makes moving between destinations far easier as well as making it easier to keep track of your belongings. When possible, travelling light is the best way to travel.
How to Travel Light
Your bag is the foundation of packing light. If you are taking a suitcase, a heavy suitcase immediately eats into your allowance before you’ve even added anything. Pick a light suitcase, if you must bring a suitcase. A lightweight, cabin friendly case or bag is best.
2. Multi Use ClothingA great secret to travelling light is versatility with your clothing.
- Lightweight and re-usable layers like fleece pack down small and offer warmth when you need it without a lot of bulk.
- Zip off trousers convert from trousers to shorts, ideal for changeable climates, which happens during airport travel, from the UK to Morocco for example.
Shoes are usually the bulkiest item in any bag, or at least the most awkward shape to pack. Stick to no more than three pairs at a push:
- One pair ofcomfortable walking or hiking shoes
- One pair of ightweight everyday shoes
- One optional pair of sandals or evening shoes
Liquid restrictions are often the first hurdle when travelling through an airport with carry on only. Though the rules are changing, it’s still best to swap to solid deodorant, shampoo bars, and soap bars. They can be lighter, normally last longer, wont spill in your bag and often reduce plastic waste as a bonus.
5. Stay Organised - Packing CubesPacking cubes are very convenient and really help you begin and stay organised. Packing cubes will help you:
- Separate your tops, bottoms, underwear, and toiletries
- Compress clothing
- Avoid rummaging through your bag
- Include anti-odour technology which neutralises odour.
If you’re travelling with boots, a fleece or hoodie, or a heavier jackets then wear them whilst you travel. This frees up a ton space in your bag and helps you avoid overweight luggage fees. Leave some space in the top of your bag to squeeze your fleece in if it gets too hot. Or tie it to the bag externally.
One of the best ways to pack light is to wash as you go. Check your destination to see if they have any laundry facilities.
8. Leave Extra Room in Your BagWhen re-packing for the return trip it’s very easy to lose space. If you leave room in your bag you will have space for any souvenirs you may have picked up, and can conveniently pop in snacks, or your jackets and hoodies when you’re warm.
9. Know Your DestinationPacking light doesn’t mean packing unprepared. Spend time calculating what you’ll need each day. It’s all too easy to pack too much underwear. Whilst it’s good to bring extra, don’t over do it. Look at what events or excursions you’ll be on, what you’ll be doing in the evenings or if you’ll be using the pool. If you do use the pool, it might be worth asking, ‘do I need multiple pairs of swimming trunks?’.
It’s also well worth reviewing what the weather’s predicted to be as well as your environment too. For example:
- Forests require layers and waterproofs.
- Tropical destinations call for breathable, insect repellent clothing.
- Cold climates demand insulating but lightweight layers.
Most airlines have strict cabin bag weight limits. If you’re close to the weight limit reconsider what’s in your case and if you could drop something. Or if you could wear an extra layer in the airport.
Learning how to pack light is a skill that improves every time you travel. It starts with being a little brave but with the right mindset, thought out clothing choices, and lightweight clothing, you can move freely and avoid stress. Finaly tip: you can always pick up anything you’ve forgotten at your destination or in the airport.
Going somewhere hot? Why not give out Desert Travel guide a read.
