Traveling light, with as little luggage as possible, makes my favorite pastime (exploring other places) just that much more enjoyable – even before I arrive at the airport for departure.
I dislike paying baggage fees and hate standing in baggage claim waiting for my bags to pop up on the carousel with what seems like a hundred other people also waiting, and praying that my bag will show up.
There’s nothing worse than my bags getting
I try to curtail that happening by taking just a carry-on bag and a personal bag (a purse/laptop bag).
Here are 10 tips to help you in learning to pack lighter for your next trip.
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1. Only use a carry on suitcase. If you need more, carry a small backpack to serve as your personal item.
2. Will you need a coat or a heavy sweater? Wear it on the plane. You can always take it off and place it in the overhead bin.
I often travel with a light shawl or scarf. I’ve even used my scarf to serve double duty as a beach cover-up and a tablecloth.
This train of thought also goes for jeans. They are heavy, so wear them on the plane. The same goes for boots.
However, if you’re traveling to a warmer client, you get to leave all of that heavy stuff behind – thus, more room.
3. I love to read, and my Kindle allows me to carry thousands of books with me, conveniently.
Often, I will bring my second Kindle or my Fire Tablet if I know that I’m going to be beachside so that I can read in the bright light.
I’m still trying to get my favorite cousin and frequent travel companion to leave those heavy books behind and load them onto her kindle.
4. Rarely do I bring back souvenirs, but when I do, I always have an extra duffle style travel bag that folds down neatly in my carry on.
5. I use small containers that I’ve recycled for makeup and toiletries.
When traveling, I place these into one clear zip bag so that it’s easy to remove it for scanning at the airport.
I also save room by not packing bulky items such as lotion, sunblock, baby oil, or other heavy liquids. I just buy them at my place of destination.
6. Seriously limit the number of clothes you pack and make sure they serve double duty and they’re in the same color palette. They will be easily interchangeable with each other.
Now is NOT the time to pack every new outfit you’ve never worn.
7. Pack your clothes vertically (file cabinet style), so that you can see them at a glance without having to move items.
8. Pack a Max of 2 Pairs of Shoes
9. Pack a max of 5 pairs of undies. Try ultra-soft quick-dry undies for women as well as quick-dry boxers for men. It’s really easy to just wash your undies out with soap and hang them to dry.
10. Have a pair of comfy socks for a chilly plane ride. Make sure they’re not tight and binding on your legs or ankles so they won’t interfere with leg circulation.
Decide on your list of must-have items for your carry-on bag.
For me, I make it a point to include an empty, flat water bottle, Cetaphil moisturizer, travel size Vaseline, and lip balm.
Do you usually only take a carry on bag when you travel? Share in the comments below any tips you have for making your travel journey lighter.
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