When you are told to pack light, it doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on your overall comfort and style. However, as far as basics are concerned, a bit of rethinking is required. When you pack for a vacation, sacrificing a half-pound here and an ounce there can make a huge difference. So, do some math, and you will understand why this is so important. If you carry luggage that is too heavy or big, you’ll have to incur and additional fee in almost every airline.
Moreover, if you are carrying a suitcase, the weight is all the more important as you’ll be carrying this huge bag of yours too many times during the transit, right from in and out of the car to the staircase, and during the security screening.
After having a decade long experience of traveling by myself, I have concluded that when you travel with only a carry-on, you’ll experience a lot of benefits. Some of these are:
- You don’t have to incur any additional fees.
- When you navigate a new place, you’ll be encumbered by less baggage.
- While the other travellers wait at the conveyer belt, you can quickly catch a cab and reach your hotel.
So, whether you wish to avoid the baggage fee or you wish to be less bothered by the luggage, the important thing is to pack light. To help you with the same, we have come up with a few tips that’ll be incredibly helpful for you.
The Basics
Firstly, you have to start by separating everything that you need under categories. So, this is how you do it:
Category 1 – Luggage
Mark, who works with a website where you can ask for assignment help, says that to pack light, you need to have a lighter suitcase. A roller suitcase that is of 22-inch is lightweight luggage. However, irrespective of the suitcase you pick, do ensure that it has a couple of pockets or compartments. It will be helpful to keep everything organized.
Category 2 – Clothes
Now, as far as clothing is concerned, only pack items that are made of lighter fabrics. Fleece and wool are going to keep you warm, but they are bulky and heavy. You can pack clothes made from fabrics like synthetic and silk. Though linen, cotton, or cotton blends tend to a bit heavier, they still fall on the lighter end of the spectrum.
Category 3 – Shoes
As far as shoes are considered, packing light can be a bit tricky. You should try to strike a balance between comfort, style, and weight. Lily, who offers online accounting homework help, says that while traveling, she wears the heaviest pair of shoes that she intends to carry and pack the rest in the suitcase.
Category 4 – Toiletries
The best way to reduce the weight of toiletries is to not carry them at all. Mostly, you will find a shampoo, conditioner, moisture, and soap in your hotel. However, if you still want to carry your own, buy a travel-sized bottle to save up space.
Category 5- Electronics
You are going for a fun vacation, so only carry electronics that you need. If you love reading, carry a tablet, rather than tons of books to save some space.
Tips for keeping it light
There isn’t any set standard that applies to every trip. However, there are certain tips that I have compiled after a bit of trial and error and a lot of traveling. So, let’s introduce you to some of them.
Know that every bit of space counts
Get rid of all those just in case items, fill up the nooks of your bag with smaller items such as socks, mittens, underwear or shoes, and replace the books with an e-reader. All of this will give you extra space to pack essentials.
Pack only clothing that would last you a week
Gigi, who offers online assignment help, says that no matter how many days she’s traveling for, she never carries clothes for over a week. Now, to keep these clothes fresh, you can carry with you a dryer sheet. Also, to get rid of the wrinkles, you can keep with you a travel-sized wrinkle releaser. If you are going on a longer trip, do your laundry simultaneously.
Pack things or outfits that can be mixed and matched
Always pack things that you can color-coordinate with other things in your wardrobe. If a particular item doesn’t work with other clothing pieces, it is better to leave it at home. It is best to carry more tops and fewer pants or jeans. Pick shoes that will go with almost every outfit.
Maximize the personal items
In airlines, you can always carry a carry-on bag, like a laptop bag or a purse. Jessica, who likes best data science certification list at TrumpLearning, says that she carries a huge handbag that can accommodate her wallet, perfume, makeup, tissues, first-aid, and a few other handy things.
So, use these tips, and you’ll be able to pack light for your travel.