Traditional wisdom suggests that travelers should bring half the luggage and twice the money that they expect to need. And people returning from trips almost never regret bringing too little stuff with them.
Still, the prospect of traveling light across national borders can be daunting when you’re in the packing phase. Here are some pointers to minimize the luggage you have to haul around the globe.
- Choose the right fabric. Lightweight, synthetic fabrics that don’t wrinkle and dry quickly are a traveler’s best friend. These days, it’s easier than ever to find reasonably fashionable clothes in these types of fabrics. Opt for clothing made with synthetic fibers, and you’ll be able to easily wash and quickly dry everything you pack.
- Pack in combination. Lay out your clothes during the packing process to ensure that you can combine tops and bottoms to maximize the number of outfits you can get from the pieces you bring. This doesn’t mean you have to settle for drab or boring outfits, either. Accessories (such as scarves, hats, and jewelry) transform an outfit quickly.
- Plan for laundry. Rather than packing enough clean gear for your entire trip, stay somewhere that has laundry facilities. If you wash your clothes every night, you can use even a regular sink to keep things fresh.
- Pack only essentials. Medications and passports aren’t negotiable, but unless you’re traveling to the wilderness, you’ll probably be able to find shampoo and toothpaste wherever you land. Be realistic about what you can pick up once you arrive. Bonus: shopping for essentials lets you immediately immerse yourself in the local culture of your destination.
- Maximize your space. Get crafty during the packing process. Underwear and socks can be packed inside shoes, breakables can be insulated with shirts, and wrinkle-proof fabrics can be rolled and squeezed into small spaces.
- Choose items with multiple functions. Rather than packing an entire toiletry cabinet, opt for multi-purpose gadgets that save space. Camping and outdoor supply stores offer an array of compact, highly functional gadgets ideally suited for travelers with limited space.
If you purchase souvenirs or gifts that don’t fit in your luggage for the return trip, you can always ship them—or buy a new bag! The beauty of traveling light is that you can always add to your burden if you find something worth weighing you down.
