The Joy of Packing Light
This is the Holiday season and many people are traveling. I thought it was a good time to share my tips about how to pack light. I was not always a “light packer”. I used to pack too much and ended up not wearing all the shoes or clothes I brought. My packing habits changed many moons ago, when I did a year abroad in Austria to study. It was the opportunity to explore this part of Europe and I was backpacking across Eastern Europe during that year. Years later I spent another year abroad in Australia allowing me to improve my English and explore the Pacific region. I can say I truly experienced the backpacker life back then!
My Tips For Packing Light:
Decide beforehand exactly what outfit you’re going to wear and when. It not only saves time during your holiday, but it saves room in your bag too! I’m a planner and let me tell you I plan the clothes I will wear every single day on my trip. My packing process starts with trying on clothes, putting together outfits and deciding what day to wear what clothes, depending on the activities.
Plan on packing only one week’s worth of clothes regardless of how long your trip is. You can always find a way to have your clothes washed. Most hotels provide a laundry service. You need to ask for it. If you’re renting a place, chances are you have access to a washing machine. Same if you’re staying with family or a host.
Limit the different pieces of clothing you bring to one or two maximum for each category (T-shirt, sweater, pants, dresses, shoes, etc..). This way you massively reduce what goes in your bag. For example:
Have one pair of shoes to go out and another for day time that are more comfy or casual. I always pack a pair of flip flops, I use them to walk inside the hotel room. I also work out even on holiday so I bring a pair of training shoes too. Ok, it’s four pair of shoes you might say. The idea is to wear one pair of shoes that you’re packing while traveling. I usually wear the most comfy or most voluminous pair during the flight. This way it frees up some space in my bag. Bye bye the too many pairs of shoes you’re not even going to use!
Bring versatile clothing that can be worn in different ways and serve multiple purposes.
In addition to your carry-on size luggage have a tote bag. It will count as a personal item on the plane and it allows you to have extra space to bring what ever else you need. I put my toiletries and makeup pouch in my tote. It also allows a place for me to store my electronics (laptop, iPad), a clutch bag, my flip-flops and a book or to swap them between my bags if necessary.
I hope you find all of my tips helpful. Now enjoy packing for your next adventure!
Bon voyage! :-)
