Travel Light-Pack Right
Travel Light-Pack it Right!
My luggage collection is down to two suitcases, both carryon’s, one 19” and the other a 20”. I use these two for all travel- whether it be a long weekend in New York City, three weeks on safari in Africa, enjoying a cruise along the coast of Italy, or traversing Norway with its’ significant temperature changes.
Yet, I did not convert to using a carryon to save baggage fees! (Most international flights allow for one free checked bag.) My reasons included reducing the risk of a lost bag, ease of travel, ability to carry and move my own suitcase on all kinds of surfaces, and most importantly- I never even used half of what I used to bring in those clunky jumbo bags!
How do I do it? First, choose the right suitcase.
· Decide what size bag to use (international, domestic, foreign domestic, etc) and find one that is lighter (5-7 pounds) instead of the heavier ones up to 11 pounds.
· Many new bags have a single stick handle. Avoid those at all costs! The double stick handles are the only ones that you can layer on a backpack or tote with a trolley sleeve for secure movement. Also, the single stick handles break much easier. We want durability!
· If the suitcase has a lot of compartments and miscellaneous storage areas, consider removing them. In my opinion, all those little pockets and flaps and dividers and zippers on the inside use precious packing space. Instead, opt for packing cubes or compression organizers.
When you have the suitcase figured out, it’s time to plan and organize.
· Do you need all your makeup? Can those heavy or larger jars and bottles be converted into small travel tubes?
· Will a hair dryer be available? Is it needed?
· Can you do laundry or light rinsing out of items?
Is your clothing a material that will dry quickly?
Do you need 7 pairs of underwear and socks and bras? Can these be rinsed every few days?
· What items will you need that are weather, temperature or specific gear related?
Do you need to bring it, or can you buy it where you are going and leave it? For example, I live in Arizona and don’t need snow boots. But my trip to an Ice Festival in February required waterproof boots. I found a used pair on ThreadUp for $15 to “bring and leave”.
Can it be rented or provided by hotel/guide locally? (Hiking poles, camping equipment, snorkeling gear) Japan Airlines even rents clothing!
· Choose items that can serve more than one purpose. Items such as a sarong can be used as a scarf, robe, beach coverup, towel - or sleepwear that can double as loungewear - or reversible items (a jacket that can be worn inside out for a different look) are crucial for space saving.
· What medications (prescription and over the counter) will you bring; can they be consolidated into smaller containers?
· Mix and match versatile pieces to create multiple outfits. Aim for neutral colors with a pop of your favorite accent color to add variety.
Once you have sorted through what you will need, it’s time to pack!
· Pack for a week (or less!) Regardless of the length of your trip. One or two of anything is usually enough.
One pair of microfiber pants can be worn “forever” and look like a new outfit with a different top.
Opt for fabrics that are wrinkle resistant, quick drying, and breathable. Natural fibers for shirts (light merino wool, cotton, Chico’s travel line) are easy to wash, dry quickly, and don’t smell.
Avoid bringing “just-in case” items. Focus on the essentials and leave behind things you might only use once.
Take full advantage of the personal item allowance. This could be a backpack or small tote. I always like to pack a foldable tote/duffel that packs down to a couple of inches.
Trendy packing cubes can take up space. Decide how much division you need. I prefer clear compression bags (or even a clear large zip lock) where the air gets squeezed out. Compression bags are great for space saving and are easy to pack by item (all shirts in one) or by outfit. Multiple bags allow for only having to open what you need and can be marked with labels.
Minimize shoes. Bring a versatile pair that goes with multiple outfits; wear the heaviest and bulkiest on the plane. Any shoes packed should be filled with small items like socks, hats, underwear.
Include a couple of plastic bags or Ziplock bags. They are great for wet clothes, snacks, covering dirty shoes, etc.
Old glass cases or small packing cubes are great for cable organization to prevent tangling.
Know when to roll and when to fold. Softer fabrics, like t-shirts, are better rolled for space saving. Heavier fabrics, like jeans, are better folded.
Place heavier items at the bottom of your suitcase and around the wheels to distribute weight evenly. This helps prevent the top-heavy “suitcase won’t stand up syndrome.”
So, grab that carry-on and use it on your next adventure. Remember, the key is to prioritize versatile, space-saving items that serve multiple purposes. Traveling smaller is a mind-set change that may take some time, but with careful planning and strategic choices, and practice, it is not only possible but travel-altering!