Why Pack Light?

I admit it, I am a former over-packer. I was one of those folks who searched my airline’s website for the maximum weight and number of bags I could take on my trip. I then proceeded to cram as many items from my closet into them. I wanted to be sure that I had many stylish options for every possible situation I might find myself in.

Well, after several bad experiences including lost luggage in France, having to haul a 50 lb bag up 8 flights of stairs in Amsterdam, bouncing a large suitcase through the uneven streets of Bangkok, and a rotator cuff injury while dismounting a train in Florence, I am reformed!  It is so liberating not to have to haul all that weight around or wait at the baggage claim in hopes that your suitcase shows up on the carousel.

Do not get me wrong, I still like to look stylish, however, I can now say that I have successfully traveled for more than 2 weeks with just a carry-on bag and a backpack. I feel good about what I am wearing without all the hassle.

How Do I Do It?

The key to being a successful light packer is to put a lot of thought into it. Throwing things into a suitcase a day or so before I leave usually results in overpacking or forgetting items that I need.  Do your homework about your destination and think about exactly what you will need!  I usually take my suitcase out a couple of weeks before we leave, put it on the spare bed and start throwing things on the bed that I think I want to bring – as I think of them. During my final packing, I usually put several of those items back into the closet.

Things to Consider

The Weather

Consider both the day and evening temperatures. Is it a dry climate, windy, the rainy season?

What Activities Will I be Doing

Will I be hanging out on the beaches, hiking, site seeing, museums, shopping, wandering, attending a special event, eating out?

Where Are You Staying

Stay at an Airbnb, a hotel, with friends or relatives, and what amenities do you have access to – laundry, iron, hairdryer, towels, kitchen?

Putting Together a Capsule Wardrobe

Pick a neutral color palate. The clothing that takes up the most room in your suitcase are shoes, pants/bottoms and sweaters/jackets. Those items should all be in neutral colors and limited to just a few of each. The smaller garments that take up less room can have more color because you can bring more of them. Lightweight tops and scarves will add the pop of color you are looking for. Make sure all the lightweight tops coordinate with as many of the bottoms as possible for versatility.

Here is an example of what I packed for a 2-week trip to Aruba. You can see that I’ve shown all of the articles of clothing and many of the possible combinations.  29 outfits out of one carry-on suitcase!

Using Packing Cubes

Discovering packing cubes was life-changing for me. They have allowed me to organize and compress my clothing in a way that facilitates bringing along more options than I could otherwise.

What to consider when choosing your packing cubes:

My favorite packing cubes are Anatomie, Away, and eBags.

I prefer to fold my clothes using the Marie Kondo style of folding. I feel that I can fit more into the packing cubes in an organized way allowing me to see everything that I have at a glance without digging through piles.  I also feel that my garments are less wrinkled using this method.

Packing Tips and Tricks

Bring a nylon foldable duffel that takes up very little room. Put a luggage tag on it and tuck it at the bottom of your suitcase in case you shop and need to check a bag on your way home I like Tumi’s “Just in Case” tote. It folds up into its own compact pouch and opens up to a nice size.

Invest in a flat toiletry bag and try to just bring the basics. I love my “Pack it Flat” Toiletry bag by ebags.

If a beach is involved in the trip or you love yoga as I do, pack this Tesalate versatile lightweight beach towel.

First aid items. Think of where you are going and what access you may have to a pharmacy. If you are trekking in the jungle, you will need to be far more prepared than a trip to Manhattan.

I do not pack expensive jewelry. If traveling to a developing country, I even leave my diamond at home. Place each of the items you do plan to bring in a small bag. I save plastic button bags from new garments for this purpose. Then they can go into a small pouch without getting tangled and be tucked into your toiletry bag or backpack.

15 Must-Know Light-Packing Hacks

1. Do the Wash

If possible, stay someplace that has access to a laundry facility.  This can seriously reduce what you need to pack!

2. Bring a Duffel

Pack a thin duffel that folds up quite flat.  Put a luggage tag on the duffel in case you do some shopping and want to check a bag on the way home.

3. Flatten the Toiletries

Save on valuable luggage real estate by Investing in a flat toiletry bag. eBags sells one of my favorites.

4. Blow Off the Blow Dryer

Check to see if your accommodations offer a hairdryer so you don’t need to bring one.

5. Zip IT Up

Pack several Ziploc storage bags to use and reuse for packed lunches and snacks.

6. Use Laundry Strips

Pack Truearth laundry strips and a few dryer sheets to save valuable space and weight.

7. Bring Shopping Bags

Pack a couple of foldable nylon shopping bags for trips to the market, picnic lunches, or trips to the beach.  These can also be used to bring home purchases.

8. Zip Up Your Accessories

Keep earrings and necklaces organized by putting them in tiny plastic Ziploc bags that extra buttons come in.

9. Flying?  Keep the Liquids Handy

If you are flying, liquids must be limited to 3oz containers and only when you can fit in a clear 1-quart sized plastic bag.  Keep this bag in a place that easily accessible, like in your travel backpack, for quick access when you’re going through airport security checkpoints.

10. Pack a Laundry Bag

Pack a small, light-weight laundry bag for dirty clothes during the trip.

11. Keep Your Meds in Their Original Containers

Make sure medications and supplements are in their original containers and in your backpack for easy access.  Especially if you are traveling internationally as most countries will require it.

12. Bring a First-Aid Kit

Bring a small first-aid kit including bandages, cleansing wipes, antihistamine, antiseptic ointment, and Tylenol.

13. Bring an Extra Charger

Pack and extra phone charger and headphones in your suitcase.  Keep the first set in your carry-on for use on your flight and to reduce the risk of them being lost.

14. Copy Your Travel Documents

Pack a copy of your passport and that of your travel companions in your bag that you do not carry with you.  Be sure that your companions also have a copy of yours and theirs.

15. Use an e-Reader

Many of us love to read while we travel and vacation.  Using an e-reader such as a Kindle or any of the electronic book apps on your phone or tablet can save a lot of space and weight.  Also, consider audiobooks as an option.  I get it, some of us love to just turn the pages, If that’s you, then I get it that.  But at least think about it if you’re packing light.

Over the years, we have learned, often the hard way, what to bring, and what to leave home.  These valuable tips will help your travel experience go more smoothly and ensure that you have everything that you need and are ready for the unexpected.

Now, get packing!