It might not be the most exciting part of your vacation experience, but packing can easily be the part that requires the most forethought, and practicality. Not only do you need to think carefully about the items that you simply can’t spend two weeks without, but you also need to organize those possessions effectively so that they don’t take up too much space.
Traveling has become increasingly complicated over the recent years, as uncertain international security leads to more problems than ever before. Because of this, it’s almost always a good idea to dump the heavy suitcases in favor of a selection of clever packing tips that will help you to travel light, and get to your destination with as little fuss as possible.
From using a TSA-approved padlock on the smallest suitcase you can find, to ensuring you know how to roll your clothes for maximum space economy, these are our favorite clever packing tips., for the adventurer who wants to travel light.
1. Use a Tiny Case
It might seem simplistic, but this is actually the oldest trick in the book when it comes to ways of ensuring you travel light. After all, if you only have a small suitcase or backpack in which to store all of your must-have vacation items, you’ll be forced to make the most of the clever packing tips you’ve learned before you snap on that TSA-approved padlock and head to the airport.
The smaller your bags are, the less likely it is that you’ll be tempted to fill them with unnecessary stuff. Just make sure that you don’t use a small case as an excuse to take thirty pieces of luggage with you on your vacation.
2. Leave the Toiletries at Home
If you’re visiting a hotel, you can almost guarantee that you’ll be given a free dose of conditioner, shampoo, and shower gel – so leave those items at home. Though some people will struggle without their skincare essentials – there is a work around if you’re addicted to a particular brand. Travel light by opting for smaller bottles and tester-sachets of your favorite product that you can tuck neatly into your hand luggage.
3. Go Digital
Need a way to stay entertained on a long flight? Use clever packing tips to cut down on the space that you consume with large books, games, and notepads. Instead, take your smartphone or tablet with you on vacation, and be prepared to marvel at just how much it’s capable of. If you’re planning on a particularly long journey, it might be a good idea to take a universal travel adapter and portable charger with you too – just in case you need to power-up at the end of your flight.
4. Plan Your Wardrobe Carefully
Planning your wardrobe to ensure that everything matches with everything else doesn’t mean that you have to restrict yourself to boring, monochromatic outfits. Instead, it makes you take a minimalist approach to fashion. Once you’ve found clothes that fit, and look great, look for ways you might be able to mix and match them with other simple garments. This should cut down on the amount of separate outfits you feel compelled to take with you on vacation, meaning that you have a better chance to travel light.
5. Remember Security
While there are plenty of things you can cut down on in an attempt to pack light – security is not one of them. Keep your money, ID, credit cards, and other valuables in a security pouch, and ensure that you use a TSA-approved padlock to keep your suitcase secure. Clever packing tips will help you to avoid excess baggage fees and other problems, but it’s up to you to look after your own safety.
6. 2 Pairs of Shoes – That’s All
All you need for your vacation is two pairs of shoes – one that you can wear through the day, and one that you can wear if you find yourself visiting a fancy event or hitting the theatre. You don’t need any more than this – and you certainly don’t need a pair of shoes for every outfit you might end up wearing. As any list of clever packing tips will tell you, it’s a good idea to be sure that you can walk comfortably in both pairs of shoes – and don’t bring along a new pair that you haven’t had the chance to wear in yet.
7. Use Rolling Techniques, and Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are a success for a reason – they help to organize the items in your suitcase, while cutting down on wasted space. At the same time, rolling your clothing will help you to ensure that you get all of your clothing neatly into your tiny backpack or bag, without having to deal with the stress of creases when you arrive at your destination. It’s no wonder that travel attendants recommend rolling instead of folding – regardless of whether you’re hoping to travel light or not.
8. You Can Buy Most Things Upon Arrival
As clever packing tips go, this is more of a friendly reminder. While you need your TSA-approved padlock before you head to the airport, and it’s a good idea to buy a universal charger before you go on vacation, there are plenty of items that you can buy at your destination if you accidentally forget something crucial in your attempt to pack light. Stop erring on the side of caution, and remember that in most cases – you can buy yourself out of a sticky situation.
Travel Light with Clever Packing Tips
While cutting down on unnecessary objects so that you can travel with the smallest possible suitcase, and still have access to everything you need for a great vacation can be hard – it’s well worth the effort. When you fix your TSA-approved padlock to your luggage for your next adventure, ask yourself if you could benefit from travelling a little lighter.
