Lessen Your Load: Tips for Traveling Light

Gearing up for a two-week vacation? Think there’s no way you can get away with a simple carry-on bag? Think again. While it may be tempting to pack everything and the kitchen sink, traveling light can enhance your trip by saving you money, time and providing peace-of-mind.

Money

Many low-cost airlines, such as Easyjet, now charge a fee for any checked bag. One carry-on is permitted at no extra charge. Traveling with one carry-on bag also allows savvy travelers to save by taking public transportation rather than taxis. It also eliminates the need to hire porters or tip bellhops.

Time

Checking your bag not only means waiting for it at your destination, but it requires you to be at the airport earlier, sometimes waiting in long lines. With only a carry-on item, you can usually proceed directly to security and to your gate.

Peace of Mind

Traveling with carry-on baggage reduces the risk of loss, theft and damage to your personal property. It will also reduce the chance of you needing to claim on your travel insurance. If you have a connecting flight and miss it, it ensures that your items remain with you at all times.

Strategies:

• Make a list of essential items before you pack. Visualize your activities. This requires you to think about what you’ll need and helps cut down on packing impulsively. It also reduces the likelihood that you will forget something essential.
• Use a soft-sided bag that can conform to various overhead bins.
• Pack a few clothing items that you can mix and match. Dark clothing tends to hide dirt and stains better.
• Bring shoes that will go with all your outfits. Two pair should be enough for all occasions. Wear the heaver pair on the plane. Stick small items inside your shoes when you pack to save space.
• Roll your clothing rather than fold it. This reduces wrinkles and saves space.
• Plan to wash your clothes during your trip. If you don’t want to do this yourself, many hotels offer laundry service.
• For colder climates, pack thin clothing and layer, rather than bulky items
• Buy clothes made of fast drying fabrics such as the products available from tilley.com. They claim you can travel the world with 2 pairs of their socks, which can be washed at night and will be dry by morning.
• Mail home any souvenirs or gifts that you purchase.
• Purchase toiletries when you get to your destination.
• Call your hotel to find out if they provide a hair dryer, iron, shampoo, etc. Most do.