Packing a light bag doesn't exactly mean you'll be missing some things during your vacation. A lighter bag is easier to carry and maneuver, which is particularly important if you’re moving from place to place frequently. Keeping your luggage light may also save you money on airline fees, which occur when you have overweight bags.
Continue swiping for a few tips that should help you pack lighter every time you travel.
Pack items you absolutely need, not things you’d like to have. Yes, those pink sandals match your favorite skirt perfectly, but the white sandals go with everything. If you love your own snorkel gear but can rent equipment on-site, save the space. Every decision counts when you're trying to avoid stress and fees.
Follow the 1-2-3-4-5-6 rule. Pack one hat, two pairs of shoes, three bottoms, four tops, five pairs of socks, six pairs of underwear plus a bra if you wear one. Dress-wearers might want to sub in a dress for one of the tops or a skirt for one of the bottoms. You might have to do laundry once or twice along the way, but that’s a small price to pay for a lighter load.
Pack neutral colors and lightweight garments will mix and match well. Take shirts and tops that layer well in case you need to add or shed clothes because of the temperature. Lay out all the clothes you intend to pack and think carefully before putting anything in a suitcase.
Consider packing cubes, stuff sacks or even large zipper bags. Organize your clothing in ways that make sense to you and then compress the items using these packing tools. Packing organizers make it easier to find what you need without rummaging through your entire suitcase.
Photography: Amazon
Bring your most multipurpose shoes instead of multiple pairs that take up more space. Opt for a pair of comfortable walking sandals or comfortable sneakers that you can wear with a. If water-related activities are on the itinerary, consider waterproof sandals that can be worn for long-distance walking, too.
Photography: Amazon
Take a hard look through your toiletries to see if there's anything better left at home. The decision to bring one skin cream instead of two, pack a small bar of soap instead of a full-size one can save a solid amount of space. If you’re staying in hotels, you can skip bringing shampoo, conditioner and soap altogether, as those items are typically provided.
If you can manage it, pack your suitcase only two-thirds full to leave room for souvenirs. The alternative is to bring a lightweight, collapsible bag to fill with mementos and carry on the plane ride home.