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Sometimes when travelling you need to travel light. It gives you the extra flexibility and freedom that you just can’t achieve from having heavy luggage. You’re able to move more quickly through airports, train stations and any other mode of transport you’re using.
Often you need to take public transport when you’re travelling and heavy luggage is less than ideal for this. Not only this you will save money from not checking your bags and you will always have your luggage close to hand on transport like trains and buses. You’re much less likely to lose your belongings when you travel light, this is because you can keep track of them much easier.
Have a look below at some of the ways you can ensure you’re travelling light: Your Case
You should try to use small, lightweight suitcases. This is probably the oldest trick in the book when it comes to packing light. Often standard, large suitcases are bulky and heavy, making it difficult to lug them around. If you use a smaller suitcase you’re restricting the number of items you can take with you but it does make sure you’re only taking what you need. If you get a case that is too big, you’re more likely to try and fill it and end up with items that are unnecessary. If you really think about what you need to take with you, you don’t usually need more than just a carry on case anyway.
Only Take Two Pairs Of Shoes
It can be really to overboard with packing shoes when you’re travelling, you’re trying to make sure you have options just like you do at home, however, if you really think about it you probably only use one or two pairs on a regular basis anyway. Shoes are one of the bulkiest items we put in our bags so try to never travel with more than two pairs. Wear your bulkiest pair on the journey and then pack the other. Usually, you want to include at least a pair of trainers.
Limit The Number Of Jeans
Jeans and trousers can take up a lot of space and weight in any case. This means you should only travel with one pair in order to keep your luggage lightweight. It’s always a good idea to wear these on the plane when you travel. If you’re going to be travelling you might want to consider finding a soft, comfortable pair, that is going to wash well.
Minimise The Toiletries
If you’re staying in a hotel you are more than likely going to be provided with shampoo and shower wash so you can leave these at home. If not, chances are there will be somewhere nearby in your destination that you can purchase them once you arrive. This means you can usually get away with packing just your deodorant, travel-sized toothpaste, and some basic makeup. One of the main problems that arise when it comes to lightweight travel and toiletries is the want to take hair dryers, hair curlers and hair straighteners. See if you could manage without, some hotels will provide at least a hairdryer. If you can’t live with them try looking for travel-sized alternatives to help reduce the space and weight they can use.
Go Digital With Tickets
Most tickets and now even boarding passes can now be used in digital form. Many airlines and train services even have their own application where you can check-in in advance and then use your boarding pass on your phone or tablet. This reduces the need to take a travel wallet with you and means that you only need a small bag to use for your currency and passport.
Photo by Urmi (License: Creative Commons BY)
Pack Simple
It’s going to make it much easier to pack light if you keep it simple, this means basic outfits and maybe one for the evening. Think about where you are travelling to, what the weather going to be like and what activities you are likely to be doing when you are there. It’s a good idea to have a look at ideas for the simple outfit on platforms such as Pinterest.
Pack Clothes That Serve A Purpose
Another thing to consider with clothing is whether they can serve a double purpose for you, packing things such as sarongs and scarves is good as they are lightweight and can be used as a towel, blanket, and wrap which minimizes your need to take these along with you too.
Make Use Of Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are getting used more and more by people who like to travel light. They keep your belonging organized and they also make the most of the space that you have available. They have the ability to maximize the space you have as they compress the clothing you’re packing into smaller more manageable cubes to insert in to your case.
Wash Your Clothes When You Are There
There is no rule that says washing is off-limits when you travel, in fact washing your clothes while you are away is a huge way to help you to travel lighter. Rather than picking an outfit for every single day, you’re able to pack the basic and then wash them to reuse later on your trip. Whether you use a dry cleaning service, washing facilities in the hotel or self-catering accommodation or you do it the old fashioned way in the sink or bath, there is always a way that you can wash your clothes.
Buy When You’re There
It doesn’t matter where you are travelling, you can usually buy the necessities that you need when you’re in your destination. Ok, they might not be your favorite brand, but it’s going to dramatically reduce the weight you’re travelling with. If you know you’re going to need specialist equipment such as skis or hiking tools then consider buying them there or even hiring them.
This is just a short guide to help you to pack lighter, and travel easier, do you have any other tips that could help with this? Please share them in the comments below.
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