How to pack lightly for a long trip
- Use multipurpose items. For example, a rain jacket with a hood, that has a removable shell for rain, and an inner jacket for the cold, that can be folded up and tucked away- and used as an accessory!
- Learn how to pack properly! If you’re trying to cram a lot into a tiny bag, roll your clothes up, and try not to bring too many shoes.
- Don’t bother with clunky cosmetic and toiletries bags. Ziploc bags are less glamorous, but way more practical, since they take up less space
- Make a list of non-negotiable essentials. For e.g-
- Phone charger
- Power Bank
- Some money
- Sunblock (even in the winter!)
- 2 pairs of clothes
- Some good, sturdy shoes
- A map of wherever you’re going
- You shouldn’t take anything you’ve never used on a trip before. If you bought a travel pillow for the plane, take it every time, and never use it because you’re binge watching bad airplane movies, leave the pillow at home
- Plan an itinerary in advance, so you don’t take evening clothes, scuba gear, ski poles, your best suit, and a lasso “just in case”
- Buy a tiny, tiny suitcase and hide all your other suitcases. It sounds silly, but you’ll be less tempted to overpack if you’re on a space budget and don’t have your industrial size, definitely-going-to-get-charged-for-extra-weight-at-the-check-in suitcase winking at you from the corner