For both amateur and tenured travelers, traveling light has always been a challenging ordeal. The idea of fitting your necessities inside a 7-kilogram backpack looks like an impossible feat especially if you are visiting multiple destinations in one go. But just like any other discipline, living a one-suitcase life requires practice. There is no universal formula but if you follow the tips below, you could save US$25 to US$100 of baggage fees depending on your flight carrier policies.
Plan your travel ahead. Misadventures may occur in the absence of knowledge about your destination, security concerns, and the costs to incur from one point to another. Detailed itineraries help you decide the number of days you need to spend and the activities you wish to partake. In doing so, you are spared from bringing excess clothes or tools that are more likely not to be used on the course of your travel.
Choose the right pack. If you are traveling on a backpack, you want to make sure that your bag is spacious enough to contain all your things that you do not need an extra pouch for your laptop or camera. It is also important to consider the ability of your pack to survive changing weather and occasional wear and tear. Prioritize mobility and functionality over style and price.
Bring ample clothes and footwear. Traveling light is also about minimalism in what you wear and how you look. There is no need to bring all different kinds of footwear on a vacation just as long as you have the basic boots, flip flops, or a pair of sandals. Learn how to layer your clothes and do not forget to bring flexible items such as a scarf or a multifunctional dress. If you are uncertain how to dress up in an unfamiliar territory, it is always recommended to dress down, avoiding flashy colors and cuts and attention-grabbing jewelries.
Wear the bulkiest items aboard your transport. To minimize the weight of your luggage, wear your bulkiest items such as jackets, denim, and a pair of boots as you travel on a plane or train.
Learn to recycle your clothes. It is okay to wash your dirty clothes on site. Not only you are minimizing excessive weight but you are also saving money for unnecessary purchase.
Refrain from buying souvenirs. While this may be difficult to resist, always ask: "Will I be using this item for the next month or so? Is this item equivalent a life's worth?" If not, then it is probably not worth your penny. Save yourself a few bucks and the hassle of carrying it on your luggage.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
