Last month my niece came from Brazil to visit us. As we went to pick her up at the airport, one of the things she first mentioned was that she had to buy a backpack in Brazil just before embarking on the plane because her luggage exceeded the allowed weight. Unfortunately, this is a common situation in airports.
Packing light for travel is simple. Bring only the items you deem necessary, practice your packing until you figure it out, and use all the tools to help you pack less.
When we travel, we generally overpack and bring many things we never use. As a result, overpacking has become a big issue. Packing more items than you will use can cause you to pay for excess baggage weight, have to buy another suitcase, or just be stressed out before you embark on your trip. The number of bags, their weight, and if you’re traveling domestically or internationally will determine if you will pay or not for excess weight.
Learning how to pack light and be selective about the items you bring on a vacation trip is a skill that is not so hard to develop but also good for the environment. The less you carry, the less you leave behind at your destination!
If you practice and plan your packing, anyone can figure out this essential skill.
With my constant trips to Brazil, I had to rethink how I was packing. And to be honest, I made many mistakes and paid many times for the excess weight. So finally, I decided I would no longer pay for additional weight and develop a way of packing light. Here is how I do it:
Choose A Lightweight Luggage
A friend told me once that he didn’t see the point of changing luggage since they all get scratched, damaged, or beat on his travels. So, he used the same old sturdy luggage he had always used. But unfortunately, old heavy luggage is a burden these days.
If the material of your luggage is too heavy, it’s not helping you. Today there are many types of lightweight bags on the market. They are better for traveling because they are strong and don’t add too much weight. Therefore, if you are still using the same old baggage from years ago, maybe it is time to replace your luggage.
Pack In Advance
I used to pack just the day before my trip. Now, I start packing a few days in advance. It gives me time to rethink the items I’m carrying and allows me time to substitute anything that can be bulky or unnecessary.
Don’t Pack Your Shoes in The Same Luggage
Shoes take up a lot of space, and they are difficult to pack. So, I had to learn to limit the number of shoes I would bring on a trip, the type of shoes, and how to carry them during my travels.
One thing I no longer do is pack my shoes with the rest of my items. Instead, I put them in a backpack, carry-on, or second bag. In addition, I limit it to a maximum of 3 pairs of shoes: A tennis shoe, light sandals, and another (depending on the weather). One I will be using on the plane. So, I only have to pack two types of shoes.
Packing shoes in a separate bag has given me more space to organize my clothes, keeping things clean and easy to reach.
Only Bring Lightweight Electronics
Nowadays, electronics are part of our daily lives. For example, cellphones, headphones, and accessories are essential in today’s travel. But how to use it without adding more junk to our trips is quite often a difficult decision.
The answer relies on bringing only the ones you deem necessary and choosing the lightest available in the market. I can’t imagine traveling without a cellphone. Not only because I like to be in touch with family and friends but also because of photos, banking, and more. However, you don’t have to bring all the tools you use with your cellphone. Please keep it simple.
One can buy a battery-powered portable charger, use the smallest and most sleek headphones, and more. However, some restrictions must be considered when traveling with a power bank. Packing safely is covered in detail by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on its website.
Bring Versatile, Double-Usage Things
Some people know how to pack light. My husband is one. He never overpacks and can bring most of his things in a small bag. However, as a woman, I admit that packing can be more complicated for us. For instance, we have more accessories and clothes than most men.
But many women have discovered that it’s possible to travel light without compromising their style. It’s a matter of practice and planning. And once you figure out how to wear the same clothes differently, the packing will be a breeze.
For instance, I recommend dresses you can wear from the beach to a restaurant, layers instead of jackets, and light materials like linen.
Weigh Your Luggage Before Your Trip
The first thing you need to do is to research the weight limit for your trip. It varies by airline. Also, check the size dimensions of carry-on baggage in the aircraft’s cabin. It’s always a good idea to check your airline’s website before traveling.
Once you know the weight limits, use a portable handheld scale to measure them. They are effortless to use, small, and lightweight. You can also bring it with you if you buy something overseas and don’t want to guess the weight.
I love this tool. And if you have been thinking about gifting travelers, a portable handheld scale is a great gift.
Conclusion
Packing light for traveling requires some thought and a bit of practice. The good thing is we all can learn it. Ultimately, it is about saving money, compliance, and less stress.
Before my niece started packing to return to Brazil, I gave her a portable scale. She loved it. We weighed her luggage several times and figured out what she shouldn’t bring back to Brazil. Yes, she had to leave some items behind! But nothing that she couldn’t buy for half of the price she would pay if she paid for excess luggage.
