Embarking on a journey is a thrilling experience, but often the dilemma of what to pack and how much to carry can dampen the excitement. How many bags can I carry? Will I have to pay to check my luggage? What if I don’t have enough outfits once I get there? Packing light can transform your travel experience from cumbersome to liberating. John and I recently packed IN CARRY-ON BAGS for TWELVE days in Europe - no repeats, no laundry. Lets take a look at the benefits of packing light as well as some tips to help you accomplish this task.

Advantages of Packing Light

Freedom of Movement: The primary advantage of packing light is the freedom it grants you. Traveling with fewer possessions means less weight to carry, allowing you to move around effortlessly, navigate public transportation, and explore destinations without being weighed down like a pack mule.
Efficiency: Packing light results in a more efficient travel experience. You can breeze through airport security, avoid checked baggage fees, and easily fit your belongings into smaller accommodations like smaller hotels or compact rental cars.
Less Stress: Packing light eliminates the stress of lugging heavy suitcases, searching for lost items, or worrying about damaged belongings. This approach encourages a more relaxed and enjoyable travel experience. Plus it’s better for your health.
Flexibility: With a lighter load, you're more likely to be open to unexpected opportunities and changes in your itinerary. Whether it's taking a spontaneous detour or opting for public transportation, you'll have the flexibility to adapt to new situations.
Focus on Experience: When you pack light, you shift your focus from material possessions to experiences. You're more likely to immerse yourself in the local culture, try new activities, and interact with locals when you're unburdened by excess baggage.

Practical Tips for Packing Light

Plan Ahead: Research your destination's weather, cultural norms, and activities to pack only what you truly need. Create a checklist to ensure you have all the essentials without overpacking.
Pack on Paper First: I do this for virtually every trip I take. I open my paper planner (you can use a digital calendar or just a blank piece of paper) to the dates I’m traveling and just start writing down what I will wear on each day.

Pack as few garments as you can: Mix-and-match items of similar colors are great. They also provide the opportunity for layering if the weather or A/C situation calls for it. I personally opt for dresses over separates as often as possible.

Minimalist Footwear: Shoes take up a significant amount of space. Pack a maximum of two pairs—one comfortable for walking and another for dressier occasions. Wear your bulkiest pair on travel days to avoid having to find room for them in your bags. This same tip applies to jackets or overcoats if you’re traveling when it’s cool.
Toiletries: Invest in travel-sized toiletries or transfer your favorite products into reusable containers. Don’t be brand-loyal. Take advantage of your hotel toiletries and only pack what you know you won’t have once you arrive at your destination.
Digital Resources: Instead of carrying physical books and maps, use e-books and navigation apps on your devices. This saves space and reduces weight. If you are a purist like me, limit yourself to ONE book and/or ONE magazine.
Laundry Options: Research laundry facilities at your destination or carry a small amount of travel detergent to wash clothes as needed.
Packable Items: Invest in space-saving travel gear. My personal choice is packing cubes to help me stay organized but there are other options, like compression bags, to help save space.
Limit Accessories: Minimize jewelry and accessories, as they can be easily lost or add unnecessary weight. And always carry them in your personal bag so they don’t end up in your checked luggage.
Save room for purchases: Lets be honest - you’re going to buy some stuff while on vacation. Consider what those might be, like toiletries or some clothing, and leave space in your packing for them.

If you’re not used to it, packing light can feel a little like jumping out of a plane without a parachute. But one time doing it successfully and you might never go back to overpacking