Bringing excess baggage is one of a traveler’s biggest problems. Yet, many travelers are trapped between packing two suitcases for a weekend trip and packing two weeks’ worth of luggage into a backpack. But, you shouldn’t worry about it anymore because we are here to show you what to bring if you want to travel lightly.
But, we must first tell you that one of the reasons you bring too much luggage is because you pick up the wrong suitcase. We know it is very tempting to fill any available space you have in your suitcase.
So, the next time you pack, try using a smaller one. This way, you will force yourself to bring only the things you really need and leave the unimportant ones behind. Now that you already have your luggage with you, we can jump into the list.
Compression packing cubes
Packing cubes not only make it easier to find items when you’re traveling, but they also place a specific cap on how much clothing you can bring.
In fact, the compression feature will cut the amount of room your clothing normally occupies in half. Moreover, besides the space-saving part, compression packing cubes will also help you put less crease on your clothing.
Dual-purpose shoes
Shoes do take a lot of space in your luggage. And, more often than not, people bring a pair of shoes for every occasion when they travel. This is very common mistake travelers make.
But, if you want to travel lightly, you should bring dual-purpose shoes instead. You can wear running shoes for casual and outdoor activities. Or, if you are a female traveler, flat shoes work great for both casual and formal occasions.
Lightweight clothing
This tip applies especially if you travel during the cold season. Bulky and heavy winter jackets take up a lot of space. To save space and reduce the weight of your luggage, you can swap them with a lighter option. Outdoor clothing brands now have thin and lightweight thermal clothing options available for you.
Solid toiletries
Solid toiletries are the better options even when you don’t plan on travel lightly because many of them are small, lightweight, and long-lasting. They will also keep you from going over your liquids limit. Solid soaps, shampoos, and face-wash products shouldn’t be hard to find.
Travel-sized products
If you don’t like using solid toiletries, you can opt for travel-sized toiletries instead. Bigger toiletries brands normally have travel-sized options. You can also pick-up travel-sized options for your perfume and skincare products.
Travel hairdryer
We understand that for some travelers, a hairdryer is a must-have item in their luggage list. The best option here actually is to ask your first whether they have a hairdryer in their room or not. If not, then investing in a travel hair dryer can be a good option for you.
Unlike a traditional hairdryer, a travel hair dryer is specifically designed to save space and weight, making it suitable for traveling.
Tablet device
This one is for you who love to fill your downtime with flipping pages. You can use a tablet device like Kindles or iPad. Thousands of book titles are available in the digital version now, both free and paid.
We know that the sensation in touching and flipping printed books is unmatchable by ebooks. But, when you want to travel lightly, bringing thick and heavy books may not be the wisest option.
Conclusion
Whether you’re visiting a family member abroad, spending a weekend on a tropic island, or having a meeting with business clients, trying to travel lightly will help you learn how to travel more efficiently. It will also save you money from not having to pay excess baggage fees.