How does it feel travelling with so much luggage? Stressful and uncomfortable definitely? You would not only end up paying for excess luggage but also you may not use all that you packed. There is nothing more annoying than that. You have wasted your energy and time. When travelling try to travel light, it saves you time and a lot of discomforts. Here is how to go about it:
1. Have a packing list
Make a checklist of things you need and want. Then reduce the list of things you want. Make a list of items for all your luggage. Also consider the location, weather and duration of stay when making your checklist.
2. Use a light luggage
Light luggage is easier to carry. Choose a luggage with enough pockets and compartments. It can be stressful dragging your heavy bags through airports, bus terminals, train stations and every other location.
3. Pack clothes you can mix and match
When you pack clothes, you can mix and match in terms of style and colours. You can create more outfits with fewer items. This, in turn, saves you some space in your luggage because you won’t need many clothes.
4. Don’t pack all your footwears, carry lighter pairs
You may be a shoe lover but if you want to travel light, you would need to pack your lightest shoes. When you pack clothes, you can mix and match in terms of style and colours. You can create more outfits with fewer items. It is best to pack shoes in a shoe bag or Ziploc, especially if they’ve been worn before.
5. Don’t pack items just in case
Consider the reason for your trip. Are you travelling for fun, business, medical? This will determine the kind of clothing to pack and, in turn, help you to pack only what you need.
6. Ditch makeup bags
Most of our toiletry and makeup bags are quite bulky and have a bit of weight. Besides, we have to take out all liquid contents at security checks and place them in a transparent bag. Using a Ziploc saves you time and stress.
7. Use travel size toiletries, perfumes and cosmetics
It is easier to travel with travel-size toiletries, especially if you are not checking in your luggage. You can buy travel-size bottles and refill them with your toiletries; you do not want to reach the final boarding gate before you discover that your 100ml designer perfume or skincare cannot travel with you. Rolling your clothes instead of folding them gives your bag more space. Also, it prevents the clothes from wrinkling. Putting heavier items at the bottom of the suitcase.
8. Be selective with electronics
Consider the purpose of the trip when packing electronics. If the trip is for fun, a smartphone is enough. If it is a work trip, then you may need to pack your iPad or laptop.
9. Leave pieces of jewellery and valuables at home
Make sure you label your luggage ‘fragile’ if there are any fragile items inside. To be on the safe side, carry your essential items such as passport, money, wallet, medication, in your carry-on luggage.
10. Buy travel insurance
Travel insurance is very important, yet often overlooked. It covers flight disruptions, emergency medical expenses, lost or stolen baggage and personal liability. Confirm what the insurance covers with the insurance company.