Do you drag your feet when it’s time to pack for a trip? There are so many decisions to make! One thing we’ve learned over time, though, is that we can get away with so much less than we think when traveling abroad.
By removing those “just in case” items from our suitcases and focusing on how to maximize our favorite essentials, we can be light on our feet and make our travel days a whole lot easier. Together, let’s explore a few ways to keep things simple as we take the “less is more” approach and focus on the adventures ahead.
Always Start With a Packing List
It may seem like overkill, but beginning with a packing list will help you get the lay of the land. Plan your outfits out, day by day. Consider which accessories are a must-have vs. those that can be left behind. Think about your shoe strategy. When you start your list by jotting down your outfits, day by day, you’ll quickly see where you’re in danger of going overboard.
Choose Outfits You Can Alternate
As you’re outlining your days, make sure you’re taking advantage of opportunities to mix and match different elements from your wardrobe. For example, dress down that cotton dress one day with tights and walking shoes before glamming it up at night with a pair of high heels and some sparkling accessories.
Choose sweaters or blazers that can be mixed and matched with various tops to create different looks. Always remember that layering is your friend when you need to minimize things, but never be without.
Only Pack Two Pairs of Shoes
With the assumption that you’re going to wear your comfiest pair of shoes to the airport, try to limit yourself to only packing two additional pairs of shoes. If you’re planning on a lot of outdoor adventures, pack the hiking boots and one pair of dress shoes for a night out on the town.
If this is a city escape, you may really only need one additional pair of dress shoes for the night and can mix and match your outfits with what you’re wearing to the airport.
Stick to the Carry-On
It’s kind of like carrying a big purse. The more space you have, the more you’ll fill it up. Challenge yourself to only go with a carry-on and a personal item.
To help you get there, here are 11 ways to pack for a week in a carry-on. After the first time you travel this way, you’ll never want to wait at the dreaded baggage carousel again. Instead, you’ll sail right out of the airport like a pro before hopping into your taxi.
Use Compression Cubes
And, to that end, one of the best ways to make everything fit in just a carry-on is to not only use packing cubes, but compression cubes. If your clothing hangs up well and remains relatively wrinkle-free, this is a nice way to conserve space and even leave a little room for a trinket or two on your way back home.
Consider Your Laundry Situation
Ever since we discovered the power of the detergent sheet, our packing processes have completely been transformed. If we’re going away for more than a week, we handwash our t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, and undergarments one night in the bathroom.
This allows us to continue mixing and matching with a fresh shirt each day. Also, sometime throughout your trip, you might choose to dedicate one of those compression cubes for dirty laundry.
Wear Your Jacket or Hoodie to the Airport
Also, if you’re bringing a jacket, hoodie, or chunky sweater, be sure to wear those items to the airport. It may not feel great if you’re rushing through and breaking out in a sweat. But, you can always toss it over the handle of your suitcase or tie it around your waist. To no surprise, it’ll free up a little more space in your carry-on so that maybe you can pack that trim travel steamer.
Go Light On the Toiletries
Although we’re creatures of comfort and habit, do everything you can to go light on the toiletries. Surely, we can survive with a bar of Dove soap, and some travel-size shampoo and conditioner. While we all love our evening routines filled with fash wash, toner, moisturizer, and more, do yourself a favor by keeping your routines simple while you’re traveling.
Chances are, the hotel or Airbnb will also have some things on hand for ya. And, worst case scenario, it can be fun buying some of these basic amenities in a foreign city. Just do everything you can to keep things light when you get to this portion of your packing list.
Ensure You’re Fully Charged
Since most of us go fully digital nowadays, there’s rarely any need for paper documents like boarding passes and hotel reservations. But, the important thing here is that we need to be able to access everything on our cell phones at all times.
Make sure things are always charged by traveling with a portable power bank and have your important documents saved offline in the event you can’t hook into the local WiFi for some reason.
Downsize the Electronics
And, with electronics on our minds, let’s take a moment to think about them, as well. Since it’s vacation, do you really need to lug your laptop? Can you just rely on your cell phone for basic emails and updates? And, while having a tablet or eReader seems nice for the plane, can you get by with just your cell phone for a week or so?
Since you may end up having room in your personal item with all the space we’ve saved in the carry-on, it can be tempting to go overboard with the electronics. But, see how you do for a week with only your cell phone, charger, adapter, and portable power bank.
And We’re Off!
You’re going to feel like a million bucks – floating through the airport like a butterfly. You’ll be quick and nimble on your feet, with everything at your fingertips. We hope these strategies will help you travel light, feel a little less stressed, and have the adventure of a lifetime. In a way, it’s very freeing – seeing how little we really need to be happy and comfortable.
For more ways to economize your travels, check out our collection of travel tips! Together, we’ll help you plan the perfect trip, from packing list to excursion list. Stay safe out there, friends, as you travel light!