How to Travel Light and Maximize Your Travel Experience

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.