Lighten Up: Secrets to Packing Light for Air Travel
Packing light for air travel is where it's at and I'd like to share my secrets to travelling this way. Let me inspire you to lighten up on your next adventure. Holidays are way too short so don't waste time waiting for checked luggage!
I was the worst for overpacking! I could not understand how anyone could leave home without all possible clothing and accessory options available to them. There was a lot of "What if this?" or "Just in case that!".
This changed when I booked a 5 week family trip involving several separate and connecting flights. No way was I paying for any of us to lose time waiting for extra bags. It was carry-on only or stay home!
What a game changer that was! Checked luggage? Never again!
Extra bags waste time and energy
By skipping checked bags you can start your adventure sooner. No waiting by the baggage carousel while the customs line grows.
Travel is about getting away, feeling light, and being free. You won't get that with several bags to take care of and lug around. Don't forget that each bag takes up valuable real estate in your room, too.
There is an easier way to travel, a better way, where you free yourself from all that stuff! Let the weight of things from home stay home. Taking extra time before your trip to pack logically is an investment in your vacation.
Bringing too much, with pieces that never get used is a huge waste of energy and you pay extra for it. Choosing your outfit on each day of your trip will be simpler with fewer options to pick from.
How to pare it down
Start by pulling out the outfits you want to bring, each outfit folded on its own pile on the bed (or another space). While doing this try to notice pieces that can be worn with more than one outfit - those are the golden tickets.
Choose which comfy outfit you will wear on the flight, using at least some pieces from your piles to layer up a good set. You'll be glad to have layers when the air conditioning is cold and again when you remove layers, as things warm up.
Looking at the outfits folded on your bed, take your least favorite 2 and put them back in the closet. Using the process of elimination is helpful.
The next step to pare down what you are bringing is splitting your outfit piles into piles of shorts, piles of dresses, etc. This will reveal that you have set aside too many dresses or pairs of shorts. You don't need more than 2 with an absolute maximum of 3 of anything (except undies)! Pick your top 2 or 3 of each and put the rest back. From here you can re-compile into outfits to ensure you have all the pieces you need.
Lugging shoes
Shoes are heavy and take up a lot of space in your bag. Allow yourself to pack no more than 1 pair of shoes and 1 pair of flip flops. Wear sneakers or walking shoes for the flight as these are your most comfortable and often bulkiest pair. For me, it's usually a pair of cute sneakers. Seriously don't bring more than the shoes on your feet, flip flops, and one other pair at most!!!
How to Rock Repeats
Repeating outfits and pieces is a must when travelling. No one will notice or care. You can switch pieces up so its not always the exact same outfit. This is why the pieces that can be worn with more than one outfit are the best one's to bring. This is the key component of a capsule wardrobe.
TIP: Natural fiber clothing doesn't retain odors like synthetics, so you can get several wears in between washes.
There are many ways to get your clothes clean again while on a trip:
- Many hotels offer a pay by weight laundry service.
- You can wash a few things by hand and hang them out to dry. Many properties provide drying racks for this. If money is short it takes just a little effort and time to hand wash. Leave them to dry in the warm sun while you attend to the important stuff.
- Visit a laundromat. While waiting for the machine you can explore the neighborhood, get a bite to eat, or read.
- A full service laundry is less expensive than the hotel service. You simply drop off a bag of laundry and agree on a pick-up time - usually a day or 2 later. Pick-up your freshly washed and folded clothes on your way back to your room and you are set! This is so worth it!
Lotions and potions
The final challenge, requiring a little forethought is packing toiletries. With strict limits on liquids and gels in carry-on bags you have to be choosey about what you bring. Know that you can buy similar items to your own at your destination. I have been pleasantly surprised with affordable, quality brands found abroad. In France, I fell in love with this amazing hair conditioner, for example.
Bring your favorite staples (like mascara, facial serum, and eye cream), toss in small versions of liquids that fit in the 1 Liter bag (I can usually squeeze a little something in Jack's 1 Liter bag, too). Solid bar facial cleansers and shampoos limit your liquids. Plan to buy anything else upon arrival. There have been times when I planned to buy upon arrival but then don't bother, realizing I could go without. Everything was still okay! Remember, this is not a life-time commitment. It's a short time and for a good cause (saving time, effort, and money while on vacation)!
While living fully, you are relaxed and taking it all in. Your products and outfits will seem less important in that mindset. Being comfortable should be the #1 consideration when packing for your trip. Don't ruin it by wearing polyester and shoes that hurt in +25 degrees Celsius. It's a mistake you will regret. No one looks good when they are uncomfortable.
Pack light and bring natural fiber clothing that is soft, light, and breathable. You will look and feel fantastic!
Bon Voyage!