I have given many tips and had many conversations with travelers on the art of packing light. However, I’m often met with, “I tried and just couldn’t do it.” So, I started thinking that it was possibly my approach to giving advice. Rather than my standard, list of do’s and don’t’s, I’m taking another approach. I’m putting you in the driver’s seat of your packing strategy.
Ask yourself these questions as you are packing to determine what you will need, use and wear!
How easy is it going to be for me to carry around?
Consider the logistics of your itinerary and how easy, difficult or cumbersome lugging around all the things you want to take with you will be. Often, we only think about getting to and from the airport and not all the other movement.
Consider the weight of your bag and if you can lift it into the airlines overhead bin or onto the scale if it’s a checked bag. I know most bags have wheels, but if you can’t lift it without assistance, it’s too heavy and will probably incur baggage fees (some airlines have weight restrictions for carry-on bags).
The more modes of transportation you have at your destination, the more challenging maneuvering your luggage will become.
Simple rule – If you keep your luggage light and minimal you can easily get from place to place without assistance, and that should be your goal.
IS IT TAKING UP VALUABLE REAL ESTATE?
Meaning, will you actually use it or wear it? I know this one can be hard to answer, especially for the what if’s or just in case. The best way to answer this question is, to be honest with yourself and if your answer includes just in case, I might or what if, then the answer is a resounding NO. Only take items you’re actually going to need and wear. For example, I always ask myself when I’m packing workout clothes and gym shoes – is there a gym that I will and can use or do I have time in my itinerary to go to the gym? If the answer is no, then I resolve to do whatever workout I can that doesn’t require a gym and therefore doesn’t require workout clothes and gym shoes. If there are no formal or even semi-formal occasions, you can bring smart casual clothes that are part of your everyday wardrobe and can easily be dressed up or down. I always refrain from packing any items that can only be worn on one occasion.
There’s always that fear of being unprepared or having regrets. Going through your itinerary day by day to assess your activities and checking the weather conditions will help in your decisions.
As I’m writing this, a George Carlin stand-up comes to mind about how we humans handle our stuff. Check it out here, it’s hilarious. https://youtu.be/MvgN5gCuLac
Be strong and honest in your decision making, I know you can do it, especially if you’re a Traveling Culturati 😉
Yours truly,
Ja’Vonne Harley, The Traveling Culturati