There's nothing worse than putting your suitcase on the scale at the airport and seeing that number go over the dreaded weight limit. The only solution is to open your bag, take a quick inventory of what you can carry, and put those items in your carry-on while customers wait in the very long line behind you.
Not only is this particular situation embarrassing, but having to lug a heavy bag everywhere you go doesn't exactly make for an idyllic trip. Additionally, with major airlines increase baggage fees by almost 30% This year, and the long waits at baggage claim, checking in a large bag is certainly not ideal.
If these difficulties are all too real and you dream of being the kind of traveler who can breeze through the airport with a lighter-than-air carry-on bag – without worrying about the weight (or the sweat dripping down your back) — then maybe it's time to learn how to pack a lighter bag for your next jet set trip.
Pack of interchangeable parts that go with everything
While it may seem efficient to pack just one outfit for each day of travel, in reality you'll likely pack more tops and bottoms than you need. Instead, Echo Wang, CEO, co-founder and seasoned traveler behind Cool travel vibeadvises choosing items that can be mixed and matched, making it easier to create an outfit with fewer items.
“Pack neutrals and basic styles that you can layer for different temperatures,” she told Stacker. “Think about interchangeable tops and bottoms that you can wear with multiple outfits. Remember, you can always hand wash clothes in a snap, so go light on quantity and focus on quality, multifunctional pieces.
Choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics
When it comes to choosing what items to pack, Wang recommends choosing clothes that won't take up too much space or create too many wrinkles. “Opt for fabrics that are quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant. They will bounce back despite tight packing and save you valuable space in your luggage.
Use packing cubes
Mercedes Zach, travel agent at ASAP Tickets, always recommends investing in packing cubes to organize your items.
“Packing and unpacking can be a little tedious, especially if you're traveling with more than one suitcase,” Zach told Stacker. “However, organizing your belongings becomes much easier if you use packing cubes designed to make the packing process more efficient and make your travel items easier to navigate. They come in different shapes, sizes and materials and have quickly replaced the good old packing method of rolling clothes.
To save even more space in your bag, especially if you plan to go shopping or accumulate more items during your trip, Zach advises specifically purchasing packing cubes that can compress with double closures flash. “This type of packing cube is very lightweight and you will be surprised how much stuff you can take with you using them. Additionally, packing cubes are relatively inexpensive and worth every penny spent.
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Pack a light carry-on bag
The weight of your clothing, accessories and leisure items isn't the only heavy item you need to worry about; your luggage can get just as heavy, depending on the material it's made of. Giacomo Piva, travel industry analyst and co-founder of Radical Storage, says it's worth investing in a high-quality, lightweight rolling carry-on to keep the overall weight of your bag even lower minimum.
Opt for sturdy toiletries
While packing smaller versions of all your necessary toiletries certainly saves space (and meets TSA regulations if you're flying), switching to sturdy toiletries is an even easier way to keep things light. After traveling to 48 states and 49 countries, Peggy Carlaw, CEO and chief blogger of Smart Travel Guide, says that packing solid options means you can easily shave off what you need instead of bringing the whole bar with you. YOU. “You can find everything from solid shampoo to deodorant, toothpaste and lotion. Lush and Ethique are two good brands,” Carlaw told Stacker.
If you prefer liquid toiletries, Carlaw says purchasing travel-size leak-proof reusable bottles also allows you to decant just the shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, facial cleanser, or whatever else you need. will need. This may seem like a small weight, but if you don't fill the bottles to the top, it can make a significant difference in the long run.
Forget to pack anything “just in case”
While it may seem wise to plan for these unexpected moments, in reality there are many items you probably don't need to bring “just in case.”
“Remember, the rest of the world has stores,” Carlaw added. “You can almost always buy what you need when you arrive. It's a great way to interact with locals.
Another “just in case” packing situation is choosing to bring something because “maybe” you'll want it – perhaps another book or extra snacks in case you get hungry. Both of these things can be purchased if you need them (how fun is it to buy a new book in a foreign country!).
However, remember to be honest with yourself. If the trip you're taking is all about sightseeing and sightseeing, will you have time to read? If you want to explore a town or city, why not go grab a snack at a cafe and experience it? Take only what you really need and deal with those rare “just in case” moments as they arise.
Story editing by Carren Jao. Copy edited by Paris Close.
