Mastering the Art of Packing Light for Your Next Adventure

Going on a trip and stumped by what to pack? Have the tendency to throw it all in just in case? You may regret that decision when you pay an overweight baggage fee or have to haul a huge suitcase off the conveyor at the airport, over cobblestones, and up steps to your destination. Over the years I have become adept at light packing and today I want to share that skill with you!

Our personal bests - 16lb carry-ons and 5lb personal items for 3 weeks in Portugal and Scotland.

Packing light means different things to different people. I prefer to carry on when possible, but realistically there are times when a checked bag is a good idea. Whether towing a carry-on or larger checked bag, you can still minimize what you bring and save your back… but how?

Check the weather in your destination. What is the night and day temperature? Is it likely to rain? Don’t bring a lot of clothes or accessories for “just in case” scenarios with the weather.

Think about any specialty activities you have planned. Are you traveling for a special event like a wedding? Bringing hiking boots or snorkeling gear? Work around that first.

Pack in a cohesive color scheme. You don’t have to wear one color the whole time, but pick a neutral or two and make sure any colorful pieces can work with them. Most of your items should pair with anything else in your suitcase.

For trips that involve a range of temperatures or weather conditions, consider a 3 in 1 coat and carry it on the plane. It doesn’t count toward your baggage allowance and can be used as a blanket or pillow or possibly go in the overhead. Be prepared to layer so a t-shirt that is worn alone on a hot day can become insulation when the temperature is cooler.

Do laundry. Not the most fun on vacation, right? But if a trip lasts over a week, it might be a good idea. Perhaps your home or villa has a washer? Or the hotel’s laundry service might be worth the fee. On a recent 10 day trip, I sent out a basket of laundry for €20 in the morning and it was returned clean, pressed, and folded by the afternoon - well worth not bringing extra clothes to lug around. Even when not planning to do any laundry, I bring a detergent sheet to sink wash just in case I run short of clean options.

Think in terms of small amounts and solid toiletries. Ah this is a pinch point for me! I want to bring all of my “lotions and potions” from home! You’d be surprised how little of most lotions you really use in a week. Pack them in small containers - contact cases work great! After some trial and error I have found solid shampoo, conditioner, and moisturizer that really work for me and save room in my liquid bag. You might even be able to get away with stick sunscreen and foundation. Consider what is provided by your hotel or resort in the way of toiletries and utilize them when possible.

Be brutal with limiting footwear. Wear your heaviest shoes on the plane and stick to 2-3 pairs of shoes at most.

Medical Equipment does not count toward your baggage allowance. Check the latest regulations here but this could save you valuable space in your bag.

If you really need something, it likely can be bought at your destination. Pharmacies in Europe have a wonderful selection of personal care products and can help you choose medicine if you get sick. Most tourist destination have plenty of clothing shops with items that fit the climate and will be a souvenir later.

Choose luggage carefully so that your aren’t carrying extra weight. Here are my picks.

Be cautious with vacuum bags and compression cubes. They might help you fit more, but the contents will not weigh any less and they will be more likely to wrinkle when compressed.

Did I miss any valuable tips? Please share in the comments!

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