Do I hear road trip?
The downside for anyone traveling in the US these days is that some airlines are now charging hefty sums for baggage. It’s not a deal killer if you can think light and manage your packing really well.
In 1987 my husband and I spent 5 months traveling around the world. It took us about as long to figure out and assemble the essentials we would be taking with us – read: that would fit in the ONE tiny bag that could fit in the seat in front of us!
In those days they didn’t sell luggage with wheels. We settled with a soft duffle that converted into a backpack. In spite of these severe constraints of micro luggage, believe it or not, I still had room in the bag to carry the 25 film canisters for my clunky SLR camera.
These are the basic guidelines we followed that made traveling light doable, and even fun [in no particular order]:
- If it doesn’t fit, don’t take it.
- Be ruthless: pack the bag, then pull out 50% of its contents.
- Bring a sarong [large beautiful cloth] for its multiple purposes: as a skirt, shawl, scarf to dress up in, beach towel, extra bed sheet, window covering, wind protection, picnic blanket, room decoration… The applications are endless.
- Wear super light fabrics that wash and dry really fast. Avoid cotton which is heavier and takes longer to dry.
- Bring silk underwear for cold weather travel.
- Pack a polartec hat and gloves no matter where you’re going or when. If your head and hands are warm, chances are the rest of you will be too.
- Bring a small bottle of super-concentrated laundry detergent and a small expandable clothes line.
- Mix and match your outfits with solid colors.
- Dress in layers.
- Follow the “Rule of One”: one pair of pants, one pair of shorts, one jacket or windbreaker, one pair of sandals (nice enough to wear as dress-up shoes), one pair of walking shoes or sneakers, one hat, one pair of sunglasses; the only exception is underwear and socks: bring 3-5 pairs
- Consolidate toiletries into 3 oz. (or less) containers.
- Carry a washcloth as your towel (believe it or not, it is enough to dry the entire body).
- Wear your heaviest clothes and shoes on the plane.
- Bring a backpack to carry your valuables, and heaviest stuff: books, iPad, laptop, camera, etc. Get a backpack with a sturdy belt to help distribute the weight.
- Use a fanny pack to carry your money, passport, and small things safely.
- If you are checking luggage: pack your lightest stuff in the bigger bag, heavier stuff in the smaller one.
- If you buy anything on the road, ship it home.
Anyone else have some great packing tips? Feel free to share yours in the comment box.
Photo Credit: Bing Images/suitcase
