Traveling light usually results in relaxed, stress-free travel. The ease of not having to check baggage allows greater flexibility and peace of mind if encountering delayed transportation or missed connections. In addition, traveling with one bag usually allows for an ease of using public transportation or walking which adds a greater intimacy in learning the new destination.
The Importance of Using a Packing List
Using a packing list helps to organize thoughts before packing the bag, as well as to serve as an ongoing reminder of what needs to actually be packed in the bag. Before the chaos of a big trip, it’s very easy to forget an essential item. This list can be a blueprint for all future travel – something which can be refined over time.
The Biggest Dilemma: Choosing Clothing
Taking up the most space, clothes seem to be the biggest hang-up when simplifying packing. Useful tips from travel guru, Rick Steves, “If you’re not going to wear it at least three times, don’t pack it! Every piece of clothing should complement every other item, or have at least two uses.” Don’t get sucked into the idea of needing a new outfit everyday – your bag and your back will be grateful! If traveling to colder climates, consider wearing your heavier coats instead of packing them. In addition, deal with temperature variation by layering. For example, a set of long underwear is much more weight efficient than a heavy coat, and often more comfortable to boot. Don’t forget a hat. The human body loses more heat through the head, and wearing a hat is the most important part of keeping warm – and protecting your head in sunnier weather too.
The Secret to Simplifying Packing: Doing Laundry
Smart one-bag travelers plan to occasionally wash clothes during their trip. If traveling through a country with a good exchange rate, or aren’t on a tight budget, take advantage of the hotel laundry service or dry cleaning, but the most economical and easiest option is to utilize your hotel sink. Wash and rinse the cloths (typically socks, undergarments or a lightweight shirt or two) in the sink or shower. Roll the wet clothes in a towel and wring tightly to extract the water and speed the drying process. Immediately hang the garments on a travel clothesline, chairs around the room, or the hangers provided in most hotel rooms and head to bed. This entire process takes just a few minutes, and by morning the garments are dry.
The bottom line is that traveling lightly is simply a more hassle-free way to go. The one-bag travelers will have peace of mind saving a few dollars and minutes at baggage check-in and will cope with fewer unnecessary things to worry about.
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