As avid travelers, we are often faced with the dilemma of overpacking. We sometimes end up packing items we never use for the entire trip. Or worse, we wind up forgetting essentials such as swimsuits or medication leading to extra, otherwise avoidable purchases.
We could all benefit from learning the art of packing light for a stress-free travel experience. Adopting a minimalist approach to packing can help you avoid the hassle of lugging around heavy bags.
Luckily, packing light is an art that’s easy to learn and implement. At Kendirita Tours, we have leveraged our years of experience working with travelers from all over the world and have gained significant insight into this art.
In this article, we will share essential tips and tricks on how to travel light and smart without the inconvenience caused by excess luggage.
- Plan and Prioritize
One of the best approaches to packing light is doing research into your destination. Spend some time online learning about the weather and the activities you will likely participate in during your trip. If you are traveling to the tropics, for instance, it’s always sunny all year round, so you will need to avoid packing heavy jackets.
Instead, pack more light dresses, shirts, and sandals, rarely boots. If you will be participating in any sporting activities such as hiking, ziplining, or swimming, ensure you carry your sporting gear.
Secondly, you should make a detailed packing list of all your essential items. Nothing should be too small for this list. If you are on any medication, ensure you note them down so that they are not forgotten. The same goes for items such as your silk pillowcase that protects your hair from getting all messy and entangled when you awake. Curate your packing list to capture every little detail that matters to the adventurous traveler that you are.
- Choose the Right Luggage
Packing light will be most beneficial to you especially when traveling by air. Your airline of choice will likely have weight restrictions for your checked luggage as well as your carry-ons. These restrictions may vary from one airline to another and even between the different class tickets.
But in general, most airlines allow a weight limit of 20-23 kg for checked luggage and between 7-10 kg for carry-ons.
It’s important to note that airlines also impose restrictions on the overall dimensions (length, width, and height) of your checked baggage. These dimensions are typically outlined by the airline and may vary, so it’s advisable to check with the specific airline you’re traveling with for their specific requirements.
We, at Kendirita, understand the importance of having this information in advance, which is why we promptly provide you with these details. We appreciate that it can help inform your packing decisions and spare you a hectic experience at check-in. As a rule of thumb, consider using compression packing cubes or vacuum bags to maximize space and keep items organized.
- Embrace Versatility
From our numerous travels over the years, we have established that although we do and should plan ahead, we still need to adapt as we go. Sometimes the weather can change without warning, or you may end up delayed overnight at the airport due to a mechanical fault. Keeping this in mind, try to assimilate the following habits in your packing to keep your luggage light:
- Wear your bulkiest items, such as a jacket or boots, during travel to save space in your luggage.
- Pack clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits.
- Stick to neutral colors and classic styles.
- Choose lightweight, quick-drying fabrics that are easy to wash and dry overnight if needed.
- Consider multifunctional items such as a leso or a sarong that can serve as a scarf, towel, beach cover-up, or picnic blanket.
Additional tips
Finally, as a bonus, consider incorporating the following tips for the ultimate hack to packing light. Remember, Kendirita Tours and Travel Ltd is always at your service if you need any extra information.
- Transfer toiletries into small, travel-sized containers or invest in reusable silicone bottles.
- Consider using solid toiletries like shampoo bars or solid perfumes to save space and avoid liquid restrictions.
- Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space and reduce wrinkles.
- Utilize empty spaces within shoes by stuffing them with socks or small accessories.
- Consider leaving unnecessary electronics at home or opt for smaller, lightweight alternatives.
- Leave a little extra space in your luggage to accommodate souvenirs or items you may acquire during your trip.
- If possible, consider shipping larger or fragile souvenirs back home to avoid excess baggage.
Happy traveling light!
Writer: Winnie Wekesa