Luggage size matters when you travel and you can pack light without sacrificing comfort or style. If your check-in luggage is too heavy, you will have to pay extra fees. If you have carry-on luggage, weight also matters as you have to carry the bag and be able to lift it into the overhead bin.
Whether you want to travel with only a carry-on or you want to get your check in luggage down to size, these there are many advantages of packing light. If you want to travel light, you need to be well organized and this applies to everything from having the right luggage to the method you use to pack. Here are some tips to help you.
Luggage
The weight of your check in luggage starts with the suitcase you choose to use. Monos luggage has a perfect mid-sized case that gives you more packing room when you don’t want to go too big. The design helps you to pack thoughtfully with a zipped panel on one half for shoes and a compression pad and nylon straps to keep clothing compact as well as good-sized pockets to maximize storage.
Experienced travelers know the value of traveling light and many of them take only carry-on luggage. They avoid extra fees, don’t have to worry about lost luggage and aren’t encumbered with heavy bags when trying to find their way around in a new place. While other travelers are at baggage claim watching the belt going round, they are heading out of the airport.
Clothes
Wool and heavyweight fleeces may keep you warm but they tend to be heavy and bulky. Choose lighter fabrics, such as silk, polyester and nylon. Cotton is slightly heavier but it’s still an option.
Don’t pack for more than a week and choose clothes that mix-and-match. Accessories like scarves can quickly change the look of an outfit. You will probably get away with two pairs of pants and five shirts a week. Include a pair of leggings as they’re easy to wash and go with everything.
Shoes
Shoes can be bulky so you need to limit the amount you take. It helps if you wear your heaviest pair. Sandals and ballet flats for walking are light and easier to pack. You may need a pair of more formal evening shoes. You can always use the space inside them to store other items, such as socks.
Toiletries
The list of toiletries you need to take can get quite long. You are allowed to take a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, pastes and creams through the checkpoint and each item is limited to 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters.
If you use a solid version of some toiletries, like a bar of soap instead of shower gel, it means you won’t have to worry about having too many liquids or about spills. It helps if you can find products that can do more than one job, such as a moisturizer that also works as a sunscreen.
Electronics
Traveling with the right electronics can save space and weight. For example, take an e-reader and you can store many books on one small device. You can store all your travel research, maps etc. on a small tablet.
Packing method
The most common methods used when trying to pack light include rolling, folding and compressing. To compress folded clothing, you place it in a bag and roll the bag to force out the additional air. Rolling works best for soft fabrics that are less likely to wrinkle. Folding works best for clothes, like jeans that are made from sturdier fabrics.