Do you find yourself bringing tons of extra items in your suitcase or backpack “just in case?” It’s always nice to be prepared, but sometimes our overpreparedness can weigh us down — literally. Traveling lighter can have more of an impact than you might expect. It makes you more mobile, more comfortable, and it reminds you that you don’t really need all that much to get by. Plus, it can help you save on baggage fees, especially if you’re flying. So here are some tips for how to travel lighter and leave more behind on your next vacation.
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Use A Packing List
Most of us don’t bother with a packing list. We tend to just grab and go, maybe writing down a few key items we don’t want to forget. Instead, take the time to actually write down everything you want to bring. This will give you a frame of reference to start with, and then you can start cutting back on the things that you can do without.
Choose Your Bag Carefully
The actual bag you choose to bring matters, too. If all you have is a large bag, of course you’re going to be tempted to fill it. So choose a bag with a size that matches the type of trip you’re going on, whether it’s a weekend of backpacking or a small suitcase that can last you a week. It also helps to opt for lightweight luggage that doesn’t have too much built-in bulk.
Do Laundry On Your Trip
Whether you’re staying in an accommodation with built in laundry facilities or simply make a pit stop to use a laundromat on your journey, doing laundry on your trip can allow you to bring much fewer clothes with you, since you will be able to re-wear them after washing.
Leave Your Laptop Behind
There may be some cases where bringing your laptop on a trip is necessary, but you might be surprised at how easily you can get by without it. Laptops are incredibly heavy, so removing it from your bag or suitcase can really help lighten the load. Plus, you won’t have to worry about it getting stolen.
Give Yourself Time To Pack
Finally, one of the most important ways how to travel lighter is to allow yourself enough time to pack. It’s easy to procrastinate and pack in a hurry right before you leave, but doing that means you’ll likely impulsively grab things you don’t actually need. Start packing well in advance, and take the time to consider what you’re bringing.
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