All travelers have heard it before: packing light saves you time, it saves you money, and it saves you stress. You can get to the airport later, you don’t have to wait forever for your checked bag (if it even shows up), and you won’t have to pay extra to check a bag if you can travel with just a carry-on.
But packing light also requires you to pack smart. No matter how well you think you have packed or how little your bag weighs, you may often find that there are still plenty of useless things that get packed, while other more important items are left behind. You don’t need to pack for every contingency, but you should take into consideration what you might need while in a particular place, and how hard it would be to get it. Some countries may not offer all the conveniences of home so if you forget a vital tool or toiletry, it may be difficult or expensive to replace. This is where a little research can help you pack better.
It’s also wise to pack items that do double duty or can serve multiple functions in a pinch. Some people always travel with duct tape, which takes up barely any room and can act as anything from tent repair to bandage when needed. Apply the same rules for clothing, and never bring anything that can’t be mixed and matched with the majority of your other clothes (i.e., no brightly patterned skirt than only goes with one shirt). Of course the packing list for the female traveler will differ a bit for the male; again this is where a little research into which resources will be available at your destination can help you avoid packing what you can find there, and being caught without vital supplies.
While the importance of packing light can’t be disputed, it’s perhaps even more important to pack smart, particularly when embarking on a round the world trip.
Photo by: brunomiranda