Packing Light for Travel

There are so many benefits to packing light!  Time and energy are two of them.  You’ll  have more time because you don’t have to wait on checked bags.  You will have more energy because you won’t be hauling around such heavy baggage. And you’ll know where your bags are every minute of the trip. The airlines have lost my luggage twice so now I attempt to pack everything I need into luggage I can carry on.  I used to think that half the fun of a trip was buying new clothes and accessories to take along.  Now I pack a limited amount of neutral colored clothing in lightweight fabrics and only two pair of shoes. With summer just around the corner, many of you will be traveling.  Whether you are traveling by air or another mode of transportation, consider these tips to lighten up your load.  

1. Layers - Pack clothing to be worn in layers.  This allows for more flexibility for fluctuating temperatures.
2. Lightweight - If you pack a coat for winter travel, a down or poly filled coat will be lighter in weight than a wool or leather coat.  
3. Neutral --pack around neutral colosr like black, gray or tan then add maybe one colorful top or scarf.
4. 2 pair shoes
5. Packing cubes compress clothing and keep like items together. 
6. Try complete outfits on before you pack including the shoes.  Look in the mirror and walk around to be sure the outfit is comfy.
7. Take detergent packs.  Wash a garment or two if necessary.
8. Don’t get caught up in “What if I need it?”  You can most likely buy anything you really need. 
9. Choose articles of clothing that can do double duty.  A scarf can add color to an outfit but can also be used as a wrap on the airplane or cold rooms.  
10. Load reading material on tablet instead of hauling around thick books and heavy magazines. 

I would love to hear your packing tips.  Leave your comments below.