Packing Right

In our last discussion we talked about ways to reduce the burden we carry on so many of our travels.  And I mean this literally.  Packing light is an important step in becoming an independent and responsive traveler. Our ability to adapt to change in our modes of transportation, being quick and agile as we move between airport, bus station and train station is an important aspect of any adventure.

The amount of time saved when you travel light is exponential to the time spent waiting for your luggage. There are those long waits at the airport for your luggage to arrive on the carousel, if indeed it even does.  And waiting even longer when you get on the cruise ship, yearning to shower and change after a long flight. Navigating a train station and getting your luggage onto the car, to say nothing of having your luggage out of your line of sight, even for a short period of time.  Even the issues associated with finding room for large suitcases in the back of taxi cabs are a consideration when you travel.

For some of us the concerns associated with our ability to carry large and heavy luggage as we age becomes an important part of our travel plans.  I have noticed how many tour companies point out assistance with your luggage as a benefit of their program.  That should not be the determining factor of how and where you travel.

Making the decision to pack light may seem like a no-brainer, but often sputters out when we try to implement the change.  So here are our recommendations for packing right so that you can pack light.

1. Make sure what you pack is interchangeable with other pieces in your wardrobe and has multiple uses. Choose a good pair of walking shoes and a dress sandal that will work with all of your clothes, or a rain coat with layers that keeps you warm.  You do not need shoes to match every outfit or multiple types of outerwear. And unless there is a specific formal night you plan to attend do not take single use dress clothes.
2. In the 1970’s London boutique owner Susie Faux coined the term capsule wardrobe which is a concept that translates well to travel. A quick google search will explain this in more detail but consider choosing a colour scheme, classic pieces and adding colourful accents. And do not think this applies only to women.  There are capsule wardrobe recommendations for men as well.
3. Consider how you pack; fold, roll or using packing cubes. Each of these options have benefits.  Rolling is great for casual clothes and fabrics but not so much for bulky items or those that will wrinkle (which should be reconsidered to begin with). Compression cubes allow you to reduce space by reducing the air that expands the space. Using all three based on what you are packing makes the most sense.
4. Pack smaller items inside larger ones to use up all the available space. For example, use the inside of shoes for jewelry or socks and roll t-shirts into the smaller spaces around the edges of your folded clothes.
5. Pack for what will likely happen, not for every contingency. If the weather ends up cooler than expected buy a sweatshirt or sweater, but don’t pack one “just in case”. Consider what can be purchased where you are going, such as gum or other sundry items.

Most importantly start with a list and keep to it.  There are numerous options available online that will provide you with a starting point, then amend according to your own needs.  I make room for a second pair of prescription glasses because I am blind without them but you may not need 5 different pairs of over the counter sunglasses.

Packing right is a journey of discovery all on its own. You may not be totally happy with your first attempt but continually honing your skills to meet your own needs will ultimately be successful.

Photo1 from smartertravel.com and Photo2 from vivienefiles.com