Packing the right things for a trip can be one of the biggest factors in influencing how smoothly the trip goes. If you are completely unprepared for your vacation, you’ll probably struggle to remain comfort and dress in appropriate outfits. If you’re going on a trip and struggling to create an adequate packing list, here are some things to consider that will help you pack smart and travel light:
1. Bring Basics
When you’re packing, consider clothing items that can be worn a number of different ways. If you have a shirt that can be worn with both shorts, pants, and a skirt, bring just that shirt and wear it multiple times on your trip. This can save space in your luggage.
You’ll also want to bring a basic pair of shoes. Don’t pack a pair of shoes if it can only be worn with one outfit or if you don’t intent on actually wearing them. Shoes can take up a lot of space and make your bag heavy.
2. Buy Travel Size Products
Don’t lug your full-size shampoos, conditioners, and beauty products around. Instead, look for travel size options at the drugstore or purchase refillable bottles that you can fill at home.
When your traveling, your lotions can break and get on your clothes and other items. The bigger these bottles are, the more damage they can do should they break. If you bring small bottles, you’re not only saving space and weight in your bag, you’re also reducing the risk of ruining all your clothes during travel.
3. Reduce Entertainment Options
When you’re traveling, you’re going to want things to entertain yourself, but be smart about what you bring. If you have an e-reader or tablet, bring that instead of dozens of books. If you’re set on bringing actual books, bring only one or two long reads.
When you reduce the amount of electronic and entertainment items you bring with you, you can reduce a lot of space. Things like tablets or e-readers make it easy to bring a number of things along with you in just one device.
Packing for a trip can be stressful. Many of us often leave our house feeling as if we’ve forgotten something or we’ve stuffed our bags so full of everything we own it is difficult to travel. When you take the time to truly consider what you will need while you’re away and plan what you should pack, you’ll have a much more successful time on vacation.
When creating your packing list, consider your most versatile clothing options, reduce the amount of beauty products and personal care items you bring along, and really think about what books or entertainment devices you will want.