How to Travel Light

Co-authored by Angela Rice and Kyle Hall

Last Updated: January 31, 2023 References

Packing for a trip should be about getting together the essentials, not filling up a suitcase with your whole wardrobe. Too much baggage will weigh you down during your travels, and it can be expensive if you're traveling by plane. Fortunately, traveling heavy is completely avoidable. By downsizing your luggage, packing more efficiently, and being selective with your clothes, you can travel light on your trip.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Downsizing Your Luggage

1
Limit the number of bags you bring. The more bags you take with you on your trip, the heavier your travel load will feel. If you’re only going away for a few days, try to fit everything you’re bringing into one suitcase or one backpack.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Angela Rice
Travel Specialist
Expert Interview. 18 September 2020.} If your trip is longer, limit yourself to two bags.
- Don’t spread your travel belongings out across multiple bags if it’s not necessary. One full suitcase will be easier to travel with than two half-full suitcases.
- If you’re flying to your destination, try to fit all your belongings in a carry-on size bag. It will be easier to get on and off the plane, and you won’t have to pay to check a bag.
2
Pack using small luggage. Small suitcases or bags will force you to be efficient during the packing process. When you’re shopping for luggage, look for a size you think would hold everything you need, and then choose a suitcase or bag in a size down. You'll be more selective about what to bring when it comes time to pack your bag.^{[2]
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3
Use a lightweight suitcase. Don’t pack your stuff in a heavy, hard side suitcase unless you’re bringing expensive electronics or fragile items on your trip. Use a suitcase or bag with soft, thin sides if you’re only packing clothes, shoes, and toiletries. Your suitcase will feel lighter and it will be easier to carry.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Packing Efficiently

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Write out your trip itinerary before you start packing. List any plans you have for your trip -- restaurants you'll eat at, events you'll attend, attractions you plan on visiting -- and think about what you might do in your free time. Knowing what you have planned will tell you exactly what clothes and other items to bring so you’re not packing for the unknown. Don’t guess what you should pack or pack outfits for hypothetical events.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Angela Rice
Travel Specialist
Expert Interview. 18 September 2020.}
2
Make a list of what you need to pack. Include any clothes, shoes, toiletries, or other items you’ll need on your trip. Avoid deviating from the list unless you remember something essential you forgot to include. A list will give you confidence so you don’t pack unnecessary items out of fear of being unprepared.^{[5]
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3
Pack for your trip in advance. Packing last minute is stressful and you’re more likely to pack unnecessary items when you wait to pack the night before your trip. Start packing at least three days before you leave so you can take your time to assess what items you need to bring.
4
Roll your clothes instead of folding them. Rolling your clothes will save you more space in your luggage so you can limit the number of bags you take on your trip. Folded garments tend to stack up quickly, but you can easily squeeze a rolled-up shirt or pair of pants into the extra space in your bag.^{[6]
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Limit the toiletries you bring. Use the shampoo, conditioner, and soap at your hotel instead of bringing your own. Leave your sunscreen, toothpaste, shaving cream, and other toiletries at home and purchase some at the store when you get to your destination.
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Use travel-size versions of your favorite products. Packing full-size bottles of products like hairspray, lotion, and face wash will take up unnecessary space. Look online or in your local drug store for smaller-size bottles of the products you want to bring.
- If you can’t find a travel-size option for something, buy a small, refillable travel bottle and fill it with the product you want to take with you.^{[7]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Downsizing Your Travel Wardrobe

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Check the weather before you leave. If it’s calling for sunshine and warm weather every day of your trip, you don’t need to pack a heavy sweater or a rain jacket.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Angela Rice
Travel Specialist
Expert Interview. 18 September 2020.} If you’re worried the weather could change, remember that you can always buy or borrow something at your destination.
- If the weather is calling for rain, pack an unopened rain poncho instead of a bulky rain jacket. It will take up less space in your bag.
- If you're traveling somewhere cold, pack clothes you can layer up with instead of a heavy winter coat to save space in your bag.
2
Pack clothes that go well together. Try to pack neutral shades like brown, black, cream, white, and gray.^{[9]
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Research source} This will allow you to mix and match your clothes so you don’t have to pack as many outfits.^{[10]
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Expert Source

Angela Rice
Travel Specialist
Expert Interview. 18 September 2020.}
- For men, basic button-up shirts in neutral shades are a versatile item that will go well with anything.
- For women, pack a simple black dress that you can dress up or down depending on the occasion. A blazer is also a great choice that you can wear casually or in a more formal setting.
3
Pack practical shoes you can wear on multiple occasions. Avoid packing a different pair of shoes for every day or event during your trip. Shoes can’t be folded or rolled up in your bag to save space. Aim for two pairs of shoes if possible; a casual pair of walking shoes and then something nicer for when you’re in a more formal setting.
- If you’re going somewhere warm, particularly the beach, pack flip flops or sandals instead of sneakers. They take up half the space and your feet will be more comfortable in the heat.
4
Bring a small container of laundry detergent. If you wash your clothes on your trip, you won’t have to pack as many clothes in the first place. If the place you’re staying doesn’t have a washing machine, use the tub or sink to wash your clothes.
- To save even more room in your bag, skip packing laundry detergent and buy some when you arrive at your destination. If there’s nowhere to buy detergent, wash your clothes with liquid dish soap instead.^{[11]
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- Pack a stain remover pen in your bag. It won’t take up much room, and it will be more convenient than washing your clothes.^{[12]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How can I make space in a suitcase for souvenirs?

Allyson Edwards
World Traveler & International Consultant
Allyson Edwards graduated from Stanford University with a BA in International Relations. Afterwards, she went on to facilitate International partnerships with agencies in over twenty countries, and has consulted for companies in industries across education, fintech, and retail.

Allyson Edwards

World Traveler & International Consultant

Expert Answer

If you plan on shopping during your trip, consider bringing old clothes that you don't mind recycling or replacing while away. This way, you can free up some space for newer items purchased on your return.
Question

How can I plan a trip abroad?

Angela Rice
Luxury Travel Specialist
Angela Rice is a Luxury Travel Specialist and Co-Founder of Boutique Travel Advisors, a luxury travel advising business in Phoenix, Arizona. Angela specializes in consulting and curating highly customized and unique travel itineraries for clients seeking luxury, group, and multi-generational family travel. Angela studied at Arizona State University and The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business. She has prior consulting experience in accounting and business, which helps her run her business behind the scenes. Angela has been featured in The Washington Post, Reader's Digest, Travel Weekly, USA Today, Travel Market Report, Phoenix Magazine, and MSN. She is also a frequent guest on WBBM News Radio 105.9 FM's Travel Tuesday show.

Angela Rice

Luxury Travel Specialist

Expert Answer

Do your research and get to know all about the destination. You should know about the weather at the place. It will help you to take suitable clothes and other items. Besides this, you should choose a guide and tour operator to help you gain the experience and value you want to get from the trip.
Question

How can backpacks make traveling easy?

Angela Rice
Luxury Travel Specialist
Angela Rice is a Luxury Travel Specialist and Co-Founder of Boutique Travel Advisors, a luxury travel advising business in Phoenix, Arizona. Angela specializes in consulting and curating highly customized and unique travel itineraries for clients seeking luxury, group, and multi-generational family travel. Angela studied at Arizona State University and The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business. She has prior consulting experience in accounting and business, which helps her run her business behind the scenes. Angela has been featured in The Washington Post, Reader's Digest, Travel Weekly, USA Today, Travel Market Report, Phoenix Magazine, and MSN. She is also a frequent guest on WBBM News Radio 105.9 FM's Travel Tuesday show.

Angela Rice

Luxury Travel Specialist

Expert Answer

Backpacks are helpful when you travel on a train. There may be limited space for luggage. It is easy to get in and out of trains when you have backpacks. Besides this, they are not heavy or hard to carry.