There's nothing worse than putting your suitcase on the scale at the airport and finding that the number exceeds the horrifying weight limit. The only solution is to open your bag, take a quick look at what you can take with you, and stuff those items into your carry-on while the passengers in the long line behind you are buzzing.
Not only is this situation embarrassing, but having to lug around heavy bags everywhere you go isn't exactly an idyllic trip. Additionally, major airlines have increased baggage fees by nearly 30% this year, and with long wait times at baggage claim, checking in large bags is certainly not ideal.
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These struggles are all too real, and I dream of being the kind of traveler who can breeze through an airport with a lighter-than-air carry-on, without worrying about the weight (sweat dripping down my back) at all. If so — then it might be time to learn how to lighten your bag for your next jet trip.
Packed with interchangeable items that can be matched with anything
While it may seem efficient to plan one outfit for each day you travel, you'll actually end up packing more tops and bottoms than you need. Instead, choose pieces that can be mixed and matched so you can easily put together an outfit with fewer items, says Echo Wang, CEO and co-founder of Cool Travel Vibes and an experienced traveler. Masu.
“Pack it with neutral tones and basic styles that can be layered for different temperatures,” she told Stacker. “Think about how you can interchange tops and bottoms and wear them with different outfits. Clothing can always be hand-washed, so cut down on quantity and focus on high-quality, multi-functional items.”
Choose fabrics that don't wrinkle easily
When it comes to choosing what to pack, Wang recommends choosing clothes that don't take up too much space or wrinkle too much. “Choose fabrics that dry quickly and don't wrinkle easily. They'll bounce back even when packed tightly together, saving you valuable luggage space.”
Use packing cubes
Mercedes Zach, travel agent at ASAP Tickets, always recommends investing in packing cubes to organize your luggage.
“Packing and unpacking can be a bit of a hassle, especially if you're traveling with multiple suitcases,” Zach told Stacker. “But organizing your belongings is much easier with packing cubes, which make the packing process more efficient and help you navigate your travel items. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, and they roll up your clothes. The good old packaging methods were quickly replaced.”
To save even more space in your bag, especially if you're planning on shopping or packing more items on your trip, Zach says to especially buy packing cubes that can be compressed with double zippers. “This type of packing cube is very lightweight, and you'll be surprised at how much more you can carry with you. What's more, packing cubes are relatively inexpensive and worth every penny. ”
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Pack a lightweight carry-on bag
The weight of clothes, accessories, and entertainment items isn't the only heavy item to worry about. Depending on the material your luggage is made of, your luggage can be just as heavy. Giacomo Piva, travel industry analyst and co-founder of Radical Storage, says it's worth investing in a high-quality, lightweight rolling carry bag to further minimize the total bag weight.
Choose solid toiletries
Packing all the toiletries you need into a small one certainly saves space (and passes TSA regulations when flying), but switching to solid toiletries is an even easier way to stay light. It will be. After traveling to 48 states and 49 countries, Peggy Carlow, his CEO and chief blogger at Smart Travel Guides, says that packing solid options means you don't have to carry around an entire bar and you need what you need. This means that it can be easily scraped off. “You can find everything from bar shampoo to deodorant to toothpaste to lotion. Lush and Etique are good brands,” Carlow told Stacker.
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If you prefer liquid toiletries, Carlow says you can buy travel-sized, leak-proof, reusable bottles and decant only what you need, like shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and facial cleanser. says Mr. It may seem like a small weight, but not filling the bottle to the top can make a huge difference in the long run.
Forgetting to pack your luggage just in case
While it may seem prudent to plan for the unexpected, there are actually many items that you probably don't need to bring “just in case.”
“Remember, we have stores in other parts of the world,” Carlow added. “Most things you need can be purchased on arrival. It's a great way to interact with the locals.”
Another situation in which you might want to pack “just in case” is when you choose to take something with you because you “maybe” want it. Maybe something like another book or an extra snack in case you get hungry. Both can be purchased as needed (what fun it is to buy new books in a foreign country!).
Still, remember to be honest with yourself. If your only purpose for your trip is to see the tourist attractions, do you have time to read? If you want to explore a town or city, why not have a snack at a cafe and turn it into an experience? Carry only what you really need to cover those rare “just in case” moments.
Story editor Karen Zhao. Copy edited by Paris Close.
