It’s no secret that packing light is a seemingly impossible endeavor for most people. While there are countless articles on the internet describing all the steps to packing light, it never is that easy. For men, following the guidelines they give may be possible, since society doesn’t expect as much from them, but for most women, these common guidelines are highly unrealistic. Men can throw a couple of t-shirts and jeans and a toothbrush into a backpack and be ready to go for most circumstances. We women, on the other hand, have so much more to consider.
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Why I find packing light to be impossibly difficult as a woman
- When we travel, we want to look our best. Those pictures standing next to the Eiffel Tower will be immortalized in scrapbooks that probably will outlive us and end up in our great-great-grandchild’s closet. I don’t want my decedents to think that I traveled Europe with just a tube of tooth paste and one outfit. Call me high maintenance, but after saving up for the trip of a lifetime, I actually want to look better than I do normally.
- Medicine takes up a lot of space, but when you need it you’ll be glad you have it with you. Sure, if you’re traveling to England and you catch a cold you can go to the pharmacy and communicate your symptoms in order to receive the proper medication, but fat chance if you’re in a remote village in South East Asia. Even if you are able to get to a pharmacy, they might not have the brands you trust and are familiar with.
- Weather is unpredictable. If you packed only the absolute bare necessities, chances are you’ll have a bad time when your only pair of shoes is soaked by a surprise downpour. Being prepared for bad weather situations means you don’t have to hit pause on your travel plans.
- Dress codes can prevent you from once in a lifetime experiences that you didn’t plan on. Invited by some locals to an extravagant party, but only have shorts and sneakers? Too bad. Forgot to bring modest clothes to visit a breath taking monastery or temple in the mountains that you just found out about? Sucks for you.
- I’m not MacGyver. I don’t know how to use an eye pencil to do everything from my eyes to my lips to my nail polish. I need multiple products and toiletries. I don’t need a full face of glam makeup, but I want to feel put together and as clean as possible when exploring a new place.
- I don’t want spend a minute wasting time trying to wash clothes in a hotel sink or searching for a laundry mat in Beijing every two days. Plus, in many countries with high humidity, you may be able to wash your clothes, but have fun trying to air dry them within 24 hours. On longer trips, it is unavoidable, but keeping laundry to once a week or once every week and a half saves so much more time and money for more fun activities.
At the end of the day, I want to be prepared, pack light(ish), and look my best while making memories that will last a lifetime. Is this even possible? It is! Using realistic methods, that is:
Time to purchase a new suitcase
Pick one that is light weight, but sturdy. My Samsonite LifTwo 27″ is less than 8lbs empty. My old 25″ suitcase was 11lbs empty. By purchasing a new luggage, I can actually take more with me and still meet airline weight requirements. A mix of lightweight and sturdy quality is what you are looking for weather it’s a rolling luggage or a rucksack.
Research the weather
Before you start packing research the weather and figure out the bulk of your itinerary. Most of your clothes should fit into this scale, but be sure to pack a few extra items as well. Even if it’s going to be warm and sunny the entire time, pack a light jacket or one long sleeve shirt just in case.
The pack it all and take it out method
Pack your suitcase with every single thing you want to take, then take every single item out and try to make outfits. Flexible items that form multiple outfits go back into the suitcase first. Reassess the remaining items that can only form one outfit. If you can’t live without it or know that you will for sure wear them, then they get packed as well. If not, back into the closet they go!
Start packing a week in advance
You don’t need to have you bags packed and ready to go, but start placing items into your suitcase or on a spare bed or table to get a general idea. It will eliminate the last minute panic when you think everything is a necessity. Time gives you a chance to think calmly and pack the right stuff.
Layers are you friend
For cold weather destinations, try to stick with thinner items you can layer and pack only one or two bulky sweaters. Layering will keep you warmer and it takes up less space and a giant knitted sweater. Layering also is a great way to make up multiple outfits from just a few key pieces.
Save up samples and travel sized toiletries
Avoid packing full sized anything. It will only take up space and weight and risk spillage. It may cost more to buy mini sizes, but it’s worth the space you’ll save. Samples and mini sized toiletries are easier to use up during your trip, so that you can throw away the empty bottles at the end to make more room for souvenirs and such.
My favorite way of stock piling samples and travel sized toiletries is by shopping online at Sephora and Ulta. Not only can you select free samples at checkout, but can you add promo codes for mini size items too. I use the blog Gifts With Purchase to find all the latest promo codes for Sephora. They even estimate their value based on size so you can get some high value minis if you time it right. Though sometimes I give into temptation and use them right away, I recommend saving them for travel since they are the perfect size.
Leave unnecessary technology at home
Be in the moment! Unless you’re traveling for business or school, you don’t need your tablet or laptop with you. A smart phone is more than enough entertainment for those long airplane hauls or bus rides. If you’re into photography take your camera with you.
Never skimp on medicine
If you pack light, never try to leave important medication behind. If you must, leave a pair of shoes or a dress out, but pack all your necessary prescription and over the counter medicine (take them out of the box and take a single blister packet or transfer into travel pill cases the amount you think you’ll need). If you’re traveling within the states, you don’t have to bring everything since there’s a CVS or Walgreens everywhere, but pharmacies can be a bit trickier to get to abroad or with a jam packed travel schedule.
Also, pack feminine hygiene products. Many countries (including Western European countries) do not have tampons with applicators like are popular in the states. To be on the safe side, pack a few at least whether you are expecting to get a visit from aunt Flo or not.
Maximize space
Try to find the best combination of folding and rolling to maximize space. Pack socks within shoes (and put those shoes in bags! The bottoms of your shoes are disgusting!!) and take advantage of outside pockets.
Carry-on
Pack heaviest items in your carry-on or wear them to make sure you don’t surpass the weight limit for checked-in bags. Some airlines do have weight limits on carry on items, but most don’t or don’t bother to check. You can layer coats and jackets and take them off and even roll one up for extra lumbar support to make airplane seats more comfortable.
Use packing cubes
This isn’t so much a packing light hack, but a general travel hack that will help you stay organized and sane while traveling. Opt for clear ones so you can quickly see and grab what you need. It also helps when you want to swap out your heaviest cube in your carry on and put it back in your checked-in luggage and vice versa during a trip.
Save room for souvenirs
Lastly, if you want to attempt to travel with only a carry-on, remember that you might want to buy a few souvenirs while abroad. You may have succeeded in fitting two weeks’ worth of outfits and toiletries into your small carry-on, but good luck trying to pack all your newly bough souvenirs on the way back.
Another option if you are adamant about traveling only with a carry-on is to bring a small, collapsible duffle bag to check in on the way back for any new items or souvenirs you pick up along the way.
Packing has always been my least favorite part about travel. It’s a constant a learn-as-you-go experience, and I keep pulling from lessons I learned on previous trips. The more you travel, the more you’ll learn about yourself and needs and what you actually have to pack. Don’t let anyone guilt you for not packing light or needing a bit more to be comfortable while exploring the world. It’s your trip, and you will learn what level of comfort vs packing light works best for you.
