Packing the sensible way
Posted by Freyja Oddsdóttir - 04/11/09 at 08:11:36 am
Photo by smartlifetips.net
It has been said that the happiest traveller is the one that can fit his bag under a seat on the bus, or take it as hand luggage on a flight. You may not believe this is feasible… but most of us learn the hard way that this is not only true, but actually possible! Take a hint from someone who “backpacked” around Europe with a 40 kg suitcase that broke in country number 3 (out of 12) and learn to pack light!
#1. Make a list. The things that make it onto your list should be “I cannot survive without this” type of things, rather than “I might need this” type of things. This also means that last minute, you won’t allow yourself to add things to your bag because you think “you might need them”… there’s a reason why they weren’t on your list in the first place, so stick to it.
#2. Make sure that all the clothes you take fit with most other items in your suitcase. Don’t take that yellow pattern shirt that only fits with that one pair of pants!
#3. Pick the smallest bag/suitcase you can get away with. If you bring a big bag, you will most likely either fill it up with stuff “you think you might need” before you leave or while you’re travelling… it’s human nature.
#4. You’ll be doing yourself a big favour by keeping everything liquid in either a water-proof wash kit or zip-lock/money bags tightly fastened with an elastic band. An item leaking into your bag is a pain that’s worth avoiding.
#5. Roll your clothes into tight tubes instead of folding them, they will take less space and are less likely to wrinkle.
#6. Should you be backpacking, you may thank yourself later for bringing little things like earplugs, a padlock, wet wipes and a travel washing line for hanging your clothes after washing.
#7. Remember that wherever you are going, you will most likely be able to buy whatever you didn’t bring. It will probably a lot cheaper than home and you support the local economy at the same time.
The less developed your destination is and the more you plan to move between places, the more important it is to pack light. There are heaps of extensive packing guides out there for any occasion… all you really need to do is to believe me when I say that you don’t need all this stuff you’re tempted to put in your bag… and you’re good to go!
No Comments yet »
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URI
Leave a comment
Powered by WordPress with GimpStyle Theme design by Horacio Bella.
Entries and comments feeds.
Valid XHTML and CSS.