The Solo Traveler Blog

Packing Light Even (especially) for Long Trips

Published May 10, 2009 | By Janice

carry on suitcase 200x300 Packing Light Even (especially) for Long TripsWhen I was 15 I went on a cycling tour. Everything I needed for one month had to fit into two small panniers. That experience confirmed my commitment to packing light and helped create my family’s ‘one bag rule’: if you can’t carry it, you can’t take it.

The One Bag Advantage
I’m a huge fan of the carry-on. There are many advantages to packing everything in one bag and a tote:

  • Your luggage never gets lost.
  • You can manage your bags in any situation.
  • It allows you to check in electronically and bypass the carousel on the way out.
  • You can save on tipping costs.
  • There is less to keep organized.
  • Everything is more accessible.
  • The height of a carry-on is equal to the height of a seat on a train. It can extend a seat for a more comfortable nap.

The ‘How’ of Light Packing

A famous quote by Susan Heller: “When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money.  Then take half the clothes and twice the money.”  Truer travel words were never spoken. Here’s more advice:

  • Start a list of the things you’ll need a week before you pack. This gives you time to have things pop into your head and to purchase items you don’t already have.
  • Pack clothes in a very limited colour range so that everything goes with everything.
  • Take clothes that travel well – especially underwear that can be washed and hung for quick dry.
  • Roll clothes to save room and reduce wrinkling.
  • Put things that can spill into Ziploc bags.
  • Put items that may affect others, such as shoes or bathing suits that have been in chlorine, in Ziploc bags.
  • Check out some good websites like http://onebag.com.

Between trips

  • At the end of a trip review the list you started with. Delete things that were totally unused and add things you would like to have had.
  • Keep your electrical adaptors, travel iron, small hair dryer… all in one place between trips so that they are easy to find.
  • Keep a toiletry bag of all the basics ready to go. Use travel size items so that they can board the plane with you.

Though it may be counter-intuitive, packing light is especially good for long trips. It helps reduce the frustration of juggling luggage, reorganizing suitcases, having lots to pack and unpack, waiting in airline queues to check in…

So, pack light, relax and enjoy your journey.

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Posted in How to Travel Alone
  • Gracetandil

    Yes, “travel light” is the key to happiness, hahaha. But I am always learning something new everytime I finish a trip.

  • Julie

    I personally much prefer traveling with a backpack rather than a standard suitcase, mainly because I find it easier to get around – think about wheeling a suitcase while trying to hop on a train or walk down cobblestoned streets. However, even if my backpack fits the size of a carry-on item, I usually can’t actually carry it on because I travel with items like a swiss-army knife (which I find essential).

    Instead, I pack essential items in my daypack and bring it on the plane. I always include my toothbrush and an extra pair of underwear, just in case something happens to my checked luggage. As a side note, always cover your backpack when you check it, because the straps can otherwise get caught anywhere along the way and seriously damage it.

    I also pack items with multiple uses – my favourite is the sarong. I’ve used it as a bathing suit cover-up, a picnic blanket, a pillow, and even as a shower curtain. I also take extra plastic and Ziploc bags, and usually a Tupperware too. It can be useful to store leftover foods and fragile or small items.

  • http://www.havepack.com Have Pack, Will Travel

    I too travel with nothing but a mid-sized carry on backpack (Kelty Redwing 3100 to be exact) and love it. Occasionally I’ll stuff a small camelbak daypack inside if I’ll be hiking a lot.

    Be careful with Easyjet and those other budget carriers. I love them, but on a return flight they charged me for my second carry on. I had a small backpack and a small duffel and had to pay. They didn’t seem to care on my first flight. Go figure.

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  • http://www.colletts.co.uk/ Sam Chandler

    In Europe with the advent of cheap flights with Ryanair, Easyjet and BMI etc., You can take advantage of not being charged for luggage by taking hand luggage only.

    By doing this you firstly save money on not checking a bag and save time not having to wait for your bag to come off the plane.

    It is worth checking the dimensions and weight restrictions for carry on luggage with your airline before you arrive. It is usually a max 10KG and standard ‘flight case’ size. Remember – you cannot take any liquids or creams over 200ml in volume (per item). These products must be carried through in a clear plastic bag for inspection through security. You also cannot carry any sharp objects including nail scissors, tweezers, razors etc.

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About Janice Waugh

I'm known as the solo traveler. I traveled solo in my twenties and I'm doing so again. Here's the backstory...Continue Reading >>

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