10 Simple Ways to Travel Light on Your Next Vacation

1. Choose the Right Luggage

I wish that there was one “right” bag for every situation. But there is not.

It may be tempting to get the biggest carry-on suitcase that still meets the size requirements of your airline, but if your plane is small or you are going to be the last to board you may need to be a bit more creative.

Your best bet is to choose a lightweight piece of luggage that will fit in an overhead bin but is also sturdy enough to be checked-in if need be.

I really like this Samsonite wheeled carry-on luggage that fits under airplane seat in front of you. This way you know your bag will be able to go on the plane with you no matter what.

It even includes a packable tote, in case you pick up a few more souvenirs than you planned.

Here are some more ideas for choosing the right luggage for your next trip.

2. Choose Bags That Do Double Duty

What will you be doing when you arrive at your destination?

Recently we went on a short beach vacation.

Because we were only gone for a few days – I was able to pack everything that I needed into a large tote bag.

This Zipsak from Biaggi is great for traveling. It is expandable (although be careful if using it as a carryon). And it has a sleeve on the back to slide over the handle of a roller bag – so it’s super easy to stay put together while you travel. It also folds down into a small form factor when you are not using it.

I have an older version of the Zipsak which is almost the same but not expandable – and I love it!

When we got to the hotel, I unpacked the tote bag. Then I filled it up with a beach towel, water bottle, sunscreen, and a good book – and headed off to the beach.

3. Use Packing Cubes to Compartmentalize

If you throw all your stuff into one suitcase, you just create a big mess.

I like to use a set of packing cubes to compartmentalize my things.

There are so many creative ways that you can use them – but usually I use one cube for each category of clothing. (You can see my method for using packing cubes here.)

While on vacation, I collect all my dirty clothes in an empty packing cube. So, when I get home unpacking and laundry become very easy.

4. Mix and Match Clothing

A little coordination goes a long way.

If you can mix and match your clothing, you can create many outfits out of just a few pieces.

This is especially important when it comes to bulkier items like jackets and shoes.

Choose a neutral overcoat that you can dress up or down.

And pick some comfortable shoes that you can wear for walking but also out for dinner. (It’s definitely a challenge but a pair of sandals like these can do the trick).

5. Plan To Wear It Twice

Along the same lines as mix n’ match is the concept of wearing it twice.

While you should pack a fresh pair of undergarments for each day ;-), you don’t necessarily need a fresh shirt or pants for each day that you plan to be away.

Think about:

• how you are going to use the clothing (to workout – means you need more, or just out to dinner – means you can wear it more often)
• how long you will wear the garment each day
• your own body – do you sweat a lot? etc.

Packing neutral items that you can dress up or down, again, is key.

I always pack a pair of black leggings like these. They go with anything and take next to no room in my luggage.

6. Be Brutally Honest About What You Will Wear

The worst packing mistake is just taking your clothes along for the ride.

Remember, the time to decide what you will wear is before you leave.

Don’t fall victim to the “I might need this or I might need that” syndrome.

Be honest with yourself about what you really will wear when you are away and take only those items.

7. Wear Your Biggest Shoes

As a travel rule of thumb – pack your lightweight items and wear your heavier items.

No matter how hard you try, it seems like shoes always want to foil your plans to travel light.

I always wear my jacket or a sweater on the plane.

This is perfect because jackets and sweaters are bulky. And planes and airports can be cold.

I also wear my sneakers whenever I travel. No, I won’t make fashionista of the year. But I will be comfortable, especially if I have to sprint across an airport to make a connection.

And my luggage will be lighter and less bulky because my sneakers will be on my feet instead of in my bag.

8. Ship Your Big Stuff

Ok – I get it. Sometimes you just need to take big things. But you can still travel light if you ship them ahead of time.

For a golfing vacation – you might need some golf clubs. Skiing? Same thing.

I am not a golfer – so I can’t tell what is most economical. But this article has a lot of good information and tips to consider on shipping golf clubs via FedEx.

Check with the place you will be staying at your destination to see if they can accept and hold incoming packages for you.

9. Consider Doing Laundry at Your Hotel

If you will be traveling for an extended period of time, you may want to consider doing laundry at your destination.

This way you can still take less clothing and travel light.

This travel size package of Tide Pods makes it easy to pack laundry detergent – and the package says that it meets airline carry-on guidelines.

On one beach vacation, we actually did laundry right before we left. We brought back suitcases full of clean clothing that went right into our drawers at home.

Unpacking was so easy!

10. Buy Disposable Items at Your Destination (or use travel size)

Need large quantities of sunscreen or shampoo? Consider buying them at your destination instead of lugging them from home.

Or use travel size items.

The downside to travel size toiletries is that they often cost as much as full size items.

But you can buy reusable travel size bottles that you can fill yourself.

I have been using these containers by Cadence and I really like them. A bit pricey but so sturdy and versatile.

Remember – the more efficiently you pack, the more enjoyable your trip.