How to Travel Light

Traveling light has all sorts of advantages, especially for those employing air transportation on a trip. And besides, how can you get away from it all if you’re bringing it all along with you?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Pick out one piece of luggage you plan to take along, and make a vow not to take any additional ones. It will easier to prioritize knowing just exactly how much space you have to work with.

2. When packing, live by the credo, ‘If in doubt, leave it out.’ If it turns out you really needed the item in question, odds are you can purchase a new one at your destination.

3. Be smart when it comes to items like a camera (take a digital), book (bring a mass-market paperback), and toiletries. If you’re staying at a hotel, for example, that you know will have shampoo and conditioner in the bathroom, don’t take up precious space by bringing your own along.

4. Check the weather report of the destination you’ll be visiting. If you’re going to be in Tahiti for a week with nothing but sunshine in the forecast, you probably won’t even need a long-sleeved shirt or long pants.

5. Limit yourself to one pair of shoes in your luggage (in addition to those you’re wearing). Nobody needs three or four or even five pairs of shoes on a trip, it’s totally unnecessary.

6. On a long getaway--or a business trip that entails brining extra items along like brochures for a convention--think about shipping some things ahead of time. What it costs you in cash it will save you in hassle.

7. If you end up picking up souvenirs on your journey, again have them shipped back to you. Or save space and probably money too by sticking with small objects like slidey-pens, refrigerator magnets or a T-shirt.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you get into the habit of traveling light, you’ll never want to lug three 50-pound suitcases along with you again in your life.