Packing isn’t ever easy. It can be particularly hard for a long-distance trip, especially if you want to keep things light.
However, it isn’t impossible to pack lightly for a longer trip. All you need to do is plan well and, of course, pack the right things!
Here are some ways to help you plan for your next exciting trip.
- Packing Cubes
Many travelers are a bit skeptical of packing cubes.
After all, why would it make sense to pack more things in your suitcase? However, packing cubes do make a huge difference!
They also don’t take up any more space. They are almost weightless and usually don’t have too firm of a shape. This means they are very versatile.
It’s good to separate things inside your bag. If you are visiting multiple destinations, you can pack things in separate cubes for each destination.
Having extra space for laundry is good, too. Dirty laundry starts to get gross after a while. You want to separate it from your clean clothes.
Ziplock bags and vacuum sealed bags are another good ideas, too.
- Smart Booking
Book a hotel or apartment rental where you’ll be comfortable.
If you’re staying for longer, you can normally get a good long-term rental rate. Using a booking service can help you find and secure the best possible rates.
Business travelers often get better rates than leisure travelers, too. Build up loyalty with hotel programs. Once you stay with a chain enough, you can get enough points for free and discounted stays.
The most important thing is to book a place where you have enough space. That way you can spread your things out.
Booking a place with a washing machine or free laundry service is a huge bonus. That way you don’t need to pack as many clothes.
Hotel laundry services are usually very expensive. See if you can use a nearby laundromat to save some money.
The more amenities your stay has, the less you need to pack. If they already have soap and shampoo, there’s no need for you to bring any.
Call and ask ahead of time to make sure they have what you need. Important things to ask about include hair dryers, ironing boards and irons, and toiletries like soap and shampoo.
- Leaving Things
Don’t pack your most valuable items.
If possible, pack things that you could potentially leave at your destination. Maybe pack clothes that you are going to donate to a charity anyway and, once you wear them that last time, you leave them at a donation center!
Or bring travel-sized items that you could leave. Don’t bring your favorite bottle of shampoo. Pack one that you don’t mind leaving behind.
Don’t pack a library book or your favorite book. Instead, bring one that you don’t mind leaving behind at a book exchange or with a friend.
Generally, it’s a good idea not to travel with things that you’re worried about losing. Because you never know when that could happen!
- Lightweight Clothes
Check out sporting goods shops for lightweight clothes.
There are clothes designed for travel. Many of these brands are multifunctional and even have professional wardrobe options.
Traveling during winter can be particularly difficult. Wool and winter textiles are much heavier and difficult to pack.
The lighter the clothes are, the more you can pack. It’s always good to pack an extra set of clothes in case something spills or breaks.
Pick clothes that dry quickly in case you have to wash things by hand.
- Leaving Room
You will probably want to buy things during your trip.
It’s always nice to buy a souvenir for friends and family. You also want to get something to remember your trip by, too.
Leave some extra room so you don’t have to worry about buying the souvenirs you want. If you’re flying, you’ll be more limited in what you can pack. Liquids are not easy to pack and there is a limited amount.
Try and find souvenirs that don’t take up a whole lot of room. If you don’t want to bring anything back, that’s ok too!
Photos are a great memory instead.
Conclusion
You don’t need to pack your entire wardrobe for a long trip. It’s possible to pack lightly.
