Packing Light

Simple & Sustainable

There are a lot of advantages to traveling light. People that travel often have learned these lessons, so hopefully I can save you a little bit of stress by sharing some of them with you right here.

Travel expert Rick Steves swears by one-bag travel. He once avoided a long airport layover in Scandinavia because he did not check a bag. One quick flight change and he was out exploring instead of sitting around. That moment of freedom came from keeping it simple.

He says too much luggage limits your options. Travel becomes rigid. But when you travel light, you stay nimble and present. As he puts it, you will never meet a traveler who brags about packing more.

Author Elizabeth Gilbert had a similar “aha” moment. Before her year-long journey that inspired Eat Pray Love, she packed everything she needed into one backpack and stuck to a one-in, one-out rule. That kept her focused on the experience instead of her stuff.

But on a later book tour, she forgot that lesson. She overpacked, brought way too many outfits, and ended up stressed and frustrated. After that, she went back to her simple approach. Just a few clothes, no second guessing, and way more peace..

Daily Doables

Here are 7 practical tips to help you pack lighter and travel smarter:

1. Start with a smaller bag.
   Pick the smallest bag you are comfortable with, like a carry-on or backpack, and make that your limit. It forces you to prioritize and travel with intention. You will probably find you needed far less than you thought.

2. Plan your outfits.
   Think through your real schedule. Choose clothes that mix and match. Stick to a few colors and layer well. Three tops and two bottoms can handle most trips. Do not pack for the fantasy version of the trip. Pack for the real one.

3. Follow the 20 20 Rule.
   If something you are tempted to bring could be replaced for less than twenty dollars in under twenty minutes, leave it behind. Most “just in case” items never get used.

4. Limit shoes to two pairs.
   Shoes take up the most space. Bring one pair for walking and one other pair depending on your needs. Wear the larger pair while traveling.

5. Use travel size toiletries.
   Bring only what you will use in the next few days. Refill smaller containers or try solids like shampoo bars and toothpaste tablets. Lighter, cleaner, and TSA ready.

6. Lay it all out first.
   Spread everything on your bed before packing. Seeing it all helps you catch duplicates and extras. If it looks like too much, it probably is.

7. Roll your clothes instead of folding.
   Rolling your clothes saves space and helps prevent wrinkles. It also makes it easier to see what you packed without digging through layers. You can fit more in less space while keeping your bag organized.

Let me know what tips you like, and share any other tips you might have for traveling light!

Parting Point

Packing light is about more than just fitting it all in a carry-on. It’s about clarity and choosing flexibility over fear. Whether it is Rick Steves dodging a layover or Elizabeth Gilbert ditching decision fatigue, or you avoiding checked bag fees and losing your luggage, the message is the same.

The lighter the load, the better the trip.

Yours in Simplicity,