The Often-Neglected Art Of Packing Light

Movies and television have presented us with countless depictions of in-a-big-time-rush travellers snatching clothing out of their closets and dumping them haphazardly into their suitcases. No one packs like this. However, we’re not all doing great jobs at packing anyway. Even the most meticulous of vacationers find that their suitcases can’t quite fit everything they consider necessary. The art of packing light, quite frankly, is often neglected.

Luggage.

Let’s start with something you clearly can’t travel without. Selecting the appropriate luggage is the first step in being able to successfully pack light. Are you lugging around a heavy suitcase? It’s not doing you any favours in the stay-within-the-weight-limit department. Overweight suitcases can elicit unwanted charges from your airline.

“Packing light starts with a featherweight foundation,” informs Sarah Schlichter on SmarterTravel.com, “When you’re looking for a suitcase, consider these weight classes: A 22-inch carry-on roller suitcase is generally considered lightweight if it’s under 10 pounds. Manufacturers start claiming ‘ultralight’ status at around the seven-pound mark.”

Clothing.

The first and most obvious thing to pack into your suitcase is clothes. Many travellers assume that laying all shirts, shorts, sweaters and pants in as flat a way as possible will maximize the space within their luggage. This isn’t so. Rolling up your clothes will not only help you to compartmentalize them better in your suitcase, it will also prevent wrinkles. It’s also wise to go light on fabrics.

“Wool and heavyweight fleece are sure to keep you warm, but they also tend to be both bulky and heavy,” notes Schlichter, “Fabrics known for being particularly lightweight, on the other hand, include silk and synthetics such as nylon and polyester. Cotton, linen, and cotton blends are slightly heavier, but they tend to still be on the lighter end of the spectrum and should remain on your list of options.”

Shoes.

Really, do you need that many shoes? Packing too many pairs is one of the top reasons people find it so hard to pack light. Consider where you’re going. Are you visiting a tropical island? Will you be going on any hiking trips? Depending on the type of walking, climbing, jumping (or other foot-required activity) you’ll be doing, you don’t necessarily need to bring more than a couple pairs of shoes.

“Always bring flip-flops—hands down the most useful shoes,” insists Pretty Prudent co-founders, Jaime and Jacinda on the Condé Nast Traveler website, “They take up no room and are perfect for the beach, to wear with shorts or a dress, or to use as ‘house shoes’ in your hotel. Then also bring a nice pair of flats that looks great with pants or dresses, but are comfortable enough to wear walking around a city as well.”

Toiletries and cosmetics.

Stick to the essentials. Be mindful of your travel destination as well. If you’ll be staying in a hotel, you can be assured of receiving complimentary shampoo, conditioner and soaps. Many offer hair dryers as well. So don’t pack what you don’t need.

Take only the makeup you’re sure to use and don’t worry about what you may have forgotten. As Jaime and Jacinda point out, “most hotels have all basic amenities you might need, like razors, toothbrushes, etc.”

Are you ready to pack for your next vacation? With just a few minutes of your time, one of our Vacation Advisors can provide you with information to guide you in acquiring a Taitam Membership Plan. Please don’t hesitate to call Taitam Technology Vacations at 416-234-0202 today!