Traveling Light: Learn to Love it

Before you jet off on your travels, it’s hard to imagine leaving your things behind. How could you get by without your hairdryer/second pair of shorts/running shoes/insert item here. However, when you’re on the road for a long stretch of time, that must-have item quickly becomes an unnecessary burden. While it sounds cliché and impossible, it is critical to plan ahead and pack light. Your future self will thank you as you stroll happily through yet another train station and city, without giving a second thought to your rucksack and gear.

Buy things on the road

The best way to start is by gathering everything you want to take. Consider each piece: can you buy it when you reach your destination? Shampoo, toothbrushes, razors – pretty much all of it can be found at convenience stores or hotel shops once you settle in. Same goes for clothing – if you find you need another t-shirt, scarf or pair of socks, you’ll be able to buy it on the go. This clothing then becomes a cherished reminder of your travels.

Minimize and multi-task

You may be thinking, “What if we go to the opera or a fancy restaurant? I should really bring this dress just in case.” Before your know it, your rucksack is heavy with items you’ll likely wear once – or not at all.

The general rule to packing light is to pick clothing that serves many functions: pack simple outfits that can be dressed up or down – the website Seventeenth and Irving has a great illustration of this. Don’t forget you can wash clothes in the sink or shower and dry them in your room, so you really only need enough clothes to last a few days.

In terms of electronics, you may want to bring your laptop, a MP3 player, and a Kindle, but try not to get too carried away. These items are useful when you’re blogging, trying to get in touch with people back home, or if you’re stuck for a few hours between travel destinations, but the cords and equipment are heavy and take up valuable space in your luggage. If you’re lucky enough to have an iPad, it’s a good compromise because it combines the basic functions of a laptop and Kindle.

Hardly anyone thinks back on their trip and wishes they had brought more with them – you adjust to what you have and make it work. That way, you can focus on the incredible world around you rather than the weight on your back.