Travel Light - Pack Smart

Avoid The Deadly "Just In Case" Syndrome

"Before reading your pages, I could never travel light...
I did have that 'just in case' problem... Your advice cured me!"

When we take friends on our trips, we tell them they must travel light.

Just one carry-on suitcase each is our rule…

Well, one carry-on and a "personal item." Just like the airlines say.

We've had people moan and groan… and say, "I just can't travel that way."

But they do…

And when we get home from our trips, they're usually converted.

Now THEY are telling everybody that the only way to travel is to travel light.

To Travel Light Takes Extra Planning

It seems easy to say and hard to do, but it really isn't that hard.

It just takes a little extra thought and planning.

We've always traveled this way… and I think we're pretty normal.

Well, there was a time or two we broke our own rules, but we've told you about that before....

In case you haven't read that page... it was when we took safari equipment to a friend in Botswana years ago.  We definitely overpacked on that one!

You Don't Need It "Just In Case"

The first thing that you have to get over is that deadly "just in case" syndrome.

For instance, say there's a possibility you'll go to an opera.

Suddenly you think you'll need a dress "just in case"….

But do you really need another outfit or can you just dress up something you're already taking?

When we took the Trans-Siberian, the four of us only had one carry-on suitcase each.  

We went to see the opera "Boris Godunov" at the Bolshoi in Moscow. With a little creativity, I think we looked OK.

Mix and Match Clothing

Are you worried about wearing the same shirt for ten days straight?

No need to worry. Take only four or five shirts and two or three slacks.

The way to avoid overpacking is to take things that mix and match to make different combinations.

And just remember, you're traveling..., most people will never see you again.

People who will be seeing you as you travel, traveling companions for example, will understand…. and probably even think you're pretty clever to travel light!

We don't wear the same clothes everyday, though we do wear the same outfits over and over… making them look different with different combinations of tops and slacks and sweaters.

Ladies can take scarves to change the looks of things…. scarves can help when it gets a little chilly out too.

You CAN Get By With Carry-on Only

If you're traveling with carry-on luggage only, you'll be carrying less of your liquids, creams and gels.

Oh no, you're thinking.

"What will I ever do without enough shampoo?"

First of all, that 3 ounces or 100 ml will get you through a few days if you're frugal with the shampoo.

Many hotels provide shampoo. OK, so it's not your favorite brand… it'll still get your hair clean. And if you still run out, you'll probably be able to buy it wherever you travel.

Experienced Travelers Agree

Almost any travel guru you listen to will tell you to evaluate what you plan to pack…

Are you going to use or wear something often enough to carry it around for your whole trip?

If you don't think you will… leave it out of your suitcase.

One thing that almost all experienced travelers agree on is that you will probably enjoy your trip more if you travel light.

Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it! Judy and Mark

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Thanks, Judy and Mark

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