How do you fit a whole trip's worth of luggage into a backpack or suitcase? The answer is simple: Bring very little and only the things that you will USE.
When you travel, it’s worth taking the time to pack light. There is no reason to be weighed down at the airport, as you make your way to your accommodation, on the train… anywhere… due to bulky heavy and large bags. The importance of packing light cannot be overemphasized, but, it's for your own good. You'll never meet a traveler who, after five trips, brags: "Every year I pack heavier." The measure of a good traveler is how light he or she travels. Travel light and happy!
Travelers backpack through the Philippines with an internal-frame backpack purchased from an outdoor store. These are the most comfortable bags to wear on your back, as the internal frame keeps the weight off your shoulders and balanced over your hips. However, these bags can be sometimes expensive and are often built "taller" than wheeled carry-on bags.
Base your decision though on the strength of your back. The day will come when I'll be rolling my bag through the country with the rest of the gang. But as long as I'm hardy enough to carry my gear on my back, I will.
Pack your bag only two-thirds full to leave room for souvenirs, or bring along an empty, featherweight nylon bag to use as a carry-on for your return flight, and check your main bag through. Sturdy stitching, front and side pouches, padded shoulder straps for backpacks and a low-profile color are virtues. I'm not wild about the zip-off day bags that come with some backpacks — I take my convertible backpack and supplement it with a separate day bag that's exactly to my liking.
I pick up items one at a time and scrutinize it and compare... I always ask myself, "Will I use (item) that much that I have to leave (other item) out for now?"
Don't pack for the worst-case scenario. Pack for the best-case scenario and simply buy yourself out of any jams. Bring layers rather than take a heavy coat. Think in terms of what you can do without — not what will be handy on your trip. When in doubt, leave it out! The world is getting really small. You can buy soap, toothpaste, sunblock and Gillette razors even in small provinces in the country. All of my toiletries, first aid, and some repair items fits into a quarter size zip-lock bag. Remember to keep your liquids and gels separate in containers no larger than 3 oz. Don't take full-size items (normal size bar of soap or a tube of toothpaste - you can get them for free in hotels), but use the travel/sample size, if not a smaller amount, in an appropriately size container.
Hint: try measuring the amount of toiletries you use for a few days to a week. It might be much less than what you think is needed. If you are to bring anything which is a liquid, double wrap it in zip-lock bags to prevent leaks. In many parts of the country, toilet paper is not common, nor are flush toilets. It is always wise to bring some toilet paper on your journey, and keep a small amount with you at all times.
Gadgets! Many people feel compelled to bring technology with them. Laptops, cameras, MP3 players, tablets and all sorts of electronic devices. There is nothing wrong with any of these objects. It is possible that each of them can enrich your journey. But before you pack your favorite electronic gear, ask yourself questions like, "Do I really want to bring this with me? What will happen if I don't hear the latest news? Maybe I will relax more? Am I really going to use this laptop, or is it going to be a four pound weight around my neck?"
The bulk of your luggage is filled with Clothing. Minimize by bringing less. Experienced travelers try to bring only things that will be worn repeatedly, complement other items, and have multiple uses (for example, since I don't swim much and do more sunbathing, I let my shorts double as swimwear). Pack with color coordination in mind. Neutral colors (black, navy, khaki) dress up easily and can be extremely versatile.
To minimize the amount of clothing needed, you should plan to wash your clothing during any trip which is longer than a few days. While most people pay most of their attention to the styling of clothing, you will find that the fabric used in the clothing can make a significant difference in your ease of travel. You will want to have wrinkle-resistant or wrinkle-proof clothing so you don't have to iron.
Ultimately — as long as you don't wear something that's outrageous or offensive — it's important to dress in a way that makes you comfortable. To fit in and be culturally sensitive, I watch my manners, not the cut of my clothes.
Advantages of Packing Light:
- You are often able to take all your bags as carry-on. When your bags are carry-ons you won't lose your luggage, your bags wont get thrown, dropped or otherwise abused. If you really need to change your clothing (or get something out of your bag) you can.
- You are able to handle your packs yourself. If you carry your bag/s more than a few feet (most of us end up doing this), you would like your luggage to be as small and light as possible.
- You will spend less time fighting with your bags, have less to keep track of, and less to worry about losing.
- You won't randomly or accidentally knockout anyone with your bulky baggage while you're on the move. No charges will be pressed against you! ha ha.
- Transportation becomes simpler because you don't have to find someone who can transport a number of large bags. For example, some remote provinces use motorcycles. Imagine trying to hold onto a number of huge bags on the back of a motorcycle (did that! almost fell off the motorcycle! whew!)
Go casual, simple, and very light. Remember, in your travels you'll meet two kinds of tourists — those who pack light and those who wish they had.
When you travel, it’s worth taking the time to pack light. There is no reason to be weighed down at the airport, as you make your way to your accommodation, on the train… anywhere… due to bulky heavy and large bags. The importance of packing light cannot be overemphasized, but, it's for your own good. You'll never meet a traveler who, after five trips, brags: "Every year I pack heavier." The measure of a good traveler is how light he or she travels. Travel light and happy!
Travelers backpack through the Philippines with an internal-frame backpack purchased from an outdoor store. These are the most comfortable bags to wear on your back, as the internal frame keeps the weight off your shoulders and balanced over your hips. However, these bags can be sometimes expensive and are often built "taller" than wheeled carry-on bags.
Base your decision though on the strength of your back. The day will come when I'll be rolling my bag through the country with the rest of the gang. But as long as I'm hardy enough to carry my gear on my back, I will.
Pack your bag only two-thirds full to leave room for souvenirs, or bring along an empty, featherweight nylon bag to use as a carry-on for your return flight, and check your main bag through. Sturdy stitching, front and side pouches, padded shoulder straps for backpacks and a low-profile color are virtues. I'm not wild about the zip-off day bags that come with some backpacks — I take my convertible backpack and supplement it with a separate day bag that's exactly to my liking.
I pick up items one at a time and scrutinize it and compare... I always ask myself, "Will I use (item) that much that I have to leave (other item) out for now?"
Don't pack for the worst-case scenario. Pack for the best-case scenario and simply buy yourself out of any jams. Bring layers rather than take a heavy coat. Think in terms of what you can do without — not what will be handy on your trip. When in doubt, leave it out! The world is getting really small. You can buy soap, toothpaste, sunblock and Gillette razors even in small provinces in the country. All of my toiletries, first aid, and some repair items fits into a quarter size zip-lock bag. Remember to keep your liquids and gels separate in containers no larger than 3 oz. Don't take full-size items (normal size bar of soap or a tube of toothpaste - you can get them for free in hotels), but use the travel/sample size, if not a smaller amount, in an appropriately size container.
Hint: try measuring the amount of toiletries you use for a few days to a week. It might be much less than what you think is needed. If you are to bring anything which is a liquid, double wrap it in zip-lock bags to prevent leaks. In many parts of the country, toilet paper is not common, nor are flush toilets. It is always wise to bring some toilet paper on your journey, and keep a small amount with you at all times.
Gadgets! Many people feel compelled to bring technology with them. Laptops, cameras, MP3 players, tablets and all sorts of electronic devices. There is nothing wrong with any of these objects. It is possible that each of them can enrich your journey. But before you pack your favorite electronic gear, ask yourself questions like, "Do I really want to bring this with me? What will happen if I don't hear the latest news? Maybe I will relax more? Am I really going to use this laptop, or is it going to be a four pound weight around my neck?"
The bulk of your luggage is filled with Clothing. Minimize by bringing less. Experienced travelers try to bring only things that will be worn repeatedly, complement other items, and have multiple uses (for example, since I don't swim much and do more sunbathing, I let my shorts double as swimwear). Pack with color coordination in mind. Neutral colors (black, navy, khaki) dress up easily and can be extremely versatile.
To minimize the amount of clothing needed, you should plan to wash your clothing during any trip which is longer than a few days. While most people pay most of their attention to the styling of clothing, you will find that the fabric used in the clothing can make a significant difference in your ease of travel. You will want to have wrinkle-resistant or wrinkle-proof clothing so you don't have to iron.
Ultimately — as long as you don't wear something that's outrageous or offensive — it's important to dress in a way that makes you comfortable. To fit in and be culturally sensitive, I watch my manners, not the cut of my clothes.
Advantages of Packing Light:
- You are often able to take all your bags as carry-on. When your bags are carry-ons you won't lose your luggage, your bags wont get thrown, dropped or otherwise abused. If you really need to change your clothing (or get something out of your bag) you can.
- You are able to handle your packs yourself. If you carry your bag/s more than a few feet (most of us end up doing this), you would like your luggage to be as small and light as possible.
- You will spend less time fighting with your bags, have less to keep track of, and less to worry about losing.
- You won't randomly or accidentally knockout anyone with your bulky baggage while you're on the move. No charges will be pressed against you! ha ha.
- Transportation becomes simpler because you don't have to find someone who can transport a number of large bags. For example, some remote provinces use motorcycles. Imagine trying to hold onto a number of huge bags on the back of a motorcycle (did that! almost fell off the motorcycle! whew!)
Go casual, simple, and very light. Remember, in your travels you'll meet two kinds of tourists — those who pack light and those who wish they had.
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