Is it possible to Pack Light for a Long Trip or Vacation?

As I started writing about packing light, I was going in a different direction with this introduction. Then in real-time, this blog piece fell right into my lap. Friends my wife knows arrived in Scotland from New York this morning for a vacation to mark a significant life milestone. However, there was one problem: none of their luggage came with them. This disastrous situation got me thinking again: Can I pack a lot less to make things easier on myself and still have everything I need? 

There is a better way. Take only the essentials you NEED. Limit yourself to one bag. Have a bag that fits in the overhead bin. Packing light for one-bag travel is easier than it sounds. It takes some thought, and you need to plan it correctly. Think about your freedom.

A carry-on allowed by US airlines is 9in x 14in x 22in (23cm x 36cm x 56cm). European airlines, while traveling inter-Europe (flying from one European city to another), the size may be smaller. It is best to check with the airline's baggage policy before booking any of your tickets and taking a bag that is too big. You will either be charged a fee or, worse yet, not allowed to take it on board with you.

The great thing about having only a carry-on is the airline can’t lose your bag if you don’t check it and keep it with you. You will almost certainly save money on baggage fees that might occur with large bags or suitcases.

And while you are heading straight to your destination upon your flight's arrival, everyone else is heading to baggage claim to get their luggage.

Many of us need to remember when we take large bags of luggage on vacation; all the work is not complete once your plane arrives at your destination. It is only just beginning. First, you have to claim your bags. Then, drag them to a taxi, a bus, or a train. You may even have to carry them through the streets to where you are staying. Not fun!! And if you are visiting several places on your trip, you must repeat the process of packing and bringing all your bags everywhere. Moving from place to place is much easier with only a carry-on bag.

Packing light isn't just about saving time or money — it's about traveling freely and easily. Large luggage marks you as a typical tourist. Con artists and pickpockets figure you're helpless, and it's an easy game for them to rip you off. When you carry only one bag, you're free and in control of everything. You also have your essential possessions and know precisely where they are. That should be comforting for you. 

 Only pack what you think you need. Pack only the items you know you need. Whatever else you need on your trip, just buy it (remember, you can use all the money you saved on baggage fees traveling both ways). Bring layers of clothes rather than a heavy coat. Think about what you can do without — not what will be nice to have. When you are not sure, leave it at home. So many people think they cannot get the necessities or toiletries in Europe. The world is a small place now. Trust me; I live in Europe. You can find all the essentials you will need just like at home.  So don’t carry a whole trip's supply of toiletries; take enough to get started, and you can buy the refills while away.

Always pack the same way, whether traveling for a few weeks or months. Keep your clothes tightly packed in packing cubes, or roll them. You will find your clothes less wrinkled than if you folded them. 

When you travel, you will meet two kinds of tourists — those who travel smart and pack light and those who wish they had done the same. Be a smart traveler and pack light!