While you might be inclined to throw an overnight bag together for a weekend trip, what if we suggested a similar amount of space could carry you through a trip of two weeks, six weeks or even longer?
Sure – we hear you: “But I plan to go hiking or to a few higher-end restaurants, so I need the extra options.” We know every traveller has their own unique needs and preferences, but think about the freedom of travelling without heavy bags filled with extra clothes and accessories, moving easily from city to city without the added baggage…
This guide will help you get there.
Rule 1: packing is not a one-day activity
Give yourself time to decide what to bring on your trip and what your carry-on will accommodate.
Research the weather variations for the place you’re going to. That might include simply looking up the weather on the internet, but but it can be helpful to read other travellers’ blogs or people’s comments on Reddit, for example, or asking friends.
A month before leaving, pay attention to the clothes you pivot to every day. If you’e always wearing the same pants, and they happen to go with most things in your wardrobe, then those are the pants you need travelling!
Bring clothes you feel comfortable in. There’s no point in wanting to look fancy travelling. If you’re in the plane for several hours, crossing long distances by train or bus, you absolutely want comfort over appearance.
READ MORE: How to pack a carry-on: The WCT Travel Guide
Rule 2. The trick is layering
If you’re going somewhere like Seattle in the shoulder season, when it rains often but also has warmer weather, the trick here is layers. Bring a good, light raincoat, and sweaters you can take on and off whenever the weather changes.
If you’re visiting warmer places or sand and sunshine , like B.C.’s Okanagan or Los Angeles, bring summer dresses both for sitting on the beach and enjoying a night on the town. You won’t need more than one warm sweater and a few t-shirts.
If you’re worried about running out of options, remember that washing machines exist in every city around the world. If you absolutely need to wash, you can. It’s okay to bring extra underwear or socks, because you’ll wear them, but forgo the excessive amount of t-shirts or pants; they just take up space.
After all, when you wake up, ready to explore a new city, wouldn’t you rather plan what you’re doing that day, instead of taking too much time choosing your outfit ?
Rule 3. Only bring one pair of shoes
Only bring the shoes you’re wearing on your feet. It’s easy – just choose the shoes you know you could wear outdoors and at a meeting or for a dance party with friends. ‘
Choose comfortable, multi-purpose shoes that can take you from a walk around the city to a night out with friends.
Shoes take up unnecessary luggage space. If you have to bring ONE other pair, like hiking shoes or flip flops, you can, but it will take space away from something else.
One important reminder: If you plan to do a lot of walking and are buying new shoes for the trip, be sure to break them in first!
Rule 4. Lay out items on your bed
When packing and deciding what to bring, lay out everything on your bed. It will give you a sense of how much you have, what’s most important to you and how much will fit in your carry-on bag.
Don’t think of bringing that one t-shirt you’ve never worn, but maybe just could in San Diego?
The rule is, if you are not wearing that t-shirt already, you won’t wear it on vacation either.
When packing and deciding what to bring, lay out everything on your bed. It will give you a sense of how much you have, what’s most important to you and how much will fit in your carry-on bag.
Rule 5. Leisure items & equipment
Remember everything you bring not only needs to have purpose, but it needs to have multiple purposes.
Electronics might seem essential, but ask yourself if you really need everything you want to bring. Will you use the camera that you bought years ago, or will you just end up using your phone’s camera? Will you need your computer, or can answer your emails from your phone?
For toiletries, bring only essentials: a toothbrush and travel toothpaste, and a soap that doubles as shampoo. And bring a lightweight towel, that you can also use after a swim, or as a picnic blanket.
Rule 6. For readers
If you’re someone who travels with loads of books, remember that wherever you are travelling to, you’re bound to find a bookstore, library and even free libraries. Hostels, friends’ houses, local cafés and even hotels almost always have a section of free books.
Also, what’s better than reading about the culture and customs of the place you’re visiting, or hanging around a bookstore with a nice bookkeeper that will give you a taste of life in the place you are visiting.
Still not sold? If you really want to dive into those titles you’ve been waiting to read, consider a book app on your phone or an e-reader (although you already read our rule about the electronics!)
READ MORE: 30 tips for travelling solo
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