How to Pack and Travel Smart

Frank Sinatra Suitcase

We all think of the magnificent sights and sounds that we are going to experience at our destination. But one of the most important aspects of our trip takes place before we even step out of the door.

Yes, packing is not the most glamorous part of travelling, but if done incorrectly, it can lead to some of the most uncomfortable headaches. Most young travelers or those new to the experience feel as if they have to pack heavy in order to have a successful trip. But one thing you never hear from an experienced traveler is how they “pack heavier after every trip.” In fact, it’s the opposite. Instead of packing heavier and stuffing all of your belongings into multiple bags, traveling smart is about packing the right things into a single bag.

It might seem daunting packing everything you need for a long trip into a single bag. But by limiting yourself to one twenty pound carry-on bag, you’ll be thanking yourself for the rest of your journey. A simple 9” x 22” x 14” will do the job. It fits under most seats on airplanes, which is a key regulation for carry-on bags. It also fits in overhead compartments, which allows you to be versatile with your choices. It might seem a bit small at first—but ultimately it will give you the liberty and mobility of not being trapped and tied down to a heavy bag with tons of belongings. You end up walking and carrying your bags around much more than you think you might—and believe me you won’t want to be too exhausted carrying luggage to enjoy your trip. Carrying luggage also makes it much less likely to be lost, broken, or stolen—all undesirable outcomes. If your luggage is too heavy, you’ll find yourself carrying around a burden. Small bags can fit under taxi seats or in small compartments when you reach your destination.

Packing light is vital to making sure that your trip goes without any unnecessary bumps or hassles. But what should you decide to bring? You want to make sure that you pack smart. First, that means not packing anything potentially dangerous that can get you into trouble at the airport. That means no knives, box cutters, or other sharp metal items. It also means no liquids or gels that could be deemed potentially dangerous. When it comes to your other items, here is a golden rule: Don’t pack for the worst that could happen. Pack for the best case scenario and if any issues arise be prepared to buy things you may need—it will be much easier and less stressful. You don’t need to pack a summer’s supply of razors or deodorant. There are adapters available for your electronics at airports and local stores to ensure that your gadgets can be charged. If you are wondering about if you should bring it, you can probably leave it at home. It doesn’t matter if you are packing for 2 weeks or 2 months, you can wash clothes at your destination. Clothing should actually only make up a small percentage of your luggage space. A good rule for clothing is to make sure you choose clothes that dry quickly and don’t wrinkle easily.

Providers of health insurance for expats such as Aetna International can advise on country-specific guidelines for being smart when it comes to packing for your trip abroad.

My name is Gareth Leonard, a Marketing Director turned World Traveler with a passion for slow, meaningful travel. I have been traveling the world full-time for the past 9+ years and document it all on Instagram and YouTube. Come join me!

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