Tips for Travelling With Lesser Weight  

Put things in perspective. The evolution of travel and lightweight materials enables us to move about relatively unencumbered. It wasn’t always so. During the early 19th century, suitcases were mostly made of leather. To transport toilet articles, the wealthy carried elaborate kits, outfitted with small jars and boxes made of crystal, ivory and silver.

Still, to pack light, you must be willing to live with less. If that notion makes you uncomfortable, remember it’s only temporary; consider it a vacation from your possessions. Barring a terrorist incident or a natural disaster while you are away, all your stuff will still be there when you get back.

During the 19th century, royalty and the wealthy traveling by train carried toilet articles in bags like this one, which belonged to King William III. Photo: Museum of Bags and Purses, Amsterdam

2. Choose a capacious carry-on. For a recent European vacation I invested in the 22-inch Timbuk2 conveyor wheeled duffel bag (about $200). It weighs just seven pounds; has removable skate board wheels and grab straps in four places; and fits in most overhead compartments. Unlike the roll-aboards used by many business travelers, it doesn’t have a stiff frame, which gives you a lot of flexibility about what–and how–you pack. I also like the unstructured packing space; if you feel a need for compartments, you can create your own using plastic bags.

Although the Tumbuk2 proved light and mobile, two weeks into its maiden voyage this month, I noticed a pea-sized rip, smack in the middle of the front, that I could not attribute to anything but ordinary use. I plan to explore whether the bag’s lifetime guarantee will cover this. Osprey, Eastpak, Samsonite and Kipling have similar, comparably priced models that don’t look any more durable. (I have no financial allegiances to any of these companies.)

Whatever bag you choose sets the limit on how much you can take: if it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t go. On the other hand, don’t feel you must fill every available crevice. You will welcome the extra space for those must-have souvenirs (more about that below).

3. Bring ample footwear. Shoes are the non-negotiable essentials, and take up the most room in your suitcase. So without going overboard, figure out what’s appropriate for the activities you have planned. When I need to bring hiking boots or winter boots, I wear them on trains and planes, and carry a pair of ballet flats in my purse to change into once I’m on board. The only footwear that goes in my suitcase is a pair of sneakers or comfortable walking shoes, and a set of flip flops that I use as bedroom slippers; to pad around hotels; and when going to the beach or swimming pool. (For more information, see Seattle lawyer Wendy Goffe’s post, “How To Find Comfortable Shoes That Don’t Compromise Style.”)

4. Be a minimalist with toiletries. Pare your list down to what you absolutely need. Hotels have gotten skimpier with amenities, but you can usually live off the land for soap and shampoo. On the other hand, if you wear contact lenses, you should bring enough of the various solutions you use since they may not be readily available where you are going. If you use makeup, carry just enough to last for the length of the trip–small containers or samples are great for that. A pair of earplugs and a set of eye shades weigh practically nothing and can help you get your beauty rest in noisy hotel rooms.

5. Layer to change your look. This approach gives you more outfits and the flexibility to adjust for weather changes–for example if your trip takes you to various climate zones, or you run into a heat wave or cold snap. For example, one long-sleeve button-down shirt, two camisoles, two tank tops and a cardigan can be combined in multiple ways.

Source: forbes.com