The importance of packing light cannot be overemphasized, but, for your own good, I'll try. You'll never meet a traveller who, after five trips, brags: "Every year I pack heavier." The measure of a good traveller is how light he or she travels. You can't travel heavy, happy, and cheap. Pick two.
- One Bag, That's It. Rolling, instead of folding, your clothes makes them easier to pack. It saves space and the clothes crease less.
- 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.
- Spread out everything you think you might need on the living-room floor. Pick up each item one at a time and scrutinize it. Ask yourself, "Will I really use this snorkel and these fins enough to justify carrying them around all summer?" Not "Will I use them?" but "Will I use them enough to feel good about hauling them over the Swiss Alps?"
- You can also save money by carrying your own bag. While it's still free to check one bag on most overseas trips, you'd likely pay a fee to check two.
- You'll walk with your luggage more than you think you will. Before flying, give yourself a test. Pack up completely, go into your hometown, and practice being a tourist for an hour. Fully loaded, you should enjoy window-shopping. If you can't, stagger home and thin things out.
- Whether you're traveling for three weeks or three months, pack exactly the same. To keep your clothes tightly packed and well organized; zip them up in packing cubes, airless baggies, or a clothes compressor. For smaller items, use packing cubes or mesh bags (one for underwear and socks, another for miscellaneous stuff such as a first-aid kit, earplugs, clothesline, sewing kit, and gadgets). It’s a lot easier to find items in your bag when everything isn’t jumbled together.
Remember, packing light isn't just about saving time or money — it's about your traveling lifestyle. Too much luggage marks you as a typical tourist. It slams the Back Door shut. Serendipity suffers. Changing locations becomes a major operation. Con artists figure you're helpless. Porters are a problem only to those who need them. With only one bag, you're mobile and in control. Take this advice seriously.