Traveling light is not something for everyone. There are people who pack a week's worth of things for a two or three-day trip. A real traveler knows how to pack everything they need for the trip in a single bag and if possible, a bag that would fit in the overhead cabin of a plane or one you can place in your lap while you are in the bus, or taxi.
Why is it important to travel light? The trip is bound to be more fun if you are not lugging around too much baggage and if there are any changes, it won't be as difficult for you. It's harder for you to get around too with so many luggages. When you don't have any check in items, you get to be the first person that gets out of the airport while your fellow passengers have to wait at the luggage carousel. That's precious time wasted!
Here are some tips to help you travel light.
Think about the things that you think you will need for the trip. Lay them out on your bed or maybe on the floor. Take each item and ask yourself if you will be using it enough to actually bother bringing it with you. Do not ask yourself if you will need it because if you weren't then it would not be there in the first place, right? If it's something that you can rent at the place you will be going to then maybe you might want to opt for that instead.
Pack up for the best case scenario, not the worst. If it is something that you can leave without, then do so. And for your toiletries, do not worry about not being able to find the stuff you use at the place you will go to. The world is not that huge anymore. The things you can buy at your home place is bound to be available anywhere else in the world. But if they are not, it'll give you a good opportunity to explore the new place and go on a quick trip to the department store. Or if you are one of those thrifty people, just pack enough for the trip. There is no need to bring the big bottles of shampoo. Find smaller containers to put your lotion, shampoo and conditioner in. And bring along a smaller tube of toothpaste.
Instead of bringing a heavy sweater for cold weathers, why not dress in light clothing? And if you will be going on a longer trip, bring clothes that are light and ones that you can mix and match. You can wash them in your hotel room and they should not take long too long to dry.
Remember that the key to packing light is to keep it simple. Only bring the necessities. When you travel, you are likely to encounter people who regret having brought so much stuff with them and end up not using them. So keep reminding yourself to pack light. Repeat it over and over again like a mantra.