By Contributor,Wendy Altschuler

Copyright forbes

Packing light affords you many benefits, including speed and ease of travel.

Imagine you’re traveling on an international itinerary with multiple flights and tight connections. If you’ve packed concisely in only a carry-on, you won’t have to visit baggage claim to grab your checked bag to go through security, which may prove advantageous for catching your next leg should you experience flight delays. Avoiding checked baggage fees and long queues at the check-in counter, relishing the ability to change or amend your travel plans while en route, and traveling without the worry of lost or damaged baggage are also solid reasons for why traveling light is beneficial for flyers.

Additionally, nothing beats the feeling of zooming by throngs of travelers waiting at baggage claim, especially when you land in your own country at the end of the trip and you just want to get home as fast as possible.

Of course, wayfaring with a small piece of luggage requires some forethought and planning, especially if you’ll be traveling for multiple days or weeks at a time. You may find, however, that packing less things, less options, allows you to be more organized and efficient while away. You’ll be managing—and schlepping—less, which can be quite freeing.

Keep reading to discover tips on packing lighter and smarter ahead of your next adventure.

Packing Hacks for Stress-Free Travel

Firstly, lay everything out that you plan to bring before putting items in your suitcase. Consider items that are versatile and easy to mix and match. Could you wear that same skirt with a different top? Would an accessory like a scarf, headband, or jacket change the look of the outfit? Can you pick an ensemble that can be dressed up or down depending on the activity? Perhaps there are items that you can wear more than once or, in a pinch, send out for the laundry service or wash in the sink at your accommodations.

Whether you prefer to tightly roll your clothes to keep them wrinkle-free, or you love compression packing cubes, make sure that the items you bring are all things you’ll utilize on your trip.

Also, consider renting items while abroad. For an Italian cycling adventure with A’qto, for example, you can rent a bike for your Puglia tour. You’ll be provided with a cycling kit and have access to laundry facilities mid way through the trip. Also, a support vehicle, complete with spare parts and tools, is never far away.

Check Airline Requirements Ahead of Time

After checking the airline requirements for the weight and size allowances for carry-on luggage, pack your bag and small personal item suitably. Each airline may have different rules depending on the class of service, frequent flyer status, or whether or not you have the airline credit card.

You may want to pack items in your smaller bag like a blow-up neck pillow, eye mask, ear plugs, water bottle, hand lotion, book, and laptop.

For a Mediterranean voyage with Celebrity Cruises, a luxury resort-at-sea, you may want to bring a tote bag as your smaller personal item, which will be helpful as you explore the ship and wander around the small European villages. However, if you’re exploring Egypt with Exodus Adventure Travels, where you’ll spend sunny days wandering around the Khan El Khalili bazaar in Cairo, Pyramids of Giza, Valley of the Kings, and Nubian villages in Aswan, you’ll likely want to bring a versatile pocket-filled backpack as your personal item.

Relax, Buy Items at Your Destination

For most destinations, picking up a few necessities once you’ve landed is an easy possibility. Items like sunscreen, hair products, or t-shirts can often be found at the airport or hotel gift shop. And, if you’ve built in shopping time at your locale, you can always wear the items you’ve purchased while on your holiday.

Contrariwise, you can also leave stuff you no longer need at the hotel, creating more room in your suitcase for new purchases.

Wear your Bulkiest Items on the Plane

If you know you’ll need boots, heavy sweaters, or jackets while away, wear these items on the plane to save space in your carry-on. You can always bring a pair of socks or lightweight slippers to wear on the plane to be more comfortable. In your carry-on you can pack versatile lightweight flats or shoes that pack well and go with multiple outfits.

It’s all About Self-sufficiency and Ease of Travel

In the end, you’ll likely find that packing light gives you more freedom to sojourn around the globe with effortlessness and ease. Instead of handling piles of clothing and toiletries in overpacked suitcases, you’ll be able to flow from one locale to another quickly and efficiently. You won’t need as much help hauling and transporting your bags, as you can carry them yourself and manage your own items. Plus, isn’t it much nicer to have smaller luggage taking up less space in your accommodations?

If you go on a hut-to-hut hiking trip in the French and Italian alps with Eleven, for example, you’ll find that packing only what you need for the adventure will allow you to operate with unfussiness and simplicity. After all, you’re there to spend time in the great outdoors, taking in the natural landscapes and indulging in chef prepared meals and connection with travel companions.

When traveling, it’s all about discovering a destination, learning about a different culture, taking in the sights of diverse landscapes, and indulging in new and enriching experiences. Don’t over complicate things, or weigh yourself down, with too much baggage.

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