Traveling is one of the most fulfilling experiences that life has to offer. However, while traveling in itself is rejuvenating for the soul, planning for it might induce stress in most people. We have all known an anxious traveler that always tends to overpack, like carrying ten sets of clothing for a weekend trip. Making it necessary to properly packing your backpack for travel or either opt for a bigger bag or, worse, carry extra luggage, which can make traveling a chaotic affair rather than a soul-warming one.
Benefits of Packing Light
Packing light with just one bag is a skill that requires careful planning and a bit of compromise. Even then, it is much better than lugging around heavy suitcases and having to wait at the baggage carousel.
You can avoid all these by packing what you require in just one bag. Here’s what makes packing light beneficial.
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Save time
The airport is full of over-packers, which is why the lines at the check-in counters are always so long. So instead of rushing to the airport hours ahead of your flight to check in your luggage on time, you can pack just the essentials in one bag and skip the long lines.
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Peace of mind
Imagine waiting for your luggage at the baggage carousel only to find someone else has taken your bag by mistake. The chaos and the stress such a situation can induce is something no one should ever experience.
If you have just one bag to carry you do not have to go through that, you can get off the plane and walk straight out of the airport.
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Save money
Traveling with just one bag saves you a lot of money as compared to carrying large suitcases. Instead of taking a taxi which can charge extra for more luggage, you can take much cheaper public transport or walk the distance.
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More comfort
Traveling with a lot of bags takes away the fun of traveling. You have to constantly check if all of your possessions are in one place, not to mention having to lug them around through tiny spaces and crowds can be a big hassle.
Packing light allows you more freedom; you can maneuver freely through crowds and tiny spaces, making your traveling experience much more comfortable.
Tips for Packing with Just One Bag
With just one bag to carry all your essentials in, you need to ensure that you are carrying only the things you will need while traveling. It is a very efficient and minimal way of traveling that could save you time and money.
Here are some tips to get started if you are confused about where to start.
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Plan your outfits
While traveling, instead of carrying a dozen sets of clothing, you can make do with just three. Choose neutral colors that you can easily mix and match and ensure that the fabrics are light and moisture-wicking. This makes washing and drying them easier while you are traveling.
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Packing cubes
Packing cubes help you save space because you can pack a lot in one cube. You can use the technique of rolling your clothes rather than stacking one on top of the other.
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Footwear
While traveling, make sure to carry just two types of footwear max. A sturdy pair of sneakers and lightweight sandals.
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Go travel-sized
When it comes to toiletries, stick to sample sachets, or you can buy smaller-sized versions of essentials such as sunscreen, lotions, and such. Of course, you can also buy them when you reach your destination.
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Plan ahead
If you are heading somewhere during winter, make sure to carry appropriate clothing. One trick to save space is wearing heavy items while traveling instead of packing them. For beach destinations, take clothing that can do double duty, such as packing a sarong that can double as a towel.
Takeaway
Packing light does not have to be stressful; you can carry just one bag and still leave with all your essentials and favorite clothes on your journey.
One-bag traveling allows you to travel worry-free as you don’t have to stress about misplacing your bags or leaving anything behind. However, for a truly wholesome traveling experience make sure you plan ahead and organize accordingly.