Each trip you go on will be slightly different from the last. So packing for a trip might always be different, making it a bit of an art. Packing for trips over time has allowed us to figure out a few tips and tricks to do it efficiently according to the type of trip we are packing for. The trick is to pack right, picking the stuff that you will require for the destination you are going to, the climate you are going to be in, and the type of activities you have in mind for the trip. The best tips for packing light involve picking only the things that are essential and that fit into your backpack or suitcase.
How Can You Benefit from Travelling Light?
Travelling light is definitely a necessity when you are going on adventure trips such as hiking or cycling. Even if you are driving, flying, or taking the train, it’s always a benefit to packing light, as you have less to lug around, making the journey less of a hassle by minimizing stress. Light luggage allows you to move about more freely and dodge other tourists or obstacles at busy stations. Being able to carry your own luggage saves you the hassle of looking for carts. Light luggage also means you can carry it with you on flights and avoid checked baggage fees.
You don't need to check-in too early if you have carry-on luggage with you, also avoiding the risk of losing your luggage in transit. By learning how to pack light, you are also learning how to select the right things, evaluate what items are important, and be conscious about not overwhelming yourself with baggage that you don't really need. You get to enjoy your journey to the fullest this way. You can spruce up your holiday fun by personalising your luggage. Get monogrammed backpacks to have your signature style on them.
Why Get Your Kids Involved in Packing
You can get your kids excited about the trip once you involve them in the packing process. This way you get to talk to them about the conditions of the tour and the climate you will be expecting. However, it is not easy for kids to pack light, and even some adults face trouble from time to time. But you can easily involve your kid with the process by giving them proper guidance, establishing a few rules, creating a list to work from, and being patient throughout.
If you have toddlers or a kid going to preschool, you can have them pick out their favourite toy, and also squeeze the socks into the shoes. The kids going to school can make up a packing list and help get the required things together. They can also help with keeping an eye out for their younger siblings and assisting them.
How to Help Your Kids Pack Right & Light
Once you have gotten them all excited with the packing, you need to give them the guidance to do it right. Read on to learn how you can help your kids pack light.
The Rule of Three
One piece of clothing to wear, one piece to wash, and one to dry is basically all you need. It actually is a good rule of thumb even though it might sound extreme. Pick out three shirts, three pairs of trousers or skirts, and try to actually trim it down from that if you can. When choosing shoes, try not to go over two pairs. If you must take a third, go for something like flip flops as they are lightweight and perfect for beaches.
Pick a Lightweight Coat
When packing a coat, pick a thin poncho, a small pac-a-mac, or a light weatherproof jacket rather than something bulky. Usually, all you need to stay warm in a cold place is a lightweight jacket with a few layers underneath. If staying dry is your main concern, pack a light poncho that will do the trick when you need to sprint from one place to the other in the rain.
Micro-Tech is the Way to Go
The tech you need on your trip doesn’t necessarily take an entire suitcase; you can just take important stuff that can fit in your pocket. You won’t always need your DVD player, portable speakers, large headphones, or laptop. You can replace most of these things with a smartphone or an iPod. So carry miniature versions of your tech because that is usually all you will need.
Just Pack the Essentials
You don't really need to take your curlers or hairdryer, not to mention a case full of toiletries and cosmetics on every trip. Most hotels you will be staying at will already have the more useful toiletries available; just don't forget your toothbrush. In case you still want to carry your own toiletries, pick the ones that are travel-sized or decanted into mini bottles. Please check beforehand for any kind of restrictions for things that you can carry, especially when you are flying. Don't bother to pack towels as most hotels will provide them. In case you need to pack a towel, pick a small, quick-drying one instead of a big, fluffy one.
Pack Efficiently
When kids get involved in packing, they will love the roll and stuff style. You don't need to fold your clothes anymore; just roll them up and stuff them inside your bag or backpack. You can get more clothes into the same amount of space when you roll them up, as rolling squeezes the air out. You can tell your kids to roll small items such as underwear or socks and stuff them inside their shoes, which will save even more space.
Pack Mini Toys
Kids usually want to bring their big stuffed toys with them on vacation, but you need to convince them that it is not a good idea. Try to pack toys that are small but can be used in multiple ways. You can download several different games on your iPod or smartphone for them to play. You can also pack colouring pens, blow-up balls, small water pistols, a pack of cards, a frisbee, or other smaller toys that can be enjoyed by others as well as your kid.
Helping your children see the usefulness of packing light will pay off for you in the long run. Not only will they be involved in the whole packing process, but they will also learn the necessities of choosing the right things to pack for a tour. So get them involved and have great fun packing light for the trip ahead.
