Save yourself the pain: Travel light!
The ultimate in packing light can be found in many “survival kit in a ____” items online. These include survival kits that fit in water bottles, tobacco tins, or even in film canisters. On an ordinary vacation, only taking a survival kit with you is a little silly, no matter how well equipped, but packing light and efficiently is always a good idea. Not only does it make it easier to carry luggage, but it’s harder to lose things when they’re always close at hand.
One of the most obvious things that should come to mind when packing efficiently, especially before a journey by plane, is to not take along any checked baggage. While this seems at first extremely difficult, especially considering the miniscule amount of space airlines offer underneath a seat, it’s certainly not unreasonable. You can fit a professional travel backpack under those seats, although it’s a tight fit. From here, roll up all your clothes as best you can and put the heavier stuff in the bottom. Toiletries can go on top, but remember that you can find travel size kits in the airport you arrive in and stock up there, as opposed to taking it all the way with you.
Another trick is to roll up underwear and putting them in an extra pair of shoes, if you’re bringing another pair along. Finally, the actual number of clothes you should bring? Well, that varies. Some people think that you should pack very lightly and try to buy clothes at your destination. This will help ensure you have seasonable clothes, but it might be tricky to bring them all back. Personally, I figure it’s actually easier to pack while you’re at home and have time to think, so I like to pack old and ratty clothes (especially socks or undershirts) and throw them away when I’m done using them so I don’t have to worry as much about packing on the way home.
However you travel, it’s best to at least keep efficiency in mind so you have less luggage, weight, and responsibility. If you can fit all of your things in a single carry-on backpack, good for you – you made your life a lot easier. If not, don’t worry too much about it. At least you aren’t living out of a sardine can.
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