Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, packing efficiently can enhance your travel experience. I have broken this section down into 3 categories:
- Luggage – Backpack or suitcase? What should you look for to suit your travel needs?
- Clothing – normally the largest space consumer. Knowing what to bring and efficiently packing it will allow you travel small and light for many days.
- Other – what toiletries to bring, how to optimize electronics, and what to include in a travel first aid kit.
Packing example from a recent camping trip
Following the tips and tricks in the links above enabled me to fit 2 weeks of camping gear into a single backpack. I leveraged my Iceland packing list to determine what to include since the weather was showing temperature ranges from 28 degrees at night to 85 degrees during the day.
Here is the pre-pack. I have 3 – 1/2 size Eagle Creek packing cubes with associated clothing.
Here is the post-pack – Everything fits in a cube or jacket pocket. Next camping trip I am going to downsize to my smaller backpack since I had so much room.
Review and Refine – After each trip, review your packing habits and identify areas for improvement. What items did you not use and should you reconsider them for your next travel adventure? What items did you wish you had on your trip?
- When we go on our dive trips, we always travel with “S” hooks. They were added to our packing list after we went on a few dive trips and wished we had them to hang some of our dive gear which does not easily fit on a clothes hanger.
- The other update to make is the quantity of something you used. If you planned for 2 ounces of sanitizer and only needed 1 ounce; or, if you really needed 5 sets of underwear and only brought 4.
While it is fresh in your mind, make sure to note any changes or adjustments to your packing list because you will most likely forget before you start preparing for your next trip.
Parting Packing Particulars
Traveling light is a skill that requires planning, organization, and a willingness to prioritize essentials. By choosing the right luggage, packing strategically, and embracing minimalist principles, you can have an enjoyable travel experience without losing the comforts of home. It is optimizing your resources to make the most of your journey. I hope some of my learnings and experiences will help you in shifting to traveling small and efficiently by packing smart, traveling light, and exploring the world with ease and confidence. Safe travels!
One final note: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thank you for supporting my website! – Lori