Don't Overpack! Lessons from 10 Years on the Road : travel

Don't Overpack! Lessons from 10 Years on the Road

Can't stress this enough to rookies and seasoned travelers alike: PACK. LIGHT. Been doing this for a decade, and trust me, you don't need half of what you think you do. Clothes can be washed. Toiletries can be bought abroad. Extra gear? You'll find nifty tools everywhere.

Here's a quick tip: lay out everything you think you'll need, then cut it in half. What you're left with will more than suffice. Save your back, ease your stress, and make room for those unique finds you'll want to bring home. Travel smart, folks!

Submitted 11 months, 2 weeks ago by backpackbrit

Spot on! I’d also suggest packing cubes. Total game changer for keeping things organized and squeezing out that extra bit of space for souvenirs. Anyone else got packing hacks they swear by?

11 months, 2 weeks ago by AdventureBound

And where am I supposed to put my collection of rocks from each country, huh? On my head? Pfft, amateurs.

11 months, 2 weeks ago by TrollinTraveler

True dat. When I started my Asia trip, I had a 70L backpack filled to the brim. Six months in, I was down to a 30L that I could take on any motorbike or plane. Key takeaway: you’ll find shops everywhere. They sell clothes and gadgets, you know? If you need something, buy it there. Live in the moment and keep your bag as empty as your pre-travel bucket list!

11 months, 2 weeks ago by MinimalistNomad

uh, really? even my portable coffee maker? But jokes aside, what about places with different climates if you travel for a while? How do you handle that?

11 months, 2 weeks ago by LazyPacker

But what if I need my snorkel and wetsuit in Paris? Jokes aside, I learned the hard way. Ended up donating clothes just to make space in my pack...and my sanity.

11 months, 2 weeks ago by PackItAll

100% This! People don't realize how freeing it is to travel light. Not to mention skipping baggage claims and dodging extra fees. Here's another tip: Merino wool. Invest in it. Doesn't stink, quick to dry. Oh, and a sink stopper. You can thank me later when you're doing laundry in any sink around the world.

11 months, 2 weeks ago by GlobeJoe

Amen to that! Made this mistake on my first Eurotrip. Packed like I was never gonna see a clothing store again. Ended up lugging around a bulky suitcase full of stuff I didn’t even use. Now I travel with a carry-on only and never looked back!