So, how do you fit an entire trip’s worth of luggage into just one small backpack or suitcase?
Speaking from personal experience, I can tell you that it took me a while to figure it out. But eventually I discovered the answer is to take very little.
Before you put anything anywhere near your bag, try this excercise…
Collect everything you think you might need in one place and then lay it all out on your bed or on the floor.
Select each item individually, examine it carefully and ask yourself a few questions:
- Is this item absolutely essential?
- Will I definitely use it?
- Can I justify carrying it with me for the entire journey?
- What would happen if I don’t take it?
- Will the same or a similar item be easy to acquire locally during my journey?
- Can this be replaced with a disposable item I can buy locally?
- Regardless of my budget could I buy it locally and then sell it or give it away before moving on?
My advice is not to pack for the worst scenario, but to pack for the best possible scenario and to be prepared to buy, or negotiate, yourself out of any jams.
If in doubt, leave it out. Why carry an entire season’s supply of toiletries, when you can buy cheap supplies locally? Let’s face it, the world is becoming smaller and smaller; you can buy many of the most popular brands just about anywhere - unless you are in the most remote areas.
If you find yourself completely stuck, check out one of the major international hotels and I can virtually guarantee they will have that personal item that you couldn’t find in any of the local shops.
If you can’t find one of your essentials, ask yourself: “What do the locals use?”
Whether you’re travelling for ten days or a whole year, pack the same things. Just take enough to get started and look forward to the opportunity to run out of something. After all, that will provide you with the perfect excuse to go shopping in the local stores, markets and souks. You can practice your haggling skills over a bar of soap!
Travelling light requires you to be resourceful and to use your creativity and problem solving skills. It’s about having fun, freeing yourself of unnecessary burdens and enjoying the journey.
