There’s travelling and there’s travelling light, and if you are the type of person who wants to take everything when you travel, this can cause some discomfort. So, what is travelling light? It means that you travel with a single bag, and you might be surprised at just how much gear you can pack into a single bag.
The Minimalist Approach
When preparing items for travel, ask yourself a simple question, “Do I really need this?” If the honest answer is no, then don’t include it in your packing. The single bag approach can be taken too far, as with the travellers you see struggling with a 30kg backpack that contains just about everything they own. As a general rule, you should aim for nothing heavier than 15kg, which is achievable if you have a good quality travel bag.
Choosing A Travel Bag
This is the key to being able to comfortably travel light, so be prepared to invest in a good quality travel bag, and there are several styles. You might prefer a shoulder carry bag, with a long strap that you put over your shoulder for easy carrying, then there are the backpack-type bags for travel, which are designed to carry up to 30kg with ease. A travel backpack made of lightweight and expandable material is the best option to avoid excess baggage costs and get more mobility. Then there are suitcase types, which are also very practical, depending on your personal preference. Whatever style you choose, be prepared to invest, as top quality is essential if you want the bag to last.
Travel Specific Products
If your personal hygiene kit is well-designed, it contains everything you need but does not take up much space. Rather than throwing in your toothbrush, paste and shaving gear into your bag, invest in a personal travel kit that contains everything you need. If you search online, you can also find affordable discount sunglasses for men that have a protective case, plus they do foldable pairs that take up much less room.
Roll Clothing
Rather than simply folding your T-shirts and underwear, why not roll them? This saves a lot of space, allowing you to include items that would otherwise be impossible in a single bag. This is an old backpacker’s trick and it does work, plus it doesn’t mess up your garments, unless you are talking about a suit.
Packing Cubes
These are small shaped bags with a clear plastic window that allows you to see what’s inside, and for a few dollars you can buy a set of 3, which is really all you need. They can be used for:
- Socks & underwear
- Neckties
- Nightclothes
- Storing digital devices (wrapped)
Once you have packed, review everything and if a single bag isn’t adequate, then look for non-essentials to remove until such time as you have a full single bag. Don’t forget about booking your accommodation. California hotels are very popular, especially for short term stays.
An online search will take you a website that sells quality travel gear and you might find a lot more than a travel bag, as they would likely stock personal hygiene kits and packing cubes, so you can get everything you need in a single shop.