Before we left on our big trip, we talked about packing light for a trip and at home. We're glad to report that packing light totally paid off and has committed us even more to the idea that small is cool.
Update On Packing Light
I was able to carry my bag onto most flights around China (which at my last tally was 10) and only had one scare that it might be lost forever. Then I realized that though I didn't want to lose all the stuff in the bag, I would survive. And then I got it back.
I packed as though I was going on a trip for 3-4 days in 2 climates: 2 pairs of pants, 2 light sweaters, tank tops, a skirt, a jacket, sneakers and a pair of flats. Then a journal, camera stuff, socks, underwear and toiletries (which I dumped half of because they have a strict no liquids policy on domestic Chinese flights).
Having such a small bag made moving between places so much easier. The packing was easier and the carrying (or rolling) was easier. I could keep track of exactly what I had, and after I dumped the toiletries I became much more resourceful in hotel rooms. Decisions about what to wear were rather simplified, and all of this left me more open to the experience in front of me.
Moving around with so little became a game. Each time I packed up, I would evaluate what I had: Do I really need to keep these magazines? How many pairs of socks are truly necessary? Can I pass along a book I just finished? I became a little obsessed with editing my luggage since it felt so good to keep it small.
Upon returning home I immediately have purged a bunch of 'stuff' that I haven't known what to do with, let go of more of my inherited clutter, and cleared out cabinets so that they could hold things more efficiently. I realized while away how many of the things I keep around I don't actually need. So unless I love them, it's time to let them go. Sometimes it feels as though we keep things around for comfort, always losing sight of the fact that life feels good when there isn't a lot of extra crap lying around taking up space.
Comments (7)
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how many days was the trip?
view LaDonnaNichole's profile
Wise words. Glad you enjoyed yourself. Off to check out your blog now to see if there are pictures!
view El Jinx's profile
The trip was 3 weeks! El Jinx--I'm working on getting pictures up, it's slow going though!
view laure's profile
My boyfriend and I went to both China and Peru for two week trips. We also took very little--about as much as you did--and it was the best decision we could have made. We moved around a lot in each country so traveling lighter really helped. Washing our clothes in the sink worked well--except for one night when it was a little too cold to dry everything. I also agree that it helped us focus on the trip and experience a little more.
view db1974's profile
since we're sharing:
My 6 day trip to London - backpack
7 day Berlin trip - backpack
3 week Australia trip - backpack & 1 small checked suitcase
4 week Australia trip - backpack & hand bag
woo hoo! packing light is a fun adventure. you always realize you could have packed even LESS! can't wait to go back to oz for the four/five months trip i have planned. hope to have only the backpack and one suitcase!
view *heather leaf*'s profile
Lots of people would pack lighter, I think, if they understood strategies for being prepared for all occasions by layering and keeping everything limited to a coordinated palette.
Washing panties and socks in the sink is a great shortcut, but how do you go on walking tour, out to dinner, and then to the theater in one outfit? There are some retailers who cater to this (like travelsmith) dilemma. Although their clothes seem very expensive, the point is that you buy a few pieces that work for multiple occasions. You've thereby purchased an entire wardrobe in 5 or so wrinkle-free, fast-dry, interchangeable pieces.
I've copied their tactics by packing with a simple palette of solids made from micro-fibers (including palazzo pants and a simple short sleeve slip-over dress), a large print scarf (skirt/hip-wrap, evening shawl, neckwear), and comfort shoes like dansko. If I'm going to be in one hotel for several days, I'll buy toiletries locally rather than schlep them around. Instead of lugging a book, I carry a book on my mp3 player.
If I don't need an entire travel guide, I'll photocopy or print out the pages I need.
view kimg924's profile
I just got back from a second trip to Portland and will be moving there next month. The feeling to purge is alive and well in me. My goal is to have just a few things to leave with friends or parents to mail out and have everything I wish to keep in my car for the drive out.
view bramasoleiowa's profile