Pack Less: 7 Things to Leave at Home

Travel is an on going learning experience. The more you go, the more you know. And with more travel experience comes more packing experience. Did I say that I have still not adhered to all of the things I “know”? I am truly a work in progress. The key truly is mastering the art of downsizing. Gulp. I know. If you need some tips on how to save space in your suitcase, ask me, click here. So, here are the six things you should leave at home.

Half of your Clothes

1. Take half of the clothes you were planning to bring. Seriously. This really is true.
2. Try to take only what you can fit in a carry on. If you are going for more than 2 weeks, like I am about to do, then pack essentials and changes of clothes in a carry on just in case your luggage is lost. Then put everything else in your checked luggage.
3. Mix and match. Example? Bring 3 tops and 3 bottoms. That’s 9 outfits.

The packing only 3 tops and 3 bottoms, I am still a work in progress. I am getting better at pairing down. My last 2 trips to NYC (they were 5 night trips), I packed everything in a carry on and backpack. Our family cruise just 2 weeks ago? We went from 4 large duffels and 1 medium duffel, to 2 large duffels and one medium. That was for a family of 6 for 9 nights.

Full Size Toiletries

If you are not traveling as a family of 6 for sure take travel size. I find we save room, as a family of 6, by taking 1 normal sized bottle of what we need. *Tip: On a cruise they have shampoo and soap that they refill. *Hotels have shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion. You can even requests things you did not bring with you.

Don’t forget: If you are carrying on you must carry only travel size in a Quart sized bag.

Uncomfortable Shoes

I’ve did this, over and over. Just don’t. Say no. It takes up extra room to pack those 2 pairs of dress shoes and if you are doing a lot of walking you will have hurting feet. You do not want to end up with hurting feet on your trip.

Hair Dryer

First, hair dryers take up way too much space. Second, you usually do not need them. Most hotels will have a hair dryer. Check their amenities before you go.

Valuable Jewelry

If you are not going to “keep it on” at all times, don’t bring it. Do not rely on the in room safe or hiding it in your suitcase. We have had things “come up missing”. Just say no.

Books

Digital truly is the way to go. It will keep your baggage weight down and save space. Kindle, IPad, Galaxy, Phone. Whatever digital devise you have go that route. I still have a hard time with this one. I LOVE holding a book in my hands and making notes. I’m kinda half and half on this one. Remember, I am a work in progress. This rule really is one to follow, however.

Stress

The more you travel, the less stress. You have to start. Research sites. Disney Cruise? Google and research. Go to Cruise Critic, etc. Ask friends about the place you want to visit. Get a travel agent. Whatever it takes to take the stress off. Once you’ve went a few times, the stress really does lessen. You will then truly start enjoying the whole process.

The only things that I refuse to leave at home are my hair straightener and camera. They are musts. Here’s to hoping the converters work and don’t blow it or the hotel up!