How to pack light and avoid baggage fees
Once upon a time, you could check your bag and it was included in the ticket price. Now, checking a bag can cost $30+ additional each way. Not only does this add up, but you also run the risk of having your luggage lost, which I can promise you SUCKS.
Packing light is a whole kind of freedom I never imagined until I was forced to do so. When you’re home, how many times do you say “ugh I have nothing to wear” when you have a closet full of clothes? Probably every time you go out. If you’re someone who plans your outfits out, you understand the freeing feeling that comes with that. Here are some of my tips for packing light and how to avoid those baggage fees:
Pack outfits, not options. By packing entire outfits, ideally in a capsule wardrobe way, this gives you no room to fret over what to wear because everything is planned out ahead of time! I know people who will take photos of their outfits and will either pack those or keep them on their phone. I usually only wear black and white so it makes packing much easier. I try to pack items that can be worn multiple times, as well.
Solid toiletries. I haven’t made the jump to solid toiletries, like shampoo or conditioner bars, but this will free up a TON of space. See if you can find any that you like! My friend @hesswithless on Instagram has some great options.
Buy your toiletries when you get there. If you don’t want to mess with bringing toiletries at all, buy some at your destination! This is also a great way to try things that aren’t available at home!
Wash as you go. Even if you don’t have access to laundry services, you still have options. I’ve paid for hotel/cruise laundry and have also washed clothes in the sink/bathtub. Both work, one is way cheaper. I will say that I prefer to have the hotel wash my underwear and any clothes I’ve been in/traveled in. But that still saves me a lot of money. And isn’t the idea of coming home with mostly clean clothes wonderful!?
Plan for souvenirs. This is something I usually miss. I’ve shipped items home and they broke along the way which is always a risk. Whatever you buy on your trip has to fit in your bag on the way back unless you want to ship and pay for that. Leave room for your trinkets :)
PACKING CUBES. There is a debate in the travel world on rolling vs folding. Whichever you decide to do, put it in a packing cube. Doesn’t matter if you get the compressible ones or not. Anything to keep your clothes together will save you space. I usually pack by outfits and then put underwear/swimsuits/crop tops into the smallest cube. Pack your socks in your shoes.
Limit the shoes. Choosing shoes that can be worn with multiple outfits at multiple times is key. I’m not a complete bore though and will pack one cute pair that are not practical. But you can usually get away with 2 shoes. Wear your bulkiest on the plane.
Wear your bulkiest items on the plane. This frees up so much space in your luggage.
Have the right bag for your travel style. I have a soft shell Samsonite that works wonders. If you want a backpack, do some research into the best travel backpacks. Find something that weighs little when empty and then go from there.
Leave things behind. I’ve left plenty sweaters and jackets, behind on trips. If you have something that is not looking too hot, take it on the trip and leave it when you come back.
Major point: Packing light does not equal giving up your comfort. I am a bougie traveler, but I’m on a budget. It is fun seeing how little you can have to get by on when you travel. If something brings you joy and you really want it on your trip, bring it! It is a balancing act though so try to remove something for every additional item you bring. People will say “lay out everything you’re bringing and only pack half.” I’m not about that life. Bring what you want, but I encourage you to try to pack in a carry-on only on your next flight and see how it feels :)
Do you have any light packing tips? If so, drop them in the comments below :)