Travel Light Tips

When traveling by an airplane; or by any fashion for that matter, it is important to travel light in order to reduce hassle and stress. Nobody wants to lug around six bags of luggage and the kitchen sink and that's without taking in to account the checking and general luggage process, but the biggest benefit is that you might be able to get away with having your entire luggage as "hand luggage" meaning you can keep an eye on it. The following top ten tips for traveling light will help make your journey a smooth and enjoyable one.

Going to a foreign country with tour guide information and phrase books? You may be tempted to pile your bags with tones of books. Don't. The best option for this is to photocopy the pages you need so you don't have to carry around heavy books all day. Better yet print off what you need from the internet and do away with books completely.
Write out a clothing plan and make a packing list. You may feel like throwing in your whole wardrobe just in case, but listing what you intend to wear each day is a lot more efficient. Just pack a few extras in case you spill some exotic food down your front.
Buy a new suitcase. Yes we all still have those rugged behemoths from the 80's that have worked perfectly since the start of time, but the truth is they weigh a tone even before anything has been packed and will bring down your baggage allowance. Get a modern light weight hold-all or sports bag.
Get out a tape measure. Luggage which is 7"x14"x20" (17x35x50cm) will fit under most plane's seats and is therefore hand luggage.
Avoid trolley bags. They are easy to whiz around the airport but are heavy and cumbersome.
Don't overdo the toiletries. You can easily buy some more while you're out there or steal them from your accommodation.
Don't be afraid to do laundry, if it means packing half as many clothes so be it.
Pockets. Anything that can fit in to pockets should be crammed in there.
Think simple. Regular toothbrush not big electric one.
Yes you still need underwear.

Travel Light