Traveling Light

I love traveling. It gives me the rest and relaxation I need to cut the monotony of my daily grind. Be it on the beaches of Boracay or the busy streets of Paris, traveling always give me the feeling of freedom and rejuvenation.

From my experiences, I’ve realized that traveling light is the best way to go for how can you get away from it all if you’re bringing it all along with you? With the help of my socialite friend and frequent traveler, Shawn Umstead, I came up with these simple and practical tips on traveling light.

The first step in traveling light is limiting yourself to only one suitcase. This could be a hard rule to follow for fashionistas like me who wants to take their favorite outfits anywhere they go but experience has taught me that a limited wardrobe is far better than dealing with lost luggage! I reckon, I can always shop at my destination!

Be smart when it comes to items like a camera (take a digital), book (bring a mass-market paperback), and toiletries. If you’re staying at a hotel, for example, that you know will have good quality shampoo and conditioner in the bathroom, don’t take up precious space by bringing your own along.

Checking the weather report of the destination you’ll be visiting is also a must. These will help you decide on what kinds of clothing to bring. If you’re going to be in Hawaii for a week with nothing but sunshine in the forecast, you probably won’t even need a long-sleeved shirt or long pants.

Shawn suggested limiting yourself to one pair of shoes in your luggage in addition to the ones you’re wearing. He said nobody needs three or four or even five pairs of shoes on a trip, it’s totally unnecessary. However, I told him that this tip is only applicable to guys! Girls can’t live without their flip flops, flats, sandals and pumps!

If you end up picking up souvenirs or shopping to death on your journey, have your purchased items shipped back to you. Or save space and probably money too by sticking with small objects like refrigerator magnets or a T-shirt.

On your next trip, just follow these tips for that hassle free vacation. Once you get into the habit of traveling light, you’ll never want to lug three 50-pound suitcases along with you again in your life.