Tips for packing the least amount of stuff when traveling

Instead of bringing 5 sets of clothes for 5 days of travel, tourists can wash and wear the same set twice to reduce luggage.

How many pieces of luggage does the airline allow? What if it's overweight? Do you really need three pairs of shoes and five extra outfits? How can you fit all of this in a small suitcase?

To avoid the stress of packing before a trip, travel experts from the American magazine Travel + Leisure say the key is to simplify, remove the things you like, and only bring what you really need. Here are some tips travelers can apply when packing.

Pack things into small bags for easy access when needed. Photo: Pexels — Pack things into small bags for easy access when needed. Photo: *Pexels*

Make a list of things to bring

To avoid bringing too much or forgetting something, you should make a list of the items you need to put in your suitcase. This action helps you minimize the possibility of forgetting or bringing too much. After packing, take the time to look back to see if there are any items you can leave at home.

Choose versatile clothing

To avoid packing half your wardrobe for vacation, choose versatile clothes that can be worn in a variety of situations and in neutral colors that can be easily mixed and matched. If you’re going to the beach, pack lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen. If it’s winter, instead of packing a heavy sweater, consider packing several thin tops and layering them with a foldable jacket.

Also, wearing your biggest, heaviest items instead of packing them in your suitcase makes packing easier. Sneakers take up more space in your suitcase than flip-flops, so wear your shoes to the airport and pack your flip-flops in your suitcase.

Leave behind the things that make you hesitate

According to experts, if you've been hesitating to ask the question "should I bring this item with me", it's best to leave it at home. Because things that are not sure to be useful will be leftovers.

Your hotel may not provide the shampoo you prefer. But if you’re only going for a few days, it’s a good idea to use a makeshift shampoo at your destination instead of bringing your regular shampoo from home. If you still want to bring it, you can pour it into a smaller bottle to carry with you instead of carrying the full-size bottle.

You should also consider bringing 2-in-1 items, such as shampoo and conditioner, or lotion with sunscreen. This way, your bag will be 50% less cluttered.

“Bring what you need, not what you want,” suggests Travel + Leisure .

Take time to organize your things carefully.

No packing trick works if you don't take the time to pack carefully. It's not just what you pack, but how you pack it.

Stuff small items like phone chargers and socks into the shoes you keep in your suitcase to make the most of the space. Sort your items and put them in separate bags. For example, put underwear in one bag, shirts in another, and personal items in another. Then, put those small bags in your suitcase one by one. This not only helps you keep your things organized but also makes them easier to find.

Spend money on laundry

Many travelers have the habit of bringing an amount of clothes equal to or more than the number of days of travel, and after wearing them, they will put dirty clothes in their suitcases and bring them home to wash. However, if you wash clothes to wear again, the amount of clothes you need to bring will be halved. If you do not want to pay for laundry services in the hotel, you can consider washing them yourself in the room and drying them.

Rely on your smartphone for minimalist travel

Gone are the days of printing out your plane ticket and handing it to the check-in counter. Same goes for paper travel guides and maps. Save them to your computer and pull them out when you need them.

Anh Minh (According to Travel + Leisure )

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