Top 10 Tips For Ultra-light Packing

Have you heard about the globetrotting National Geographic writer who managed to travel the world for six with no luggage at all?? All he wore was a multi-pocketed vest to carry all he needed such as t-shirts. Amazing, isn't it?

However, how cool or appealing this extremely ultra-light packing way sounds, most of us need at least one bag when we travel and the question is how to keep it light so that you can add that #minimaltraveler hashtags to your awesome social media travel posts.

There are many good reasons for being a travel minimalist; it's so liberating not to carry around a whole lot of luggage, you'll definitely save big bucks on baggage fees, you'll start discovering the new destination while people are still waiting for their luggage at the baggage carousel and most important travel light is so much better for the environment.

Here are our top 10 tips for ultralight packing in 2019

1. USE A SMALL, LIGHTWEIGHT BAG
Probably the oldest trick and the simplest way to pack light is to use a small suitcase or backpack. That way, it's impossible to fit too much in it.

2. AVOID LAST MINUTE PACKING
Packing light takes effort and a bit of thought. To avoid the last-minute packing traps by starting with a list writing down what you need a few days before your departure.

3. PACK "HARD WORKING" ITEMS
Look out for clothes and accessories that have more than one use. Leggings are perfect since they're easy to wash and dry quickly and go with almost anything. Our Peshtemal Turkish towels are excellent travel towels, beach wears, blankets, scarves and more. They are also extremely lightweight and quick-dry so one towel will serve you in many ways.

4. PACK ONLY 1 PAIR OF JEANS
Denim is heavy and bulky, so go for one pair only and try to wear them on the plane. I recommend soft and comfortable ones that can easily be used if you need to dress up. Black is best for travel since the color matches almost everything and no one can tell if you wore them days before since people tend not to notice black pants.

5. PACK SIMPLE CLOTHES AND USEFUL ACCESSORIES
Jeans and white t-shirts are always a good idea no matter the hour of the day. You can easily team your jeans with flip flops or sneakers for a relaxed look and your t-shirt with a blazer or big scarf (this Peshtemal is gorgeous as a scarf!) or whatever you prefer and you good to go for any occasion without having to pack too much.

6. USE PACKING CUBES
Recently I discovered these beautiful packing cubes from a fellow Swedish company called Organista. Since I have kids and almost always travel with them, packing cubes are excellent ways to make the most of my space and stop me and my kids from overpacking. Four or five cubes are good enough for me and once each packing cube is full it's impossible to squish anything else and therefore my kids also need to re-think what they want to bring along on their journey.

7. WASH YOUR CLOTHES
No matter where you are in the world, you probably have access to laundry services or if you stay at a hotel you can easily wash your clothes in your hotel bathroom. I usually wash my clothes while I'm taking my shower; this saves me a lot of time.

8. MINIMIZE TOILETRIES
Before I started to travel light, I always overdosed on toiletries! I had several facial creams, makeup, shampoo and other things that I didn't need. Now, I only bring one facial cream, one dry shampoo (if I need to wash my hair I support local business such as hairdressers, in some countries the blow-dry stays on for days!) and I use small plastic bottles for other necessities .

9. CHECK THE WEATHER BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Make sure to check the weather every day of your trip. If there is a risk of rain, pack an unopened rain poncho instead of a bulky rain jacket. If you're traveling to warm destinations, pack clothing that can be used in many ways. And if you're traveling to colder destinations, pack clothes you can layer up with instead of a heavy winter coat to save some precious space in your bag.

10. PACK FOR THE BEST SCENARIO
Before I started my light-packing journey, I always packed for the worst scenario. What if this happens, what if that happens... So now I'm only packing for the best-case scenario and if something happens I simply buy myself out of the jam. I bring layers rather than a heavy coat and when in doubt, I leave it out.

Hopefully this list with help you pack lighter and good luck on your upcoming adventure!

Love & Cheers
Mary