We were moving to Canada for 1 year. For a person who had never gone so far from home moving to the other side of the world meant – I have to take a lot of stuff. Yeah, it was an international flight and our ticket included 2 x 20 kg bags and a carry-on each. And I successfully completed the mission to pack to the maximum!
Only I never thought we would end up with 4 gigantic bags I couldn’t even move + 2 smaller ones! So my poor boyfriend (now husband) had to drag all this STUFF that was so ‘necessary’ to me at the time through Vancouver. Of course, we had to use different public transportations to reach our first accommodation and now when I look back in a city of 2 million people, it’s no wonder that we had to wait for 6 busses that didn't even open the doors for us, as the driver saw – there would be no way we could get in that crowded bus with all those 6 huge bags!
We did get to our accommodation successfully, but probably only because the bus driver of the 7th bus felt sorry for us and actually said to the other passengers: ’Oh, please, someone help this poor guy!’
This was me – 11 years ago when I first started international travels. Only 3.5 years later when we had made a full circle around the world, we were returning home with the same boyfriend, we had 3 bags in total, 2 of them were carry-ons.
Obviously moving to another country or just going on a holiday is totally different. Yet, still many people end up having large suitcases for even a 7-day trip. If you are one of them, but looking for tips on how to pack lighter and avoid paying for transporting your stuff, keep on reading!
1. Have a packing list.
Before you go make a packing list or use an app for it. We have a list that we have saved online and are good for all our travels, so each time we travel, we print it off, we cross out the things we don’t need for this particular trip (like summer items if we go for a winter holiday, etc.) Having a list helps you not only to pack but also saves you a lot of time!
2. Check again.
If you are not in a hurry, before packing everything into the suitcase, double-check if you have only the most necessary with you; usually, you realize you have some extras.
3. Change your mind-set
Example – a family of 4 is going on a holiday with an airplane. They each get a carry-on included in the price. But with a changed mindset think instead – they have 4 carry-ons in total, not 1 each. Why is this so important? Well, if you have an empty bag for a person, you will try to fill it up to its fullest and will most likely end up with things you don’t really need. Instead, if you first set aside all the things you will need to take for the whole family, and then pack all of it in the bags. For the last holiday, we went 4 people to Tenerife for 8 days and we actually packed everything in 3 carry-ons, I really felt like I deserve to be in the book of Guinness World records or I should get at least a medal.
4. Don’t buy gifts and souvenirs
Yeah, this was really, really, like did I say really hard for me? It still is! Imagine we did a road trip for 74 days all around the States (we visited 33 sates in total) and I didn’t buy even 1 souvenir or gift! Wow! Here are some good reasons why not to buy souvenirs, but in a nutshell, spend money on new experiences rather than things!
5. Washing is also an option!
If you think you will not have enough clothing for every day of your holiday, remember you can always wash a couple of items while at your destination. Main thing is to have clothing that doesn’t need to be ironed, just so you don’t waste too much of your valuable time.
6. Don’t take any liquid that is more than 100ml
Yes, if you want to have hand luggage only, please leave all your big bottles of perfume, makeup remover, lotions, etc. at home. I always take little sample products I have collected from shopping and test them during the trip (might not work if you are allergic). Also, to remove makeup use makeup remover wipes – they are so convenient!
Bonus Tip if traveling with small children
7. Take different types of carry-ons!
Remember you will have to not only carry your luggage but also your kids! Try to have different types of bags between the parents. Imagine if you would take 4 small suitcases you have to drag, both of your hands are full and you don’t have a spare hand for your child. Try to alternate between backpacks, suitcases, even shoulder bags, this way you will always have at least one hand free which is really a must when traveling with children.
If you want to save money while traveling, having only hand luggage is a huge money saver. I hope these tips will help you save about 40 euros for your next trip! When you do a new experience while traveling light enjoy it to the most and remember you are doing it because you didn't have to carry stuff that most of the time you don't use during the trip anyway!
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