It is surprising how many people savvy in ways of how to find cheap travel options, such as cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, cheap auto rentals, discount travel deals, and cheap vacation packages tend to invariably pack too much for a trip.
Overpacking can result in you struggling to make it through an airport with your large suitcase, paying expensive baggage fees, and even luggage sometimes falling apart at the seams while traveling because it is jammed full of so much stuff.
The following are common reasons for overpacking as well as helpful tips to pack smarter, according to Smarter Travel:
Some people try to pack enough clothes to deal with any possible scenario that might be experienced during a trip. The solution is when in doubt as to whether you will need an item, leave it out. Pack only essentials for the things you can reasonably anticipate: the activities you have planned, forecasted weather, and the length of your trip.
Selecting an overly large bag for a trip encourages you to fill it. A better approach is to select a smaller bag that by its very size imposes more reasonable limits. Once you are limited to a 22 inch bag, you will be forced to pack a lot less. Remember a lightweight, good piece of luggage that is well within major airlines baggage size requirements is a smart investment.
Trips through multiple climates or during transitional seasons often results in travelers overcompensating by overpacking. Instead you should pack lightweight clothing that layers well. For example, a thin sweater layered over a warm long sleeved waffle tee, topped with scarf, can produce as much warmth as bulky outerwear.
Procrastination, as in waiting until the last minute to pack, makes smart packing impossible when you are throwing the contents of your closet into a bag several hours prior to your departure. You need to create a packing list before trying to pack for a trip. Otherwise you will be stuck carrying an overpacked bag that may still lack certain essentials and you may end up paying overweight and oversized bag fees.
Sometimes the problem is that you do not own the right stuff for a trip. The right gear can help you pack smarter by including lighter, multifunctional travel products in your bag. Items such as foldable shoes, compression bags, and ultralightweight clothes can make packing a breeze.
Not being honest with yourself when packing results in you packing lots of items that will never be used on your trip. Take note of which items you have used on former trips. The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior.
Lacking a plan on how you will do laundry on a trip lasting over a week often contributes to overpacking. Pack laundry soap and wash your clothes in the hotel sink. Alternatively find locations of Laundromats near your accommodations, or check out prices for laundry services nearby.
Not color coordinating what you pack can result in you needing more clothes while traveling. Instead opt to pack mostly neutrals. When you add in color, keep your choices within the same color family, such as blues and blacks, or soft coral and peach tones. Ideally all of your tops should coordinate with all of your bottoms, resulting in plenty of outfit options.
Inexperienced travelers tend to underestimate the importance of packing light because they have yet to experience the hell and expense of dealing with oversized and overweight luggage. Take the advice of savvy travelers and pack the absolute bare minimum.
Being addicted to electronic gadgets and having to pack them for your trip along with their proprietary chargers can take up a lot of space. Purchase a universal charger to help limit how many chargers you have to pack.
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