Whether you are planning to go out for a short weekend trip nearby or spend a couple of weeks in a distant country, the biggest dilemma for a maximalist is to get the most out of your suitcase space.
Blogs will always tell you to travel light, but if you are fond of putting together outfits, here are six tips on how to pack more, irrespective of space constraints.
Buy the right bag
If you travel a lot, first and foremost, make sure you have bought the best bag to suit your travel needs. A duffel bag in canvas or any flexible material will not only weigh less but will provide that bit of extra inches to wriggle in a couple of shirts or an extra pair of shoes. If you are not oversized, you will be able to fit in outfits for a week’s stay easily.
Utilize all available space
After you have finished packing, make sure you have left no gaps or room between the clothes or around the sides of your bag in order to utilize all the available space. Fold everything like jeans, dresses, skirts etc, except your socks and underwear, in a uniform manner so that you can pack the stuff in as little space as possible.
Replace liquids with solids
Toiletries are an essential part of travel, but if you want to avoid the horror of discovering that the shampoo has leaked all over the clothes then seek out a solid alternative. Pack items such as dry soap, shampoo, toothpaste tablets etc to minimize the risk of leaks and spills. However, if you can’t part with your favourite moisturizer and your regular shampoo, repackage them in small containers to cut down on weight and bypass airport security.
Choose bold items
If you are a self-proclaimed maximalist, pack items that are bold and stand out. Forget the prints, colors or textures which need to be layered.Instead, carry things that can stand on their own. In this way, not only do you pack light, but still pack a punch or two.
Electronics
Taking fewer clothes is a big step forward towards traveling light, but what about electronics? Ditch your camera and laptop and carry the lightweight myType keyboard instead in conjunction with your smartphone. It is like typing on a computer and not just the phone. Don’t pack the USB wall plug as you can buy one cheaply at your destination.
Pack items that can do double duty
Pick the clothes for your trip carefully, by choosing items that can serve a dual purpose are lightweight and take up less space:
- Poncho: This can be used as an umbrella, rain jacket or backpack cover during rains.
- Daring: Can be useful as a towel, skirt or picnic blanket.
- Convertible trousers: They may not look glamorous but are functional, rugged and dry quickly.
- Consider shirts with roll-up sleeves
- Bandana: As a smog mask, protection from the sun or as neckwear.
