It’s taken me YEARS to get over being a serial overpacker. I was famous for throwing in a few extra outfits and shoes “just in case.” Ninety percent of the time I’d come home after the trip and still have those extra outfits tucked away, never worn.
Once we moved to Europe, I had to learn how to pack lightly for a vacation. Hauling huge suitcases on and off trains & paying double the ticket price to check a suitcase just wasn’t going to happen. We really didn’t need all that extra STUFF anyways. Seriously, it’s okay to only have 2 pairs of shoes.
So how do you go from overpacking to packing light? A lot of practice and planning. Have you ever heard the phrase, “take half of the stuff you were planning to bring and twice the money?” It’s a true statement. Most travelers overpack and under budget. The budgeting tips are for another time, we’re going to get into ways to help pack light for a vacation.
How to Pack Lightly for a Vacation
First, pick your suitcase. The challenge is to accept that you can only bring what fits in your cabin luggage. Period.
I’ve even managed to pack for a 2-week holiday and get all the clothes for 4 people in a single carry-on sized suitcase. Granted, the toiletries went in another bag, but you get the idea. It can be done.
My European modus operandi is to pack for our family of four, in 2 or 3 carry-on suitcases plus a backpack. Typically, the European airlines only allow one carry-on per person. Some don’t even allow a personal bag, such as a purse in addition to that bag. Make sure to check the size allowances before making the trip as well. US and European carry-on size restrictions aren’t always the same!
Think in layers when laying out potential outfits. Find a light sweater or jacket that can go over your tops. If chilly weather is forecast, pack a thin top to wear under your clothes for added warmth. You can always remove layers and throw them in the backpack as the day heats up.
If you pack it, you must be able to wear it more than once. When picking out what clothes to pack for your next holiday, think about what can be worn multiple times. You don’t need 3 sweaters. Stick with the one that can work with multiple outfits.
I also try to stick with the same color palette when packing. Personally, I tend to pack black with a few colorful tops to change things up. You also want to pack items that won’t show stains. The key is to be able to wear it multiple times before washing. Drinking white wine instead of red can also be helpful!