Where to start with packing light?

Right here!

Oh, the joy you'll feel when you start packing light!

Clearly I`m a convert to travelling light so where do I begin to tell you how amazing it is and how easy travel is when carrying so little. You have less to pack, less to arrange, and less to carry.

With packing light, travel is a breeze!

Dr Suess was right when he said, “Oh the places you’ll go.” I’m pretty sure he was talking about packing light!!! And I'm happy to run with that.

I  have had so many occasions where travelling light has been a real life-saver and time-saver.

Like the time I arrived at Sydney’s Central Train Station from the airport and had to catch a country train which was at the complete opposite end of the station. I literally ran to catch it. Fat chance of that with those heavy bags mentioned above.

The ease of catching transport with just carry-on.

All aboard! With my 5.5kg bag venturing to the Dalmatian Islands in Croatia.

Packing light with a backpack makes travel easier & you have less stress.

Travelling light has been so much fun and given me so many opportunities that I may have missed had I been lugging around my traditional 15-20kg backpack or suitcase. 

Like catching a scooter ride from Yangshou in south east China to Jima Village so I could get to my Tai Chi school on time! 

Or when I accidentally gave myself less than an hour between connecting flights - I ran between the  terminals, and whizzed through check-in. 

And let's not forget the stress of LOST LUGGAGE!!!

Spot me!!

Some basic packing light tips.

The basic rules of packing light are:

  • Take less
  • Wash more
  • Buy light   
  • Reduce amounts.

It’s that easy.  But you do need to give it some thought.

  • Think light, washable clothes and shoes. And take less of it.
  • Think reducing your toiletries and make-up into smaller containers.
Travel with less and see more.

Making it look easy - it was!

So what are the positives of packing light?

  • It means you are self-contained.  Everything I need is with me. I am a complete travelling unit with my small bag. I need nothing more.
  • You can actually carry it! I'm abit of a weakling so this is important to me!!
  • You don’t need anyone to watch your luggage if you’re carrying it. And even if you have a cabin-sized suitcase this is still a very compact way to travel, and light enough to carry up stairs.
  • You end up with belongings that you use over and over. Nothing goes to waste. In fact many light travellers come back saying, “I could’ve done without …”
  • It’s great for getting on-off trains, planes, ferries, and taxis.

Wohoo travel moments - when you are embrace packing light.

There’s nothing better than getting your cabin bag out from under your seat of in the overhead locker and heading straight to customs – do not stop at the luggage carousel, do not have $100 in bag fees, you are good to GO! 

On the Sydney trip I mentioned above, I was through customs and on the train to town in 30 minutes of the plane landing. Such a wohoo moment!

While travelling by train in Italy by myself, I loved that my bag could stay with me, while others had to put their large bags in the luggage compartment. My bag never left my sight.

Once you’ve tried travelling lighter you’ll just want to keep improving on it. Clearly I can’t rave enough about it! 

Since my first trip I’ve now travelled light to the North Western Australian outback (including Sydney, Darwin and Perth). I travelled solo to South East China, a romantic holiday in Fiji, a family holiday in Queenstown NZ over winter, and many local trips in New Zealand. And I’ve got lots more planned. It really is fun, and I just love the freedom it gives me.

Packing less is different for everyone. For some it may be 15 kilos or 10 kilos. 

Whatever weight you decide to carry just remember those basic rules.   

  • Take less   
  • Wash more
  • Buy light
  • Reduce amounts.

Camouflaged on Capri.

I've written a book about my solo travel adventure! 

It's about stepping outside your comfort zone, believing in yourself, and making your dreams happen. Plus, you'll feel like you're on holiday as you read it!

Some key blogs to get your packing light journey off the ground!

Check out my blog. It's all about learning to travel with less. It's packed with tips and inspiration to get you started.

5 great reasons to travel solo & travel light in Japan.

After nearly four weeks in Japan, it is at the top of my list of best countries to travel light and travel solo in. Especially solo female travellers. When you visit Japan, you will experience theRead more

A light hiking packing list for a day or multi-day hike.

Planning what you carry for a short hike or long-distance hikes takes time and consideration. Safety is the number one, non-negotiable rule that must be followed. Whether packing for a day or a week,Read more

Why solo travel is the best adventure for travelers.

I’m a huge fan of solo travel. As much as I love traveling with my family or friends, there is something special about my solo adventures. Since my first solo trip back in 2017 to Croatia andRead more

Packing light for a 4-week carry-on holiday in London and France in autumn (fall).

What better way to learn about packing light than to hear from someone who has just enjoyed her first carry-on experience - with no lost luggage! My friend and Regency Romance author, Leigh D'Ansey,Read more

How to pack a light, carry-on bag for your next winter vacation.

Travelling light in winter requires a carefully thought through winter travel capsule wardrobe. This post is jam-packed with packing tips, so your bag stays light! We've just been away for ten daysRead more

Travel light to The Cook Islands!

Updated blog: Thinking of heading to the tropical Cook Islands?   Luxury. Relaxation. Tropical beaches.   Rarotonga has it all, and they're waiting for you.  (There are no affiliates in thisRead more

Don't lose your luggage. 5 tips on how to travel with carry on.

There's been so much in the news lately about lost luggage, and massive delays at airports. It's no wonder people who said they'd NEVER travel with carry on, are changing their minds.  So, I've putRead more

4 easy rules to pack the best travel shoes for your travel capsule wardrobe.

Shoes can be the heaviest and biggest space-consuming items we pack in our travel bags. They take up so much room. Rather than just tossing in 10 pairs and hoping we've got everything we need, thisRead more

6 great walks around Lake Tekapo, New Zealand.

If you want a great variety of day hikes with spectacular views you can't go past Lake Tekapo. Set in the McKenzie Country of the South Island, surrounded by mountains, Lake Tekapo offers some of theRead more

3 fabulous reasons to pack a Travel Capsule Wardrobe.

A travel capsule wardrobe gives you a much simpler way of travelling. It takes away a lot of the indecision, the unpreparedness, and the weight of overpacked luggage. We've all got stories ofRead more

5 great tips on how to pack light for a Christmas trip.

Tis the season to be jolly...with a well packed bag!! Are you heading away for a short trip over the Christmas season? Catching up with family and friends? Want to give traveling lighter a go? Then tRead more

7 hostel myths busted - Why you should consider staying in a hostel.

Hostels are a great accommodation option for travellers of all ages. But there are plenty of myths around about hostels. Let me bust some hostel myths and why you should consider staying in aRead more
 

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