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The top seven ways to travel light

There are 7 things you can begin to implement to make packing light more of a reality so you can fit all your needs into your carry-on.

More and more bags are being lost, misplaced, or delayed at the airport. Whether this is due to inefficiency or a lack of workers, more individuals are feeling nervous about checking a bag.

Due to the uncertainty this creates, it’s important to learn the art of packing light. There are 7 things you can begin to implement to make packing light more of a reality so you can fit all your needs into your carry-on.

Use packing cubes
There is nothing more frustrating than opening up your suitcase to a jumbled mess because you were just trying to fit everything in. By using packing cubes in your suitcase the jumble is gone and it is easier to keep your small suitcase/backpack organized.

In conjunction with using packing cubes, rolling your clothes allows you to be able to fit more into your packing cube and see your clothing items at a quick glance. The use of a compressed packing cube takes your luggage from a disorganized state to a neatly compressed state, which can significantly reduce the amount of space needed.

Mix and match planned outfits
For some this may be difficult to implement, but by preplanning your outfits, you will be able to eliminate excess. Overpacking, or packing clothing just in case, always guarantees you will not be able to fit your things into a carry-on.

It’s also vital to use clothing that you can mix and match with each other. This looks like taking the right 8 items of clothing and creating 25 different outfits with them. Always think of multi-use pieces, and have a color scheme that can be easily matched to different outfits.

This idea of multi use pieces also extends to jewelry as well. When traveling, it’s best to keep jewelry to a minimum. One of the most versatile pieces of jewelry are diamond stud earrings, which pair well for any occasion, both casual and formal.

Using the right carry-on
When only taking a carry-on, it’s important to consider the airline’s rules and regulations regarding both the size and weight of the bag. Unfortunately, this can vary from one airline to the next, so it is important to check with TSA and your airline for the guidelines.

Another important consideration is the carry-on ease of transportation. For many individuals they prefer the typical suitcase on wheels. While these suitcases may be convenient in an airport, outside an airport they are not as easy to maneuver. It may be worth considering investing in a good backpack, which allows you more flexibility in your travels.

Wear the bulk
In order to decrease the amount of space you are utilizing in your backpack/carry-on, you should consider wearing the bulky items. Planning for a cold climate? Wear your coat. This will allow you to use less luggage space. Another bulky item to consider wearing is your boots. The airlines won’t question your clothing choices, only your luggage.

Toiletries
When it comes to packing light, consider leaving unnecessary toiletry items at home and keep it simple. You usually don’t need to bring the hairdryer and you could avoid the curling iron and other hair tools. Since you won’t be checking a bag, it is also important to have travel size items, as TSA places limits on the liquid you can have. Additionally, skip the bulky toiletries bag and pack your toiletries in a clear bag, which will make passing through TSA more seamless.

Look into washing options
Before traveling, it is important to check into your destination and figure out if you will have access to a washing machine. Especially if you are taking a longer trip, access to a washing machine will significantly reduce your need for too much clothing. Some hotels will have laundry access or services.

Tricks for Children/Babies
When you are traveling with children or babies, it’s difficult to limit the stuff you need to bring. Grocery order pick-up/delivery is ideal for these situations. Going anywhere without snacks or diapers and wipes is not an option, but packing just enough for your travel day and ordering the rest to be picked-up/delivered when you arrive at your destination significantly reduces the bulk in your luggage.

Conclusion
By implementing these tips when you are packing for a trip, you will be able to reduce the amount of luggage you bring. This makes it more likely that you will be able to fit everything you need for your trip into a carry-on, and eliminate the risk of lost luggage at the airport.

Once you have everything packed, check whether you have all your paperwork in order. Print out essentials like visa documentation and Dominican Republic eticket confirmation, so if your phone dies, you have it ready for the airport checks.

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