Love to travel? Here is a friendly guide to packing like a pro

Legends are those who go on long vacations with just a backpack and a waist pouch. They are also the ones who make the most of their vacations. However, most of us in India believe in packing heavily, be it for a weekend getaway or a long summer vacation. Most of us, even after planning to pack light, fail miserably because we believe carrying ‘essentials' is important to avert anything unpleasant when travelling.

Following this, Richi Shah (@richi.shah) a travel digital creator who is currently busy packing for her next trip shares, "I met a fellow Indian traveller on a three-day cruise trip who was carrying a 23-kilogram suitcase. Intrigued to know why someone would carry a huge bag for a short trip, I asked them the reason. They told me it was because they weren't sure what clothes to wear. So just to have enough options, they had packed heavy. My parents, too, used to pack heavily for vacations. Many Indian travellers continue to pack more than they need. I have travelled across Europe for 60 days, with a 25 kg luggage, and didn't repeat a look. So you can pack light when travelling, especially in summer and yet look cool on vacations."

The influencer shares, "Imagine not having an escalator or elevator at a train station, and then having to lift and drag two large suitcases weighing 25-30 kgs, without any help! Sounds dreadful, right? That's precisely why I love packing light and tight. It's not only easy to carry around but also convenient to pack and unpack. It makes travel simpler and more enjoyable."

If you struggle to pack light when travelling, we have travel experts dole out tips and tricks to help you pack very little and make the most of your vacation.

Factors to consider before packing your bags
Sandeep Arora, Director of Brightsun Travel Private Limited, India shares a list of factors to consider when packing.

Destination and climate: Research the weather and climate of the place you're going to, to pack appropriate clothing and gear.

Duration of stay: Consider the duration of your trip to decide how many outfits and essential items you would need. Also, think of the activities you'll indulge in, whether it's hiking, swimming, or sightseeing, and pack accordingly.

Baggage restrictions: Check baggage allowance for your flights or other mode of transportation to avoid extra fees.

Hotel amenities: Take into account whether your accommodations provide certain amenities like toiletries, towels, or hairdryers to avoid unnecessary packing.

Medications: Make sure to pack any necessary medications, along with a first aid kit, and other essential items like sunscreen.

Electronics and chargers: Don't forget to pack electronic devices, chargers, and adapters you will require for your trip.

Travel documents and currency: Organise important documents such as passports, visas, and tickets in a secure, easily accessible place. Also, bring sufficient cash or debit/credit card for alternative payment methods.

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Choosing the right bags for your travel
Manish Bisht, travel enthusiast and founder, Banjareyyyy says, "When packing, choose a bag that suits your needs, like a backpack, suitcase, or duffle bag. Consider factors such as size, durability, and portability. Ensure it meets airline or transportation regulations to avoid hassles. Ideally, one bag from the ones I mentioned should be sufficient."

Expanding on this, Anany Shukla, trip leader and co-founder, Firgun Travels adds, "Besides your main luggage, you should also have a carry-on bag. In this, you can store all the handy essential items. This includes your electronics, passport, cash, wallet, ID proofs, speakers, light snacks, boarding pass, water bottle, urgent medications, sanitiser, wipes, etc."

Suggesting her share of tips, travel influencer Shah says, "I find hard case suitcases optimal for rough and tough usage. A good quality and branded suitcase will offer anti-theft zipping, an unbreakable body and a long-term guarantee and replacement warranty in case of any damage. For a carry-on bag, I prefer carrying a good quality backpack, Also, don't get carried away by the attractive backpacks available on the internet. Choose a brand and a bag that is sustainable, multi-functional and offers organisational benefits with multiple sections and compartments."

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Clothes to pack, especially in summer
Arora recommends opting for basic clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. "A good choice would be breathable tops such as cotton or linen shirts, tank tops, and lightweight blouses that come in neutral colours so that one can easily pair them with different bottoms. Choose quick-drying materials if you'll be near water or engaging in outdoor activities. Ensure to pack a lightweight cardigan, shawl, or scarf for cooler evenings or air-conditioned spaces. Swimwear and accessories like sunglasses and hats are a few other things that you should consider packing for a summer vacation."

Shah too, adds, "I think most men have been acing this for years â€" that is to re-wear their denims/bottom wear over and over again. That is the key, to be able to pack light for a vacation, because bottom wears definitely weigh a lot more than shirts/t-shirts/tops."

"One should avoid heavy clothing during the summers. To stay cool, choose cotton/linen-based clothing that is not only light but also very breezy for the climate."

Hacks to pack light
Here are some handy tips shared by all experts that you must follow for a hassle-free travel experience.

Roll clothes: Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space and reduce wrinkles.

Use packing cubes: Organise clothes and accessories into packing cubes to compress items and create more room in your luggage.

Compression bags: Use compression bags to squeeze out excess air from bulky items like jackets or sweaters, reducing their size and maximising space.

Limit shoes: Bring only a few shoes suitable for various activities, like sandals for casual outings and sneakers for walking.

Mini toiletries: Opt for travel-sized toiletries or use refillable containers to save space in your luggage.

Sun protection: Don't forget essentials like sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to stay protected from the sun.

Reusable water bottle: Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce the need for single-use plastics.

Compact accessories: Choose compact accessories like a foldable travel umbrella and a lightweight scarf for added versatility.

Pack inside shoes: Utilise the space inside shoes by stuffing socks, underwear, or small items.

Layering: Layer clothing items strategically, with heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top, to prevent wrinkles and utilise space efficiently.

Utilise empty spaces: Fill gaps and empty spaces in your luggage with small items like socks, scarves, or belts.

Wear bulky items: Instead of packing bulky items like jackets or boots, wear them during travel to save space in your luggage.

Share the load: If you're travelling with a partner or a friend, only one of you can carry basic toiletries and essentials, and share on the vacation. This way, one person can save some space, and carry food/munchies for both.

Consider laundry options: If you have access to laundry facilities during your trip, pack lightweight, quick-drying fabrics and do laundry midway throughout your vacation. This way you can pack fewer clothes while still maintaining a fresh wardrobe.

Minimise extras: Be selective about the extras you pack, such as electronics, books, or hairdryers. Consider whether you need these items or if you can make do with alternatives or digital versions or if it's available where you're going.

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