10 Things You Should Leave Behind to Make Your Pack Lighter

Light travelers know that traveling is all about discovery and adventure. You don’t need to pack for every “what if.” Learning to ignore your fears and temptation to pack in the entire house is part of becoming a true traveler.

So, here’s what you should absolutely leave behind!

1) A pair of clothes for each day

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Really? A new set of clothes every day? Are you going on a vacation or an International Fashion Week? Simply say no to the fashion queen inside you and pack no more than three pairs for a week. Learn to use the same pieces in various permutations so that they give off a fresh look when combined differently.

2) Too much denim

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Denim is travel-friendly. But too much of a good friend can also turn bad! Jeans are cumbersome and difficult to roll up. Pack a maximum of two pairs. ‘Wear one, carry a second’ mantra is even better.

3) Bathroom towel

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Unless you’re hiking to some god forsaken land, you don’t need to pack a bathroom towel. All decent hotels keep their baths well-stocked with towels. The housekeeping is forever willing to replace a used towel any time. So, chuck that extra weight. Just pack in a hand towel to be used in transit.

4) Toiletries

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While traveling, if you’re flexible enough not to obsess over that exact brand of organic shampoo or toothpaste, then do yourself a favor and don’t pack your entire toilet kit. Most hotels provide free soap, shampoo, handwash, toothpaste and so on, which can be very doable-with for a few days. Toiletries take up massive space and add huge weight! Use the free provision from the hotel or buy smaller bottles of your preferred brands after reaching your destination.

5) Makeup Kit

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Unless you’re a Kardashian, why do you need that one-ton makeup kit stuffed into your luggage? Just pack the bare essentials like concealer, foundation, eyeliner, lip colors and some blush, and you’re done. Don’t even imagine that you’ll have time to deck up like a diva while touring. Besides, you want to look pretty, not like some pinup model.

6) Books 

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Even if you’re an avid reader, overcome the temptation to pack books for your vacation. You’re going there to explore a new land, not lock yourself up and read. Most often, such reading plans come to absolute naught once you reach your destination. If you really must read, carry your Kindle. And, no magazines, please! Buy them locally, if you must!

7) Too many gadgets 

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Are you traveling for a high-profile business conference? Do you absolutely need a laptop, plus a tablet, a DSLR with ten different camera lenses, a Kindle, an iPad, and all their respective accessories? If not, choose wisely! Choose your tablet over the laptop and your phone’s music app over your iPad. Carry not more than one extra DSLR lens unless you’re a professional photographer on an assignment.

8) Extra footwear

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Once again, unless you’re planning to walk the ramp, you don’t need many pairs of dainty, shiny footwear. Most travel itineraries need just a pair of good walking shoes. Another pair of dainty slippers, or flip-flops, at the most! Wear the shoes. Carry the lighter pair. You’re done!

9) Umbrellas, raincoats 

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Some prefer carrying these, especially when covering too hot or too wet destinations. But you must really consider leaving these behind. After all, you visit a new land to experience its natural beauty, which includes the local heat or the occasional drizzle. It’s a bit lame to travel all the way to a tropical island and not taste the torrid sun or not get drenched in the local monsoon. Get adventurous and forget weather-proofing yourself.

10) Pickles, Jams, Food items 

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Last but not the least, for the love of god, leave those favorite jars and bottles behind! Even if you’re not traveling by air, but by railways or road, where there’s no restriction, why do you need to keep tasting the same old ‘favorite’ while touring new places with unique local cuisines? For emergency supply, simple biscuits or fruitcake packs are enough. Leave those heavier, messier bits behind.

And now, with so much lighter luggage, bon voyage!