Packing for travel

I recently returned from a 3 day excursion to Disney world in Orlando. Normally when I go to pack I pull out the big rolling suitcase paired with my duffle bag that barely fits beneath the seat in front of me on the airplane. This time the only price of luggage I brought was one regular old backpack. I decided to do this for many reasons. One was because the trip was only three days and I didn't like the idea of carrying large amounts of unnecessary baggage around the airport for such a short trip. The other was that when I restrict myself to such a small bag, it really allows me to minimize the crap I bring that I don't need because I have to think carefully about what's really important, and what can be left behind. Normally I severely overpack for trips like these when it comes to clothing, but this trip I only packed the bare essentials. 2 pair of walking shoes, one that can be worn with socks, is all I needed. I can wear them more than once and I chose a pair that could go with every outfit I packed. Two pairs of nice looking casual shorts and one pair of athletic shorts, good for walking around the park when it gets warm. For layering I packed two pair of neutral sweatpants that I could wear on top of one another and two layerable sweatshirts, one long sleeve T- shirt and one short sleeve T-shirt and I was covered. All of these articles of clothing could be folded carefully to find in my backpack (minus what I wore to the airport) and leave enough room for my liquids bag and makeup bag. 

I found that when I added up all the extra things I needed to throw in to "survive" the next few days, I still have plenty of wiggle room. My sister on the other hand lugged her giant suitcase and and extra bag with her and still managed to forget things along the way. She also didn't pack the most effective clothing for the weather. (Heads up, even Florida can get kind of chilly in December, so bring sweat pants, always.) Each of my family members packing the same way as my sister made getting on and off of the plane quickly to catch a plane during a short layover almost impossible and I ended up lugging my dad's giant suitcase around the airport half the time because I had nothing else to carry. 

Bonus travel tip: if you are traveling with other people, save space in your liquids/toiletries bag by sharing things such as toothpaste, floss, a hairbrush, contact solution, and lotion. I learned this during this trip.

After the trip was over, all of my family members concluded that packing light was definitely the way to go, especially after I only took a few minutes to get my things together at the hotel before being ready to head out the door. Not to mention how easy it is to walk around and get food/ go to the bathroom or whatever you need to get done while carrying your luggage with you if you can just strap it onto your back.

Hopefully next time you travel you will remember to pack light to make your trip more enjoyable.

WC: 557