There’s little doubt that lighter is better when packing for a trip. The specifics of the actual journey – where you’re going, what you’re doing there, how long you’ll be there, etc. – are ultimately what dictate a packing list, but relatively speaking, and almost without exception, lighter is better.
Traveling light means less stuff to lug around. It means fewer things to lose, and more room to bring stuff back. Here at EF Study Abroad, we like to remind our travelers of this reality as often as possible, but it can be hard to follow through, especially for an inexperienced traveler.
Those new to the world of travel should find particular value in this piece on packing by Chris Guillebeau, the man behind the travel hacking program and a respected travel journalist for such outlets as The New York Times and CNN. Having traveled to more than 150 countries, Chris has a lot of wisdom to share on the subject of packing light, summed up in what he calls the biggest secret: “packing light is actually easier than bringing a ton of stuff.” If you see it as I do, you may not have found Chris’ conclusion so elusive – but his case is convincing, and accessible too. The insight he shares to back up his claim, too, is fascinating, if only for the real-life stories he draws his advice from (the anecdote about needing clothes in India was a good one). It is advice channeled through unfiltered passion and expertise, and a portrait of someone for whom the travel experience truly was transformative. Give it a read, and give us your own thoughts on packing light.
For the newbies, check out these travel tips!
Find more “How To’s” and resources here.
