Go lite…..Packing Tips for traveling in 2017 & beyond

I see people at the airport all the time lugging all these luggage with them for a 3, 4 or 5 day trip and I’m like seriously people? Are you kidding me? Do you really need all of that for a few days? You just paid over $80 in fees that could have gone to something else.

Most countries have compact taxis, so they may not be able to accommodate all your luggage. You may have to take two taxi or pay extra for a larger vehicle.
So, are you having trouble deciding what to bring with you on vacation or how to prepare for anything without taking too much or too little? Somethings to consider when planning for your next vacation or travel that can save you time and money because bags do cost money, a lot of it today.

When planning your trip, you want to ask yourself these questions;
    a. How long will I be traveling for.
    b. What activities will I be partaking in?
    c. What will the weather (climate) be like where I’m going?
    d. Will I be moving a lot or staying in one place (Hotel, Guess House, B&B)

Now, I know some of you ladies are already foaming at the mouth and your heart is beating fast ready to respond to this and let me have it. But ladies, you don’t need all of that. Half of the stuff you take with you are never used anyway. Think about the things you can’t live without, the non-negotiable items and pack those first. Then anything else you think you may need.
By gathering your clothes based on how long you’ll be gone, the activities and occasion will also help with what to take. You can also consider renting special gears and equipment that you may need.
You want to check the weather forecast for the destination you’ll be visiting and consider what the weather conditions are during the time you’ll be there. If it’s summer, pack accordingly but you’ll not pack for summer when it’s winter would you?

Another great way to go lite is to pack for half your trip and wash as you go. When I’m traveling to the Caribbean Islands where it’s warm, I only take a few short and two sets of casual outfits for event I may attend. Shorts and T-shirts can easily be washed and put out to dry at nights.


Pack enough clean outfits to last the entire vacation or half of your stay with a plan to wash your clothes midway through the trip I also purchase items while there. Many of these countries that we visit are a lot cheaper than where you live. So you can purchase items and dispose of them when you depart.

If you move around like I do when I travel (staying at different B&B, Hotels), you have to consider lugging all that luggage with you. Consider walking long distances with your baggage in tow and how that will be.

Unlike where you live, you may have to walk up ridged or ruff terrains with your luggage to get to where you’re going. A small carryon suitcase and a bag pack is all that’s needed for a trip less than seven day. And even some trip that are more than that typically don’t requires more than that.

By working these detail out, you will have a better idea on what you need to take with you which will make your packing so much easier and less stressful. And don’t forget all the souvenirs we all like to take back home with us. So, if you intend to return home with some souvenirs or special keepsakes, where will those go?

Safe travel and share some pictures or videos.

The Jamerican Traveler