Considering that as a solo traveller, you will be moving around a lot while travelling, packing smartly and compactly is crucial. Check out solo travel tips for packing tips and lots more. Click Here
Today travellers have to deal with airport chaos, security and hefty baggage fees, especially if you are overweight or have bulky luggage. Solo travellers should master the art of the carry-on luggage and backpacks, both essential for any independent explorer.
You certainly want to avoid lugging around those cumbersome suitcases; and want to embrace the liberation of streamlined travel freedom. You want to be able to breeze through the airport, cruise through airport security, by-passing the baggage carousel, and heading straight for your travel adventure.
This is not impossible at all; it's the reality of learning packing light, while not compromising on what you need. With carry-on and backpacks restrictions typically limiting linear dimensions to 45 inches, the challenge is to maximize space without sacrificing any of the essentials.
1. Crafting Your Minimalist Travel Wardrobe:
The foundation of light packing is a well-planned wardrobe and mix-and-match is the key word here. Start with a comprehensive packing list, coordinating tops with bottoms, (shirts with pants), to create multiple outfits. Prioritize versatile basic clothes in neutral colours, ensuring everything can be mixed and matched. Think multi-purpose wardrobe, but for your solo travels. First, lay all your clothing out, and then eliminate any items that don't seamlessly integrate with the rest.
2. Strategic Packing Techniques:
- Accessorize for Impact: After the above, elevate your basic outfits even more with vibrant accessories. A colourful scarf, statement jewellery, smart leather belt, or a stylish tie can instantly transform your look, adding personality without adding bulk.
- The Art of Rolling up: Forget folding your clothes as rolling is your space-saving secret weapon. Start with folding each garment in half, then tightly roll it up from one end to the other. This way you minimize wrinkles and maximize space.
- Shoe Savvy: Shoes are notorious space hogs so choose carefully and sensibly. Choose versatile footwear that can handle various occasions and terrains according to what you will be doing while travelling. For men, a pair of leather or rubber-soled shoes can transition from day to night. For women, take along comfortable wedges, strappy sandals, and flip-flops that will cover most scenarios. For hiking, one pair of durable, high-quality, solid, tough hiking boots. Utilize the inside of your shoes to store smaller items like socks.
- Ruthless Removal: Once you've laid out your potential wardrobe, go over it all and remove what you don’t think you will need. Prioritize lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabrics like microfibers. Stick to a cohesive colour palette of clothing for easy layering.
- Underwear Placement: To avoid embarrassing luggage scans, pack your underwear in a separate, transparent plastic bag, or bag it and store it inside you shoes. Check airline websites, security protocols, and ensure the bag is free of any prohibited items. For items that need to be checked, place these on top of your other belongings for easy access by security.
- Digital Resources: Leave those heavy travel and language guidebooks at home. Utilize as much as possible digital resources like travel apps, e-books, and online maps. Consider taking pictures of important documents, and storing them in a secure cloud-based location online.
- Hotel Amenities: Take advantage of hotel amenities like irons, hairdryers, and mini supplied toiletries. Leave these bulky items at home.
- Security Smart: As above: Familiarize yourself with airport security regulations and leave prohibited items at home. This includes weapons, sharp objects, and flammable liquids. This will expedite your security screening, and reduce unneeded stress.
- Travel Sized Toiletries: Invest in necessities you need in travel-sized toiletries, or refillable bottles. This will save space, and ensure you comply with liquid restrictions.
- Multi-Tools: Look for items that can serve multiple purposes like a Swiss army knife. For example: a sarong, or poncho can be used as a scarf, a beach towel, or a light blanket. A universal adapter can charge multiple technology devices.