Just like the popular saying goes, “less is more.” You are traveling for the first time. It is crucial to understand that you need to carry less so that you won’t be sending your shoulders to the gates of Hades.

Planning is also crucial and fun but might be stressful. The worst-case scenario will be when you forget something aside from your travel ticket or wallet. You will always see them aging when you return. You can read this article to learn practical ways you can travel light as a first-time traveler. If you’re looking for some extra money you can read more here.

What Should I Consider When Packing My Bags as a First-Time Traveler? 

There is not much, but it can be stressful to think about selecting clothes that are comfortable while trying to respect the culture of your destination. However, you help you start on the right foot; here are some things you can consider as you plan:

• Their culture

Understandably, you are a traveler, and you prioritize your comfort. However, consider the culture of the country or community you’ll be visiting. Since you haven’t been there, you can read about it online. For instance, you can’t be seen wearing a bikini or just shorts for guys in the Southeastern part of Asia. So, plan to get clothes that cover most parts of your body, such as the chest, shoulders, back, and legs.

• Engagements

What are the likely activities you’ll engage yourself with? Do you want to be part of action-packed activities like hunting or fishing? Do you want to just sit and savor each moment? Irrespective of your decisions, ensure you consider what you’ll engage yourself with, and that will help you pack the right stuff, or else you might feel left out or stranded.

• Their environment

What is their environment like? You can find out about the environment of the community you’ll be visiting in case you need to pack long pants to protect you from insect bites. That way, you’ll worry less about your health and be more engaged with the community’s activities without worry.

• Climate

This is quite similar to the above point. What’s their weather like? Extremely hot or cold. That depends on the time you would like to travel. However, it isn’t advisable to travel during winter.

• How long is your stay?

Do you want to visit for a week? Just the weekend? A month? Include this idea in your thoughts as you plan.

Tips on Traveling Light as A First-Time Traveler

Understandably, you will like to pack all the stuff that is important to you. Note that at the end of the day, you might end up with four large boxes that include things you might not even need, but it’ll be too late to drop them because you’re no longer at home. Now, here are some tips on ways you can travel light:

• The weather

Nothing can underestimate this point. If your destination is prone to frequent rainfall, prepare ahead by picking one or two waterproof jackets, a medium-sized umbrella or raincoat, and a hot water flask. Ensure you don’t pack unnecessary stuff like a winter coat for a trip to Africa and say, “Just in case.”

• Pack comfortable clothes

Unless you’re going for a Ball, it is crucial to pack comfy clothing. That means having color in mind as you pack. For instance, if your destination is always hot, avoid black-colored clothes.  Do not worry about repeating clothes; no one will notice if you mix them and match them well enough.

Furthermore, your footwear should be selected wisely. That is, heeled boots might make your trip unbearable. Sneakers are quite comfortable if you like them. A pair or two is quite alright.

• Pack quick-to-dry clothes

This is quite similar to the point above. Aside from packing comfy clothes, underwear is included. Consider clothes that dry easily. Now, if your trip is a camping trip to another community, this point is crucial. You will enjoy clothes like this because you can wash them as you sleep at night and voilà! They’re dried by morning.

However, this method can be pretty challenging if you will be staying in a hotel or dorm. If it’s a dorm, you can use a space. For hotels, of course, you will use their dry-cleaning services.

• Roll method

Should you roll or fold your clothes? Well, everyone has their favorite method but have you considered rolling them? What are the benefits? You will have enough space in your box or backpack and your clothes will not wrinkle. For socks and underwear, you can stuff them in your shoes, if you like.

• What about handbags?

Leverage handbag allowances. They are useful for carrying your PC, journal, snacks, water bottle, and magazines. You can save space in your box by tossing the ‘extras’ in your handbag.

Conclusion

As you pack, you might find items you think you may or may not need, it’s best to leave them. Most likely, you’ll not need them nor will you miss them. When you embrace the act of traveling light, you’ll understand that your luggage isn’t a burden. That way, you will enjoy every bit of your trip.