Traveling Light: Secrets for a Stress-Free Journey
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If there's one thing I dislike, something I deeply hate, it's waiting. If you ask my friends for a word that describes me (besides nice, funny, smart, beautiful, and magnificent, of course), they’ll probably say I’m impatient. And punctual. I’m never late (at least as long as it depends on me). And I don't like being slow. This is probably one of the main reasons all my travels are done with just a backpack, preferably without checked luggage. But it wasn’t always that way. When I was younger, even as a young adult, I always had large suitcases that took up half the space in hotel rooms or public transport.
Fortunately, little by little, I learned to travelling light light, and I’ll never go back. In this article, I’ll do my best to share with you how I got here and my tips for travelling light.
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Table of Contents
My First Steps as a Traveler
My love for travel likely comes from how I spent my early years. With a Russian mother and a Bulgarian father, I spent a lot of time traveling between the two countries. Generally, we spent 3 months a year in Russia and 9 in Bulgaria in Ruse. Travelling with four people for three months wasn’t easy, especially when two of us were young children. We travelled by train and weren’t really limited in terms of luggage. My mother would bring almost half of our belongings for the three-month trip.So, I learned not to be shocked by travelling with ten bags.
When I arrived in France in 2006, I had two large suitcases with me. It makes sense since I was starting a new life. Looking back, I’m almost sure that most of my travels in my twenties were done with suitcases. I remember going to Milan for a general assembly with a 15 kg suitcase for four days. And it wasn’t the weight that was annoying, but running through public transport with a wheeled suitcase. That’s when I decided to change my travel style.
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The Backpack and Me
Why Do We Overpack?
So, what goes on in our heads when we pack? Why do we tend to bring far too many things? It's like our brain plays a giant game of Tetris with our clothes. We think: "Maybe I’ll need this dress for a fancy beach party… Oh, and this flashlight, just in case I end up in a cave." Before we know it, we’re stuffing a toaster into our backpack. Or a hair straightener and an iron, just to look presentable.
Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all packing strategy, but I can still give you some tried-and-true tips on how to pack for optimal results.
If your trip involves hiking, don’t hesitate to wear your heavy shoes and pack your lighter ones. Or hang them on your bag if possible. Sure, your feet will be warm, but you’ll save space in your bags. I also recommend packing a small backpack (ideally foldable) for your daily activities during your trip.
Some Practical Tips
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Choose the Right Bag
Make a list
Prioritize Essentials
Check Your Accommodation
Find out what services your accommodation provides. If they offer toiletries and towels, why burden yourself with your own? By optimizing what you pack based on the amenities available, you can significantly lighten your load and travel more comfortably. A little preparation ahead of time will let you fully enjoy your trip without worrying about carrying unnecessary items.
Do Your Laundry
Consider doing laundry on-site to avoid overpacking and travel light. Many accommodations offer laundry facilities, or you can find laundromats nearby. By planning to wash your clothes regularly during your trip, you can reduce the number of items you bring, allowing you to travel more comfortably and make the most of your experience without being weighed down by a heavy bag.
Consider Weather and Activities
Anticipate your activities and only pack what you’ll really need. There’s no point in packing a swimsuit if you’re not planning to swim, or a heavy jacket if it’s warm. By assessing your activities in advance, you can avoid overloading your bag with unnecessary items, making your travels easier and more comfortable.
Limit "Leisure" Items (like books and gadgets)
Limit Toiletries
In general, you can find what you need locally, especially in hotels or nearby supermarkets. Of course, if you have specific needs or favorite products, make sure to bring them. However, for most basic needs, it’s often more convenient and lighter to get these items at your destination.
Use Compression Bags
Opt for compression bags. These bags allow you to reduce the volume of your clothes by compressing them, helping you save space in your backpack or suitcase. It’s a practical and effective solution to maximize available space and minimize bulk during your trip.
Remove at Least 3 Items Once Your Bag is Packed
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Practice Makes Perfect
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So, whether you're heading out for a day hike or a world trip, don’t forget to keep an open mind and be prepared to create unforgettable memories. And if you need help organizing, don’t hesitate to take advantage of my services of travel planning.
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For more useful information
To find your plane ticket :
I can recommend you use ExpediaI trust them with my own travels and when I am working with clients
For your hotel reservation
I invite you to look into Hotels.fr they have a large choice of bookings and your client services are always available
Pour trouver des activités sur place :
I use either viator or GetYourGuideThe two plateforms offer a large choice of activities at reasonable prices
To rent a car
I recommend discovercarsTheir prices are competitive and they have a great customer service
Need more inspiration?
Get a look at my other blog articles to discover the Balkans and the rest of the world
Need a hand?
Contact me to discover my services of travel planning
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