As I prepare to spend a week in Montreal, Quebec (yay!), I remind myself to both pack light and to travel well. As it turns out, the two are linked!
This sentiment is perhaps best expressed in the following quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry:
“(S)he who must travel happily, must travel light.”
Leave the physical, emotional and spiritual baggage behind. Life will resume quickly enough…bon voyage!
1. Choose the Right Bag
- Use a small suitcase (carry-on size) or a backpack (30–40 litres).
- Smaller bag = less temptation to overpack.
- Be sure to check your airline for any size/weight restrictions to avoid overage costs.
2. Plan Outfits
- Choose versatile clothes that mix and match easily.
- Stick to neutral colours and simple styles.
- Plan outfits around 2– 3 bottoms and 4– 5 tops.
- Consider wearing a blazer, sweater or wrap.
3. Limit Shoes
- Bring up to 2 pairs: 1 everyday and 1 special (e.g., hiking, nice dinners).
- Wear the bulkiest pair during travel.
- Make sure to break them in before your trip.
4. Pack Multi-Use Items
- A scarf can be a blanket, towel, or outfit accessory.
- A dress can double as a beach cover-up.
5. Minimize Toiletries
- Bring only travel-size essentials.
- Solid toiletries, like shampoo bars, save space and prevent leaks.
6. Roll Clothes, Don’t Fold
- Rolling saves space and reduces wrinkles.
- Try using packing cubes if you’re not a fan of rolling your clothes.
7. Make a Packing List (and Stick to It)
- Avoid “just in case” items.
- Lay everything out first, then cut 20%.
8. Pack Tech and Accessories Smartly
- 1 charger that works for all devices (with adapters if needed).
- Leave big electronics at home unless necessary.
- Opt for a digital guidebook and itineraries. Use digital tickets instead of printing everything out in advance.
9. Use Packing Cubes or Compression Bags
- They organize your stuff and maximize space.
10. Wear Layers on the Plane
- Jackets, sweaters, or boots can be worn instead of being packed.