Sunday, November 13, 2011

Light Travel: Carry-On Only

By Gilbert Murray


Light travel? The last time my wife and I travelled to Ecuador, I had 10 pounds of luggage, all in one carry-on bag. Ana had only eight pounds in her carry-on bag. We spent 6 weeks in Ecuador, at times on glacier-covered mountains, and at other times, lounging on Pacific coast beaches.

Why travel lightweight? Simplicity. With just carry-on baggage, we were in a restaurant in Quito, whilst other people still waited for their checked luggage. On busses, our luggage was safely with us, not in the hold below being cut open, like one time when I was in Mexico. Other people struggled down the street with 3 heavy bags, while we had our hands free and were walking comfortably with our daypacks. We had less to lose, less to be stolen, less to wait for, less to pack and unpack in hotels, and less to worry about.

Light Travel Issues

Expect an extra question or 2 from the customs officials at the airport (6 weeks with just this?). Also, a small bag might not work if you plan to return with many souvenirs. In this case, you could plan to buy a second bag eventually, to carry your purchases. As for not having enough clothes and other things, it isn't as big a problem as you may think.

My silk shirts weigh three ounces, and travel well if rolled up. Nylon dress socks weigh much less than an ounce, and are cool and comfy. Poly-cotton blend t-shirts weigh five ounces. Supplex or other lightweight travel slacks weigh nine ounces, and are enough for a fine restaurant or a walk in the woods. Half of what typical travel clothing weigh, these take less room, and work the same. There's no compromise involved here.

You don't even need to purchase new clothing, if you do not want to. You do not need to purchase a scale and count ounces. Simply select lighter alternatives whenever you can. Set aside your lightest jacket, socks and pants for your next trip. Simplicity, not complicated planning, is the goal.

Much more Light Travel Secrets

Money can replace weight. Why carry two pounds of shampoo when you can purchase small bottles as you travel? It won't cost a lot more to purchase things as you go. Furthermore, you truly do not know what you'll require, particularly on an overseas trip. Buy things when you need them, and you won't have a pile of pointless things in your luggage. Do not we all frequently unpack things in our homes that we never once utilized throughout a trip?

Gifts and souvenirs? If you purchase bulky gifts for family or friends, why carry them around for weeks? Put them in the mail.






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