When traveling, the less you pack, the easier your journey will be. Not only will you have less to worry about, but you’ll also save on baggage fees. Packing light can also be more environmentally friendly, as it means you’ll use fewer resources and create less waste which is great for the environment and in the long run will save you money. In this blog post, I’ll give you tips on how to pack light no matter where you’re going or what you’re doing. So whether you’re hiking in Ireland or headed to a black-tie gala, these tips will help make your travel experience a breeze!
Is packing light environmentally friendly?
Packing light is the greener option. The less you pack, the less weight your luggage has to carry, which means less fuel when transporting it. You’ll also create less waste, as there will be fewer items to discard or recycle when you reach your destination.
Tips for packing more environmentally friendly
Pack your toiletries in a reusable baggie. I prefer the Stasher ones myself because they are very durable and sturdy. When I arrive to my destination I unpack all my toiletries and wash out the baggie. This now becomes my container for snacks or the second half of my morning croissant for a snack in the afternoon.
Pack cotton tote bags. These are another versatile option. They can become your shopping tote, beach bag, or even house your dirty laundry.
Pack a water bottle. While it will take up some weight in your bag it will be worth it. I never leave for a trip without my Hydro Flask. It keeps my drinks cold all day and I don’t have to worry about buying plastic bottles of water throughout my trip.
Conveniences to pack in your carry-on
When it comes to packing lightly, I always pack in a carry-on roller bag. That is unless I’m backpacking and then it’s one giant pack for everything. But let’s stick with a small roller suitcase for starters since this suits most travelers.
Some essentials to pack in your carry-on are:
- toiletries
- e-book (lightweight and holds more options than the paper version)
- phone
- charger cords
- sunglasses
- passport
- snacks
What to pack in your toiletries bag
In your toiletries bag aka reusable plastic bag, pack the essentials: toothbrush and paste, shampoo and conditioner, soap, razor, deodorant, face wash, and coconut oil. Yep; coconut oil. Not only is it microbial but it can double as a body lotion or apply it lightly to your ends to add moisture and tame frizz, or use it as a makeup remover. For any liquids like your shampoo or hair conditioner, decant them into a reusable silicone bottle. Not only does this mean you don’t have to buy the smaller bottles which are bad for the environment, but you also don’t have to be without your favorite essentials.
Clothing
When it comes to packing clothes, think versatile and lightweight. Pack clothes that can be easily mixed and matched so you can create multiple outfits with a few pieces. A flowy dress can do double-duty as a beach coverup or night out outfit, while jeans and a tee can go from day to night with the addition of some accessories. If your trip is on the longer side don’t pack an outfit for each day. In my experience, there are at least 2 outfits that don’t get touched. Instead, pack in the capsule wardrobe method, bring a small bottle of castile soap instead of body wash so you can handwash your undergarments or T-shirts and your body with the same versatile soap.
Packing cubes are
Packing cubes are a traveler’s best friend. They keep your clothes organized and can be easily accessed in your luggage. If you haven’t used packing cubes yet, I promise they are worth it. They prevent you from digging around in your luggage to find that one item while making a mess of everything else.
Tips for packing light for formal events
Formal events have their own set of necessities. If you’re attending a black-tie event, for example, you’ll need to pack a dress or suit. But that doesn’t mean you have to pack everything but the kitchen sink. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to pack light without sacrificing anything:
Bring a versatile outfit that can be dressed up or down. A little black dress for example can be dressed up with dainty heels and fine jewelry or dressed down with white sneaks and a jean jacket.
Bring a clutch or small bag to hold your essentials. This will keep you from having to pack a large bag that takes up space and adds weight. Pack all of your accessories for the evening in the bag so they are ready to go and easy to access.
Pack light makeup and beauty products. A few necessities like mascara, blush, and lipstick can go a long way. Or better yet pick a color stick that can triple as a blush, eye shadow and lipstick in one.
Guys might consider renting your suit or tux at your destination. Suit rental is no longer like when your dad rented for prom. There are many direct-to-consumer companies that allow you to try the suits on at home and have them shipped for specific days to the location of your event. Pack your own tie and pocket square to save money and add a personal touch. Easy right?
Traveling light is not only more convenient, it’s also better for the environment. With a little bit of planning and forethought, you can pack everything you need while keeping your luggage easy to manage, affordable and friendlier for the earth.
Guest Post By Frankie Girl
