Now that you’ve finally planned that trip, it’s time to pack your things and prepare yourself for an adventure. For a hassle-free travel, it is important that you bring all things that you need. You sure don’t want any delays so it is best that you are ready.

Getting to your destination is one thing but being well prepared is another thing. If you forget something important, you might have to spend extra money, time, and effort to get whatever it is. The time could have been spent enjoying the tour. You sure don’t want that to happen, do you?

Here are simple tips on packing and traveling light:

1. Use a small and lightweight bag. Get a bag that is easy to carry and has light but sturdy material. It must be lightweight because you will be carrying it most of the time.  You may use a duffel bag that has wheels too so you can just drag it around when you’re tired.
2. Know the weather and climate condition of your destination. Check the weather forecast to know what clothes you should bring. No need to bring a jacket if weather is warm. If it is bright and sunny, you may need to bring your hat or sunglasses.
3. Bring comfortable shoes. Bring ample footwear but please bring only a few pairs of lightweight but comfortable shoes.  You can bring one pair of slippers, a pair of casual shoes, and a pair of walking/running shoes. The latter you could use for going around the city. If weather is cold and snowy, you need to bring shoes or boots that can protect you from the cold.
4. Plan your wardrobe. This will save you time each morning deciding what to wear. Be minimalist when traveling. Bring only a few items that you can mix and match. You don’t need to bring your whole wardrobe. No need to bring five pairs of jeans as you can use a pair or two the whole trip. It can also be easy to have your clothes washed at the hotel or you can wash them yourself.Make sure that you bring appropriate clothing. There are places that might require both men and ladies to be covered, not showing too much skin. Your travel wardrobe should include enough clean underwear. You can also bring disposables if you want.
5. Maximize the space inside your bag. You can put socks inside your shoes. Put toiletries inside a pouch. Roll your clothes to save space. Be creative about using the extra space. Learn to compress and conserve.
6. Pack toiletries right. Most people put toiletries inside a pouch but make sure items are in a re-sealable bag. Wrap a tape around the bottle cap to keep liquid from spilling.
7. Plan how to bring your special equipment or supplies. This is needed especially if you have small kids. You may need to bring bulky stuff like a stroller a pack-and-play crib for your child. If you are an artist or a musician, you may also need to plan how you are going to transport your instrument and other equipment.
8. Be practical and smart. Bring all the necessary items with you on your carry-on bag. Have a pen, water, sunglasses, snacks, earplugs, toothbrush, hairbrush, special medicines, or a clean change of underwear.
9. Do not carry all valuables in one bag. Your bag may be stolen so don’t put all valuables in just one bag.
10. Take note of precautions and security. Keep your passport, money, credit cards, or ID in a special security pouch.
11. If not necessary, leave your laptop and other gadgets at home. That is, if you don’t need them. Take time away from your computer, tablet, or handheld gaming console for a while. You are on your vacation so bring just your phone and a camera with you.

Image: cmor15 from Flickr | Creative Commons License