Travel Light, Travel Free

One of the greatest feelings that traveling provides is that of freedom.  Here you have the opportunity to detach yourself from the daily grind, while investing some much need time to expand your personal horizons.  There are a host of uncontrollable things that can weigh you down on your path to the perfect holiday, such as delays, obnoxious fees and policies.  Sadly there isn’t always a plan for taking on these challenges; you simply have to accept/absorb them and move on.  However, one of the biggest tangible burdens while traveling is wholly under your control—your luggage.  Packing too heavy or in an unorganized fashion will only hinder the freedom you seek on your trip, but with a little forethought and some smart tips, you might very well be able to make it the least of your travel concerns.

Look at your luggage. 
Is it bulky and cumbersome, or compact and easy to travel with?  Hard shell luggage on wheels is the optimum choice here, unless your trip necessitates a sturdy, functional backpack.  Otherwise a hard shell on wheels is the way to go, especially if you’ve got one that can also be used as carry-on.

Unpack half.
That’s right.  After you’ve packed the day or night before, unpack the half of the suitcase you need the least.  If leaving for a week, do you really need 10 different outfits?  Might you be able to get by with some well thought out cross-coordination of outfits?  Are three different kinds of lotion really necessary?

Buy when you get there.
In many cases it is not only more efficient, but cheaper as well.  Don’t waste time and space packing things like tissues, shampoo, and toothpaste when it is most likely readily available at your destination, and buy travel sizes so it doesn’t have to go back home with you either.  Just stay away from the hotel vending machines, because we all know it won’t be cheaper there.