Packing can be the most stressful part of traveling, but if you know what to pack and what to leave behind, it is possible to lighten the load.

Experienced travelers will always tell you that traveling light is the only way to go. But it’s also important to ensure that you don’t forget important items so that you have instant access to the things that will help you live out of your suitcase.
The very brave can survive for months at a time with a little carry-on (filled with T-shirts, pants, shorts, underwear and key laundry supplies) but this is just an extreme example of what you can do if you’re en route. Most people want or need to have more with them – but the point is, light packing is guaranteed to save you time and frustration. And if you leave some room for souvenirs your friends and family will appreciate it!

Packing tips

• Plan ahead
  What kind of trip are you planning? Is it for business purposes and will you be expected to impress clients or company bigwigs? Perhaps you’re simply going on vacation to enjoy a cruise or relax at a resort, and you are allowed to dress casually. How many people will you be meeting? The best way to plan ahead is by consulting your itinerary as it materializes and to prepare possible outfits for each scheduled activity.
  
• Become a list maker!
  Careful planning is always dependent on lists. When planning what to pack, you should make use of lists twice: one for packing and another for packing to go home. If you do this nothing will be left behind. Having an organized list will also leave you with a useful record of your suitcase contents that can come in handy if you lose anything on your travels.
  
• Dress like the natives
  The clothing you pack should reflect the dress codes of the land to which you are traveling. Also, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the expectations of the particular resort you plan to visit, as some resorts are relaxed about wardrobe, while others expect guests to dress a certain way. In addition, many cultures have different traditions when it comes to dress – to avoid awkward situations, it is a good idea to consult your destination’s tourist office and do some research ahead of time by reading a good guide book.
  
• Dress for comfort
  When you’re traveling abroad, one rule holds true no matter what – wear comfortable clothing. There’s nothing worse than trekking across Europe in a pair of pants that cut off your circulation or a pair of shoes that pinch your toes. Many people think they have to buy a whole new wardrobe before they travel, but it is actually better to stick with the clothes you know and love. That way there’ll be no surprises when you arrive at your destination. If you decide to purchase several new items, wear them a few times before departing. This will ensure that you can move around in your new attire without feeling uncomfortable.
  
• How will you be traveling?
  Sometimes it’s easy to forget that traveling involves moving from one place to another. So think ahead: if you’re traveling by air, that gargantuan suitcase of yours can be a hassle to lug around. If you are going on a car trip, on the other hand, the trunk becomes a handy receptacle for all the stuff you might want to bring along. But don’t just consider how you will be getting to your destination – keep in mind how you will travel once you arrive. The last thing you want is too much stuff.
  
• Consider doing laundry
  Most people hate doing laundry, but sometimes it is helpful when you’re traveling. It allows you to pack fewer things – and if you don’t mind using the hotel sink to wash clothing, or will be staying for an extended period of time and can find a self-service laundry to suit your needs, this can be a useful tip. Of course, if you own an expensive suit that you wouldn’t trust to just anybody, it can be better to pack more.
  
• Stretch your wardrobe to its limit
  To make traveling simple, choose one look and run with it. But make sure you’re content with the look, as it is advisable to wear the same clothes at least three times a week. Packing tops, bottoms, and shoes that all match and can be interchanged will ensure that you look different even if you’re technically wearing the same thing twice. If you’re only going away for a week, you should do fine with 3 bottoms, 5 tops, a sweater and a jacket. Most importantly – leave one suit wonders behind. Outfits that can only be worn once are space wasters.
  
• Color code
  Matching pieces also means matching colors. There’s no point in packing a casual top and bottom that don’t match or go well together – unless you like walking around in green shorts and a pink t-shirt. Choose two or three complimentary colors (2 neutrals and one accent). It is also a good idea to pack many items that are black. The only reason – stains. White clothes look dirty the first day you wear them, so unless you want to do laundry everyday, it’s best to avoid white whenever possible.
  
• Size matters
  Nobody’s perfect. You will want to pack some things that are impractical, but if you do, avoid bulky items. Bring something that will be worth your while without dragging you down. There’s a reason they say good things come in small packages. For instance, pack some jewelry, or a comfy hat, to add that special touch to one of your outfits. Jewelry can add that extra oomph when you shell out for a fancy restaurant or decide to explore the nightlife.
  
• Think practical
  Stick to items that are light, small and easy to wash. And don’t forget that packing clothing can lead to a wrinkle outbreak. Avoid packing items that easily wrinkle – such as linen.
  
• Become a weather expert
  A week before departure, start checking the weather conditions at your intended destination. This will ensure that you know exactly what to pack: sunscreen, insect repellant, a snowsuit – whatever.
  Follow these tips and you’ll be traveling lighter in no time.