oh the burden of gifts

Another great way to travel light is to bring a couple gifts which are slightly larger and greater in number than the gifts you intend to bring home. Your bag will feel heavy and full with a couple bottles of local wine/local history books/regional gifts in it. When these gifts are given to other travelers or locals, you will notice your pack quickly lightening with each new friendship. Replace these gifts with smaller and lighter gifts for yourself or a family member back home. This will lighten your bag and create more room at the same time. Please, feel free to comment as you wish and happy traveling!

The Benefits of Traveling Light

While standing in your living room you quickly come up with reasons while all of what you see is a special item and will be needed sometime, someplace. If you are traveling for just one week, you are right, take as much as you need and or want. This travel thought is intended for the traveler who plans to spend a couple weeks, or longer, from home.

Do you really need to check two bags? One small carry-on(with important documents and medication) and one checked is all you need. Generally, the extra clothing and products will sit in a hostel room as you are half way across the city and not help you in any way. Conversely, you will feel their presence on your back as you schlep two miles to the hostel in the rain, wait for the extra luggage at the carousel, or have to dig for that one special item you know is someplace.