Ever wonder what people pack in those bulky suitcases at the airport? I do. A whole lot of stuff they don't really need. Maybe I'm biased, my preference is to travel light. I attributed this preference to my eccentricity until I watched 'Up in the Air.' Now I know - flying with the minimum - just a cabin bag, skipping the hassles of check-in baggage, is common practice. It's the stuff of mini shampoo bottles, bite-sized samples of toiletries and smart packing. Enough of the restrictions on baggage, some of us choose to travel light.
Fitting all your stuff in a cabin bag is an art. It helps if you havn't got much 'stuff.' It's hard work and requires the lifestyle of a minimalist, regular de-cluttering. Here are some tips for living, I mean, 'travelling,' lighter:
1) If you buy something, give something else away.
2) Move away from dependance on products and be adaptable to where you travel.
3) Plan in advance.
4) If you have doubts about keeping something, you probably don't need it. Give it away.
5) Window-shop to your heart's content, but only make necessary, wise purchases.
6) Books are heavy. Choose electronic versions. I struggled with this. E-books don't smell like old paper. I'm at a happy balance right now, still got the paperbacks, but slowly making the switch to electronic versions.
7) Enjoy stress-free travel. You won't lose your bags again ;)