| When I was backpacking through Europe and staying | | | | item is not absolutely essential, leave itbehind. |
| in hostels, I met a 56-year-old woman who was | | | | Determine the precise number of outfits that you'll |
| traveling around the world. Eileen related to me the | | | | need and don't pack a singlepiece of clothing more. |
| story of how she started her trip with three suitcases | | | | Try to coordinate your clothing so that you can reuse |
| and a carry-on. The three suitcases were too much | | | | items,such as pants, jeans or skirts, multiple times. Your |
| for her to maneuver in planes, trains, buses, airports | | | | goal is to be comfortable, notnecessarily to look great. |
| and stations. Three weeks into her trip, she had | | | | If you are going on a trip that is more than one week, |
| purchased a small backpack and had discarded 80 | | | | take one week's worth ofclothing and then washing it |
| percent of the stuff she started with. | | | | while on your trip. Going to the laundromat in aforeign |
| Though this story is exceptional because Eileen was | | | | country is a great way to become acquainted with the |
| traveling around the world, atrip that she expected to | | | | culture. View it as anopportunity, not a hassle. |
| last a year, and she started with an oppressive | | | | Alternatively, you may be able to wash some items in |
| amount ofluggage, the lesson learned can be taken to | | | | thesink at your hotel. |
| heart by the traveler in all of us whetherwe're going to | | | | Remember that you are going on vacation, so is it |
| San Francisco for the weekend or to New Dehli for a | | | | really necessary to bring yourlaptop or your PDA. |
| few weeks. | | | | Aren't you going on vacation to get away from all that. |
| Packing light enables you to easily maneuver yourself | | | | You'lllikely be able to access an Internet cafe at your |
| and your belongings throughall the mazes of airports, | | | | destination, another perfectopportunity to learn more |
| train stations and bus stations. | | | | about the local culture. If you're an avid reader, pick |
| How do you go about packing light? Well, packing light | | | | onebook to bring and when you're done swap it with |
| requires a special mindsetwhen you are packing. First, | | | | someone that you meet in yourhotel, another |
| you may want to start with a goal in mind. For | | | | opportunity to extend yourself beyond your normal |
| example,you may want to fit everything required for a | | | | preferredreading. |
| trip in a small piece of checkedluggage or go one step | | | | The reason that you are traveling is to relax, to |
| further and aim for carry-on sized luggage only. Also, | | | | explore another location, to expandyour horizons and |
| youreally ought to save some space in that luggage | | | | to connect with the culture and people of your |
| for any souvenirs that you want tobring home. | | | | destination. |
| After you have selected your desired luggage size, | | | | Laundromats, Internet cafes and book swapping are all |
| start planning and laying out allthe clothes, toiletries and | | | | excellent ways to fulfill thepurpose of travel. |
| personal items that you think you'll need. You may | | | | Don't be oppressed by large and heavy luggage that |
| wantto check the weather report for your destination | | | | restricts your movement like aball and chain clamped |
| so you'll know the types of clothesyou'll need. Once | | | | to your ankle. Eileen was a lot happier without her |
| you have everything spread out on your bed, go | | | | blow-dryer and you will be too. Free yourself to really |
| through eachitem and determine if it is essential. If an | | | | get out there and enjoy yourvacation. |