As experienced traveller, I've seen it all. I've seen people lug around huge suitcases that are too heavy to lift, and I've seen people pack so much stuff that they can barely close their bags. And I've seen the consequences of overpacking firsthand.
A few years ago, I was on a trip to Europe. I had packed way too much stuff, and my suitcase was so heavy that I could barely lift it. I had to pay extra for a checked bag, and I was stressed out the whole time worrying about my luggage getting lost or damaged. On the first day of my trip, I went on a day trip to a town about an hour of train ride away from where I stay. I was so weighed down by my backpack that I had to stop every few minutes to rest. I was also worried about my luggage getting stolen, so I had to keep an eye on it the whole time. By the end of the day, I was exhausted and miserable. I vowed to never overpack again.
Here are 5 reasons why overpacking sucks:
It's heavy. Carrying around a heavy suitcase is no fun. It makes it harder to walk, harder to get around, and harder to enjoy your trip.
It's expensive. Airlines charge extra for checked bags, so overpacking can cost you a lot of money.
It's stressful. Worrying about your luggage getting lost or damaged is no fun. And if it does happen, it can ruin your trip.
It's wasteful. Most of the stuff you pack will never be worn or used. So you're just wasting space and resources.
It limits your options. If you pack too much, you'll be limited in what you can do on your trip. You won't be able to go on long hikes, you won't be able to pack light, and you won't be able to explore new places.
How to Avoid Overpacking:
- Start by packing a carry-on only. This will force you to be more selective about what you bring.
- Only pack the essentials. What do you really need for your trip? Think about the activities you'll be doing and the weather you'll be facing.
- Choose versatile pieces that can be worn in multiple ways. A pair of jeans can be dressed up or down, and a black t-shirt can be worn with anything.
- Pack light layers. This will allow you to adjust to different climates and avoid packing bulky sweaters or coats.
- Bring a travel towel. These are lightweight and compact, and they're perfect for the beach or the pool.
- Pack a daypack. This will give you a place to store your essentials while you're exploring.
Packing light will make your trip more enjoyable. You'll be able to move around more easily, you'll save money, and you won't have to worry about your luggage getting lost or damaged.
