" Be prepared and Pack Light"

by Amy Harmon
( Kentucky )

Amy Harmon, Kentucky

Having traveled to six countries and over thirty states, I have realized there is one of the most important travel tips is also one of the most simplistic: don’t pack more than you need.


Always obsessed with being prepared, I took a large suitcase and two duffle bags on a three-day trip to nearby Green River. Though I had the duct tape my friend needed to fix her cell phone eighty percent of what I took was unnecessary; my tent was stuffed full, I couldn’t find anything, and the entire time I was out on the boat, I worried about what might be stolen back at the campsite.


A year later, I was faced with a four month trip to Europe, and, worse, size and weight limitations for the plane. I pared down, really thought about what I had to have, and got on the flight with one suitcase and a laptop bag; I was extremely grateful since once I arrived I had to carry my own bags to my flat.


Within that time, my friend and I prepared to go to Venice, Italy. Planning to hike and stay in tiny, coed hostels, I took only a book bag with a towel, a clean shirt, clean socks and underwear, basic hygiene items, and a few rolls. I didn’t need anything else. I moved easily, and I could leave my bag wherever I wanted since no one wanted to steal my pitiful lot of belongings, and even if they did, I was out maybe twenty dollars.


In all, it was a much more relaxing trip. After coming back home, I tried to apply this technique to every trip. I pretend I’m only allowed to have one bag (suitcase, duffle, or book bag depending on the length of the stay) which might be stolen at any time, and I pack accordingly, lightening my load and leaving the emotional baggage behind.