How to travel light: less stuff, less worry, more connection, more joy.
- Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
- Oct 3
- 3 min read
When traveling, how often are you concerned that your suitcase weighs over 50 pounds?
If I’m honest, that happens to me. All. The. Time.
After a recent month-long trip, and realizing I packed more than I needed, I am committed to traveling lighter on my next trip.
My next trip is to FNCE, the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo, hosted each fall by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This year, it is in Nashville, Tennessee, which is within driving distance for me, so limiting my luggage is optional, but still my goal.
In this post, let’s explore the concept of traveling light – what it entails and why it’s a good idea.
Traveling light means packing less stuff and less worry.
The trend to travel light originated with travelers who wanted to be able to carry on everything they take for a trip, whether for a weekend or a month. Everything fits in an approved carry-on size suitcase or duffel, as well as one personal item, such as a backpack.
Luggage makers have created systems for packing light and keeping everything organized while taking up minimal space. Suggestions for how many of each type of item are plentiful online. The goal is to mix and match clothing that is packable, washable, and reusable for many situations. Deciding what to wear while traveling becomes easy.
Carrying less luggage can also speed up travel and expand your options for places to stay, where slugging a heavy bag across cobblestones or up a stairway would be a challenge.
Traveling light extends beyond the physical baggage we pack to our mental state. In other words, it also means taking along less worry.
This can be accomplished by pacing your travel, allowing plenty of time to get from place to place, which generally takes longer than expected. Running late is stressful. Prevent it.
Packing less worry might mean eliminating something from your plans that you dread or having a backup plan for when something doesn’t go to plan.
What else does taking less worry mean to you?
Traveling light means making more connections and more joy.
When we keep our schedule light, we have more time to connect with others and engage in joyful activities.
Determine what your travel priorities are and plan ways to meet them. Keep them few and attainable. Schedule time to do what rejuvenates you, whether it's time with others or time alone, time active or time at rest. Make plenty of time to fulfill the purpose of your travel.
I repeat: Avoid over-scheduling. It is as burdensome as over-packing.
Allow for serendipitous encounters and unplanned activities by not scheduling every minute of every day. Keep your options open.
What brings you the most joy when you travel? Make room for it. Don’t overpack your schedule.
Are you ready to travel light? Pack a lighter suitcase and a lighter schedule.
Check out these previous posts with advice for traveling, especially to FNCE:
“He who must travel happily must travel light.” ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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