How to Pack Light While Traveling Prepared

Last Updated on September 23, 2020 by Ellen Christian

Learning how to pack light while traveling is a must when you have arthritis or any other health challenge you’re managing. Since my arthritis is in my shoulder and elbow, carrying heavy carry-on bags just isn’t possible. I need to minimize what I bring along with me, but I also need to make sure that I’m prepared for the events and activities I’m planning. I don’t enjoy running out of things while I’m gone or finding out that the hotel doesn’t provide something I need.  Thank you, Texture, for sponsoring this conversation.

Pack Light While Traveling

I prefer to travel with one personal and one carry-on bag when I fly. I don’t feel at all comfortable that the airline will get my checked bags from my origin to my destination. I don’t want to find myself without luggage when I land. My personal item contains the important things I’ll need from the time I leave my home and my arrival at the hotel. My carry-on bag contains everything else. Unless absolutely necessary, I prefer not to bring my laptop because it just slows things down in security.

Bring Multipurpose Clothes

When packing, bring clothes that can serve more than one purpose. A scarf can not only accessorize your outfit, it can cover your shoulders on a cool evening. This eliminates the need for a sweater. A t-shirt can be worn alone or under a button up shirt. The shirt can also be worn alone which allows for two wardrobe possibilities. A pullover sweater is less versatile. An A-line dress can be worn with a casual pair of strappy sandals for a light lunch or a pair of pumps and a gold belt for an evening event. A more fitted dress probably has less flexibility. Be sure that the fabrics are low maintenance and the colors all go well together. You won’t want to iron everything when you get there.

Forget the “What if” Items

You cannot pack for every possible contingency. If you find yourself adding a lot of “what if” items to your bag, reconsider. If you only plan to use the item once or in a very specific instance that may or may not happen, you may want to leave it at home. Check with the hotel to verify what amenities they offer. You probably don’t need to bring your hair dryer, shampoo, or every item in your makeup bag. Try to find multipurpose chargers that will charge more than just your smartphone.

Do Your Reading Digitally

I love to read and spend most of my airport and flight time reading a book or a magazine. I enjoy waking up with a cup of coffee and some quiet reading time and falling asleep with a cup of tea, while I read. That said, books and magazines are heavy, and I never bring them along with me when I travel. Instead, I read digitally using an app like Texture. It’s the perfect resource for anyone that needs to pack light while traveling. Texture lets you read all of your favorite magazines in one app for one low monthly price. You can even download them to read offline which is perfect for flights that don’t offer free WiFi during travel.

Texture has a huge variety of magazines. There really is something for everyone no matter what your interests are. I was thrilled to find out that they have magazines like Living the Country Life, Rodale’s Organic Life and This Old House. I love these magazines, and I can read them without having to have an actual physical magazine mailed to my home. I really enjoyed the articles on foraging for dandelions and setting up a smarthome. It was a great to take a break from my hectic day and relax with a few of my favorite magazines.

Whether you are traveling or spending your summer at home, Texture is a great resource to bring along to help you pack light while traveling. You’ll never need to pack magazines or things to read again when you have such a great selection available digitally.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Texture. The opinions and text are all mine.