How to Convince an OVERPACKER to PACK LESS

[@meursaultscourtroom8886]

On the upside once you travel light you never go back! I've gotten it down to a 28L bag for anything over 7 days. The key to the kingdom is laundry! I've done laundry in every country I've been in- it's always interesting & actually a nice little break from vacationing!

[@maxshenkwrites]

Gets you away from tourists, puts you in touch with locals and their day to day living in a way that too many aspects of travel DON'T.

[@Dangerdangerwillrobinson]

Local launderettes are great!

[@1958zed]

Exactly! I use my laundry time to write postcards and map out the next day or next leg of my trip.

[@kevlarcardhouse252]

Honestly, some people never learn. I've experienced those people who have those moments of outright exhaustion or frustration trying to haul their ridiculous amount of heavy suitcases up and down train platforms or cobblestone hills, only to do the exact same thing on the next trip because they are convinced they might need 5 pairs of shoes even though they only end up wearing 1. I always find it's good to have under pack a bit so then you have an excuse to buy that t-shirt with the city name on it, those novelty socks, etc., which also means you have souvenirs that are actually practical for when you return home with them.

[@ankurpalmia]

I am watching this video for myself. I need to convince myself to pack less 😅

[@yaowsers77]

😂 have a stem with yourself 😁. I went to London and Edinburgh for 10 full days (not including travel days) and I packed just a carry on. Not even a personal item bag going. I knew I'd do laundry at some point because it provides a nice break from the constant going going going. And it's so much easier having less because there's less things to forget when you're packing to come home 😉. My problem was the 25+ pounds of chocolates and souvenirs coming home 😂🤣 I have a lot of kids in my life. But seriously, you also have to think of stairs. Not everywhere has escalators or elevators like the tube stations or some hotels and you'll have a hard time maneuvering larger or multiple luggage up and down stairs. Or cobblestones. Please do yourself a favor and just pack light. If you forget something, just like Mark says, you can go check out the markets wherever you are and pick stuff up there.

[@lizitaly3029]

I like that you used diverse examples of what people might consider over-packing (diapers, hairstyling tools, skii stuff). That helps break down the logic of what the over-packer is worried about/considering that others might not

[@AllenManor]

A barrier to packing light for some is leaving it to the last minute (for whatever reason). I know someone who starts packing 2 hours before it's time to go to the airport. They inevitably just end up tossing everything in the suitcase due to time running out.

[@shelaghjackson9577]

That’s why I travel mainly alone! I stay in places with washing machines. Once you’ve packed light, it’s hard to go back!

[@ChronicChristy]

My therapist actually explained to me that overpacking can be a sign of anxiety as well as a trauma response. Someone is literally “dragging baggage” along behind them because somewhere in the past they had to go without & don’t want to feel that way ever again. Example: perhaps when they were little they were told they were going on an overnight trip only to find out they were never going back & lost all of their stuff. Even if it’s not a conscious memory & they aren’t actually worried that they’ll come back to all of their stuff being gone, it’s a survival mechanism. Also, Anxious people will think about all of the “what if’s” & then try to pack so that they don’t have to be uncomfortable in a foreign place. They have been with people that can’t really be relied upon so therefore they figure they will have everything they might need. I appreciate this video though because these conversations are important to have!!

[@marilynsue4273]

Last month I went to Seattle for a week with 19" bag. I did laundry mid week. So nice.

[@jaymzx0]

I've sat in a Hamburg laundromat for a few hours in my PJs! It was a good opportunity to see how everyday life is there. Nobody is putting on appearances in a laundromat.

[@Lili-xq9sn]

​@@jaymzx0I did laundry in a laundromat and saw a guy wearing newspaper pages like a skirt waiting for his laundry to finish. Lol

[@marilyndoering2501]

I used to be an overpacker, but a couple of years ago on a two week trip to Europe, we were taking a lot of trains and I quickly learned that carry-on was the better way to go! The last few years, I’ve managed two and three week trips to Europe with an international carry on and a personal small backpack! What a difference it makes! Much more manageable and I found that I definitely had enough even with varying weather- just layer and pack a jacket and an umbrella! And it’s easy to quickly wash out a couple of light things and hang them up to dry when you are staying someplace for a couple of days.

[@ElinorRumming]

My husband and I each have an underseat Nomad Lane bento bag and pack: 1 pair loungewear, 2 tops, 1 pant, 3 underwear, 2 bras for me, 3 pair socks, 1 swimsuit if needed, 1 extra pair slip on shoes, 1 packable raincoat. No matter how long we're gone. We share a bar of soap and a tube of toothpaste.

[@sl4193]

Advice I need to take to heart, I'm an over packer ---- A good idea to have another person's view on what is really necessary, I'll be asking my travel buddy to pack with me. Thank you Mark for another helpful video.

[@dantetre]

Next time, at final day of travel, mark all the items you didn't use during the travel. It helps you see what is really needed and what is not.

[@paulgerrard9227]

Let them lift and carry it . European trains are a great lesson. My latest must travel item is laundry sheets for washing. We always look for laundries in bigger cities to rewash and reuse

[@ImaginationTravelTips]

I went on a round the world trip with a carryon and backpack. Sure, lots of laundry was done, and yes I bought a lot of things to bring g home like souvenirs so I shipped those back. I got sick of the same clothes, but now those clothes are reminders of a great trip! fond memories!!

[@sandisocean]

Plus, not every hotel or bnb will have an elevator.

[@rwc19390]

I packed "light" (stuffed my carry on bag) and did carry on only on my last Europe trip. Only downside is doing laundry, which was hotel sink clothes washing, which I found myself doing nearly every day. Bring quick dry clothing!

[@maryellencookmeynig9034]

Thank you for sharing this info. I tend to overpack because I am a plus-size woman and am scared I would have a hard time finding clothes in my size in other countries. I have a pretty hard time finding them here.

[@CalLadyQED]

I know I won't buy clothes on a trip, for multiple reason including the size issue you have.

[@jennyhammond9261]

What a great question! I can't imagine trying to get on/off the metro, walk the streets (cobblestone, trees destroying sidewalks, etc.), getting on busses, etc. with more than a backback and maybe a carry-on. Remind them that most of the rest of the planet is not car dependent and you WILL be walking and sing public transportation a lot. What is keeping someone from grabbing your bag from the bottom of the bus b/c someone had a stop earlier than yours. If you just have a little luggage, it can fit nicely IN the bus with you.

[@brienmuller]

In Ireland I watched folks with hard cases large enough to carry a body and multiple cases per person. They had trouble just hauling them let alone lifting them into the undercarriage of a bus or up into a train car. That style of travel baffles me.

[@davesaunders7080]

Convinced my wife to go carry on, 3 weeks in EU no probs and now she is a convert for all future trips. Also is great for local weekend getaways and week long car trips to Florida.

[@angechrissy]

I've found that most of the over packers are those who would not consider doing laundry during their trip - not even hand wash their underwear or simple tshirts in their hotel room. And then, by the time they are home, they have more than a few loads of laundry to do and they are tired. Seriously, unless you don't develop BO, do consider doing laundry for a trip that is 7 days or longer. It will help cutting down the number of clothes you have to bring.

[@heleneg525]

They're more interested in daily "outfits" than in experiencing their vacation -- as if people are really looking at them.

[@Magic_beans_]

⁠@@heleneg525I’ve read comments in that general line of reasoning. It’s not necessarily that they think everybody’s watching them, but for the sake of nice vacation _photos_ . Like they’ll be mildly disappointed that they or often their husband is wearing the same thing in all their pictures. That probably sounds dumb and vain, but knowing how much joy my own mother gets out of her photo albums and scrapbooks, I can kinda see where those folks are coming from. Yes the important thing is that you went somewhere together, but the photos help you revisit those memories, and if the photos are all kind of samey…

[@Dangerdangerwillrobinson]

I don’t know if the overpacking is, in part, to make sure you have all your comforts with you as you go to spend time in an unfamiliar place, but as someone who’s small and also travels mostly solo, I don’t have the luxury of taking everything with me when it comes to packing. I have to travel light. I spent a month travelling through three countries a few years ago (Japan, Australia and Singapore if you’re interested). As part of my prep, I created a capsule wardrobe and I was brutal about it. If a piece was too bulky to lay flat when folded once or rolled up, it wasn’t going in the case (it was just beyond the carry-on size limit, but there had to be a compromise somewhere). I had two pieces of footwear, one pair of Converse high tops which I wore 90% of the time and a pair of Doc Martens Chelsea boots, which I wore when travelling through airports and/or at places that wouldn’t allow trainers. I had a small hold-all as a carry-on for nightwear, small toiletries and other miscellaneous items. My passport and phone always stayed on my person. My suitcase never weighed more than 10kg and I was often asked if that was all the luggage I had when going through customs. Of course I made trips to the launderette and had some great conversations with locals. All in all it was a great trip. And knowing I didn’t have to lug around a big case made it even better.

[@valerieshy8749]

Love this video. I am heading on my first ever vacation with my sister as adults. We are both in our 50's. Super excited! This advice is reminding me of my 1986 teenage whirlwind tour of Europe - 6 weeks from my recollection- with a giant light blue American Tourister piece of luggage. I had to carry it everywhere. No one cared that I brought every color of bandana that existed and had all the Ocean Pacific and Miller's Outpost clothes that my parents could afford AFTER funding this trip. It was ridiculous! I am going through my clothing tonight to see how small I can get my minimal wardrobe so I only have a carry on. Normally, I check my bag and only take a purse as a carry on. This time, we are meeting in Denver and then driving to Sante Fe, NM next morning so I can't mess around with having missing luggage delivered next day, etc. NO ONE cares if I wear a shirt 2-3X without washing IF I put deodorant on. FAB content as always!

[@xavierlauzac5922]

Hi! I’m watching this as a potential overpacker to convince myself. Thank you!

[@katherineandini5962]

Some years ago I found a “rule” called the 5-4-3-2-1 before packing for a long trip. It tells you to pack essential items only because you can almost always find replacement, laundry etc at your destination - considering you plan your trip carefully. I usually take 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 accessories (day bag included here), 2 pairs of footwear & 1 outerwear for trips that last more than 1 week. As an addition to this rule, I always have 4 extra sets of undies & socks in my travel bag apart from the ones I’m wearing. Usually I plan a “laundry day” every 4 days so such amount should suffice. I have converted a friend into following this rule, let’s see if my boyfriend wants to try it for our upcoming trip to Spain 😅

[@Teverell]

5-4-3-2-1 is a great start for 'do I really need this?' Personally, I would start there and be prepared to add one or two more items - another top, perhaps, or an extra outer layer - depending on what the length of the trip is and what activities I'm expecting to do while I'm away.

[@ryancraig6624]

Respect on the 1 outerwear. I usually need one for fashion and one for function(waterproof).

[@jennysjourney02]

This is great packing advice in general. I used to be a horrible packer but worked on it over the years and got so much better. Last summer I traveled with only a 20 inch carry-on suitcase and a backpack for a week long trip. I'm going on another trip soon for two weeks and plan to do the same. Love traveling light and for all of the reasons you mentioned. I've also learned that I don't need much to live off of. It has taught me to live more minimal and to enjoy life more instead of worrying about things I might need or what I look like, especially when it came to makeup and clothes.

[@reginafromrio]

I have a half full army bag for all trips. Goes overhead, period. I haven't checked luggage in 25 years. It's great! You don't need all of that.❤

[@stevebartley628]

As long as you can lift the suitcase above in the train, it isn’t too much. Going up stairs ? our 83 yr old landlady grabbed my wife’s 45 pound suitcase and took it up to the 3rd floor!

[@luke211286]

I need a big luggage. It's almost empty when I go, but I buy stuffs while on vacation. Riding trains while being overpacked is quite a nightmare. Sometimes the luggage racks are occupied, or worse no luggage racks. Japan is great though, because there are courier services for a reasonable price. You can take the train or plane hassle free, and they're gonna send it to your hotel

[@balsera04]

Hi! Every time I travel, I do the same thing. Two days prior, I plan what I will probably need and prepare a sort of draft of the suitcase. Two or three trousers, that depends, and one T shirt or jersey per day, plus an extra one just in case (you never know). Also, specially in winter, I take another pair of shoes/boots in case it rains. Then, my hygiene stuff and inner clothes and that’s it.

[@lordgarth1]

I never packed too heavy but taking motorcycle trips has turned me into a super light packer.

[@nathanjw940]

You can wash something at the hotel

[@jesdadotcom]

Great advice! I travel a lot but it's mostly road trips rather than flights. I get so used to overpacking for the road that I have to put myself into a different state of mind for flying. That said, when I hit the road I'm sometimes gone for months at a time.

[@ryancraig6624]

All I want is one surf/snowboard bag, my dive gear, one clothes bag, and a camera bag with two lenses and a GoPro. That's all, simple, right? It's been ten years and I still feel like a Himalayan sherpa at check-in. But regardless, leaving room to shop abroad. That's lighter travel and souvenir shopping all-in-one! More genius from Dr. Walters!

[@offthebeatenpathadventures1348]

Solid advice. We kept having to carry my kids skis and snowboards during a trip and got tired of it. I finally instituted CYOC or carry your own crap.

[@Susannatad87]

I used to overpack for a 5-10 day trip for me and my husband (as in one full size suitcase for both of us).Overtime I realized we don’t even wear half of the things we bring with us. So now it’s just a carry on bag for both of us. And our 2 kids stuff fits in their cute under-seat suitcase which they carry themselves🙂. Pack lighter people, especially for a beach vacation.

[@oooh19]

My friend and I went on a couple of weekend road trips and she overpacked but it’s actually understandable because she had other trips after we parted ways and couldn’t stop home.

[@LadyDragonbane]

I'm sort of an overpacker in that I bring a lot but I'm getting better at only packing what I know I'll be using. I also do it with the knowledge that I will be the one to drag it around. The one time I travelled with only a carry-on it was definitely freeing to not have to worry with baggage claim at the various airports, but I also came to regret only bringing one pair of footwear. So I think the suggestion of having them carry their stuff ahead of time could help, even if doesn't make them pack less, there might be less whining and expecting others to help out.

[@sarah-phillips]

Ha! I will always pack extra underwear - because you never know! - but for a three week trip, I had a sweater, jeans, three tops and three dresses. We did laundry every few nights in the hotel bathroom. As far as toiletries, depending on where you’re going, pack something to get started but then buy it there when you ran out! I bought new toothpaste in France. It’s fun! But the freedom that comes with a small bag is so wonderful.

[@woltersworld]

Never a bad idea to pack extra underwear.

[@Lili-xq9sn]

Italian toothpaste, Il Capitano, is s wonderful!

[@ganymedes62]

I'll be going from Amsterdam to Tampa, Florida for 85 days with just a carry-on and personal bag 🙂 Of course, I'll be staying at a friend's house at a nudist resort, so I won't be needing much 🙂 I've also been there before and left any clothing that I might need behind, so there's no need to bring more 🙂

[@rickm8343]

Being primarily a backpacker, if I can buy something inexpensively at my destination, I don't bring it from home. I pack four or five changes of clothes, one pair of sleep pants, a light jacket in case it's needed, a pair of chukka boots or something similar, and a pair of more formal dress shoes in case I need to get dressed up to go somewhere, my phone and charger, and that's about all. If I need a thicker, heavier jacket or a coat, or gloves, I usually buy it in a charity store my destination. Anything else I may need, I buy at my destination [ shampoo, toothpaste, etc ] . Even clothing, I'll sometimes buy in a charity store wherever I am, which also helps me look less like a tourist.

[@aknorth1053]

Starting to prime the pump with the spouse last couple of trips have been a cruise trip we drove to. Next one is in Europe getting the luggage whittled down to one medium bag and two carry on's for a two week trip

[@1958zed]

Mark, you need to to a corollary video about finding compatible travel partners. I had a friend whom I had known for about 8 years before we took a short trip together. It was the worst trip I had taken, and it nearly destroyed our friendship. Thankfully it was only a 3-day trip here in the U.S. After that, I started working on a "travel partner compatability questionnaire" but never finished it.

[@stuartross282]

have a small cabin bag or large backpack depending how long I travel Seen someone put there back lifting bag on overhead lockers Remind them if it’s overweight they be paying airline fines

[@picobello99]

Sounds like my mom. She even brings an entire suitcase and several bags when she's staying at my place for two nights 😂 Even when you're going on a road trip instead of public transport: everything still needs to fit in the car. And remember cars outside of the US are generally significantly smaller. I once met an American who traveled to Italy with his family and they and their bags didn't fit inside their rental car so they needed to get a bigger one last minute 😅

[@sallyshort7255]

I may or may not be an overpacker. It looks like a lot when I have my carryon roller, personal bag, and one big checked bag for personal vacation. Then again, I only check one bag when many airlines allow two with zero to small-ish fee. It’s not till third bag that price goes way up. I know it wouldn’t work for all forms of travel, but I think I do okay.

[@Thunder_6278]

Mark, this is almost a losing battle, the 'What ifs" argument. My mom and I were going to a 2 day Indiana trip, she packed 4 bags for her. The trunk and back seat were full!

[@Lili-xq9sn]

Lol. I stopped at my Mom's house just before an international trip with way too many pieces of luggage. My mom exclaimed, "aren't you the kid that used to go to Europe for 4 months with just a toothbrush, socks and a sweater. Why did you pack all this stuff?"

[@shelleybergen1232]

Hello from Winnipeg! Always make a list and go over it several times. Pack thinner and lighter clothes that can be worn in layers. We travel with a 36L wheeled backpack, which we will be using on a 3-month Europe trip, plus a personal item bag. VERY limited space!! Scare your friends with the costs of extra or overweight baggage lol!

[@renferal5290]

The less you take, the better. It is so much easier. If I find there is something I need, I can almost always get it where I am. I always take just a carry-on when going on a 4 week hobday to Europe

[@jeannamcgregor9967]

After numerous frustrating overpacking incidents, I convinced my husband to go through his suitcase and isolate all the "spares" that he never needed. I was tired of him going through his endless luggage and swearing because he couldn't find something or struggling to get it all onto the train. He is getting slightly better but I think he'll always be Mr. Worst Case Scenario.

[@Twogirlsabroad]

Yes packing to much is simple not worth it. You will not need it. And that’s the bottom line. I learned real quick!!!

[@TheNeilsolaris]

The only thing I almost always pack that most people don't, is my own pillow! Otherwise I can't guarantee there'll be a pillow I'll like. Also, it's nice to know I'm the only one who's possibly dribbled on it previously!

[@JuanWayTrips]

Gonna send this video to myself because I told myself that we'll only pack a carry on for our 3 week trip to Europe next week 😅

[@larrydalton2205]

Yes, a 20 or 21 inch carry on is all one person needs for with 2 weeks or 2 months in Europe.

[@russellpowers86]

Pack for one week and do laundry at some point. Hand wash or hotel services or laundromat

[@juliamallon2948]

Use a laundry service not the hotels.

[@Teverell]

Plan your outfits now - do a capsule and make sure everything works with everything else! (I recommend watching Alyssa Beltempo or Christina Mychas who both recently did a two-week trip with only a carry-on.)

[@donovanfoto3263]

I have gotten packing down to a carry-on backpack and a vest with lots of pockets. It helps get through security by just having everything in the vest. I also have a get out of the airport faster because I don't spend half an hour at baggage claim. I get off the plane and straight out the door. I stuff socks and underwear to cushion my lenses., which is half of my gear. I have three changes of clothes. I did three weeks in Ireland with just that. At the end of the day, I washed my daily clothes in the sink and allowed the next day for them to dry. Toiletries are provided by the hotels, stock up but don't be greedy. Remember the old adage, Half the clothes and twice the money".

[@MM-eb6ef]

Brings up fond memories of an ex who had a tantrum when I refused to carry their 40kg bag up the stairs at Santorini. Even the donkey said NO.

[@truepeacenik]

@@MM-eb6ef Man, I barely got me up those stairs! I had a crossbody bag, and took a couple vista breaks. I *could* have done it with my travel bag, but I would t want to

[@oooh19]

A wise tip is to army roll and you can fit more into your duffel or suitcases 🧳

[@tonyriddle5491]

Going to Italy in September. Every room I have reserved has a washing machine.

[@runarandersen878]

I started traveling with only hand luggage because of the baggage fees at the airlines, when it became “popular”. It was just a two day trip to London, I didn’t need more. Then I found out it was very practical traveling that way. You don’t have to wait for the baggage at the airport, or travel to your hotel to leave it there. I have since travelled 7 days with only hand luggage. The bonus is you learn to pack light and think carefully if you need it, because it will be on your back.

[@brienmuller]

Planning apartments with laundry machines boosts my self confidence in packing light. Also, other than my family, nobody will realize I'm wearing the same shirt for multiple days.

[@DrVVVinK]

The best thing to do, for guys, is to just buy a pack of solid color t-shirts to wear. I like black, it's basic simple, and if you are going out to a place where you need to be a bit dress up throw on a nice sports jacket, and your all set.

[@stevenporter863]

2:49 He should mention the outlier In this age of tolerance and inclusion - some people have personal embarrassing medical conditions they don't want to talk about in a packing discussion - both young and older people.

[@CalLadyQED]

This! Night sweats: two pairs of jammies every night. Killer periods: cannot risk not being able to find feminine hygiene supplies that work for you. Celiac: tons of snacks in case the airport restaurants have nothing you can eat. Incontinence: doesn't want you to see them buying Depends at the drugstore. The list goes on

[@deaf830]

My sister usually goes on a trip with two suitcases and comes back with four.

[@Poorgeniu5]

If your friend is an photography aficionado, you have my condolences....

[@1958zed]

Hey! I resemble that remark! (Sort of.) 😂 I still use a only a carry-on sized suitcase with my tripod inside, and I have a camera backpack that also contains all my travel related gear: adapters, chargers, itineraries, maps, etc. It's a tad heavy, but once it's on my back, I'm pretty mobile.

[@Kapi.23]

my GF packed the hair dryer, hair straightener, and the oil essence difuser to our trip to Florida. Our country uses 220v, and european style plugs 😁😅

[@yesorlando05]

My wife packs moderately heavy. Me, I rarely have to check a bag at the airport because I pack so likely. Makes for some interesting trips, lol.

[@well-blazeredman6187]

Innsbruck: that scary air-travel destination. P.S. The answer is ....... a packing-list. I have three - one for each type of holiday I take. The bonus is that they'll stop you going overweight.

[@jaymzx0]

I like to make a packing list at least several days in advance. You go through and ask yourself if you really need it and cross things off. When packing, make a tickmark next to the item on the list. On the day you leave, if you're worried about forgetting something before that 4am journey to the airport, just check the list and don't worry. Don't forget to bring the list with you (and a pen - so important for sudden customs/immigration paperwork) so you can check off items when you pack for home. Also, make a separate list of things to do before leaving, such as turning the heat down, making sure all the windows are locked, etc. Check the list and put your worries at ease.

[@joshlunt7827]

Suncream is expensive abroad most of the time

[@ryancraig6624]

Or you can't find it on some islands. I pack it.

[@CalLadyQED]

My friends: Your skin looks great. Me: [packs all my regular lotions] My friends: You pack too much! 2+2=4, folks 😅

[@_LostAndFound_]

My mom, who I'm going to Europe with for 4 weeks, is an over packer. I have a tendency to want to but she takes 3 bags on a 5 day cruise. We just had a 7 day, with her and I made her take care of her own luggage the entire trip

[@roxanneonthemove4187]

Cruises are so hard not to overpack for. We go on cruises yearly, this year we have two planned. I always feel like each day needs two outfits - one for day and one for evening. I tried to utilize laundry service on board to reduce my packing. Maybe planning a laundry/downtime day or finding a laundry to get laundry done while you are out sightseeing may help her overpacking.

[@_LostAndFound_]

@roxanneonthemove4187 we cruise twice a year too. And 4 in 2022 due to covid cancelations. it probably depends if you dress up or participate in things like 70s dance party. I have found what I inevitability do Is wear the night before clothes in the morning before I get a swimsuit on for the afternoon. On sea days of course

[@tmat90-o8t]

Sounds like my friend! 😂😂😂 I only pack 1 backpack. I do laundry at the hotel.

[@2000konnie]

My goal in packing is to not come back with any unworn clothes. Unless, I've worn clothes where they get sweaty from hot weather wearing, I wear shirts and slacks/pants several days. Those are on the loose fitting side, and most importantly, I shower every morning. If you can help the young people or others new to travel, that's great. It took me several years to hone my packing skills. IF I travelled more, I'd probably get even better at it. I travel solo, so keeping it lightweight is very important to me for health and safety reasons.

[@albedo0point39]

I always take a note when I return from a trip of stuff I didn’t use. Then I don’t pack it next time…

[@robviousobviously5757]

I'm guilty of being a worst case scenario packer... I am working on it.. one tip I was given years ago was take you oldest underwear and abandon them along the way.. lol it worked pretty well...

[@Lili-xq9sn]

Lol. I keep a bag of old undies for especially long flights, etc.

[@RedProg]

Excellent advice as always. 👍

[@JesusistheLambofGod]

Favorite Austria city. Just visited a few weeks ago. ❤🎉

[@laureljaneg]

Went to Europe from US for 19 days with a 20 inch suitcase and a backpack solo on a tour. Did laundry.

[@rebeccagaskins3208]

Another thing - the days of free checked luggage are coming to an end, even for international flights. Packing light saves you money!

[@reginafromrio]

Another thing I do is wear my heaviest clothing in the plane so that I don't have to pack it. Boots, jacket.. I bring a messenger bag as carry-on, fits under seat, then overhead. That's plenty!!!!

[@ringo7561]

If you go to Germany, pack nothing and just shop at Primark...they have very low prices for clothes

[@georgettefoss5156]

Spot on!!

[@simonledoux8519]

I think that there are two issues that come into place. One is do you have to wait for your friend to collect a checked a bag. It can be a drag. The other thing is are you sharing a rental car and have really limited trunk space. Otherwise, I don't think it really matters.

[@donaldhughes6146]

Honestly, I think the best way to convince a person is to have him/her travel with you and see how much easier of a time you’re having compared to themselves. Once they experience what a pain it is to carry a bunch of luggage with you everywhere compared to everyone else, I’d imagine they’ll want to downsize next time.

[@campese57]

You are awesome! Thank you!

[@MarkBH70]

I used to slightly over pack. Hotels can do your laundry, so five pairs of underwear, shirts, socks, and two pairs of pants will last 14 days! I met someone who went to the bars in an evening dress! Give me a break!

[@DrVVVinK]

A bathing suit. LOL. When I travel, I go to the FKK beaches. That said, make sure you research the locations, too; I was in Brussels for a 23-hour layover last summer and went swimming in a local pool, where men could not wear board shorts but speedo-style bathing suits.

[@kessas.489]

I had a friend, she brought for a four days trip to Berlin 10 (!) pairs of t-shirts but only two pairs of socks and she worn only sneakers the whole time!

[@garyrobinson8665]

I let my friend bring whatever and hopefully they will learn the next time that they dont need to pack so much.

[@adi91216]

I have this problem myself. I'm an overpacker, only because of all the "what ifs". But the what ifs never happen. Just few clothes is ok, a small toothpaste does the job. Although my reasons to avoid friends is for other reasons, they stop me from freeroaming or exploring something because of lack of interest, and that ruins my vacation spirit. Solo or a partner is better.

[@colleenmarin8907]

Both my carryon and my personal item are 18x14x8 personal item size, before adding the wheels; this prevents me from over packing as there's literally no space to bring extras. I also bring a packable backpack as a day pack so if I buy souvenirs, I can check the carryon on the way back

[@PhotoTrekr]

Since I'm getting older, I'm always looking for ways to lighten my load. My trips are usually between 10-12 days. Since these trips are almost always for photography, my carry on bag has all of my photo gear except for my tripod which goes in my checked bag with my clothes. My shoulder bag has my small computer, documents, medicine, small dopp kit, change of underwear, and a water bottle. I love it when my hotel has a laundry room. But, I usually won't know if it's practical to use until I'm there. So, I have to pack for the full trip. I've often sent my laundry bag home by Fedex or UPS to make room for souvenirs. I once sent my large suitcase home by Fedex. I try to lighten my load as much as possible, but I'm still going to have three bags at a minimum.

[@blogauthor3375]

The biggest issue is having to travel with medications. It takes up a lot of space

[@LarArauz]

Budget travel tip: you can get cheaper airfare with carry-on only. The bonus? You have more left to spend in your destination.

[@Teverell]

Outfit repeating is not a crime. You can wear the same top with a different bottom another day and it's a different outfit! This is the sort of thing that capsules are great for: Choose items where all the tops will go with all the bottoms. Add a jacket or two - a denim jacket and a blazer, for instance. Three different pairs of shoes - trainers/sneakers, sandals and loafers, for instance. And that will cover you for a week or two, and practically every different thing you're going to do, from sight-seeing, to a day in the country, to a meal out in the evening to seeing a show. (For instance: 5 tops + 4 bottoms + 3 different pairs of shoes + 2 jackets/outers + 1 sweater. Add another top and bottom for even more outfits - just make sure they will all work with each other!)

[@cbpd89]

I always travel with one backpack. One week, two weeks, cold weather, hot weather...I just bring the one backpack. If I'm traveling with my kids, we'll bring a carry on roller bag in addition to everyone's backpacks since the kids can't physically carry a fully packed backpack. Once they're teens, no more of that!

[@carlfromtheoc1788]

I regularly do 3 weeks in another country with just carryon piece and my backpack. Turns out, many hotels have laundry service, ditto cruises.

[@TravelThyme]

We never overpack. The European rental cars don't have much room for luggage. We just find an Airbnb with a washer! 😁

[@nathanjw940]

My roommate we went to Chicago for 3 days paid way more than what was in the bag. You can buy that thing there vs. $50 each way.

[@cijmo]

I went two weeks to the UK with a carry-on. There's nothing I need to take from here that I can't get there. My friend (first time traveler) said she needs special lotion for her dry skin, I get it, people have favourite brands/prescriptions ... it was Nivea. But I think the worst was a woman I was going to a conference with. It's one day for travel, next day workshops and a ceremony in the evening, next day workshops and fly home. I only take a carry on, she takes 3 outfits and 5 pairs of shoes for the ceremony. We're only gone for a day and a half and most of it is comfies, t-shirts/jeans kinds of things.

[@lenmueller9702]

Can you recommend any backpack that’s theft resistant?

[@SusanHunt-w5p]

Friend?...try my husband. He packs more than our son and myself combined. Our son is 18. Good Grief😂

[@heleneg525]

Every consider traveling solo?

[@mentonerodominicano]

On my last trip, I forced myself to only have two pairs of shoes, and that saved up a lot of space for me to bring more shoes back home. 😅

[@timwills4481]

A mistake that lead me to overpack was not checking my destination’s weather forecast. I assumed it would be cold weather, so I packed accordingly. I didn’t need half of what I packed, so I mailed that back home a few days into the trip.

[@pianocrisante90]

20 pairs of underwear? That one really cracks me up. 02:36

[@vinyalonde]

Buying stuff you need while travelling is a good idea especially if you can eliminate something you took with you. As to how to transport luggage, I have no qualms about taking a larger suitcase to Japan because there are excellent luggage handling services that allow me to travel light between hotels. In Europe, however, travelling by train, I am going to pack less -- two items max.