Image by S Wilson.

Some people just grab fist fulls of clothing and cram them in a suitcase moments before heading out the door and call that “packing”.  For the rest of us, packing requires planning.

You don’t want to lug around more than you need, but at the same time leaving behind something important can make a trip stressful and uncomfortable.  Budget travelers tend to carry their own luggage, so only pack what you can carry.

First start out with a packing list.  Get detailed on your first draft, then edit it down later.  Remember, you can always buy things while traveling, and lugging around non-essential items that you never end up using is just annoying, so when in doubt, don’t pack it!

Your list should include:

• Destination appropriate clothes
• Basic toiletries
• An emergency kit and prescription medication
  
• Important travel documents

Everything else, such as electronics, travel accessories, and entertainment, are completely optional.  You may include them on your initial list, but consider the added weight carefully, especially if you are moving around frequently.

Then you need to figure out what you are going to put it in.  Choosing a bag is probably the most important part of the packing process as it will determine how much you take and dictate your style of travel.  Be sure you pick  luggage that is an appropriate size and shape for your trip and consider airline size restrictions before purchasing your bag.