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The Japanese were on to something when they said the key to inner freedom and peace is living a simple and uncluttered life. As advocates of the Zen minimalism philosophy, they believe that a life unfettered and undistracted by objects or possessions is one that can freely experience and enjoy the world. This philosophy is especially true when traveling, where your freedom rests directly on the amount of weight you carry.
Backpackers are most familiar with the benefits of packing light. As travelers who live off nothing but the contents of their backpack, backpackers can move around unencumbered by dead weight. They can save more money from baggage check-ins and channel those savings towards travel-related luxuries like a great hotel in Pasay near MoA. In addition, they can focus on their experiences instead of worrying about securing their luggage. If you need more convincing, here’s why you should always practice minimalism when traveling.
Better Mobility
The most obvious benefit of packing light is the ability to move around freely and easily. If you’re a heavy packer, you already know the challenges of bringing numerous bags to and from the airport and hotel. Having less luggage allows you to move quickly through crowds or narrow spaces. In addition, it’s easier to use public transportation or walk around without feeling weighed down.
Easier Packing
Most travelers think packing is a chore, and with good reason: it’s exhausting and takes a lot of time. Packing is significantly more challenging for travelers who pack without proper planning. Without a checklist to determine what is essential, some travelers tend to overpack to ease the anxiety of forgetting to bring something. When packing light, you don’t have to spend so much time cramming items into bags and luggage. However, remember to distinguish essential items from dead weight.
Saves Time
Packing light means you don’t have to spend so much time on airport security checks. In addition, you can also avoid wasting time as you don’t need to hand in your luggage at the check-in counter or head straight to the exit and disregard the baggage carousel upon arrival. But light packing’s time-saving benefits extend beyond the confines of the airport. Packing light means items are easier to find when needed and faster to pack when it’s time to leave.
Less Muscle Pain
Carrying multiple heavy items for extended periods can cause muscle or back pain, which can put a damper on your mood during a trip. Body pains are the last thing you’ll want to experience when exploring a destination, so consider packing light if you don’t want to blow out your back. Packaging light is even more important if you suffer from chronic muscle or back pain.
Saves Money
Most travelers who pack light are in it for the economic benefits, so if you’re penny-pinching on your next trip, consider bringing only your essentials. Packing light allows you to avoid airline baggage fees, which can add up quickly when including the souvenirs you take home. You can also save on transportation costs, as you can avoid hiring shuttles or large taxis to transport your heavy luggage. With only a bag on your back, you can enjoy money-saving modes of transportation like jeepneys, buses, or trains.
More Space for Souvenirs
Bringing fewer items on arrival means you have more space in your luggage to invest in goodies and souvenirs. Packing with only your essentials means you can enjoy shopping without worrying about space or excess baggage fees.
Better for the Environment
Packing light offers more than just personal benefits but environmental advantages as well. The collective weight of overpacking has severe effects on your carbon footprint. The more weight a plane carries, the more fuel it will consume to stay in the air. Therefore, any extra weight you take will increase your carbon footprint, so it only makes sense to travel light if you care for the environment.
Less Anxiety
Traveling is fun but can also be stressful, and packing light can reduce some of that stress. With fewer items to think about, you can focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about carrying heavy bags, losing your luggage, or getting your things stolen.
Enhanced Safety
Overpacking will be inconvenient to you and other travelers you’ll meet along the way. While lugging around multiple bags, you might inadvertently block paths, cause delays, and inconvenience other passengers hurrying to catch their flights.
Heavy packing can also be dangerous: when was the last time you turned around in a crowded space and accidentally bump into unsuspecting travelers with your oversized backpack?
Conclusion
Packing light is a smart travel hack that can provide several benefits, including saving money, having greater flexibility, and even contributing to the environment. You can make your trip more affordable, enjoyable, and hassle-free by packing only the essentials and leaving unnecessary items at home.