Save Time and Money by Traveling Light
Finding ways to save time and money while traveling is always a good idea. Whether you are heading out on vacation or are going on a business trip, making the travel experience less costly and more convenient simply makes sense. One of the easiest ways to reduce your expenses and increase efficiency is to travel light.
How Traveling Light Saves Time
When you travel light, you are limiting the number and size of your bags. If you are flying, this usually means opting only for carry-ons, eliminating checked baggage.
By using this approach, you can be more efficient. You can check-in online and get an electronic boarding pass, and then skip all of the counter hassles since you aren’t checking luggage. Additionally, when you arrive at your destination, you can bypass baggage claim because you won’t have anything to pick up.
If you are traveling by rail, you usually get a similar benefit. You won’t have to turn in luggage to be stored in baggage areas or pick it up when you arrive.
For car travel, packing light is still a time saver. You won’t have to deal with as many suitcases, speeding up your loading and unloading.
How Traveling Light Saves Money
Traveling light is also a great way to reduce your costs. For air and train travel, you won’t have to pay for any checked luggage. Additionally, you might be able to take a smaller taxi, Uber, or Lyft to and from the airport (if you aren’t driving yourself or being picked up by family members), which can also reduce your costs.
If you are driving to your destination, packing light can still save you money. A vehicle uses more gas as more weight is added to the interior. For every additional 100 lbs., a vehicle’s mileage falls by as much as 2 percent on average. However, if you drive a smaller car, the impact is of excess weight is usually above the average.
While that small shift in efficiency might not seem like much, if you are doing a cross-country drive, it does add up. Plus, it increases wear and tear as well, as extra weight can be harder on the tires and engine.
Tips for Traveling Light
If you want to travel light, it takes a little planning. You need to know precisely what you have to take and what you can afford to leave behind.
Begin by researching the weather at your chosen destination. This gives you an idea of the kind of clothing you’ll need.
While packing light for hotter weather is simpler, you can do it for colder weather too. Limit yourself to one heavier coat or jacket, and opt for warm fabrics that aren’t bulky for your other clothes. For example, a flannel isn’t as fluffy as a sweater, so you might have an easier time packing.
Additionally, see if there are laundry facilities at your destination. Then, if you are going for a six-day trip, you can pack a few outfits, wash the clothes, and wear the items again.
Do you know any other tips that can help travelers save time and money? Share your tips in the comments below.
Read More:
- Flying High, Spend Low – 5 Thrifty Business Travel Tips
- 7 Tips to Take a Vacation Without Over Paying
- Moving to University in a Town Instead of a City
