PACK LIKE A PRO

From packing your footwear smart to ditching the staples — here’s how you can pack smart for a weekend getaway

Who doesn’t love weekend getaways? While the prospect of hills and a long drive seems envy-inducing, it is the struggle to pack smart that gets to many of us. To help reduce your packing woes, here are some tips that will help you travel light and smart:

Keep it light: One trick to travelling light is to pack a small bag. When you choose a smaller bag, you automatically bring down the number of items that you want to carry. So that way you won’t have to worry about lugging your stuff around and it will also help you get rid of excess.

Be eco-wise: Packing your things in eco-friendly, recycled bags makes your travel not only organised, but also promotes responsible behaviour among your travel buddies. Organise your items in distinct bags and spruce them with your personal artistic touch.

Don’t carry the staples: You may love your favourite body wash or that body lotion you swear you can’t do without. But when space is an issue, make an exception! Don’t let heavy-set cosmetics and toiletries that are easily available at your travel locale weigh you down — figuratively and literally!

The sneaky mantra :If you are carrying footwear, which is heavy in weight and is occupying a lot of space in your bag — don’t pack it, just wear it! Slip into those sneakers, pack the flats.

The shoe mantra: Usually, a pair of shoes can take a lot of space. But you can use them in many ways. Utilise the inside space of the shoes by putting your socks in them. Also, pack your shoes on their either sides to maximise the space between them.

Mix n’ match: When it comes to clothes, always pack lowers that you can pair with varied items. Avoid packing full-fledged nightwear — a solid pairing of T-shirt and shorts can go a long way.

PHOTO: ISTOCK