Packing light is as much about philosophy as tactics. It’s about adopting a minimalist ethos that a few, well-chosen possessions will serve you better than a steamer trunk full of impedimenta. Your stuff, after all, is supposed to help you see the world, not burden you.
In one sense, you have a choice to make: Is it more important to see or to be seen? If it’s the former, a carry-on filled with just the essentials will allow you to cover a lot of ground unencumbered; if it’s the latter, indulge yourself with multiple wardrobe options for every occasion and just go ahead and pay those extra luggage fees.
For those making the switch to packing light, a few random tips:
— As you’re packing, make two piles: one for items you absolutely, positively need, the other for stuff that would be nice to have. Put the first pile in your suitcase and the second back in your closet.
— That said, allow yourself a tiny luxury or two. For me, it’s a lightweight cotton kimono-style bathrobe, plus an iPod and speakers. Filled with my calendar and contacts, my iPod doubles as my PDA.