Travel Light: The How And Why

I learned how to travel light from lightweight backpacking, then
found it was just as useful to keep it light on trips overseas or driving across the country. The last time my wife and I went to Ecuador, I had 10 pounds of luggage, all in one carry-on bag, and Ana had just 8 pounds in her carry-on bag. This wasn't a short trip. We spent six weeks in Ecuador, at times on glacier-covered mountains, and at other times lounging on Pacific coast beaches.Travel SimplicityWhy travel light? Travel simplicity. Everything is simpler when you travel light.

With only carry-on luggage, we were on our way to a restaurant in Quito, while others were still waiting for their checked luggage. When we took busses our luggage was safely with us, not on the roof or in the hold below being cut open, like one
time when I was in Mexico. While others struggled down the street with three heavy bags, we had our hands free and were walking comfortably because we use daypacks or small backpacks. We had less to lose, less to be stolen, less to wait for, less to pack and unpack in hotels, and less to worry about.Light Travel IssuesThere are a couple minor problems when you travel light. First, expect an extra question or two from the customs officials at the airport (Six weeks with only this?).

Second, a small bag won't work if you plan to bring back many souvenirs. In this case, you can still go light. Just plan to buy a second bag at some point during the trip, to carry your acquisitions. As for the seemingly obvious issue of not having enough clothes and other things all in one or two small bags, I'll explain below why that isn't as big a problem as you may think.How To Travel LightSilk shirts weigh 3 ounces, and travel well if rolled up. Nylon dress socks weigh less than an ounce, and they are cool and comfortable.

Poly-cotton blend t-shirts weigh 5 ounces. Supplex or other lightweight travel slacks weigh 9 ounces, and are sufficient for a fine restaurant or a walk in the woods. All of these weigh less than half of the typical travel choices, and take less space, yet function the same. There is no sacrifice involved here. For this exercise in travel simplicity, you even get to go shopping for new clothes.You don't have to buy new clothes, however.

You don't have to buy a scale and count ounces to travel light. Just choose the lighter alternative whenever you can. Set aside your lightest jacket, socks and pants for your next trip. Travel simplicity is the goal, not more complicated planning.More Ways To Travel LightMoney replaces weight, especially in the form of a debit or credit card. Why carry two pounds of your favorite shampoo when you can simply buy small bottles as you travel.

It really won't cost much more to buy things wherever you go, instead of carrying your bathroom and wardrobe with you. Also, you really don't know exactly what you'll need, particularly on an overseas trip. Buy what you need as you need it, and you won't have a pile of useless things in your luggage. Don't we all regularly unpack things at home that we never once used during the trip?Take a lesson from long-trail hikers (backpackers who travel a trail for months). They send things, such as new shoes, to a post office on their route, ahead of time, so they'll be waiting for them.

They also send home things they no longer need, such as a winter coat. The latter may be a useful practice for other travelers. If you buy bulky gifts for family or friends, why carry them around for weeks? Put them in the mail.A Light Travel ExampleWhat I Took For Six weeks in Ecuador:

My pack weighed ten pounds, and my wife's weighed 8 pounds. We never felt deprived. I'm not suggesting that you start counting the ounces (that comes from my backpacking days), or that you buy all new lightweight things.

Without spending money or thinking about it too much, you can just start setting aside your lightest shirts, socks, etc., so you can travel light on your next vacation..

Steve Gillman first hit the road on his own when at sixteen, and traveled alone across the United States and Mexico at 17. Now 40, he continues to travel and backpack with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. Many of his stories, plus tips and information on travel and lightweight backpacking, can be found on his websites, http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com, and http://www.TheUltralightBackpackingSite.com.

The Highly Anticipated New Thorlo Coolmax Ultra Light Hiking Socks are Now Available

Muck Boots Online, http://www.muckbootsonline.com announces they are carrying Thorlo's new Coolmax Ultra Light Hiker socks. "These are perfect for people who prefer a thinner sock, but it's a sock that still provides padding protection around the critical stress areas of the heel, toe and instep," says Pete Yeager of Muck Boots Online.
The colors available make these a perfect all day sock for work, play, walking and hiking in style. Men's colors include white, charcoal, slate blue and khaki. Women's colors include white, light blue, pewter and khaki.The new Coolmax Ultra Light Hiker socks are available in crew and mini-crew styles.

The Coolmax material provides superior wicking characteristics to keep feet dry and comfortable in moderator to hot weather.In addition to the Coolmax fibers, the new Ultra Light Hiker socks feature stretch nylon along with a flat knit arch that provides better fit and durability."Anyone...

The Highly Anticipated New Thorlo Coolmax Ultra Light Hiking Socks are Now Available
Socks > The Highly Anticipated New Thorlo Coolmax Ultra Light Hiking Socks are Now Available

Zensah? Performance Apparel Launches Innovative Seamless Performance Socks at Outdoor Retailer

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (ContentDesk) August 13, 2005 -- Zensah? (www.zensah.com), the originator of seamless performance apparel, introduces seamless performance socks at Outdoor Retailer.
The Zensah? socks are the first socks which have both performance features as well as comfort.Most socks used by athletes may wick moisture away, but they are very coarse on the skin causing discomfort and blisters. Now athletes no longer have to compromise performance for comfort. Silver ions embedded in Zensah? socks inhibit bacteria growth and dissipate heat created by friction between sock and sneaker. "Using Zensah? Fabric, our engineers have created the first performance sock which are blister resistant, moisture wicking and are also comfortable.

Your feet will thank you," says Ryan Oliver Director of Marketing.
"The initial feedback from athletic trainers has exceeded our expectations.
Zensah? socks have raised...

Zensah? Performance Apparel Launches Innovative Seamless Performance Socks at Outdoor Retailer
Socks > Zensah? Performance Apparel Launches Innovative Seamless Performance Socks at Outdoor Retailer

Muck Boots Online.com expands Thorlo Sock offering.

February, 2005 -(updated) - "We have a broad selection of Thorlo Socks for hiking, hunting, winter sports, work and walking." says, Pete Yeager of MBO."We have the new Lamb's Wool Blend socks, Extreme Cold Weather socks, western boot and riding socks, Thor-lon hiking socks, Cool-Max mini-crew socks, something for nearly every use.Muck Boots Online.com offers free shipping on any Thorlos order. The site is at: http://www.muckbootsonline.com/thorlos_socks.htmIn addition to Thorlo Socks, Muck Boots Online.com ( www.muckbootsonline.com )offers the full line of boots and shoes from The Original Muck Boot Company..

Muck Boots Online.com expands Thorlo Sock offering.
Socks > Muck Boots Online.com expands Thorlo Sock offering.

Flip Flop Socks Creates Four New Design Styles

Flip Flop Socks also known in years past as Thong Socks, Slap Socks or Tabi Socks, have been a part of the Japaneese culture for thousands of years. In 2003 Cloudyreason Inc. introduced them back into the American market as "Flip Flop Socks," offering three styles in four colors. "Many customers tell us they still have a pair of Thong Socks or Slap Socks they purchases in the 1970's, and are thrilled to find them again in the U.S.." says Michele Baer, Cloudyreason Inc. president.The new product's popularity has prompted Cloudyreason Inc.

to produce even more styles and colors to satisfy customers. With the Christmas season approaching, the company will attempt to deliver the new styles in early November 2004. "We've had such a flood of email requests for new styles from customers over the last 2 months, we made it a goal to get our new designs out before Christmas", says Baer. Cloudyreason Inc. will produce two new styles, a crew line in 2 new colors and a light weight grey and...

Flip Flop Socks Creates Four New Design Styles
Socks > Flip Flop Socks Creates Four New Design Styles