TRAVEL CO-EDITOR ELISE DIXON
Over Pack or Under Pack? BBY ELISE DIXON As you see by the title, is it better to overpack or underpack? Both have their advantages and disadvantages, as with anything in the world. But let’s talk about overpacking first… Overpacking can be great, as you can make sure you have everything you need to hand, even if you don’t particularly use everything when you go away from home or abroad. However, you’ll never let yourself be left short of anything. With extra clothes packed for example, if there are any disasters with bad weather that ruins clothes or falling in mud or any situation similar that requires a clean set of clothes, you’re in luck if you overpack. Though, the downsides to overpacking are when you buy gifts for family, buy clothes of your own and any purchases… it ends up not fitting in the bag or suitcase. Making it a very stressful journey on the way home, attempting to fit all your belongings in a few bags.
When we look at underpacking, the disadvantage of overpacking then becomes the benefit of underpacking. When you have less belongings, travelling and carrying around your bag or suitcase is a lot less physically demanding and can make the journey a lot easier and less tiring. It also becomes less belongings to worry about, making your journey more stress free! Underpacking also comes with its disadvantages, such as accidentally not packing enough clothes in case of emergencies, not having many belongings that are likely to be used as well. Though with underpacking, it seems there are more benefits as with making travelling easier as well as being able to have room for your purchases you buy when away from home. As long as you are strategic with what you pack and the necessities, underpacking is probably the better option of the two!
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