Suitcases Can Be One Of The Biggest Burdens Of Travel
I wish I had taken out my camera, but I was too busy laughing to reach in and pull it out of my pocket.
I was on the ferry dock in Ios, Greece, and the big ship had pulled away to continue its journey through the Greek Islands when a pair of couples emerged alone walking toward me.
The two females led the way, swinging their purses as they walked, acting as if they had just arrived in paradise. They had not a worry – or concern – about anything in the world.
Just behind them were their husbands. They were not nearly as happy. In fact, they looked as if they had just sprinted up the Acropolis and swam to Ios.
They were dragging so much luggage they were barely visible and were so loaded down that with every step they became precariously close to tipping over and falling off the dock into the water.
They were obviously American because only an American would pack such an absurd amount of things to go on holiday to a warm beach destination.
It was a hilarious scene and as the men passed we exchanged nods. Then I picked up my backpack, jumped on a shuttle to Francesco’s and was gone while the men were left to deal with their out-of-touch wives and way-too-much luggage.
You see, when you travel, you’re often on the go, moving from one location to another. You don’t want to be burdened down with a lot of bags. You’ve got a plane to catch, perhaps a train or a ferry, and dragging half a dozen pieces of luggage requires way to much time and advance planning to get them, yourself (and, in the case of the hapless gentlemen, their wives) on board.
Oh, I have to admit,I was initially guilty of overpacking. On my first trip to Europe, I had a large backpack AND a full (and heavy) ski boot bag. It took only one time dragging this through the Frankfurt train station on my way to Amsterdam that I realized this was a serious packing mistake.
Now, I’m down to one carry-on rollerbag and a computer backpack. Sometimes, I even use the smaller Rick Steves suitcase, which not only has roller wheels but converts into a backpack. It’s about 10% smaller than a carry-on rollerbag and its really light and efficient.
So remember to pack light, pack light. Take what you plan to pack – every bag, every item – and walk around your neighborhood before you depart. See what you really need for that trip.
Alternatively, you can pack your entire closet and provide a few humorous moments for other travelers such as myself as you waddle your way across your destination.
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