At the same time, you may want to reduce the bulk and weight of your baggage. Lighter and smaller luggage makes it easier to handle on your own, increasing independence as you travel. Larger and heavier bags can also increase the total cost of your airfare or other travel expenses.

Here are some helpful tips for packing light while also proactively preparing for various situations during your trip.

Use Your Itinerary to Create a Packing List

Start with what you're planning to do on your trip so you know exactly what type of clothing and shoes to pack.

Think critically about what footwear you can bring that's appropriate for multiple activities, as shoes can be a heavy item in your luggage. For example, a pair of comfortable and supportive tennis shoes might be all you need on a trip. That footwear choice works for exploring museums, shopping and even most nightlife, such as dining.

Consider laying out clothing, accessory and shoe choices in line with your itinerary so you can get a visual understanding of how much you want to pack. Then, you can make better choices about what you likely won't need.

Consider Whether You Can Wear Clothing More Than Once

It's tempting to pack two of everything "just in case," but more proactive packing takes the opposite approach. Consider whether you can make one clothing item cover 2 days or purposes so you can pack less.

A cardigan or pullover you wear over another shirt can be worn for 2 days (or potentially more) without laundering. The pants you wore during your flight might be refreshed with a light ironing in the hotel and worn for an afternoon out.

Consider whether you'll have access to laundry facilities when you pack. If you're staying in hotels with laundry rooms or with a friend with a washer and dryer, it completely changes the packing game. The ability to do a load of laundry halfway through your trip means you can pack half as much.

Invest in a Kindle or Tablet for Reading

Think about heavy items you might pack and how you can avoid adding too many pounds to your luggage. Readers may want a couple of books with them to ensure entertainment during flights or downtime, but even a handful of paperback books can add a lot of weight to your bags.

Instead, consider investing in a digital device for reading books. A Kindle or other e-reader lets you carry hundreds of books on a small device that only adds a couple of ounces to your luggage.

Ship Items Ahead of Time

In some cases, it might make more sense to ship heavy or bulky items ahead of time to your destination. This is especially true for older adults who have specific medical or device needs. For example, if you sleep with a CPAP, you obviously need that device when you travel. But CPAPs can be heavy and bulky in your suitcase.

If you happen to have an extra CPAP device, you might consider shipping it to your location — particularly if you're staying with friends and family. This provides you with peace of mind that your medical needs are met while you travel without making your baggage more difficult to manage.

Take a Common Sense Approach to Souvenirs

If you do a lot of shopping at your destination, you may find yourself coming home with heavier or bigger bags than you started with. Reduce this challenge by finding ways to minimize souvenir shopping — literally.

Some people choose a small item to collect. You might pick up a magnet, keychain or postcard at each destination, for example. These items don't take a lot of room in your luggage, and they can be easily displayed once you get home — even if you have a small space, such as an independent living apartment in Sun City, Arizona, or the garden homes at LifeStream at Sun City.  

When shopping for items to gift loved ones, such as grandchildren, use the same approach. Look for fun but small items you can easily slip into your luggage. Or send your loved ones a fun postcard while you're still at your destination.

Invest in Luggage That's Right for You

Seniors who plan to do a lot of traveling may want to consider their packing needs and buy quality luggage that helps them make the most of their adventures. Buying a suitcase with wheels can help you manage a heavier bag, for example, and a bag with practical pockets and other features can help you pack everything you need and ensure easy access to your items as you travel.

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