Don’t know where that saying came from, it’s one of those “oldies but goodies” though that keeps on circulating because it is so true.  I was working on a totally different posting for PhilFAQS this morning, along with a number of other projects, when this gem of a travel article popped up in response to something completely different I was searching for.

It was so good I couldn’t help but jump on it right now.  In eight years of travel to and from the Philippines and 38 years of business travel world-wide (one memorable year I logged 21 Trans-Pacific trips … can anyone spell “sore ass”?) there is one consistent, number one mistake I have seen travelers of every age, every nationality and every socio-economic class make,  PACKING TOO MUCH CRAP!

Read any traveler’s forum and analyze the single-most asked question.  If “how much is the weight allowance/size of the bag/excess baggage charge” doesn’t come up at the very top end of the list I’ll eat my pocketable traveler’s rain hat, without salt.

Most people, noting that they get a 21 day stay in the Philippines without having to bother with a visa, just grab some suitcases and start cramming in 21 days of clothes (if they own that much underwear, that is).  When the weight of the bags reaches back-breaking proportions they finally decide to start checking the individual airline’s sites to see what their weight allowance should be … and then huff and puff to the bathroom scales to find out how close they are.

Don’t Do It:  Why?

• You’re on vacation.   You’re already paying to relax.  get some ROI on your investment
• More baggage equals more delay, more stress and, let’s face it, more opportunity for loss or damage
• You won’t have the freedom to come and go as you please … plans do change
• You won’t have the room/weight allowance to bring home passlubong (travel gifts and souvenirs)

I’ve intended to write an article on this for some time.  I saw Tim Ferris’ and there’s no need for me top write, Tim says it better than I … and his recommendations are up to date.  Pack light, fly fast

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