When Traveling, It’s Better to Overpack than to Underpack

I’ll be the first to admit that when I travel, I tend to overpack.  People sometimes make fun of me for it, (as if guys aren’t supposed to do this), but I don’t let that change my ways.  There are definite advantages to overpacking and they far outweigh the advantages of underpacking.   In a way, I admire people that can travel for a week with only one carry-on bag, but they’re giving up a lot.  First there’s the preparedness.  No matter what the weather or what activities I may take part in, I’m prepared.  Others shiver, boil, or have to sit on the sidelines while us overpackers have fun.  Then, there’s the free work out I get by having to lift heavier, larger bags.  It’s hard to get to the gym while I travel, and some places don’t even have gyms.

I know that overpacking can lead to inconvenience, especially when you travel to unfamiliar places.  You have to lug the bags around awkward spots, put them in cabs, carry them on trains through adverse situations.  But that builds character and lets people know that you're a tourist not to be messed with.  With more clothes, you can wear a larger variety while you travel so that you don’t look like you have no fashion consciousness.  You won't be the guy in tennis shoes and khakis.  Of course, you can’t be an inconsiderate overpacker.  If you’re taking a road trip with three other people in a car, you can’t use up half the trunk space.  But there have been many times where, the overpacking guy was the one with the entertainment or the tools that saved the day.  Things like extra chargers, music, umbrellas, and medicine all take up space but are completely functional.   Overpackers can be heroes.  Think about the worst case scenario.  Who’s going to be the guy you can count on?  It’s the person who packs the most stuff in his or her luggage.

We still get the ridicule from underpackers.  Sometimes we make people have to wait for our luggage to come on to the carousel, but if you’re going to check in a bag, (and pay for it), you might as well get your money’s worth.  That way, you’re not the guy taking up all the overhead space inside the plane.  Those people are even worse than overpackers.

A hidden benefit to overpacking is that you learn how to fit things into available space.  This is immensely helpful in the case of moving or packing a car for a long trip.  I consider myself an expert at space utilization, and although I may get some of the skill hereditarily from my father, practice makes me better.  After all, you want to use the stuff you have as much as possible and taking it with you makes you feel more like you’re at home while you’re away.

So to the rest of you overpackers out there, keep at it.  Fight for your right to be the one with the stuff that can make your trip more enjoyable, even if it might take extra effort.

+ Atul

 Buy luggage like Samsonite at a discount.

Comments

[Meenal Parikh]

Hey, you'd be a hero on "Lost" too! I must've inherited Dad's traits also so I agree wholeheartedly.

[A Gregg]

I feel that you can never over pack. When going on a trip that is the last thing I want to do is spend money on something that is so overpriced. Where I can get it at home from cheap. Yes we all love shopping, a few new things wouldn’t hurt. But knowing I might not have room saves me some money too. But I currently went to Mexico and had to worry about over packing, because now we have a certain weight for your luggage!

[UH2L]

AGregg,

It's nice to hear that somebody else feels the same way I do. Right now, I'm on a trip that was extended by 3 days but I'm fully prepared thanks to my overpacking! :-) I do use up the full weight allowed by the airlines on occasion, but I might as well since I'm paying for it.

[Mariam Haidous]

I feel that under packing is better. I always under pack when traveling so I have reason to shop. I love shopping. There is always places to buy extra clothes and extra items. For me, overpacking would be bad because most airlines only allow to have fifty pounds or less. If it's more than fifty pounds you have to pay a fee. I would rather use that fee money on new clothes on the vacation! But, this is my opinion. Everyone has their own way to do things. No one is right or wrong :-)

[UH2L]

Mariam,

If you are going on a trip to shop then underpacking makes sense. It is less stressful too. I tend not to shop that much. I go more to see the sites and take pictures.

[Jamie J]

I agree that for me, by overpacking I am less stressed, more comfortable and free to actually enjoy my trip. I inherited a lot of these traits from my mother. Overpacking does have it's weight disadvantages but that never mattered to mom; her key to success was space efficiency. I also tend to "overpack" everyday. I always have a lot more stuff in my purse than I know what to do with but I find that it's always better to have it there than not.

[Leslie M.]

I'm so glad to see that I'm not alone in this situation! I'm always the over-packer! As you said, you should be prepared for whatever comes your way. I don't over-pack with ridiculous items such as a winter coat if I'm going to the Dominican, but I would, however, pack a sweatshirt. There have been times when family and/or friends have asked to borrow something I packed because they forgot to. I don't take offense when I get the famous "you're taking all that" question because I know that I'd rather be safe than sorry! I love that you feel the way, especially being a male! Thank you!

[UH2L]

Hi Jamie,

It's good to know somebody else who also overpacks. Bet you're rarely unprepared!

Atul