I’m not a big believer in packing light, I’m afraid, although I never quite looked at that as a positive thing.  No matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to help trying to cover every possible contingency that might come up during my travels. And, in fact, I more often than not find myself wishing for something I didn’t pack!

So, it’s nice to be validated by this amusing essay by our member, Beth Schrader, who provides a number of reasons why keeping it on the light side is not a good idea.

Don’t check your luggage! Travel for one month with only a backpack!

Puh-leeze! I have been burned so many times when I’ve packed light that now I haul vast amounts of heavy suitcases even for weekend trips. Yes, I cuss my packing obsession as I schlep heavy bags on and off Italian trains, in and out of New York City cabs, or up five flights of stairs in a Spanish pension, but it sure beats the alternative.

Disadvantages of packing light

Sure, you’ll look cool with all your gear in one backpack, but you’ll be sorry.

You didn’t know your great-aunt would be taking you to dinner at the country club? Oh well, the wrinkled hippie look will really impress her friends.

You didn’t see the small type on the website about jackets and ties being required in Barcelona restaurants after 7PM? Really, this taco stand will be just fine.

You’ll do laundry in your room? Damp undies aren’t so bad.

You’ll hit a laundromat mid-way through your trip? Guess you like wandering around a village with a pillowcase full of stinky clothes, only to discover that the only public laundromat in town hasn’t repaired their machines in years and accepts only the denomination of currency you don’t have.

One carry-on bag for your business trip to Boston? Boy, that was a freak May snowstorm!

It’s easy to ship books, souvenirs, and too-skanky-to-wear clothes home? Of course, all you have to come up with is 200 Euros to ship by a reputable carrier or an hour in line at the post office betting that you might see that box again.

Advantages of packing heavy

If you pack heavy, you’ll be the hero in any emergency.
 
Someone’s gotten stung by a jellyfish? No problem, here’s the meat tenderizer.
 
Tent sprung a leak? Bet you’re glad I brought the duct tape.

Flight delay after all commerce in the airport has closed? Choose from my selection of granola bars, Pampers, and reading material.

Rainy day at the beach with kids? Here come the cards, comic books, and craft projects.

Underexposed photos of those gorgeous Italian mosaics? Check out this guidebook and these postcards.

Need to practice a foreign language? Just explain to the nice customs official what all this bizarre stuff is doing in your suitcase.

See my point?

Now, don’t you agree that packing heavy is the best method? You’d be amazed at the cardiovascular exercise you get sprinting for a train with all that stuff, not to mention the superb upper-body workout as you haul your goodies on board!

Beth Schrader lives in and adores Austin, Texas, and travels as often as possible. After years of supplying research and personal recommendations for traveling friends, she now shares her experiences at www.busytraveler.us.

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