Travel Smarter, Not Heavier

Picture this: Your family is rushing through a crowded airport, trying to make a connecting flight. You’re juggling suitcases, kids, and the stress of wondering if your checked bags will make it to the next destination. Sound familiar?
Now imagine this instead: Each family member confidently carrying their own backpack, breezing through the airport. No waiting at baggage claim, no stressing about lost luggage. You’re free to focus on enjoying your trip and making memories.
This is what happened for Abby Gaines, a group coordinator and travel advisor at Zachary Travel. Abby, her husband Andrew, and their kids spent 16 days last summer on a European adventure—each with just a backpack. Their lightweight approach turned out to be a game-changer. Here’s how you can follow their lead and transform your family travel experience.
The Problem: Overpacking Leads to Overwhelm
Let’s face it: lugging around heavy suitcases is exhausting. It slows you down, adds unnecessary stress, and can even limit your travel options. Abby knew there had to be a better way, and after her family’s trip, she’s convinced that packing light is the answer.
The Guide: Abby’s Packing List
Abby and her family proved you don’t need to bring your entire wardrobe to enjoy a long trip. Here’s her simple and effective packing list:
- Bottoms: 5 (1 pair of jeans, 4 athletic pants or capris)
- Tops: 5 (1 long-sleeve, 4 short-sleeve)
- Dress or Dress Shirt: 1 (choose something that doesn’t wrinkle!)
- Undergarments: 7 pairs of underwear and 7 pairs of socks
- Sleepwear: 2 sets
- Outerwear: 1 sweatshirt, 1 jacket, 1 raincoat
- Toiletries: Travel-sized liquids in airline-approved clear bags
- Accessories: Hairbrush, eyeglasses, phone chargers, and a travel plug adapter
Optional Extras:
- A small travel fan (great for warm nights)
- A hair straightener
To keep everything organized and compact, Abby swears by packing cubes. They make it easy to pack, find what you need, and maximize space in your bag.
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The Plan: Why Packing Light Works
Abby’s lightweight travel strategy made her family’s European trip smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s why:
Skip the Wait
By traveling with backpacks, Abby’s family didn’t have to wait in baggage claim or risk losing their luggage. When their first flight was canceled, they quickly rebooked and didn’t have to worry about checked bags being left behind.Share the Load
Each family member carried their own backpack, freeing up Andrew from being the family pack mule. This gave everyone a sense of responsibility and independence.Travel Made Easy
Small, manageable backpacks made navigating public transportation, taxis, and cobblestone streets a breeze. No more struggling to fit giant suitcases into tiny European cars!
"We washed clothes 3 times. I was strategic in planning and looked for hotels or Airbnb's with washers. One bed and breakfast host in Belgium volunteered to wash a load and returned them to us folded. Clothes needed to be things that dried quickly. When we left Amsterdam to come home most of the clothes in our backpack were clean," said Abby.
The Challenges: Packing Light Isn’t Perfect
Packing light does have its trade-offs, but Abby has solutions:
Heavy Backpacks
Backpacks can feel heavy if you overpack. Choose well-fitted, ergonomic bags to make carrying them easier.Limited Shopping Space
If you love buying souvenirs, you’ll need to get creative. Abby recommends bringing a small, foldable bag for extras or mailing items home.
So Are You Ready to Try Packing Light?
Abby’s family loved their backpack-only adventure and wouldn’t travel any other way. They saved time, avoided stress, and focused on enjoying their trip. If you’re tired of overpacking and overwhelmed travel, it’s time to try a new approach.
With Abby’s packing tips and a little planning, you can make your next family vacation smoother, simpler, and more fun. Ready to plan your next trip? Let Zachary Travel be your guide. Contact us today to make your travel dreams a reality!

Zachary Travel - 4257 Church St, Ste 104, Zachary, LA
Since 1983, we've helped our clients see the world. We offer more than 40 custom group tours each year, both domestic and international, led by guides from our Zachary office. In addition... Read More »
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