Avoid over- or under-packing. While you might be tempted to leave space for souvenirs, extra room means items can shift and crumple or break. Fill empty spaces with dry cleaner bags (and fill them later with mementos from your trip).

In the travel landscape of 2026, under-packing is almost universally considered the superior strategy. With airlines increasingly enforcing strict weight limits and charging exorbitant fees for checked or overweight bags, traveling light saves significant money and stress. Under-packing provides the physical freedom to navigate public transit, cobblestone streets, and stairs without the burden of a heavy trunk. It also leaves "souvenir space" for items you might acquire during your journey. Psychologically, under-packing encourages a minimalist mindset that reduces decision fatigue each morning of your trip. If you run out of clean clothes, most modern hotels and cities offer efficient laundry services or "laundromat cafes." Conversely, over-packing leads to disorganized luggage, potential damage to bag zippers, and the physical toll of lugging unnecessary weight. The only exception is when traveling to remote areas where specific gear or medications are unavailable; otherwise, the "less is more" philosophy ensures a more agile and enjoyable travel experience.