Go Lightweight: 10 Simple Hacks to Travel Light

Travelling can be a lot more fun when you travel light. It not only frees up luggage space but also your mind ─ just think about not having to stress about where those fifth pair of jeans are!

So, what’s the secret to packing light and how do you ensure what you bring along works doubly hard? Whether you’re staying in a luxury serviced apartment or a hotel residence, try these hacks so that you pack only what’s absolutely necessary.

The best part? You can follow these tips even if you’re not travelling anywhere and just want to declutter your home.

PS: For easy reading, we’ve structured the article by packing tips that are most relevant to different parts of your accommodation, from the bedroom to the kitchen.

Bedroom

1. Leggings as Sleepwear

No luggage space for pyjamas? Leggings aren’t just a fashion statement ─ pack a comfortable one so you can sleep in them too. Made of several thin layers, they also provide reasonable insulation by ensuring air stays trapped. Best of all, you won’t even have to worry about creases.

2. Bandana as Eye Mask

If you prefer sleeping with an eye mask, why not use a bandana? It can also serve to keep your hair in check, so you can save time off your morning routine!

3. Eye Cream as Moisturiser

Eye cream contains ingredients that reduce puffiness, address discolouration and minimise the signs of skin fatigue. But there’s more to it. Eye cream can double up as a moisturiser, smoothing out the lines between your eyebrows and hydrating the lip line.

4. Coconut Oil as Makeup Remover

Given its cleaning properties, coconut oil works great as a makeup remover. It has the ability to break up water-resistant substances in eye shadow and mascara. Additionally, coconut oil can be used to moisturise your skin and hair!

Laundry Room

5. Body Wash as Laundry Detergent

A small amount of shampoo or body wash can be very effective in washing delicates, and more importantly, circumvent the need to carry an extra item: laundry detergent. That being said, these substitutes are less effective when used on heavily soiled clothes or in a washing machine.

Bathroom

6. Hair Conditioner as Shaving Cream

It’s a simple reason why hair conditioner can be a great substitute for shaving cream. Being positively charged, the former is easily attracted to hair particles, which are negatively charged. Do note, however, that this is not recommended as a long-term replacement since using conditioner can make your razor useless by clogging them up and increase the likelihood of cuts.

7. Talcum Powder as Dry Shampoo

Talcum powder works the same way as dry shampoo, soaking up all the dirt and grime from your scalp. Massage a small amount onto your scalp and run through your hair to degrease. What’s more, you could even use it as a hair styling product while on the move!

8. Washcloth as Body Scrub

Washcloths make for excellent body scrubs as they provide gentle to intense exfoliation. You get to control the amount of pressure you apply, concentrating on tough areas such as knees and elbow joints while saving a more gentle touch for sensitive areas. Moreover, you won’t have to lug along oversized containers of body scrubs.

Kitchen

9. Insulated Water Bottle as Flask

With reusable water bottles, you get to save luggage space as well as cut down on plastic use. Some can even keep drinks hot for up to 12 hours, making them great travel companions. Look for those that come with double-walled vacuum insulation, such as bottles by Chilly’s and Klean Kanteen.

10. Resealable Bag as Cooking Bag

If your hotel residence has cooking facilities, resealable zipper storage bags such as Ziplocs are a great option for simple sous vide recipes. They do not melt or burn since sous-vide foods are usually cooked at lower temperatures. Additionally, they can be used as an ice pack. Freeze a clean sponge that has been soaked in water inside a Ziploc bag and you’ve got an excellent way to keep perishable food items cold while out and about!

Thinking of how you can put these tips to good use? Check out Frasers Hospitality’s Holiday Extravaganza which runs from now until 31 October 2018. Book a stay of any length between 1 November 2018 and 17 February 2019 to enjoy up to 30% off our luxury serviced apartments and hotels. Backed by our Best Rate Guarantee, this is the best time to book your year-end getaway!

Or if you’re looking out for more interesting ideas that make your travel fuss-free, check out our other listicles for more tips and tricks!

Adapted from Fraser Cachet Issue #31 © Frasers Hospitality and SPH Magazines