Against the tyranny of packing light

Why not make the most of your airline's generous baggage allowance? Photo / iStock

Many travellers take pride in being able to travel light. A rucksack, a couple of multi-purpose shirts, one pair of shoes and you're away.

There's a bohemian buzz about the freedom of being on the road, leaving material concerns behind. For some, what they lose in spare undies, they gain in a discernable smugness.

I'm firmly in the other camp. For me, the art of packing well lies not in packing as lightly as you can, but rather in packing as heavily as you are allowed.

If you're in one location for a week, then gear up. Most airlines are going to give you more than 20kg of luggage with an Economy Class ticket - that's a heap of shoes and clothes.

Why rock around in a sweaty shirt? And washing your undies in a sink? No thanks.

Whenever I can, I take a set of running gear on my travels. Often - as with last week when I was aboard the fabulous Indian Pacific rail journey - the running gear goes unused. But I like knowing that if the opportunity arises for a jog (and if my willpower is up to it), then I can hit the road. I found some nice parks in Buenos Aires while out jogging earlier this year.

And - just like I do at home - I like to wear a different shirt each day.

Yes, if your trip is going to involve lots of moving around, jumping on and off trains and sleeping in different spots, then the small-bag theory has merit.

But the reality of most travel is a taxi to the airport followed by a taxi to your accommodation at the other end. Make yourself at home.