Recreational Outdoor eXchange - Where have you been in the Philippines

Packing light could be harder than you think. Whether it is for an overnight or a week-long business trip, squeezing all your essentials in a luggage, backpack, or any carry-on bag could be quite a challenge! Figuring out what you need or otherwise is a tough cookie. For the weary city slicker who lives in the land of convenience stores and groceries – everything is accessible, building up to one's pack rat tendencies.

We asked travel junkies for tips on how to pack light and ease up on travel woes – excess baggage, cumbersome carry-ons, log-heavy luggage. Since summer's just around the corner, 'tis the season to get out of town and enjoy whatever vacation time you could squeeze in between the hellish heat and
the never-ending pile of work. Here's what they have to say!

“Just bring your credit card. Shop when you land!” -- Jam Parungo, telecommunications marketing executive.

“Roll your socks and stuff them inside your shoes.” -- Raymund Martelino, lawyer.

“Transfer your toiletries to smaller container bottles.” -- Mark Tan, commercial pilot.

“Instead of bringing jeans just wear them on the way. You can wear them again without having to wash them after one use.” -- Jeff Tagle, restaurant associate.

“For the ladies, get rollable foldable ?ats for your footwear.” -- Aaron Vicencio, photographer.

“Some essentials you have to bring with you, but some you could buy at your destination. Buy them at a local store instead of lugging them around. And travel with someone! Give him or her your excess baggage!” -- KD Suarez, journalist.

“The Swiss knife is heaven-sent! Can opener, nail cutter, tweezers, magnifying lens, even toothpick! Invest in one. And two-in-one products like shampoo-conditioner, face-and-body sunblock will save you some space. Bring a good face towel rather than tons of tissue paper.” -- Marga Deona, entrepreneur.

“Bust out the envirosax and eco-bags. They'll come in handy when you DON'T pack light.” -- Macon Lampa, fresh MBA grad.

“Depending on the destination, but for the most part wear the heaviest/bulkiest set of clothes that you have when you travel. Pack T-shirts and a jacket for layering if needed.” -- RJ Sargan, computer programmer.

Before you head off to that getaway place, do your rounds in R.O.X. The art of packing light takes some experience (sometimes even lessons learned the hard way!) in order to achieve near perfection. Regardless, nothing should get in the way of you enjoying your vacation. So while you're beating your deadlines, you might want to plan your summer getaway one day at a time. Now you've got the tips. Later, try to ?gure out where exactly you want to go!

R.O.X. is the biggest outdoor superstore in Southeast Asia brought to you by the Primer Group of Companies with stores at Bonifacio High Street and Ayala Center, Cebu.