9 Tips on how to pack lightly for your holiday

Packing light might seem trickier than cramming everything into your suitcase, but it’s actually the key to stress-free travel. A well-organised bag saves time, keeps you comfortable on your travels, and leaves room for those special finds along the way. Whether you’re setting off for a week-long cruise or escaping for a quick getaway in the countryside, these simple tips will help you travel smarter with less.  

How to pack lightly for your canal boat holiday  

Packing light isn’t just for a quick trip abroad. When you’re heading off on a canal boat adventure, less really is more. A streamlined suitcase makes it easier to unpack and keep your cabin tidy, leaving you with more time to enjoy your break (instead of tripping over loose bags!). Avoid feeling cluttered with these smart packing strategies and ABC Boat Hire’s extra storage.

1. Maximise space with packing cubes 

Packing cubes are fabric rectangular pouches which compress your clothes into neat boxes to help keep your luggage neat and compact. They help prevent creasing your clothes, as your items will be tightly packed, and you’re less likely to misplace anything. You don’t even have to empty them entirely either, as they act like drawers for your clothes. Separate your items by day or by clothing type and have peace of mind knowing everything is easy to access and you’ve maximised your luggage space. 

Extra tip: Vacuum bags are another alternative which increase your packing space but be mindful that we don’t store vacuums onboard – so don’t forget the hand pump!  

2. Use a smart packing list 

Worried about forgetting something on your narrowboat holiday? Preparation is key for a smooth and peaceful journey. Whether you’ve travelled on a canal boat before or it’s your first time afloat, a checklist removes all the stress and worry of overpacking or leaving something essential behind. You can pack like a pro with our comprehensive downloadable checklist, which covers the basics without going overboard.  

Extra tip: Stick to the essentials rather than filling your suitcase with ‘just in case’ items, but don’t forget the entertainment! 

3. Opt for insertable luggage  

Choose luggage that can fit inside the biggest item. Whether this is a hard hand luggage case with a few backpacks to slide under the bed or a set of soft travel bags which can be zipped up and nested inside your main case. Although, we do recommend softer bags, as they can be easier to store. Once you’ve unpacked your main items, you can stack your empty bags together and store them neatly in a boat storage compartment. This not only saves space but also keeps walkways clear, so you can focus on the sights and sounds of the waterways instead of dodging loose luggage. 

4. Make the most of storage options onboard 

ABC Boat Hire’s canal boats are designed with living in mind. All boats have wardrobes and extra cupboard storage, but every narrowboat is different. Use these spaces to stow away items you don’t need daily to keep your living area comfortable and uncluttered. Packing into smaller bags or cubes makes it easier to slide things into these spaces and grab them when needed. Why not browse a selection of our boats, like the 2-5 berth, 6-8 berth and 9-12 berth. 

Extra tip: For more ways on how to maximise your layout space, read our 7-step guide. 

5. Avoid overweight luggage with scales 

While there are no weight restrictions for an ABC Boat Hire holiday, a luggage scale is still handy if part of your overall trip involves air travel. Weighing your suitcase before you leave ensures you’re within limits for any connecting journeys and helps you avoid any last-minute stress at the airport.  

Read our guide on travelling from abroad. 

6. Pack reusable bags for food and souvenirs 

Foldable, reusable bags are a staple for most households in the UK, with 68% of people using them daily. They’re perfect for picking up fresh produce at local markets near the canalside, storing your snacks onboard, or carrying souvenirs you pick up along the way. When they’re empty, they can be easily stored away and free up space for other essentials. You can get a ‘bag for life’ at most supermarkets, or a cotton tote bag will do the trick. 

7. Opt for multi-use clothing 

Slow fashion and capsule wardrobes are also becoming increasingly popular as more people look for ways to support the UK’s net zero 2050 goals while simplifying their lifestyles – almost 87% of British adults made at least one lifestyle change in the name of sustainability. Whether you’re motivated by sustainability or enjoy a minimalist approach to fashion, adopting a capsule wardrobe is a smart strategy when packing light for a holiday.

The secret lies in choosing versatile pieces that can be mixed, matched and layered to suit changing weather while still feeling stylish. With just a few thoughtful choices, you’ll have multiple looks from day to night without the extra baggage.  

Extra tip: Keep accessories to a minimum to save space but bear in mind the practical items like scarves and belts. 

8. Use travel-sized toiletries 

Trade bulky, full-sized bottles for travel-sized toiletries or solid alternatives like shampoo and soap bars. These compact options not only save valuable space in your bag but also minimise the risk of leaks – so you can skip the dreaded soapy suitcase clean-up! 

When you travel with ABC Boat Hire, your narrowboat is stocked with essentials such as one medium and one hand towel per guest, toilet paper and bin liners. This means you only need to pack the toiletries you need and use most. Bringing your own preferred products, like your favourite shampoo, sensitive skin care or your signature fragrance, adds an extra layer of comfort to your holiday. It’s a small luxury to make you feel at home while enjoying your adventure on the waterways.   

Extra tip: Eco-friendly products are always recommended on narrowboats to help protect the beautiful countryside and canals you’ll be exploring. All ABC Boat Hire holiday boats come stocked with Ecoleaf washing-up liquid and toilet cleaner. These products are biodegradable and use minimal packaging, meaning they’re kinder to aquatic life and reduce environmental impact. You can rest easy knowing you’re treading lightly on nature with an ABC Boat Hire canal boat holiday. 

9. Faster unpacking on your return  

One of the most overlooked perks of packing light comes at the very end of your holiday – unpacking! Travelling with fewer items means you can quickly put everything away and ease back into life on land without a mountain of washing or clutter to deal with. Instead of spending hours sorting through your family’s bags, you’ll have more time to savour the memories you’ve made.  

Dive straight into sharing photos, telling stories and reminiscing with your fellow travellers about your adventures. It’s a small but meaningful reward that makes the whole experience of travelling light even more worthwhile.  

Ready to put these packing tips into action? 

With clever storage and eco-friendly touches, an ABC Boat Hire canal boat holiday is the perfect way to travel light and truly relax. Browse our routes today and start planning your next adventure!