Summer's here. I'm sure that I'm not the only one raring to hit the road and go somewhere. However...

It's not easy to pack lightly.

One tends to go crazy and pack every outfit for every temperature variance. Some people even pack so many pairs of shoes for a week-long trip, only to end up not using even half of what they brought.

Packing lightly is an art that is learned over the years. A case in point: when I got married, imagine my surprise when I saw my mom-in-law (together with my husband's siblings) use only one luggage for the four of them for a 3-day Florida trip. Their wedding outfits FITTED in one luggage. From then on, I tried to copy this smart practice.

Rule to remember: don't weigh yourself down.

Try to fit everything in one reasonably-sized carry-on luggage. By reasonably-sized, I mean reasonably-sized for you - consider how tall you are, how heavy you weigh and how much you can safely carry. You can also add a backpack to carry the odds and ends.

If you're traveling with family and even friends, assign who will bring toiletries - shampoo, hair conditioner, toothpaste, body wash - even insect repellent and sunblock.

Avoid buying travel-size items. Buy a container that you can use and reuse, filling it with different shampoo, conditioner and lotion every trip.

Think of how much clothes you'll need for the duration of your trip, then pack half of it.

In case you're wondering why, here's a reason from the Alliance to Save Energy website:

Pack lightly when traveling, and avoid carrying items on your vehicle’s roof. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk cuts a typical car’s fuel economy by up to 2 percent.

If you're flying, you can help airplanes lighten their gas emissions by lightening their load.

What's more, your stuff can't be delayed, lost or stolen. You always have it with you.

Save your energy for sightseeing and trying new things, not lugging around your heavy luggage.

Remember: pack light, smart and green!