travel tips pack light

Top 20 tips on how to pack light

by Anne Betts | Dec 23, 2023 | Luggage and Packing , home featured | 25 comments

Updated December 23, 2023

For most of us, learning how to pack light, or lighter, is an evolutionary process. Getting it right takes experimentation, practice, and refinement. To help you on your journey,  here are my top 20 tips on how to pack light .

Table of Contents

1. One size doesn’t fit all

2. benefits keep us on track, 3. develop a minimalist mindset and strategy, 4. factor the environment into your packing style, standard bag, (i) in-flight essentials, (ii) day bag essentials, (iii) type of bag, (iv) desirable features, small purse, 6. leave room in your bag (20%), (i) packing list, (ii) shopping list, (iii) pre-travel checklist, 8. size matters (think compact) and become a weight watcher, 9. think double-duty and multipurpose, 10. minimize toiletries, 11. plan to do laundry.

• (i) Love everything you pack 

(ii) Build a compact capsule wardrobe

(iii) skip the slogans, (iv) choose fabrics wisely, (v) merino is your friend, (vi) identify clothing numbers and stick to them, (vii) plan to layer up and down, (viii) use accessories, 13. limit shoes, 14. one week = one month = one year, (i) roll, fold, bundle, or stuff, (ii) use packing organizers to compress and stay organized, (iii) pack for balance and accessibility.

• (iv) Wear your stuff 

16. Evaluate gadgets

17. pack with your safety and security in mind, 18. go paperless, 19. be inventive, 20. pack as early as possible.

Packing light means different things to different people at different times to different destinations. What works for one traveller may not work for another. While some ultralight packers travel for weeks or months with a small 20-litre backpack, most light packers aim to stay within an airline’s carry-on allowance. Others need to travel with checked luggage for a variety of reasons and circumstances, while remaining committed to packing lighter.

Incorporate other travellers’ suggestions only if they’re a good fit. That includes what you’ll find in these tips on how to pack and travel light. Make your own decisions on whether or not to pack jeans or convertible trousers, or rolling is better than folding. Just because a universal sink plug, travel towel, headlamp, or duct tape are listed as indispensable items on seasoned travellers’ packing lists, they don’t have to be on yours.

In other words, identify your own definition and description of packing light, set goals for each trip, and pack according to your preferences, needs, and travel style.

Of all the reasons to pack light, which ones motivate you the most? What benefits will most likely keep you on track? Is it saving money by taking a budget carrier with hefty baggage fees and an 8-kg (18-lb) carry-on limit? Perhaps it’s the ability to walk or use public transportation to get to where you’re going. Maybe it’s never losing sight of your bag and always having it arrive with you at your destination. Or, could it be that liberating feeling of being able to change plans on a whim unencumbered by ‘stuff?’

As one Facebook user said,

Once you’ve had to lug a heavy suitcase up many stairs in buildings and stations without elevators, over cobblestoned streets, and up and down steep, narrow steps on a train during a two-minute stop, you realize you don’t need 90% of the things you bring on a trip.

Nobody cares or notices if you wear the same clothes day after day. I’ve always had to carry, lift, and look after my stuff, so through trial and error, I’ve become better at packing. However, there’s room for improvement. One day, I’ll be able to travel for three months and not take anything superfluous, or clothes that I don’t wear at least a dozen times.

Keeping benefits in mind might be just the inspiration that’s needed to eliminate that extra kilogram (or more) from your bag.

• 15 reasons to pack light and experience the benefits of carry-on travel

How do so many travellers manage with carry-on? While there’s no right way or wrong way to pack light, the secret lies in identifying the essentials — the absolute minimum, and building from there. What are your must-haves, and what can you temporarily do without? Can you forego a hairdryer and curling iron, and pare down your range of hair care products? What are your other toiletry kit essentials? If you’re not ready to go makeup free, what are your must-haves, and what’s available in travel sizes? What does your minimalist wardrobe look like, and how can you stretch it to create as many different looks as possible? What’s in your basic first-aid/health kit? Which gadgets are non-negotiable, and which ones can you do without?

Another approach is to work backwards. This involves laying everything out and evaluating each item. Everything must earn its place. There’s no room for ‘just-in-case’ items (except first-aid supplies) or anything that will be worn or used just once. Dig into each kit and remove pieces of jewellery, makeup, first-aid supplies, toiletries, clothing, and ‘stuff.’ Eliminate any item of orphan clothing that doesn’t go with several other pieces. When flying on a budget airline with a 7-kg (15-lb) carry-on allowance, I was able to use this process to purge an additional .9 kg (2 lb) of stuff that I didn’t end up missing. It consisted mostly of small items that collectively and surprisingly weighed quite a bit.

Or, picture yourself with lots of luggage and how you’ll manage. On a trip to Australia, I was surprised to see so many travellers struggling with baggage. After hoisting a huge backpack from the luggage compartment of a bus, the passenger stumbled and fell backwards from the weight of her pack. In hostels, I stepped over duffel bags and packs that were too large to secure in the lockers provided. I observed travellers wheeling huge rolling bags over uneven pavement while juggling other bags.

Travelling like that can’t be enjoyable.

Hikers who trek in and out of wilderness areas without leaving any trace of their presence pack with purpose and precision. We can learn a lot from the ‘leave-no-trace’ movement.

• There are travellers who pack old clothing to be discarded before returning home. Why not recycle or repurpose these items at home where you’re familiar with environmentally friendly disposal systems?
• Is ‘If I need something, I’ll buy it there’ a dominant feature of your packing style? If so, how can you reduce your environmental footprint when it’s time to move on? If it’s not something you want to take with you, resist the temptation to toss it in the garbage; chances are you’ll find an appreciative local or another traveller to make use of it.

Does ‘pack in and pack out’ make more sense? Here are some examples.

• You could easily purchase an umbrella from sellers who materialize at the first sign of rain. But, it’ll likely be of a quality, size, and weight you won’t want to pack when you leave. Why not invest in a small lightweight travel umbrella that can be used time and time again?
• Cheap flip-flops are available worldwide, but chances are they won’t last. Why not invest in a quality pair of Havaianas Slim , and use them as shower shoes, hotel slippers, or beachwear throughout your travels? They’ll last you for years. Mine have.
• Plastic shopping bags carry purchases, but they’re hard on the environment. Why not pack a pocket shopping bag? In fact, the ChicoBag Vita rePRTe is made of recycled materials, can carry up to 40 lb (18 kg) and weighs just 2 oz (56 g).
• If you’re a tea or coffee lover, pack a reusable cup. The Stojo 12-oz cup is collapsible and spill proof, and weighs 150 g ( 5.3 oz).
• When faced with no garbage cans (or overflowing ones), it’s handy to have a small dry bag to carry your rubbish. Dry bags have so many uses that they’re considered an essential item by many travellers.
• If you regularly enjoy street food and take-out, pack a lightweight spork and skip the plastic cutlery. Another option is a wallet-sized flatware set .

Look for products that are safer for you and the environment.

• Some hostels supply towels, sometimes for an extra fee. I’ve stayed in hostels where towels weren’t available at all. My Pangea travel towel is more effective and more sustainable than a microfibre product. It’s made of bamboo, is biodegradable, lightweight, fast drying, and weighs 80 g (2.8 oz).
• Many panty liners and wet wipes have excess packaging and contain plastics and harmful chemicals. There are better alternatives such as natracare panty liners made of organic cotton. Choose sanitizing wipes containing organic alcohol that are biodegradable. Or pick up washable panty liners, wipes, and other reusable products from the online marketplace, Etsy. 

By packing lighter, you’re contributing to reduced emissions when flying. In addition, you’re able to walk with your luggage, use public transportation, and share smaller vehicles with others. Look for other ways to consider the health of our planet in the ways you pack and travel.

• Reduce waste with these 48 alternatives to plastic and other single-use travel products
• 10 Reasons to travel with dry bags

5. Choose luggage carefully

It pays to get this one right. Experimenting with luggage is expensive. Been there, done that. Unless you’re an ultralight minimalist and dedicated ONE bagger, two or even three bags (think main bag, day bag, packable purse) might best suit your travel style.

An important consideration is how you’ll handle your luggage and remain mobile. Picture how to  comfortably manage everything at once. If you’re travelling solo, there will be no one to watch your bags while you visit the washroom so you’ll need to take your luggage into the cubicle with you.

• Do you prefer the hands-free carry-on model? If so, a convertible backpack and crossbody bag might be a complementary combination.
• Or choose a two-in-one backpack similar to the Osprey Farpoint 55 or Osprey Fairview 55 with a smaller, detachable 15-litre backpack attached. These weigh 1.92 kg / 4.23 lb and 1.89 kg / 4.16 lb respectively.
• If you prefer rolling luggage, a personal item might need a luggage sleeve to slide over the telescopic handles of your rolling bag.
• Another option is to choose rolling luggage and a backpack in the same bag. My Osprey Daylite Carry-On Wheeled 40 L Duffel has removable, packable backpack straps, and empty, the bag weighs 2.24 kg / 5 lb.

• How to travel with just one carry-on bag using the nested approach

Rolling suitcase or convertible backpack? Soft-sided or hard-shell? Lots of internal organization? Desirable weight, both empty and packed? Warranty? Capacity?

For a carry-on bag, aim for a maximum capacity of 40 to 45 litres. A bag of this size is manageable, and will undoubtedly pass for carry-on for most airlines. A bag of this size will force you to adopt a range of packing light strategies, even if you’re travelling for several months across different climatic zones. Anything larger, and you’re bound to fill it (and probably have to send it as checked luggage). Before making any decisions, list all the features you need, and start researching.

• 31 features of a perfect carry-on bag: a buying guide to choosing the right luggage
• The best ‘standard’ carry-on bags according to travel bloggers
• The best ‘personal’ carry-on bags according to travel bloggers
• Is the Osprey warranty any good? It’s so good, I’m now a customer for life .

Personal item

Making your personal item double as your day bag should result in less luggage. Many airlines have a two-bag carry-on allowance of one standard and one personal item, each with specific size and weight restrictions. The personal item needs to fit under the seat in front of you during takeoff and landing. Allowances for a personal item are usually generous enough that a personal carry-on could become your day bag at your destination. Choosing the type, size, and features of this item depends on several factors, including your activities and what your body prefers.

I suggest four steps to figure out what meets your needs.

What will you need during the flight or a long bus ride or train trip? It’ll contain items you can’t afford to lose, as well as things you need for a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable journey.

• Carry-on essentials and packing tips for long flights

What will you want to carry while exploring a destination? Phone? Refillable water bottle? Clothing for layering up or down? Rain gear? Camera? Basic first-aid kit? Comfort pack of self-care essentials? Flashlight? Guidebook?

The two previous steps will provide clues on size and capacity. Next, identify what type of bag is best suited to your daily activities and what feels most comfortable to carry. If you expect to walk several kilometres and carry it from early morning until evening, it has to be comfortable. If a larger cross-body bag or sling bag results in shoulder-and-neck stress, a small backpack might distribute the weight more evenly for you. If you like a crossbody purse and backpack in the same bag, there are convertible options such as the Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Convertible Backpack .

What features do you need? Internal and external zippered pockets? Front and back zippered pockets? Sternum and waist straps? Security features? Water bottle pocket? Packability?

Also, it might be helpful to identify ‘undesirable’ features. For me, open pockets, Velcro closures, and shoulder straps made of webbing come to mind.

Do you need a small purse? There may be activities or venues when it’s handy to carry a few basic items, and a day bag doesn’t fit the bill. My handmade crossbody purse and Pacsafe Daysafe Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag are small enough to wear under clothing. Both have enough space for essentials such as a passport, phone, financial cards, and cash.

• Designing the perfect travel purse

It can be tempting to fill a bag of any size. By deliberately leaving room, it means:

• a soft-sided bag with dimensions exceeding the ’45-inch rule’ can be squished to fit carry-on requirements, or stuffed into luggage sizers and smaller overhead bins.
• you’ll have room for repacking a bag quickly if you’re strapped for time.
• there’s enough room to nest a packable personal item/day bag when carrying one bag is preferable.
• placing one bag only on the conveyor belt at security screening. With packable secondary bags safely stowed in your main bag, there’s less chance of theft if there are delays passing through the walk-through scanner or if you’ve been selected for secondary screening.  
• there’s space for purchases collected along the way.

7. Lists help, a lot

I’m big on lists — in fact, three of them. One is a packing list, another is for shopping, and a pre-travel checklist contains tasks to accomplish before leaving home.

Organize your list in categories. Find ones that work for you. My current category titles are ‘Essentials’ (primarily, identity documents and finances), ‘Toiletries,’ ‘Comfort Pack,’ ‘Footwear, Clothing, and Accessories’ (divided into sub-categories), ‘Laundry,’ ‘Luggage, Packing Aids, and Accessories,’ ‘Gadgets,’ ‘Health/First-Aid,’ and ‘Miscellaneous.’ ‘Skiing,’ ‘Cycling,’ and ‘Camping’ are separate categories for additional items specific to those types of trips or activities.

I also include descriptive information about many items, such as brand names, models, and sizes. These are handy in the event of an insurance claim, or if someone asks for recommendations. They’ve been invaluable when ordering a replacement for a worn or lost item.

A notes app on a phone is handy for keeping a list of ‘Travel Purchases’ as a reminder to pick up items when out and about, and research products at your leisure.

When planning a visit to another city or country, consider an online search for the names and locations of travel and outdoor stores. Then, try to blend a shopping excursion as seamlessly as possible into other activities. This will provide you with inspiration and leads on new products, or those not available at home. I found some gems at Bever in Amsterdam, REI in New York, MEC in Toronto, and Kathmandu in Australia.

Create a list of all the tasks to be accomplished before leaving home, from the mundane to the essential. Be as detailed as possible, and include a timeline. Save an electronic version for the next trip.

• How to create a pre-travel checklist

Look for lightweight compact versions of everything on your packing list. When faced with two products of a similar quality, choose the lighter and more packable one. When purchasing online, always check the specifications for the dimensions and weight.

Here are a few other things to consider.

• For any bag, aim for an empty weight that doesn’t exceed 20% of your carry-on allowance. For example, if you typically travel on an airline with a 10-kg (22-lb) allowance, your bag should weigh no more than 2 kg (4.4 lb). Go lighter if you can, but not at the expense of quality and durability.
• A digital hand-held luggage scale takes the guesswork out of figuring out the weight of your packed bags. A combined kitchen/mailing scale can be very handy for comparing weights of individual items and making choices on what to pack.
• Avoid pre-assembled kits. Build your own first-aid, toiletries, and ‘MacGyver’ kits.
• Collect light, durable containers of various sizes and functions for your toiletries, and to use as packing organizers.

If you’re committed to carry-on travel, aim to purge every last gram or ounce of dead weight from your bag.

When choosing what to pack or purchase, think about how many uses can be gleaned from each item. Here are some examples.

• Scarf or pashmina? Both accent a travel outfit, but which one can be used as a blanket, towel, privacy screen, tablecloth, makeshift bag, skirt, swimsuit cover-up, and so much more?
• The right leggings can double as pants, sleepwear, exercise gear, loungewear, or as a layer under trousers or a dress when the temperature drops. I like the five-pocket Lululemon Pace Rival Crop that have served me well for several years.
• A skort is more versatile than shorts, and the skirt could be dressed up to transition from day wear to smart-casual evening wear.
• Anti-pickpocket underwear with secret pockets can be worn as shorts, loungewear, or swimsuit bottoms. 
• A tunic could create an outfit with leggings, or used as sleepwear or a swimsuit cover-up.
• The right long-sleeved button-up travel shirt with an adequate UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) could be as effective for dressier occasions as it is for protection from the sun. My Columbia Silver Ridge is such a shirt.
• A waterproof, windproof outer shell is useful for day-to-day use, and a rain jacket in wet weather.
• A wallet phone case  with a compartment is handy for storing a driver’s license, transit card, emergency contact card, and emergency money.
• Look for double-duty products with pockets to use as a ‘wallet.’ Need inspiration? Check out Etsy. For example, you’ll find infinity scarves, belts, bracelets, and underwear, all with hidden pockets.
• Flip-flops can be used as slippers, or wearing around water. However, by ‘glamming’ them up a notch, the right style could be used for dressier wear. Both Havaianas and Crocs offer some attractive options, such as the Crocs Sanrah Beveled Circle Wedge Sandal .
• Avoid overpacking: pack light with these 40 ideas on multipurpose travel gear
• Travel with tablet towels: a multipurpose essential every traveller should pack
• Always pack a pashmina: one of the best multipurpose items in a travel bag
• How to make a traveller’s emergency contact card in 5 easy steps
• A review of the Arc’teryx Norvan SL hoody: a breathable packable lightweight rain jacket for travellers
• Features of an ideal wallet phone case for travel
• My favourite travel shirt that doesn’t look like a travel shirt

When planning your toiletries and cosmetics, choose the smallest and lightest bag possible. A pivotal breakthrough for me was to replace my Baggallini Hanging Travel Organizer weighing 11.6 oz / 329 g in favour of a reusable 3-1-1 bag as my toiletries kit. A ‘3-1-1 bag’ is a term used in some countries to describe allowable quantities of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in a carry-on bag brought into the cabin of an aircraft.

There are several reusable TSA-approved clear toiletry bags on the market. Mine is a Tom Bihn 3D Clear Organizer Cube  with a built-in hook. It’s lightweight and durable and after many years of use as a ‘liquids bag,’ I invested in a second cube for solid toiletries. Each bag weighs 2.4 oz / 67 g.

Using a 3-1-1 bag as my toiletries kit eliminated the space and weight demands of a separate packing organizer, and motivated me to adopt new approaches to selecting and organizing what I pack. If this might appeal to you, look for a durable, see-through, zippered one-quart / one-litre bag with a hook, or the ability to add a lightweight carabiner to create a hanging kit.

Here’s what I packed for a 46-day trip to Africa.

Here are some other tips:

• Look for products where a little goes a long way. I’m always willing to try something new when the directions suggest using a pea-sized amount, or it’s possible to lather up a storm with, for example, a flimsy soap leaf.
• Decanting is better on your purse and the environment than purchasing products in travel-sized containers. However, if you find a container that meets your needs, retain it for decanting purposes.
• Decant just enough, and use a range of refillable containers of different sizes and functions. Experiment at home so you have an idea of what ‘just enough’ means given the length of your trip.
• Use double-duty products. Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap can be used as body wash, shampoo, facial cleanser, or laundry soap.
• Use solid substitutes if there’s not enough space in your 3-1-1 bag for all the liquids, gels, aerosols, creams. and pastes you want to pack.
• Reduce your plastic waste, and pack toothpaste tablets. My favourite is GloBoid Toothpaste Tablets with Fluoride . One tablet foams just like toothpaste and my teeth feel clean after brushing.
• Visit your local health food store for healthier alternatives to products containing chemicals. That’s where I discovered crystal deodorant. It’s effective, doesn’t leave residue on clothing and lasts for months. Look for travel sizes such as Crystal Body Deodorant (30g).
• Don’t forget to include a packet of soap leaves for public toilets without soap, and a small travel-sized bottle of sanitizer.
• Buy it there. I prefer to pack what I need, but there have been occasions when buying sunscreen at my destination made sense, and carrying an empty container for decanting purposes. I bought sunscreen when cycling in New Zealand and decanted what was left into an empty container before flying to Australia. I like the GoToob travel tube with a handy loop lock for attaching to a bag or bike.
• 18 Tips on organizing a 3-1-1 bag for toiletries and cosmetics
• No soap? No problem travelling with soap leaves .
• Are you travelling with expired toiletries? Avoid doing so with these 14 tips .
• Go natural. But does crystal deodorant work?

Clothes you aren’t wearing are the clothes you have to schlepp around from place to place. If they’re dirty, they’re useless. Dead weight. An essential key to packing light is to bring fewer clothes and have a plan to keep them clean. Self-serve laundromat? Hotel laundry service? Drop-off and pick-up laundry service? Hand-wash in a sink or shower? Choose what works for you and pack accordingly.

• Packing list and tips for doing laundry while travelling

In the event it’s useful, here’s what works for me:

• With the exception of outerwear, if it can’t be washed, or needs to be ironed, it stays at home.
• Paying a little extra for a combination of merino and synthetics means not having to wash after one wear.
• Travel pants and leggings in darker, neutral colours can be worn day after day without washing.
• Hand washing takes a few minutes each evening, and for lightweight and quick-dry fabrics, they’re good to go the next day.
• Pack a travel clothesline, one that is lightweight and doesn’t require clothespins. Hooks at both ends are more serviceable than suction cups. They loop back into the braid, expanding your options for setting up the line. My favourite is the Go Travel Pegless Washing Line , with the suction cups left at home.

12. Identify your clothing principles

Develop a set of principles to guide your clothing choices. Here are some examples.

(i) Love everything you pack  

A limited wardrobe means wearing items over and over, and feeling comfortable and confident doing so. Choosing clothing and shoes can be a challenging part of packing. Assembling a ‘travel wardrobe’ and setting it aside for travel makes the task easier. This means not buying new clothes for a trip but relying on favourite tried-and-true pieces.

A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of clothing in coordinating colours where items easily mix and match. It includes tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and shoes. When curating a capsule wardrobe, select a clothing colour palette comprising colours that are right for you. Incorporate a couple of neutrals, and two or three main colours with complementary accent shades. Avoid white and lighter colours that show scuffs and stains. Aim to mix and match every top with every bottom, and every base and mid-layer. Each dress needs to blend with other pieces such as a warm layer and leggings. Accessorizing with scarves and jewellery helps dress up and extend a capsule wardrobe. One of the best articles I’ve found on how to build a travel capsule wardrobe is at Lady Light Travel . For additional inspiration and examples, take a look at the Capsule Wardrobe Pinterest Board.

Slogans and brand names draw attention, and scream ‘tourist.’ They can be distracting in photographs, especially when the same item of clothing appears in several pictures. In a capsule wardrobe, they limit the ability of pieces to intermix. They also dress down an outfit. For example, I have a very comfortable and versatile pair of Sherpa Naulo black cargo pants that in a pinch could be dressed up with a decent top and accessories, except for the large and prominent ‘Sherpa’ label on the left thigh. Oh, how I love those pants except for that label. And it’s reflective for Pete’s sake!!

For many travellers, this means odour-resistant, wrinkle-resistant, lightweight yet durable, breathable, quick drying, and takes up as little space as possible. I tried performance fabrics found in active wear, but they came up short on the odour-resistant feature. I now lean towards a merino blend, and paying more for quality.

I love this fabric.

• It’s cool in warm weather and warm in cool weather.
• It’s soft and doesn’t itch like other woollen garments.
• It’s lightweight, and doesn’t demand a lot of space.
• It’s perfect for layering up and down. When the temperature drops, wear an extra layer. When it warms up during the day, remove a layer and stuff it into a day bag.
• Merino’s odour-resistant properties are legendary. I can pound the pavement for days in the same pair of merino socks so there’s never a need to pack more than two pairs. The same holds true for base layer shirts that can be worn several times without washing.

The downside is that it’s pricey. Sign up for Icebreaker newsletters and those of your favourite outdoor stores to stay updated on their sales. Also, check out what’s available at Costco. I’ve found Cloudveil 100% merino tops in the $20 range.

If I hadn’t tried AllBirds Wool Runners , I would never have believed how comfortable merino shoes can be. They’re lightweight, breathable, washable, and sustainable. They’re my closed-toe shoe of choice for most trips. I love them!   

This simple system keeps me on track. My numbers, stacked in a somewhat vertical order, are 2, 3, 5, 5, 3, 2. For most trips, it means 2 pairs of socks, 3 bottoms, 5 panties, 5 tops, 3 pieces of head/neck gear, and 2 bras. Add one or two pieces of outerwear depending on the season, one swimsuit, one dress, and one or two mid-layers (reduce the 5 tops to 4 or 3) and I’m good to go for most trips.

Here’s the challenging part. After trying on each top with each bottom and eight tops are likely candidates, they need to be reduced to four or five pieces. Remaining committed to clothing numbers means making tough choices but it has to be done! 

Having numbers helps maximize the use of each piece that’s packed. If each of the five tops can be worn with each of the three bottoms, there’s more than enough variety in the 15 possible outfits.

Dressing in layers translates into having clothes that allow you to cope easily with fluctuations in temperature, or when crossing climates and seasons. Thin base and mid-layers are more functional than a bulky sweater or sweatshirt. They dry faster, and take up less space. In fact, three merino base layers, one Patagonia Capilene Midweight Zip, and one merino full zip mid-layer takes up the same amount of space as one of my woollen sweaters.

For winter and cold weather travel, look for a packable puffy down jacket that stuffs into its own pocket. With insulating layers underneath, and a waterproof, windproof shell on top, it doesn’t need to do the heavy lifting required of a dedicated winter jacket. My Arc’teryx Thorium AR Hoody and Arc’teryx Norvan SL Hoody both pack into their own pouches. Weighing 402 grams and 126 grams respectively, the combined weight of 528 grams / 18.6 ounces makes for lightweight protection from wet and cold conditions. Separately or together, they’re more versatile than a heavy winter jacket.

• A review of the Arc’teryx Norvan SL hoody: a breathable packable lightweight rain jacket for travellers .

Accessories such as scarves, neck gaiters, and jewellery take up minimal space, spice up an outfit, and help create different looks. A Buff tubular neck gaiter or head sock is a versatile piece of kit performing a multitude of functions.

• Buff: a multipurpose essential for the packing light traveller

Shoes are weight and space guzzlers. Stick to a two-pair or three-pair limit. When weighing your options, choose those that best transition from day wear to smart-casual evening wear and outside to inside. If possible, steer clear of brightly coloured athletic shoes. Find something that looks at home at the gym, on the trail, or in a fancy restaurant.

For the health of your feet and your shoes, pack at least two pairs for longer trips. Alternating shoes keeps feet limber, and shoes need adequate time to air and dry out. For travel in warmer weather, choose a good pair of walking sandals and a versatile pair of closed-toe walking shoes in a neutral colour. If you haven’t yet found your perfect pair of walking sandals, check out the Teva Tirra . They have the added advantage of coping well around water.

• What are the best walking sandals for travel?

Flip-flops are useful for reasons already mentioned, but keep in mind that wearing them for long periods isn’t good for your feet . They offer no support, and make stubbed toes, cuts, and sprained ankles more likely. They can also contribute to bunions, hammertoe, heel spurs, and plantar fasciitis.

Whether packing for a week, a month, or a year, the packed weight of your bag should be similar for all trips. Your clothing inventory will reflect some slight variation by piece, and your shoes may vary according to weather and destination, but the number of items should be somewhat constant. Your basic first-aid kit, comfort pack of self-care essentials, and MacGyver fix-it kit will be much the same. Your electronics might have an extra adapter or two for additional countries. Your toiletries may reflect some variations of what ‘just enough’ looks like, but with the exception of sunscreen and insect repellent, they too will be similar for most trips.

For longer trips across different climates, you’ll still dress in layers, but perhaps rent or purchase what you need for short periods in very cold conditions. Thrift shops can be a great resource. As you enter or leave a country or climate, there will be opportunities to purchase, donate, or sell items from or to other travellers. If staying in hostels, check out the buy-and-sell section on the bulletin board.

Depending at what point in your trip you need specialized gear, another option might be to mail things home when it’s no longer needed. Assess the feasibility of this strategy by checking the weight, postage rates, and availability of an appropriate mailing box before leaving home. For example, I paid 60 AUD (44 USD) to mail a postage box of stuff from Australia to Canada. It comprised gear packed for cycling and lower temperatures in New Zealand. When I arrived in Australia, it was clear the gear was no longer needed, and the extra 2 kg (4.4 lb) was more than I wanted to carry. Replacing it back in Canada would have cost way more than what it cost to mail it home.

15. Find your packing style

Figure out what works best for you and what you’re packing. ‘Bundling’ makes for a tight compact package if you’re unpacking everything at your destination. Stuffing works for a packable down jacket, or maybe socks and underwear.

I quite like rolling. There are fewer creases, and when stored in a packing cube, it’s easy to get a quick fix on how many clean pieces remain. I follow the techniques described by Von Malegowski ( How to Pack Clothes for Traveling ) and Elektra King ( How to fold underwear quick and easy ).

Packing organizers keep things clean, protected, and organized. They compartmentalize a bag, much like a filing system. Things are easy to find and easy to put back after use. No more rummaging through a cavernous expanse looking for what you need. They compress clothing so a bag looks smaller. This is handy when travelling on a budget carrier with a 7-kg (15-lb) maximum carry-on allowance, as your bag is less likely to attract attention.

For carrying layers I’m not wearing, I love the Eagle Creek Pack-It Spectre Compression Cubes . They compress outerwear beautifully, especially when travelling in winter.

• The best compression packing cubes ever made
• Join the carry-on travel movement: pack light and tight with packing organizers
• How to pack small things in your travel bags

A backpack needs to be as comfortable as possible. This means packing the heaviest items as close to the body’s centre of gravity as possible — in the centre of a bag, and close to the body. Packing organizers allow you to densely pack both your heaviest and lightest items around each other, and keep them in place with the internal compression straps. What needs to be accessible at security checkpoints, during the journey, or as soon as you arrive? Pack these items (e.g., 3-1-1 bag, water bottle, umbrella, outerwear) in an external pocket or personal item.

(iv) Wear your stuff  

Wearing your heaviest and bulkiest gear on travel days (if possible) might mean the difference between going carry-on and needing to check a bag. If your outerwear includes a travel vest or jacket loaded with pockets, you can wear a lot of stuff. What you wear doesn’t count against your baggage allowance.

On occasions, I travel with a SCOTTeVEST travel vest . It weighs about 400 g / 14 oz. It carries an iPad mini, iPhone, wallet, passport sleeve, Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 pocket camera, Bose QC 20 noise-cancelling in-ear headphones, eye glasses, energy bar, and pen for a total weight of 3.3 kg / 7 lb 4 oz. Similarly, my Clothing Arts Cubed Travel Jacket with its eight pockets can be packed with these same items. A packable travel purse worn under a travel vest or jacket increases the options for wearing more stuff.

Taking a digital detox is impractical for today’s travellers. The electronic revolution is transforming the way we travel and internet-enabled devices offer convenience and security. They’re not only useful for what we can take, but just as handy for what can be left behind. But how do you choose which ones to take? Here are a few ideas:

• Make each one earn its place. How will it enrich your travel experience? If you decide to pack a phone or tablet, load it with apps, music, movies, books, podcasts… whatever will be useful, allow you to stay connected with family and friends, and make your travels more informed and enjoyable. Read up on what bloggers and tech sites are saying about useful travel apps.
• How might it encumber you? Might a more compact version meet your needs? Replacing a DSLR camera with a pocket-sized Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS200 was one of the best packing-light decisions I’ve made. Its portability far outweighs the benefits of a DSLR camera.

• Unless you’re doing any serious work while away, evaluate the need for a laptop. I LOVE my MacBook Air and would undoubtedly use it while travelling. However, the extra weight and keeping it secure aren’t worth it. My iPhone and iPad mini serve most of my needs while away.   
• Is keeping it secure worth the effort? A smaller, more compact version is easier to keep tabs on. An iPad mini, compared to an iPad, is small enough, and light enough, to be slipped into a zippered internal pocket of a purse or outerwear.
• Reduce the number of charging blocks by using a charger with several USB ports for charging multiple devices off the same outlet. Instead of a universal adapter, use a kit consisting of different adapters and just take the one(s) you need.
• Choose the smallest possible power bank for your needs. My TG90 10,000 mAh charger with three built-in charging cords fits easily in a pocket or purse, and weighs 210 g / 7.4 oz. Fully charged, it has enough juice to get me through the longest of travel days, and then some.
• Consider packing a USB to AC international travel charger with interlocking adapters and USB-A and USB-C charging ports. You’ll need just one AC outlet and have the ability to charge several devices at the same time. An added bonus is that you can leave the separate charging bricks of each device at home. My Lencent 45W charger  ticks all the features needed in a USB to AC charger.
• I found over-the-head headphones to be heavy, and take up more space than the in-ear variety. If you’re like me, you’ll use in-ear headphones more often. Spend a little extra for the noise-reducing feature. There are lots on the market, both wired and Bluetooth. I adore my BOSE QuietComfort 20 .
• Pack light with a travel-friendly portable power bank
• Pack light with a USB to AC international travel charger

Staying safe and keeping your stuff secure can weigh heavily on your mind. Enter the concept of ‘travelling light,’ the mental and emotional dimensions of travel. It’s concerned with leaving home and familiar surroundings and worrying less about what was left behind or undone. It means having fewer qualms about not having the tools to deal with an emergency. It involves thinking about possible mishaps and what needs to be packed or put in place to deal with scenarios such as seeking emergency medical treatment or dealing with a stolen passport.

A few digital downloads on your devices and adding some lightweight items to your packing list can be worth their weight in gold in an emergency.  Here are some of my staples.

• A personal security alarm makes a loud noise when activated. Attach it to a purse or day bag so it’s within easy reach.
• A whistle is easily attached to a purse or sternum strap.
• Laminated cards are durable and pack well. Carry a copy of the information page of your passport, the emergency medical insurance wallet card, spread emergency contact cards throughout your luggage.
• Carry a small high-powered flashlight, and use the flashlight app on your phone as a backup.
• My wrist ID bracelet blends well with any outfit and contains a mine of useful information for first responders.
• If you don’t have a bag loaded with built-in security features, make your own bag more difficult for pickpockets to penetrate. Insert a few internal attachment points to attach tethering straps attached to more valuable items. Pack a few lightweight cables to secure external zipper pulls on bags.
• Incorporate ‘travel gear hacks’ into your clothing and gear. For example, add a small credit-card-sized pocket to the inside of a waistband, and hide an emergency cash stash in unlikely containers.
• Carry a lock that’s versatile enough for a range of applications. I use a triple cable lock . It fits all the hostel lockers I’ve encountered, and it anchors the interlocking zippers of the two compartments of my bag. A vinyl-coated cable is handy for attaching my bag to a luggage rack or belt loop, handy when snoozing on a train or while stuck in an airport.

• Place useful information on the lock screen of your phone. I use the app from RoadID . It contains my name and ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact person and phone number.
• Use a passcode lock on your devices.
• Enable the ‘find-your-device’ feature on your gadgets.
• Use bag trackers. Leave one at your accommodation or in a vehicle to help find your way back.
• Label your valuables. Consider purchasing stickers and tags from an online lost-and-found service.
• 2 5 Ideas on how to prepare an emergency preparedness toolkit for travellers
• What to pack in case of a travel medical emergency
• Six reasons to carry laminated copies of your passport
• How to make a traveller’s emergency contact card in five easy steps
• How to assemble a perfect travel first-aid kit
• Emergency ID bracelet for travellers
• Lost and found recovery services for travellers
• Tips on protection from pickpockets
• Stop pickpockets with this comprehensive assortment of anti-pickpocket gear
• My favourite travel gear hacks

I’ve travelled with people packing reams of paper… booking confirmations, language basics, pages of research on activities… OMGoodness, I’ve been that person. Guidebooks, language guides, maps, magazines, novels, address books, emergency contact information, a journal (and more) are weight and space guzzlers. In most cases, they can be replaced with digital versions. Reducing paper gathered along the way can be accomplished by scanning receipts and other printed material with a scanner app such as Scanner Pro . Before packing paper, evaluate whether or not it can be replaced with a digital version.

Travelling teaches us to be resourceful. Packing can be more satisfying when alternate or multiple uses are found for things that at first blush seem one-dimensional. Something might be designed for a specific purpose, but repurposed into something different. For example, a depleted gift card or hotel room key forms a sturdy core for duct tape, or a wrapping channel for earbuds. These and other travel gear hacks are easy on the wallet, and are functional alternatives to commercial products.

Or, design your own travel aids and accessories.

• Stop pickpockets with this comprehensive assortment of anti-pickpocket gear  

Most of us don’t plan a trip at the last minute. We book in advance and develop detailed itineraries. Take the same approach to what and how you pack.

• Packing as far in advance as possible is the companion piece to list making. It gives you the space for the mental work that comes naturally while doing other things. Keep your various lists handy for amending when an idea strikes.
• Designate one or more places for storing your ‘travel stuff.’ When you can quickly put your hands on your passport, currency from previous trips, packing organizers, travel clothing, 3-1-1 bag for toiletries and cosmetics, first-aid kit, and various packing aids, it makes packing less onerous.
• Consider accumulating duplicate items such as decanted toiletries, in-ear headphones, and charging cords to be more ravel ready. I’ve since moved from a second toiletries kit because it’s too easy to travel with expired toiletries with this strategy.  
• Break it up. Pack in segments (e.g., toiletries in one sitting, first-aid kit at another) when you’ve the time and patience to evaluate each item.
• Choose a ‘packing station’ such as a spare bed or corner of the basement. Spread out what you’re thinking of packing, organized in categories. Over several sittings, evaluate each item; remove, replace, and remove some more.
• Consider developing a capsule wardrobe of items reserved for travel. Clothes are my most challenging part of packing and having a ‘travel wardrobe’ takes the angst out of this aspect of packing. Try on every piece of clothing with others, including shoes and accessories. Assess each and every outfit. Remove those pieces that don’t combine well with several others.
• Ask for advice, preferably of someone who will help you justify each item and edit some more. 
• Weigh your bag. Walk with it — around the house, the block, or the neighbourhood. If you’re going carry-on, simulate lifting your standard carry-on bag up to the height of an overhead compartment. If you can’t do it, you’ll need to edit some more or check your bag. Helping passengers with luggage is not part of a flight attendant’s job.  A heavy bag is a liability. According to Nora Dunn, The Professional Hobo , “The weight of your luggage is equally proportionate to the level of misery you’ll experience while travelling.”

I’ll leave the final words to a couple of experts.

According to Fred Perrotta of Tortuga Backpacks , “Packing light is about more than just saving money. Packing light minimizes your physical and mental burden. Trade stuff for convenience, flexibility, and fun. Real travel is about your experiences, not your gear.”

Rick Steves , travel author and host, advises “Go casual, simple, and very light. Remember, in your travels, you’ll meet two kinds of tourists — those who pack light and those who wish they had. Say it out loud: ‘PACK LIGHT PACK LIGHT PACK LIGHT’.”

If you’re interested in more ideas and resources on packing light, sign up for my newsletter to be notified of new and updated content. You’ll find the sign-up box in the right-hand sidebar on a laptop or scroll down further on a phone or tablet. Your email address will never be shared, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

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25 Comments

I always try to pack light and your tips are so useful! Keep up the great work, Anne!

A ton of information. This article will help me to ease my next trip. Thank you Anne Betts for your nice presentation.

I’ve debated getting a rolling suitcase for a long time. I’ve never justified spending the money when I have 2 perfectly functional backpacks, but a roller sure would be easier in places with good sidewalks! And hey, if I win then it’s free so no money spent!

So much great info! I’m going to use this for a 5 day trip to Taiwan this month. Planning to look good, be eco-friendly, and travel light thanks to your advice. 🙂

I LOVED the tips about purchasing items that you’ll use more than just one time because of an impulse buy! I was in Scotland this year and it started to rain (as it always does) and I bought a compactable umbrella instead of a plastic poncho! This was so informative and helpful!

We have the same love affair with Merino! I love the tip about packing in advance. You are completely correct that I plan in advance and then pack the night before. What am I doing?! Of course I should pack/plan in advance! Thank you.

Packing for travel has always been a struggle for us. Packing as early as possible is helpful so we can make adjustments and avoid impulsive items.

Even as a seasoned traveler, I still get packing anxiety. So these are great tips and reminders on how to pack light!

We are always looking to improve our packing weight. By following your tips, we were able to shed 20 pounds of overall travel weight on our latest trip. Thank you.

Ah I definitely need to practice these tips! I’m very guilty of overpacking or ‘just in case’ packing! I love the idea of packing multi-purpose items so you can cover several eventualities with just a few items! I’m definitely going to try out these tips on my next trip! I’d love to pack lighter! I’ll let you know how it goes – thanks for the tips!

I am packing for my trip tomorrow and this is exactly what I needed, such a great list 🙂 Thanks for sharing your tips and tricks!

Packing light is something I’ve become very good at recently – I even stuff my coat sleeves with clothes and carrying it through with me! You’ve mentioned some great tips in here that will definitely help a lot of over-packers!

I like that you start this recognizing that not one size fits all for packing! I read all the tips and I still find myself packing too much. We learned about taking the local geography into account when we had to roll suitcases up and down stairs over bridges in Venice! We are big list makers so that helps to make sure we don’t forget things! But sadly there are too many “just in case”things on that list. What a comprehensive set of things to consider.

There is so much to learn on packing even for a seasoned traveler. There is always new ways of packing. I think once you create a routine it will get easier. These are great suggestions.

I try to pack as light as possible for the 3 of us. I’m getting better at it every time. It also helps that our son is 11 now and needs less and less extra stuff. Great tips! We use a few of them ourselves.

I love your tips and will incorporate many! While I always strive to pack light, I am usually a failure at it. The many toiletries and shoes torpedo my plan. I will explore some of the “liquidless” toiletries you recommended. Thanks

Thanks for these fabulous tips! Although I’m usually a light packer, I find a always need 4 pairs of shoes! I’m rethinking a bag I just packed based on your tips!

Some very valid points here ! I am a light traveller who learnt the hard way (although I was never carrying huge suitcases anyway!). The no.11 (regarding laundry) is EXTREMELY truthful, dirty clothes are dead weight! Thanks for putting all these together!

I really need to work on packing light. Usually I pack more clothes than what I need then only wearing the same few outfits over and over. Such great tips and will try to apply them on my next trip.

You pointed at very important things to consider while traveling. Like laundry.. I think this is key part of any trip and planning ahead is the best! I usually only travel with my laundry sheets. I loved that you wrote about this not only about how to fold but how to take of the environment while traveling comfortable <3

This is the most comprehensive article I’ve read on this topic! There is a lot out there but you have covered it so clearly. Thank you!!

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How to pack for a big trip - tips from experienced travelers

Sep 17, 2021 • 8 min read

When traveling, your backpack is your home © hansslegers / Getty Images

Traveling light is an essential step towards embracing the spontaneity of travel. With a small pack, you can travel on impulse, sprinting down the platform to catch that departing train, and leaping from boat to village bus without missing a beat. From the comfort of home, it might feel like you need everything but the kitchen sink, but when it comes to packing, less is definitely more.

One of the first surprises for new travelers is that things from back home are easily available in other countries. If you can pick it up when you arrive, why haul it halfway across the world? The other big first-trip packing lesson is the value of having space in your pack–you never know when you might find a Buddha statue or hand-embroidered wall hanging that you can't live without.

If your backpack is bursting at the seams when you set off, you'll soon find yourself wrestling with multiple bags while the light load travelers are grabbing the best seats on the bus. Travelers with a single bag experience less stress–they're the folk you see whistling cheerfully as they walk out of the terminal building while you're still fighting to drag your suitcases off the conveyor belt.

Of course, packing is a deeply personal process. Everyone has their own standards of comfort, and their own notions of what counts as essential. But by following some field-tested tenets of traveling light, you can shed size and weight. And as every veteran traveler knows, you regret the things you didn't bring much less than the pain of hauling around things you didn't need!

The first law of travel physics

There's one inalienable rule of travel physics: the contents of your bag will expand to fill the available space. If your bag is stuffed full at the departure gate, you're already en route to a second bag if you spot anything you want to buy when you reach your destination.

Start with a bag that fits into a plane's overhead compartment, and fill it with only as much stuff as you can fit in without shoving. Leave behind the rest. For ninja-level packing, make a second pass and remove anything you aren't 100% certain you'll use. Tough decisions on your living-room floor will pay big dividends on the road.

Pack densely

Black holes are so compact that now even light can escape their gravity. Your bag should function on a similar principle. Folded is smaller than scrunched up. Folded and rolled is smaller still. If your clothes take up more than one-third of your bag, you are probably letting sartorial decisions take precedence over practicality.

Know your destination

The streets may look different to the street you live on, but the shops sell almost everything you'll find back home, from shampoo and sunscreen to camera cards and phone charging cables. Where tourists gather, you can probably also find plug adapters, the latest movies on DVD and the candy bars you grew up with. A few things genuinely won't be available in your chosen destination, but most will, so don't fill up your bag with things you can buy as and when you need them. 

The rule of three

Three pairs of socks. Three pairs of underwear. Three T-shirts. Wear one, wash one, dry one. You can get more miles out of leg wear, so two pairs of pants and one culturally appropriate pair of shorts or skirt should suffice. Stick to light, flowing clothing made from cotton and blends that dry quickly and look good without needing an iron to remove every wrinkle.

Pack less, wash more

It turns out most cultures have figured out how to wash stuff. Whether you use the hotel laundry or the local dhobi-wallah (clothes washer), a clean shirt is usually just a few hours away. Pack fewer clothes, and wash them when they get dirty, and that onerous weight on your back will get miraculously lighter. At a pinch, most lodgings have a sink and running water–bring a length of string and you've got an instant washing line.

Travel-friendly tech

Most modern electronics (like phones and cameras) switch voltage automatically when you plug them in. If in doubt, check the plug for a note saying ‘Input: 100~240v’ or something similar. Leave voltage-specific devices that require heavy, old-fashioned adapters at home. A three-way splitter plugged into a multi-country adapter should be enough to keep all your devices juiced. If you have USB-powered devices, even better. Bring a plug with multiple USB ports and you'll just need to carry the cables.

Only bring what you need

Repeat this to yourself as you pack. The unknowns of traveling make us want to surround ourselves with familiar items but this kind of ‘what if’ thinking is a fast-track to a heavy pack. If you aren't certain you'll use it, you probably don't need it. Remember, many things can be hired, bought or borrowed as you need them. That mask and snorkel? You can probably hire one when you reach the beach. That hairdryer? Most hotels have one.

Don't go shoe crazy

Veteran travelers rarely pack more than two pairs: a comfortable pair of trainer-type shoes that are good for trekking, day-wear and running, and a pair of flip-flops (thongs) for beach wear and dubious-looking bathroom floors. Only bring smart shoes if you're definitely going somewhere you can't get away with trainers (or pick some up locally when and if you need them).

Let tech be your friend

These days, your phone can double as your music player, camera and more, weighing not much more than a sandwich. Heavy books used to the bane of travel (though a blessing during long waits for transport). Today, you can load a whole library onto an  e-Reader and a whole record collection onto an MP3 player. Carry a small portable power bank to keep your devices going when you can't get to a wall socket.

Be weight aware

Some things–paper, glass, metal, batteries–are just heavy, so try not to pack them unless you really need to. If you need battery-operated devices, look for lightweight versions; a head torch powered by a button battery weighs much less than a traditional torch powered by heavy alkaline batteries. To stay on the right side of airline weight baggage limits, carry a small, portable luggage scale.

Function over form

Prioritize useful things. A ball-gown may look great, but a crumple-friendly cotton dress that you can wear on the bus, beach and dancefloor will take you a lot further. Here are some tried and tested travel essentials:

• A quick-drying pack towel : fluffy towels are bulky and take ages to dry; synthetic towels dry quickly and pack away to nothing. 
• A sarong:  it's a changing room, it's a blanket, it's a curtain for privacy, it's a towel, it's a bag, it's a sunshade, it's quite possibly the most versatile item in your bag. Oh, and you can also use it to cover your legs.
• Compression straps: they squeeze things into your bag, fix things to your bag, and fix your bag to other things, like the roof rack on back-country buses. They'll also function is a washing line (or bring some string).
• A cotton scarf or bandanna: it's a head covering for mosques and temples, a sun hat, a dust-mask, a neck and shoulder warmer; you can even use it as a fashion accessory.
• A frisbee: in addition to its friend-making potential, strategically packing it on the outside edge of your pack provides hard-shell protection for breakables. Additional uses: cutting board, plate, bowl, bottle opener, fan, dry place to sit.

Tips for the airport

Even if you get your packing list down to the essentials, you might find there are one or two items that just won't fit, particularly on the way home. If necessary, exploit the the airline industry's three biggest luggage loopholes:

• Wearing is not carrying: stuff your pockets, don your jacket, wear your hiking boots and pack your sandals.
• ‘Carry on plus one personal item’: most airlines let you supplement your carry-on bag with a camera bag or smaller backpack, giving you some bonus storage.
• Duty-free doesn't count: if you can't fit it in your bag, most airlines let you carry on air-side purchases without penalty in a carrier bag (which also has room for more loose items).

Savvy packer's pack list

Here is a list of everything we'd suggest for a multi-week trip to most popular backpacking destinations.

• Backpack (40L max, 35L is even better)
• Bag liner (or a large, heavy-duty plastic bag)
• Passport and other documents
• Compact umbrella
• Three or four light stuff sacks for organizing
• Three shirts or T-shirts
• Two pairs of pants (trousers)
• One pair of shorts (or a skirt)
• Three pairs of socks
• Three pairs of underwear
• Fleece jacket, hoodie or long-sleeved top (for air-conditioned transport and high elevations)
• Bandanna and/or scarf
• Comfortable walking shoes (wear them when you fly)
• Comfortable sandals or flip flops
• Sleep kit: mosquito net, sleeping bag liner (or a lightweight fleece blanket), ear plugs
• Shower kit: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant (or try a piece of alum), small bottle of shower gel
• Food and drink kit: snack bars, a travel mug, water purification tablets, a water bottle, a folding knife for cutting fruit
• First aid kit: mosquito repellent, clippers, tweezers, plasters, headache tablets, small tube of antiseptic and your usual meds
• Camera and accessories (if you can't get by with your phone camera)
• Laptop (if your smart phone won't cut it) wrapped in a waterproof bag
• Smart phone and headphones (plus charging cables)
• Notebook and pens
• Parachute cord (or string)
• Lightweight head torch

You may also like: 10 destinations perfect for solo travel 10 places in the world with the most intense fall colors Our favorite lesser-known neighborhoods in the world's greatest cities

This article was first published in October 2014.

This article was first published Oct 30, 2014 and updated Sep 17, 2021.

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How to Pack Light & Travel with Less (Like a Pro)

Want to travel light? Then you’d better pack light! This simple bit of advice will fix most of problems if you’re a traveler who is weighed down with a suitcase that’s bursting at the seams and endangering anyone in its path.

Beyond bringing less, there’s more to the art of one bag packing and travel. If you’ve already slimmed down your luggage, there’s still plenty more you can do to lighten your load.

I’m a steadfast one-bag traveler with years of experience under my belt, and would love to share some of my best advice with you. Here are my best tips for packing (and traveling) light.

Pack Light, Travel Light

• Maximize Your Carry-On Size

Learn How to Ranger Roll

• Know When to Utilize Packing Cubes

Pack Multi-Functional Clothing

Invest in merino wool & technical fibers, wear your bulky items at the airport.

• Leave Unnecessary Items at Home
• Don’t Overpack Toiletries

Bring Packable/Collapsible Gear to Save Space

Make a packing list and stick to it, select your luggage for dimensions and weight, pack high-use essentials at the top of your bag.

• Final Thoughts on Packing Light

Maximize Your Carry-On Size for Optimum One-Bag Travel

I recognize the irony for this piece of advice. Joe, you just said to slim down your luggage, and now you want me to buy a bigger carry-on? Fair enough, but stay with me. You certainly don’t want to overpack, but you also want to balance comfort with ease of travel. That’s where your carry-on comes in.

Unless you’re braving the budget airline realm and going personal item only , you’ll need to know carry-on regulations. Even if you’re barreling headlong into the Spirit Airlines budget travel world — I do routinely and have lived to tell the tale so far — every square inch inside your luggage matters.

Most domestic airlines have identical carry-on regulations (and at least very similar personal item regulations). For carry-ons, the standard in the US tends to be around 22″ x 14″ x 9″. European carriers, on the other hand, can be a bit more stringent .

If you swear by one carrier exclusively ( for better or worse ), know their carry-on and personal item regulations and how they compare to other airlines.

If there’s one thing we travelers can do to make packing light easier, it’s learning how to ranger roll . What was once a way for soldiers to pack efficiently is now a favorite technique for travelers and nomads looking to utilize every square inch inside of their bag.

The ranger roll helps us travelers to make the most of our space, and the incredibly tight rolls also minimize wrinkles. There’s certainly an art to it, but it’s a skill entirely worth learning.

Know When to Utilize Packing Cubes (and When not to)

Packing cubes are a favorite among organization-minded travelers, so why would you ever travel without them? The one downside of packing cubes is they’re, well… cubes. Unless your pack is completely made of 90-degree angles, they won’t actually fill up every square inch inside.

Backpackers may be familiar with the idea of taking their sleeping bag out of its stuff sack and jamming it into the bottom of their pack, Doing so allows it to move naturally and fill every little crevice. The same is true when travel packing.

For traditional travel, packing cubes are worth their weight in gold. However, when you’re one-bag traveling, you may find that packing cubes may not maximize space in your bag and you’ll have to get creative to fill the empty spaces.

If you want to give packing cubes a shot, be sure to analyze their dimensions to ensure they fit well into your travel bag before making a purchase.

Let’s split “multi-functional” into two categories: style and utility. In terms of style, aim for a simple wardrobe that matches well and can be dressed up or down.

Considering your itinerary is crucial to dialing in your clothing. If you plan on visiting beautiful European churches with dress codes or heading out to fancy dinners, your needs will differ wildly than if you’re spending a relaxing week in Bali or splashing around in the ocean.

It’s not strange to pack only one set of nice clothing for your trip. If you’re on the move, nobody will know that you re-wore a certain outfit already anyway. As goes for all things one-bag travel: less is more.

The second element to choosing a travel wardrobe is utility. You want to consider your specific travel needs and which combination of clothing can solve the most needs at once. Swim trunks and workout shorts do not have to be different pieces of clothing, for example. They can also act as casual shorts on travel days, if nothing else.

Shoes often present a potentially tricky element to travel packing. Even if you have size four feet, extra shoes will still occupy a significant amount of space in your bag. In an ideal world, I recommend wearing one pair of versatile shoes and packing some thin flip-flops for showering and warm weather destinations.

Can you bring two pairs of shoes? Sure you can, but you’ll have to be at peace with cutting a significant amount of usable space from your bag’s volume. Ultimately, everything you put in your luggage has an opportunity cost, so prioritize as you see fit.

The longer you can wear something without washing it, the fewer items you’ll need to pack. Makes sense, right? Merino wool travel clothing is ideal when it comes to stretching time between washes since it wicks sweat from your body and is incredibly anti-microbial and odor-resistant.

When you’re traveling for a week or more, you’re bound to get a little ripe. That’s just how travel goes. So, why not pick items that are made to keep your travel musk at bay for a few more days than usual?

Merino wool doesn’t need to be washed nearly as often as cotton (or polyester and other technical fibers, for that matter). Wearing the same socks and underwear for days at a time would be a gnarly endeavor if they were cotton. Merino wool though? Perfectly fair game and completely hygienic.

Merino clothing can be quite expensive, so it’s not for everyone. For what it’s worth, my favorite Merino brand, Smartwool , frequently runs promos on their socks and underwear. Keep a close eye on their clearance section, and you’ll find some serious discounts. Darn Tough is also great.

If you can’t find a sale or swing the cost of Merino, other synthetic technical fibers can simulate many of Merino’s benefits at a lower cost.

What should you do with boots, jackets, travel jeans , and other bulky items that hog precious space in your bag?

Simply don’t pack them; it’s a rookie mistake. Wear them onto the plane instead.

Who cares if you look like the Michelin man going on vacation? Freeing up valuable space in your bag is worth it. Airports and airplanes tend to be over-air-conditioned anyway, so it’s a win-win.

Leave Unnecessary Electronics at Home

Stay with me, digital nomads.

I’m not saying leave all of your precious tech gadgets behind. I’m simply encouraging you to pare down your setup to the absolute essentials. Maybe you already have, but just in case you haven’t, let’s talk.

You may not be able to get a full day of work from just your phone, but do you really need a bulky laptop? Could the combination of a smartphone and a capable tablet get the job done? Perhaps.

A phone stand, compact tablet, and mini Bluetooth keyboard can work wonders for digital nomads and free up a bunch of weight in their packs.

Don’t Overpack Toiletries

If you’re short on space in your bag, buy toiletries when you arrive at your destination or simply use what they provide at your hotel, hostel, Airbnb, or other lodging. If you aren’t short on space, pack your favorite travel-sized toiletries to save some time and money.

A local pharmacy or general store is never too far away to stock up on toothpaste, soap, and other essentials. Hotels and hostels usually have extras on hand that they’ll give away if you ask politely. The same goes for those chargers and other odds and ends in the lost and found (if you’re extra charming).

Disclaimer : Your favorite toiletries won’t be available everywhere you travel. If you require a specific brand or type of toiletry, don’t chance it – bring it with you. The same goes for prescriptions and medicine beyond the basics.

Packable down jackets, crushable travel hats , power banks with built-in wires, and other compact travel accessories will maximize storage in your bag. Invest in efficient, space-saving gear and watch your pack-size shrink.

One of my favorite packable pieces of travel gear is the Klymit X Inflatable Pillow , which I’ve used for several years. Sure, it’s a bit of a luxury but frequent travelers will find it to be worth every penny. It takes up no space, inflates in a few seconds, and is far more comfortable than resting your head on your backpack.

If you don’t, completely unnecessary items will magically appear in your bag. How did that novelty travel mug get in your luggage? Well, it probably snuck in while you were packing without a packing list!

Make a thoughtful list of your necessities, and once you’ve dialed it in, don’t deviate from it as you pack. Know that your destination will almost always have anything you chose to leave behind, so don’t stress. Europe has soap, I promise.

If you need some lightweight travel inspiration, check out our one-bag packing list to get started. If you want to really dive into tips and techniques to lighten your load, peep our minimalist packing list , as well.

Whatever you do, avoid copying someone else’s packing list item-for-item. There will always be something you need that they don’t (or vice versa).  

You can pack lightweight items, but a heavy piece of luggage will nullify all of your weight-conscious decisions. Remember, just because a bag is small doesn’t necessarily mean it’s lightweight. I mean, have you seen those Fjallraven backpacks? They aren’t that large, but they weigh practically as much as a toddler.

There are loads of benefits to traveling with a smaller, lighter bag . That said, the more technical and lightweight a bag is, the pricier and (sometimes) more delicate it can be. Some travelers are fine with the tradeoffs, others aren’t.

If you want durable luggage you can toss around without worry, buy a more burly bag and enjoy the little extra workout you get as you trek around the globe.

Within your mind, there’s a Venn diagram that pinpoints the optimal balance between your bag’s size, weight, durability, and price. There are going to be trade-offs no matter which direction you lean, so choose a bag that falls perfectly within your sweet spot.

Admittedly, this piece of advice won’t help you travel lighter in and of itself. But, a thoughtfully-packed bag will significantly elevate your one-bag travel game.

When traveling, having your most essential gear immediately accessible will be a game-changer. Think travel documents, power banks, and in-case-of-emergency cash. Whether you stash these items at the top of your pack, inside a fanny pack, or on your person is up to you.

When heading towards the land of one-bag travel, ensuring your essentials are easy to find is absolutely crucial. How you pack your bag is almost as important as the items you bring along.

Pack Light, Travel Right & Keep Perfecting Your Craft

As you spend more time trying out one-bag travel and traveling light, you’ll naturally continue to dial in your gear list and travel packing routines. The only way to see what works for you is to pack a bag, get out there, and go for it.

If you haven’t quite perfected traveling light when you head out on your next trip, don’t stress. You’ll likely never be completely smitten with your packing list.

Along your journey, put your packing list to the test, figure out what works through trial and error, and forever fine-tune the gear you bring along, even if just incrementally.

Last Updated on March 19, 2024

Joe Coleman

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How to Pack Light When You're Only Traveling With a Carry-On

By Karthika Gupta

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Packing for a trip always feels like a dance between art and science—and attempting to pack light complicates things even further. As a travel journalist, I often find myself on the road several times a month—sometimes for weeks at a time navigating various modes of transportation. This means being self-sufficient with my luggage is key. I also don’t want to be concerned about lost luggage when I travel, so I opt to bring only a carry-on whenever I can. My mantra while packing for any trip, whether it's a domestic weekend getaway or a weeklong international adventure, is that every piece of gear has to be multi-functional to maximize space. Below, my tried-and-true tips for packing light with only a carry-on.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Our best tips for packing light:

Choose the right luggage, don't skip the packing cubes.

• Opt for multi-functional fabrics

Pick versatile pairs of shoes

• Adjust your body care routine

Travel hacks are a game-changer

A key consideration for any trip is choosing the right luggage to fit all your essentials without weighing you down. If you're traveling with just a carry-on-sized bag, you want it to be lightweight yet roomy—expandable options are always helpful. My go-to is the Monos Carry-On Plus, a 7.8-pound hard-shell suitcase sized to fit in overhead bins. The wheels have a 360-spin, making it a breeze to maneuver in tight spaces, and the side handle makes it easy to lift into the overhead bin and in a rental car. The padded front compartment fits my 15-inch laptop, a scarf, and a book in there easily. The suitcase comes with an antimicrobial laundry bag and two shoe bags that further help with packing and organization.

Another smart carry-on option is the Cotopaxi Allpa Roller Bag. The hybrid look of a hardcover back and adjustable softcover front brings the right amount of support and expandability of a traditional carry-on suitcase. It only has two wheels but when I saw how easily the bag moved on different surfaces, I was hooked. Cotopaxi’s fun and vibrant colors also make these suitcases easily identifiable among a sea of like-looking bags at the airport.

Next up: choosing a functional personal item . I paired my suitcase with the Chelsea Backpack from Antler. As a professional photographer, I always travel with my gear and I find the Chelsea is spacious enough to pack my camera, an extra lens, and in-flight essentials: snacks, my Otterbox 3-in-1 MagSafe charging station that helped cut down on extra cords, and my insulated Camelbak water bottle . It even has a zipped, padded laptop area with a separate slip pocket for a tablet. The backpack’s trolley sleeve is a lifesaver, slipping onto my rolling suitcase and allowing me to keep one hand free. And I always pack my Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole tote as an extra bag (for souvenirs or as a daypack for a quick hike). It folds down into a small pouch, making it both packable and functional.

Anyone who struggles with optimizing space when traveling knows that packing cubes are the ultimate solution. Not only are they perfect for organization, but compression ones like these from Monos and Béis save space in your bag. I routinely use about three to five cubes and organize my essentials by category. The bigger cube is for bulky items like jeans, pants, and sweatshirts, the medium is for shirts, and the smaller one is for undergarments and socks. The clear-view window on the Monos packing cubes allows me to see what's inside at a glance, making it easier to get ready. I also carry an extra one to separate dirty laundry on my return trip home.

Opt for lightweight, multi-functional fabrics

I will admit that choosing the right clothes for a multi-week trip is the most challenging part of packing, especially when dealing with different climates. My Duer jeans are my favorite denim. With the right amount of stretch, softness, comfort, and a water-repellent fabric, I wear them on planes, around town, and even hiking. My top picks are these fleece-lined relaxed Girlfriend fit for flights, and the mid-rise performance slim straight for backup. Another new favorite is the Freeflex Roll-Up pants from Kühl. The roll-up feature quickly converts it into a capri, increasing the usability. Plus, they are quick-drying, moisture-managing, and water-resistant.

For daily wear, I pack a few classic, mix-and-match pieces from Prana in neutral colors. Foundation rib tanks and simple short-sleeve tees are versatile, comfortable, and perfect for layering. I recently discovered hemp fabric, a natural fiber that is breathable, antibacterial, and seems to get softer with every wash. Adding Jungmaven tees to my travel wardrobe was a no-brainer because it wicks moisture away from the skin keeping clothes odor free longer so you can get more wear from your tees. A few moisture-wicking UPF 50+ bras that double as sports bras, merino wool breathable natural briefs from Ibex , and Comrad compression socks complete my essentials.

As a runner from the Midwest, I can never pass up the opportunity to tackle trails wherever I go. My Hoka short-sleeved performance tee and multi-pocket jogger tights from Oiselle are ideal because of their quick-drying fabric, which means I don’t need sweatshirts to keep me warm while running outside.

Keeping up with the theme of packing multi-purpose clothing, I chose between two outerwear pieces depending on the season—the Stretchdown light vest from Mountain Hardwear or a Silent Down Jacket from Patagonia. The vest is a lightweight layering piece that packs down to a pouch for convenience. The jacket, which I wear on the plane (another tip: don't pack your bulkiest pieces; wear them in transit), is incredibly soft, warm enough for 30 to 40-degree Fahrenheit weather, thanks to the down insulation, and not too technical—the perfect outerwear for a nice dinner.

Deciding on what shoes to bring on any trip is always a bit tricky, but generally, you want to go classic and neutral. Because of space restrictions, I opted for a white walking shoe that would go with any outfit (worn on the plane) and packed my lightweight gym shoes as a backup. Clae’s white vegan leather sneakers have traveled with me across continents and continues to hold form even after hours of walking everywhere. For my running and training routines, I lean on my Agility Peak 5 running shoe from Merrell. It performs flawlessly on gravel and concrete and after getting caught unprepared in a sudden downpour one too many times, I always choose the Gore-Tex waterproof style. A cute pair of lightweight Tevas sandals that are also waterproof and breathable round out my footwear choices.

Don’t sacrifice your body care routine—just adjust it

After a lot of trial and error over years of extensive travel, I finally curated just the right selection of products for my Dopp kit . The key is to trim down your routine (and packing list) with multi-purpose products that still get the job done and leave you feeling refreshed. Everist plant-based waterless shower travel essentials are a game changer and the travel-size tins save a lot of space. I also recently switched to waterless moisturizers and lotion bars for travel after having to ditch many creams and bottles at security because of liquid restrictions. My go-tos are Glow Face Stone solid face moisturizer and Forest Sone lotion bar from Kate McLeod. And all this packs away in my carry-on-friendly Monos Metro toiletry case.

After traveling thousands of miles with just a carry-on, there are a few hacks I always rely on that make a huge difference to my overall outlook on traveling as lightly as possible. I always clip a few carabiners to my backpack or suitcase (if possible). In a pinch, these hold nicknacks like an extra jacket, a water bottle, or my sandals if I am running out of space. A buff is a must and an easy way to protect your face, neck, and head from the elements. It also acts as a neck warmer and mask on planes. And my Sea to Summit inflatable two-ounce camping pillow has been a lifesaver during many unscheduled airport overnights thanks to cancellations and delays—I never leave home without it.

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10 Pro Tips for Packing Lighter Every Time

You've probably been there: flustered at the airport luggage drop as you're hit with an overweight bag fee; sore after lugging around a too-heavy duffel all day; or frustrated with yourself for wheeling around a big suitcase when you know you could've gotten by with a weekender. Overpackers, we feel your pain, and we're here to help. Below, we rounded up the ten best tips for how to bring less and pack lighter every time.

Style + Travel Editor | Instagram @jackiehoman | jackiehoman.com

See recent posts by Jackie Homan

1. Start with an appropriately-sized bag

It’s like that mouse and cookie classic: if you give an overpacker a giant suitcase, she’s bound to fill it to the brim…and then feel the need to bring some more. No one likes seeing their luggage half-empty—it just feels like a waste of space and a missed opportunity to tote along another fab outfit. So start small. If you’ll be gone less than a week, try for a duffel bag; under two weeks, stick with a carry-on suitcase. Limited space means you’ll have to be strict when following the rest of the tips below, but remember: a smaller, lighter bag means easier navigation and more focus on what you’re doing and seeing, not what you’re wearing.

RELATED: The Carry-On Luggage You Need Now

2. Lay out all the outfits you’d ideally bring, then cut half

We know it sounds harsh, but if you want a lighter bag, you’re going to have to do away with some clothes. Think: do you really need a mid-day outfit change? Can you add some accessories to turn a look from day to night, without packing a separate evening ensemble? Would it hurt to repeat an outfit or two? Go through your planned itinerary and plan outfits accordingly—no waiting to see how you feel about a look when you get there.

RELATED: How to Pack the Perfect Suitcase in 6 Easy Steps

3. Or, try the Pinterest-popular 5-4-3-2-1 packing guide

An alternative to the cutting-half method: the 5-4-3-2-1 guide for your carry-on. This popular packing template instructs you to bring five tops, four bottoms, three dresses and pairs of shoes, two bags, and one hat, watch, and pair of sunglasses. Of course, there are tons of variations out there (swimsuits added for beach vacays, outerwear for colder climates, tweaks for men’s clothes, etc.), so find one that suits you, or customize your own.

4. Wear neutral colors and mix-and-match items

As much as we love color, on trips it’s usually best to stick to a neutral palette. That doesn’t mean you have to  only wear black and white; dark blues, greens, and tans are also super versatile, as is denim. The goal is to be able to mix and match your separates, jackets, and shoes; this will help you pack fewer items when you’re following the above steps.

5. Only pack clothes and shoes you frequently wear

One last note on clothes to pack: think of the items you love and wear most in your day-to-day life. Those are the types of clothes you should bring on vacation, too. If you still haven’t found the perfect time to wear your cool animal print blouse when you’ve had every opportunity to at home, you probably won’t get much (if any) wear out of it on your trip.

RELATED: 22 Essentials to Add to Your Spring Wardrobe

6. Don’t forget on-the-go laundry solutions

If you’re thinking, “Two weeks in a carry-on bag?!” you’re probably forgetting the light packer’s key to success: laundry. And no, that doesn’t mean you have to seek out a laundromat in a foreign city. Simply pack travel sink packets or a wash bar to get clothes squeaky clean from the comfort of your hotel room. If your items don’t need a full wash but you still want to feel fresher, bring along a fabric travel spray. We love the plant-based option below.

7. Pull out your thickest layers for the plane

To keep the bulkiest items (jackets, sweaters, chunky shoes) out of your bag, tap them for your plane outfit. If you’re going to a cold destination, this might look like your winter coat, wool sweater, and snow boots; for a warm getaway, layers could include the lightweight cardigan and denim jacket you might wear on cooler nights, plus your sneakers rather than your sandals.

RELATED: JS Editors’ Favorite Comfy Outfits for Spring Travel

8. Choose multi-use toiletries

To avoid a stuffed-shut dopp kit, choose beauty, skincare, and toiletry products that work double duty. For instance, the Tarte BB cream is made to take the place of your facial SPF, makeup primer, and  foundation—that’s three products in one. Christophe Robin’s Hydrating Shampoo Bar works to cleanse hair and body, so you can skip bringing separate shampoos and body washes (bonus: it’s a bar, so you don’t need to fit it into your quart-sized liquids bag).

RELATED: 13 Sheet Masks to Take on *All* of Your Flights

9. Use compression packing cubes

When all of your clothing, shoes, toiletries, and other essentials are laid out and ready to go, pack them into your bag in the most efficient manner possible. This means shoes on the bottom, clothing rolled and placed inside compression packing cubes (unlike regular cubes that simply separate, these have double zipper mechanisms to squish out extra air), and other objects set on top or snuggled inside gaps and cracks.

10. Adopt a minimalist mindset

When all is said and done (meaning you’ve read through our tips and marked them all complete), the last thing to remember is your mindset. There’s no magic miracle hack for packing everything you want lightly, so it’s up to you to realize that travel is about experiences, not material things. When you’re looking back on the time you road-tripped across the West Coast or island-hopped around Greece, you won’t remember that you didn’t have the perfect shoes for your outfit or all the makeup you usually wear. Bring the essentials, and get ready for the memories—packing lightly is one of the best ways to ensure an amazing trip.

What to Pack on Your Next Trip

When packing for a trip, don’t leave your sense of style hanging in the closet. Shop some of our favorite travel clothes from Everlane, Madewell, and Nordstrom.

Women’s Packable Outfit for the Winter

Shop the look.

Perry Small Tote Bag

Packable Down & EcoPlume Coat

Shirttail Tunic Sweater

’90s Cheeky Straight Jean

Best Chelsea Bootie

Women’s sweater dress with tights winter outfit.

Turtleneck Sweater Dress

Super Opaque Tights

Stand Collar Wool Coat

Men’s Packable Winter Outfit

Cashmere Rib Beanie

Venture 2 Waterproof Jacket

Grade-A Cashmere Crew

Graduate Slim Straight Leg Jeans

6-Inch Basic Waterproof Boots

Men’s winter getaway outfit gray blazer.

Solid Crewneck Sweater

Fleece Baseball Jacket

Sutton Duffle Bag

The Performance Jean

Peak Work Boot

Women’s winter/fall small town outfit.

The Weekender

Raffy Jacket

Tissue Weight Wool & Cashmere Scarf

Thompson Pocket Pullover Sweater

Women’s Cool Fall Outfit with Combat Boots

Metropolis Bag

Faux Fur Teddy Coat

ReCashmere Button Mockneck

Authentic Stretch High-Rise Skinny

Orinoco Spice Waterproof Boot

Men’s beige jacket fall streetwear.

The Chore Jacket

The Performance Chino

Cotton Short-Sleeve Henley

SK8-Hi™ Core Classics

Men’s cool outfit for a rainy fall weekend.

Windproof Umbrella

Waterproof Coat

Slim Fit Crewneck Sweater

Feathercraft Grand Boot

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Travel light: How to pack light and smart for your trip

A full guide to how to travel light, with tips and hacks for efficient, minimalist packing. Learn how to pack light for any vacation or backpacking trip.

• Post date October 22, 2018
• Post categories In Trip Planning
• Tags Minimalist Packing , Packing , Packing Light , Packing Lists , Travel Accessories , Travel Gadgets , Travel Gear

What is the secret to packing light?

The secret behind packing light is… bringing less stuff!

Simple, isn’t it?

Well, not really.

Because when we’re packing for a trip, be it a weekend city break or a year long round the world trip or anything in between – we will find ourselves packing all sorts of stuff that we think we might need, but actually don’t.

That’s perfectly natural.

We’re going to unfamiliar place, we don’t know exactly what we’ll find there, and we want some kind of reassurance that we’ll have everything with us.

It gives us a sense of control over an unknown situation.

I used to do that myself in my very early days as a traveller, but quickly learnt the lesson.

After a particularly uncomfortable night train from Bulgaria to Turkey, where I hardly had space for my bags in the train carriage, I realised there was no point in carrying so much stuff.

That’s when I decided to start travelling light.

Before leaving the train station in Istanbul, I sat down and made a list of all the things  I actually used  during that trip.

I saved the list and a few months later, when I was packing for my next trip, used it as my packing list. I ended up travelling with about  half  the amount of stuff.

Light travel with a carry on bag has huge benefits

In practical terms, travelling light means you travel with one  carry-on bag  that you can take with you on the plane, plus an optional smaller bag, like a laptop bag.

why is it best to travel with a carry on bag only?

Travelling with hand luggage only has huge advantages. It saves you money, stress and time , and makes your life so much easier when you travel.

Low cost airlines are getting increasingly strict about what they allow you to board the plane with.

The fees they charge for checking even one piece of luggage can sometimes be outrageous.

By travelling light, you avoid baggage fees when you fly low cost, so that your flight can be really cheap.

When you don’t check luggage, there’s no need to worry about your bag being lost, damaged, stolen or even just not arriving on the same flight as you.

It gives you some peace of mind on the flight. The same applied to trains and buses, where you always want to keep your bag with you.

When you get off the plane, you’re free to exit the airport fairly quickly, while you watch your fellow passengers wasting their precious vacation time waiting by the luggage carousel.

And finally, moving around is so much easier when you don’t carry heavy luggage.

Imagine walking to a train station or a bus stop, or searching for your hotel on the streets of a foreign city, with a heavy suitcase. It’s not appealing. You want the flexibility and freedom of light packing.

So now that we know why we want to travel light,  how do we do that?

The life changing magic of packing light

In her best-selling, cult-creating book  “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” , Marie Condo teaches a simple decluttering technique:

Lay all your stuff on the floor, pick each item and ask yourself “if it sparks joy within you”.

You can use a similar method when packing.

This is especially useful if your reason for overpacking is that you’re too attached to your things.

Instead of asking if the item sparks joy, ask: Do I really need this, or am I packing it “just in case”?

Pack only what you really need .

Only w hat you will definitely use.

Remember you can always buy or hire other things later, so “just in case” is not an excuse for overpacking.

The rest of this guide has more hacks, tips and tricks to help you travel ligh t .

I’ve divided it into four sections: Your bag, clothing, toiletries and gadgets.

Travel light: buy a smaller bag

The first trick you need to know if you want to travel light is: buy a smaller bag. In other words, make it impossible for yourself to overpack.

With a smaller bag you will have to make those decisions as to what you really need to take and what you can leave behind or buy at your destination.

With a larger bag, you’ll most likely be tempted to take all sorts of things you don’t really need, just because there’s space for them.

How small should your bag be?

I recommend a 30-40 litre backpack as your carry on bag for the plane.

It’s usually a good size for a carry on bag, that most airlines will let you board with.

I travelled with a 40L backpack plus a laptop bag for about 9 years and it was both easy and convenient.

It’s the ideal size if you want to travel light, and at the same time have enough space for your stuff.

It doesn’t matter if you’re going on vacation for a week or on a 6 month trip… as long as you can do your laundry once a week, why would it matter?

An all-in-one travel pack

The Journey is an innovative, sophisticated bag that’s ideal for the minimalist traveller.

Its creator describes as the bag that will liberate you from the hassle of extra luggage .

It’s been designed to include 5 different bags inside one carry-on sized travel pack.

These include a detachable day pack, a detachable hip pack, a hanging toiletry bag and two drawstring bags, plus a couple of compression bags.

Watch the video to see how The Journey works and read my full review on how I use this set of bag to travel light.

Why buy a backpack instead of a suitcase

I also recommend you buy a backpack instead of a trolley suitcase. It just gives you much more flexibility .

Going up or down stairs at train stations, for example, is not an easy task when you carry a suitcase with you (and you’d be surprised how many stations don’t have elevators or escalators…).

Walking on cobblestone streets or dirt roads with wheeled luggage is not a pleasant experience either.

With a backpack on your back, it’s much easier to use stairs, you can walk faster (or even run, say if you’re about to miss a bus… ) and both your hands are free.

Having both your hands free is so useful when you need to check maps on your phone for example, or have your take-away coffee on the go.

Of course, in some cases, a suitcase is perfectly fine. For example, if you suffer from back pain, or on a short vacation where you’re getting a taxi from the airport and staying at a resort without moving around at all.

Eagle Creek make a brilliant convertible carry on bag that you can use as wheeled luggage or as a backpack .

when you choose a backpack, pay attention to a few things that will make your travels easier:

The backpack should be a panel loading or front loading bag, meaning you can open it like a suitcase (as opposed to top-loading backpacks).

Your backpack should be lightweight , not just because it’s easier to carry, but also because airlines have weight limits on luggage.

And it should have pockets . Lots of pocket. An ever so helpful feature that will help you organise your things easily.

Clothing – tips and tricks for packing light

Clothes normally take up the most space in your luggage.

Let’s see what we can do about that…

Wear heavy layers on the plane

Heavy layers might not fit in your backpack when you travel light.

Don’t expect them to – a basic trick of travelling light is wearing some of your luggage on you.

Whatever you wear doesn’t count as part of your carry on luggage . Use that 😉

When you board the plane, you can wear any jackets , or tie them around your waist.

If you’re bringing heavy shoes, like hiking boots , wear them on the plane and pack your lighter shoes.

Hats and scarves can also come on board with you. None of these need take up any space in your luggage.

This trick isn’t useful only for saving space in your bag – it’s also a lifesaver when it suddenly gets freezing cold on the flight.

Pockets! lots of them

You can put many things in your pockets when you go on the plane.

Anything small that fits and that you might need during the flight should go in your pockets, such as your phone  and earphones for example.

SCOTTeVEST have taken the idea of pockets to a magnificent extreme with jackets and vests that look completely ordinary, until you realise they have about 20 hidden pockets in them!

Rolling instead of folding

This is probably the most basic tip for travelling light: When you roll your shirts, they magically take up less space and as an added advantage, crease less.

Packing cubes and compression bags

You can save more space in your bag and at the same time make sure your clothes are well organised by using  packing cubes and compression bags .

Sometimes called packing squares or packing pouches, you want to use packing cubes in different sizes to organise your clothes: One cube for t-shirts, another for socks and so on.

Packing cubes normally come in sets of 3-6 pieces and in different sizes and colours.

Use large packing cubes for your shirts and trousers, and medium sized ones for socks and underwear.

There are packing cubes that are just meant to help you organise your things, but it’s far more efficient to use packing cubes that also offer compression .

They minimise the space your clothes take, by sealing them in the bag after squeezing all the air out.

When compressed, your clothes will take up much less space. This is especially useful for any bulky garments you pack.

Eagle Creek is a brand famous for its packing cubes and compression bags. They are stylish, lightweight and durable. As an added bonus, they’re made from recycled materials.

are packing cubes and compression bags worth buying?

In my experience, yes, they are worth it.

If you’re struggling with overpacking and want to avoid it, or if you need to take some bulky winter clothes, then compression sacks will definitely help you make the most of the space available in your bag.

If your main issue is staying organised , go for ordinary packing cubes .

If you want the best of both worlds, buy the compression packing cubes . Watch the video to see how they work:

Buy quick dry clothes

A lot of smart technology is invested in making travel clothing more efficient. Make sure you use it to your advantage.

quick dry, moisture-wicking t-shirts

These tees are popular for workout, and are invaluable for travel.

When you select your travel clothes, quick dry garments are always the best choice. Cotton t-shirts are not.

As you’re not taking too many clothes with you when you travel light, you want your laundry to dry fast.

Quick dry fabrics are extra useful in hot, humid places, as they don’t absorb the sweat and keep you dry for longer.

I’m a fan of IsoCool quick-dry t-shirts .

The feel great on your skin and come out of the washing machine almost dry!

Mountain Warehouse make them super affordable.

They have a range of colours for women and men .

Fleece jackets

Travel with jackets are perfect for keeping warm in colder climates or at night and at the same time lightweight and dry quickly.

There are heavy fleece jackets too, in case you need them for intense outdoor activities and colder weather.

Some leading brands for quality fleece jackets are:

• The North Face

No need to pack your fleece jacket in your backpack though – it will take up too much space. Wear it on the plane or tie it around your waist.

quick dry trousers

Jeans are not quick to dry and can also be quite bulky, so they are not a good choice if you want to travel light.

To find quick dry pants, look for hiking pants , even if you’re not going hiking.

They are made of the right quick dry, moisture wicking materials . They will also typically be breathable and lightweight.

quick dry underwear

You want your underwear to dry quickly as well as be odour resistant.

ExOfficio   are probably the most famous brand known for making some excellent travel underwear for both women and men.

They dry quickly and smell less, so you can take fewer pairs with you when you travel light.

Matching colours

This packing tip is simple and will help you avoid a basic packing mistake.

Make sure whatever you pack can be colour-coordinated.

In other words, avoid packing anything that isn’t compatible with any outfit you may wear on your trip.

You don’t want to waste space packing garments that you’ll only end up using once or twice.

By colour coordinating, you can easily mix-and-match them to create many different outfits without packing a lot of clothes.

Another simple but clever packing tip when it comes to clothing is to use layering.

Check the weather forecast before you travel. If you’re going to a hot and sunny place, then don’t worry about layering obviously.

However, some places may be sunny in the morning and cold in the evening, or different parts of the country may have completely different climates.

Also, in colder countries, whenever you go on a train or enter a heated up space, like a shop, you’ll immediately feel the need to take some layers off.

That’s where layering gives you great flexibility when you travel, without having to carry any unnecessary items of clothing.

On a sunny day, you can walk around in a t-shirt, but when it gets cooler after dark, that same t-shirt becomes a base layer.

You want to pick only garments you can layer easily, so ideally they would be of similar thickness, though some can be of warmer fabrics.

A fleece jacket is super handy for layering when you travel, because it’s warm but also lightweight and can fold easily (plus it dries quickly as we mentioned already).

When it’s cold I would prefer layering two fleece jackets to wearing one big coat.

If I were to take off that one big coat, I’d have to carry it around with me, while the thinner jackets can fold easily into my day bag, or I can tie them around my waist.

What to do about shoes if you want to travel light

Shoes are a huge problem if you want to pack light. They’re just too bulky.

Flip flops  are an exception – they are super useful and don’t take up too much room.

You can wear them for the beach, when you take a shower and as part of a summer outfit too.

As for other shoes, it really depends on the type of trip you’re going on.  hiking boots  may be necessary. In that case, wear them on the plane and your pack lighter walking shoes in your backpack.

Your clothes should be colour-coordinated and the same applies to shoes, so dark shoes are often a safe bet.

Also remember that you can buy shoes at your destination, so sometimes it isn’t necessary to pack extra shoes at all.

When you pack your clothing, pack for a week , no matter how long your trip is.

This classic trick is one that’s used by many savvy travellers and all it requires is that you have access to a washing machine once week.

This way you can travel forever with a small backpack.

It’s so much easier to find a washing machine along the way than to needlessly carry heavy luggage with you everywhere you go.

Find a laundromat, use the washing machine at your vacation rental or even use your hotel’s laundry service.

If you really can’t find a washing machine, there’s always the sink.

Quick dry clothes are ever so useful and you’ll be glad you bought them when you do your laundry once a week.

You can buy laundry detergent in small, travel size packets. I suggest you buy these at your destination, rather than carry them with you on the plane.

Don’t forget to bring a small  laundry bag  to keep clean and dirty clothes separate inside your backpack. You can also use a compression bag just for laundry.

Toiletries – pack less and pack solid

When it comes to packing toiletries I would advise you to first, take less than you think you need, and second, opt for solid versions.

Pack less toiletries – you can buy them later

Toiletries take up a lot of room in your bag, but they don’t have to.

If you are going to stay at a hotel, it’s likely that you’ll be provided with shampoo and body wash, so there’s no need to bring those at all.

If you wear makeup, be sure to take only what you will definitely use, not stuff that you might want to use, and definitely not anything that you might only use once.

Always remember that anything you don’t bring with you, you can buy at your destination (unless you’re travelling to the middle of nowhere).

Shampoo, body lotion, shower gel, sunblock, toothpaste, deodorant – these are things you can buy cheaply anywhere you go.

When you travel with carry on luggage, liquids and creams you take with you on board the plane cannot exceed 100ml (or 3.38 oz). This isn’t a universal rule, but it applies in many countries.

You can bring small travel size bottles of essential toiletries for the first couple of days, and then buy the rest later.

However, I recommend you replace liquids with their solid versions.

Get solid toiletries to avoid flying with liquids

This will make it easier for you to pack despite the ban on flying with liquids and creams exceeding 100ml .

Liquids might also spill inside you bag and can cause damage or just be a hassle to clean up.

Soap  is easy – no need to carry shower gel when you can bring a bar of soap.

Even if you’re used to showering with shower gel at home, make an exception for your trip and it will make your packing easier and lighter.

What about shampoo ?

I started travelling with a shampoo bar in recent years and I’m really happy with it! Wish I’d known about it earlier…

How does a shampoo bar work? It looks just like a bar of soap and it lathers up when you rub it in your hands in the shower, and then you can wash your hair with it.

Browse solid shampoo bars here >>

Shampoo bars save space in your luggage and they last for a long time.

An added advantage is that you can use a shampoo bar as body soap too. This is useful if you want to go for super minimalist packing.

Gadgets – travel light more efficiently

Gadgets can also take up too much space in your luggage. Let’s look at ways to pack more efficiently.

Travel adaptor

You’ll probably need a  travel adaptor  and it’s best to buy a universal one that you can use in most countries with various sockets.

It should also convert electrical currencies where needed.

This way you don’t need to carry several adaptors if you’re going to multiple destinations around the world.

To save more space, instead of taking a phone charger, get a   universal adaptor with USB ports . It will let you charge your phone, tablet and power bank. You only need to bring the USB cords.

Reading when you travel light

To travel light,  make the most out of your phone .

It can replace quite a lot of things that there’s no need to carry anymore: books (both recreational reading and guidebooks), a camera, maps, a flashlight, a notebook, magazines… And obviously you can use it to listen to music and watch movies.

You don’t need to carry heavy guide books with you. Many travel guides have ebook versions.

This will save you a lot of space and weight when you’re packing.

When you pack headphones or earphones , make sure they are both compact and noise cancelling or noise reducing (useful for noisy flights or trains).

Portable chargers

A portable power bank is essential if you’re out and about all day and your phone runs out of battery.

If it runs out just when you need to check Google Maps to see which bus to take, or to check addresses, reviews, opening times or anything else – you’ll be so grateful you packed a backup battery.

Portable chargers are also useful for flights, so you can watch movies on your phone without worrying about the battery running out.

These chargers come in different capacities measured in milliamperes (mAh). The higher the mAh number, the more power the charger has.

I normally carry two, just for peace of mind, and charge them overnight.

Hope you find these tips helpful when you pack for your next trip!

Do share this article with any of your friends who might need packing advice.

If you have more tips on packing light, do share them in the comments.

save this guide on how to travel light on pinterest

16 Comments

Great tips on traveling light! Personally, I’ll always check a bag as my carryons are full of camera gear and laptop. But love all the ideas on how to make traveling easier and more functional!

Great tips and good reminder as well.

I definitely could work on traveling lighter. I do use packing cubes and I think they are a huge help! Great post. 🙂

Great tips on traveling light! Personally I’ll always check a bag as my carryons are full of camera gear and laptop. Lol. But love all the ideas on how to make traveling easier and more functional! ?

I love packing light!! Great items and tips on here! I LOVE using shampoo bars when traveling.

Thank you so much for the recommendations and the jacket with all the pockets looks amazing!!

I really need to check out the shampoo bars. I keep hearing about it and it’s great for carry on luggage.

Yes, it’s so convenient 🙂

I love traveling light! I do most of these but never thought about using a smaller bag to pack leas. Genius!! I’ve recently started using packing cubes and I LOVE them! Makes everything so organized. Thanks for this posts, it was super helpful! I’ll try the smaller bag for my next trip.

We do most of these things already, and we love it! Been on the road for 4 months now with nothing but carry-on: a 46L Osprey Porter and a 28L daypack (mostly for camera gear). All solid toiletries (including a laundry bar so we can wash clothing without a machine) and merino clothing that we can wear for days 🙂

Great article 🙂 Thank you for this. I have always used Osprey when travelling but that Eagle Creek backpack looks epic and very durable.

These are great tips! I am always guilty of packing way too much and then hating my life as I have to lug my bag around. I think I’m going to invest in a 40L backpack for my next big trip and see how that goes!

Good luck! I thinks it’s the best way to travel and you’ll get used to it easily 🙂

A great and enviable post. What a detailed guide! Great information and advice.

Indeed, there are hikers who are light grasshoppers, and there are hikers who are turtles, who move their hump, or part of it, wherever they travel.

I belong to the second type .. . I have already been jealous of Henderson (“Henderson the Rain King”, Saul Bellow), who traveled to Africa with his modest luggage including the following items: a toothbrush in his pocket, a credit card and a wide-brimmed hat.

Thanks to Tal Bright

Great guide! I pack in a 40L backpack which converts to a suitcase (the straps can be hidden) which I just love. It’s perfect for my full-time travel lifestyle. But I still get jealous when I’m boarding a plane and other people have much smaller suitcases than me.

A note about solid toiletries: I recently started travelling with a deodorant crystal – a completely solid object. But the people at the airport flag it as a liquid every time I go through security. I got so tired of being pulled aside that I now just put it in with my liquids.

Thanks Jane! I know what you mean about getting jealous when you see people with smaller luggage 😉 I think that if the deodorant crystal comes in the kind of packaging that’s similar to ordinary deodorant, than yes, it’s very likely to confuse airport security…

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The Pros (Our Readers) Reveal their 36 Best Ever Packing Light Tips

Packing , Packing Tips

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It seems there are no limits to the number of travel tips out there about how to pack light. However, we wanted to know the single most important packing light tip so we reached out to our readers to find out what they thought. From luggage to shoes and toiletries to laundry, find out what our readers shared as their all time best tip for packing light!

Best Packing Light Tips

We share a lot of travel tips, which come from a mixture of our own experiences and our readers’ packing tricks. So when we asked them, “ What is your number one best tip for packing light?” we were so excited to hear their responses.   Here they are!

Compass Rose Packing Cubes

How to Pack Light: Luggage

• Packing cubes and pouches for organization so you have a place for everything and everything in its place.
• Take along a few extra gallon Ziplocs. They can hold wet items, liquids, food, etc.
• Take along some shower caps to use as shoe covers to keep your clothing in your luggage clean.
• I wear my jewelry when traveling so I don’t have to pack it. I love the security of this, too!
• I always take a ‘space bag’ for my dirty clothes that I can squeeze the air out of. A great space saver!
• Roll and rubber band your clothes in packing cubes to save space when packing.
• My top tip is to roll your clothes. You use less space and fit so much in.
• Put white tissue paper between every layer of clothing. Fold as little as possible laying each item out flat one on top of the other. Include extra lightweight throwaway cheap hangers.

Watch the packing tutorial on  Youtube !

In 2017, I launched Compass Rose Travel Accessories and my very first product was a  4-Piece Set of Carryon Packing Cubes . These are the only packing cubes  sized to fit the exact width of a carryon suitcase  and they also have a  unique color-coded and numbered organization system  – the only kind currently available anywhere on the market.

I put together a  five-part YouTube series  showing you the different methods to use packing cubes. If you use  this  specific packing strategy, they can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carryon only!

These packing light tips can change the way you travel:

• The Ultimate (Printable) Packing List for Vacation
• The Ultimate (Printable) Packing List for Toiletries
• The Secret to Carry-on Travel Packing Video
• What’s the Best Luggage Organizer

eBags Pack-it-Flat Large Toiletry Kit

How to Pack Light: Luggage Organizers

• I have a toiletry bag packed with small versions of my favorite needs. Then I can throw makeup and a hairbrush in and off I go. It’s great for unexpected travel or a busy schedule right before travel.
• Pack for one week no matter how long you’ll be gone.
• Pack items that look good, are able to be worn multiple ways, and are able to be hand washed in the sink.
• I recommend planning several days or weeks in advance! Plan outfits based on activities and account for weather. Everything MUST coordinate with everything, write it all down, don’t deviate.
• Plan to hand wash clothing ! Pack a little detergent. Once you realize you can rewear clothing often, you also realize you need much fewer clothing items.
• Keep searching until you find your perfect combo of bag/ packing cubes /whatever and absolutely do not stress if you hate something that other people think is fabulous. It’s your trip and it has to work for you!
• If you’re asking yourself if you really need to pack it, the answer is categorically no!
• After packing your bag, make sure you can lift the bag. Trains and hotels require a lot of lifting.
• If you are short on space, take the smaller version of some things where appropriate: a midi skirt instead of a maxi skirt, a waist-length cardigan instead of a long one, capris instead of long pants, three-quarter length sleeves instead of long sleeves, tank tops instead of T-shirt, and flats instead of wedge heels.
• Take half of what you think you need but take what you really love.

Here’s more tips to help you pack light :

• Top 10 Toiletry Bags
• The Best Hanging Toiletry Bag for Women?
• How to Choose a Suitcase

Travelon Anti Theft Cross Body Bag   – best seller!

How to Pack Light: Product Must-Haves

• Choose the smallest piece (and type) of luggage you think would be appropriate for your trip (carry-on only!), and pack no more than what can fill it. The more I travel, the smaller my packs are getting. My last trip was a 17L backpack and a purse.
• Take along a large bag for your personal carry-on/under the seat stow, and get as much in it that’s allowable. I take a backpack with my electronics and a sweater that can be used as a rolled up pillow or an extra layer.
• Downy anti-wrinkle spray! It helps refresh clothes by taking out the smell of smoke and food as well as refresh rooms while you travel.
• Always pack a package of facial tissue or Kleenex in your purse or backpack. They are handy when you encounter a restroom that’s out of toilet paper.
• A travel warrior friend recommends shaving cream to take out stains. She swears by it.
• Facial cleansing wipes. Try them before your trip, as you don’t want to get caught with breakouts on your vacation. Carry more than your travel days count to use on the days you travel in the plane to refresh, and even for personal hygiene.
• Take a prescription of antibiotics just in case!
• Bose noise canceling headphones . They’re a bit high maintenance but they’re so worth it on long flights!

Here are suggested travel gear for travel:

• Best Under Seat Luggage
• Best Lightweight Suitcases
• Best Travel Shoes
• Best Travel Purses

Conchlusion Tan Gladiator Sandals

How to Pack Light: Clothing and Shoes

• Pack clothing items that coordinate together so you can use each piece in multiple outfits. Learn more in my guide !
• Bring ‘double duty’ items, such as pieces that work for day and night, hot and cold weather, tops and bottoms, etc.
• Color coordinate your clothing so everything works together.
• I always have a scarf. Always. For warmth, for decoration, for whatever. I love cashmere or alpaca for warmth, softness, and light packing.
• I bring a pashmina. I can look semi put-together in it when I’m walking around or use it as a blanket on chilly flights.
• Bring a sarong with seams all the way around. You can use it as a scarf, dress, towel, beach blanket, blanket, sheet, and skirt.
• Make sure all your clothes coordinate, are light, suitable and wash and dry quickly.
• Bring three shoes and one bag that match each other and all your clothing.
• Try on all of your clothing and outfits you planned out before you go. You might discover that what looked so good together laid out on the bed doesn’t really work well on your body. This helps ensure you are only packing outfits and pieces you love!
• I always keep a long-sleeved quick-dry black tee in my bag for cold hotel rooms, snorkeling in Zanzibar, long (unscheduled) winter layover in Amsterdam when I was packed for Uganda, kayaking in California, and other unexpected events.

Here are some tips to help you pack efficiently:

• 4 Capsule Wardrobes for Travel
• Travel Wardrobe Essentials
• Learn How to Pack Light Stylishly
• 10-Step Guide to Packing One Suitcase for any Trip

What’s your absolutely best tip for packing light? Share in the comments below!

For more packing strategies, please read these posts:

• How to Pack in Less Than 15 Minutes: My 3-Step Strategy
• The Fashionista’s Guide to a Luggage-Free Minimalist Packing List
• This Packing Video Will Completely Change the Way You Pack

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I hope you liked this post on our reader’s best packing light tips. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

To pack medications: put each separate med in a small ziplock like you get at a craft store, get an extra label from the pharmacy and attach to outside of ziplock. Then put all of them in a larger quart bag. Be sure and put it in your carryon. Saves space and weight over bottles. Take extra of each med in case you get delayed.

Hi Sue, that’s a great tip! Thank your for sharing it 🙂

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10 Tips on Packing Light for Summer Weekends

Stick to the essentials for an easy, breezy getaway.

Lois Joy Johnson,

Summer is weekend getaway time, and we can't wait to go! So, here's the problem: We're terrible packers. We stuff our suitcase, take too many clothes (or the wrong ones), forget essentials and end up making a pit stop at Target or CVS. Well, here's a chance to change all that. Here are 10 tips to lighten the load, upgrade your packing skills and guarantee a “sun-sational” vacation.

1. Take a suitcase that's easy to pack, lift and roll

Whether you're  flying  or  driving , keep the “you-haul” small but sturdy. An airline-size carry-on — about 22 inches long by 14 inches wide by 9 inches high — is ample for a four-day weekend (check exact dimensions with your airline if you fly) but keeps you from taking too much. Look for bags that specify being lightweight, such as the American Tourister Moonlight Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Carry-On 21-Inch in Navy ($70, amazon.com), Delsey Paris Sky Max 2.0 Softside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels Carry-On 21-Inch in Steel Blue ($78, amazon.com) or the TravelPro Maxlite 5 21” Expandable Carry-On Spinner in Midnight Blue or Slate Green ($127, travelpro.com) — so worth a splurge if your old bag is big, heavy or wheel-less. FYI: A hard-side case is squash-, water- and stain-resistant and opens like a book; a soft-side case makes last minute cramming easy and has outer pockets for jackets and travel essentials. Your back, shoulders, neck, hips and clothes will thank you, either way.

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2. Swap your leather bag for a nylon one

A nylon bag can double as a chic beach and sightseeing bag. Sturdy nylon styles like the Baggu Cloud Bag in Lentil, Pinto or Black ($56, baggu.com), Everlane The Oversize Carryall in Black or Breen ($68, everlane.com) or Longchamp Le Pliage Club Small Shoulder Tote in Gun Metal/Silver or Black/Silver ($140, bloomingdales.com) have a clean modern shape, secure zip-top closure and come in sophisticated colors that are polished enough for everyday life. It will hold all your essentials — like wallet, keys, glasses, cell, masks, water bottle,  sunscreen , hand sanitizer, e-reader or tablet, swimsuit and hoodie — as needed. too. And the water-resistant fabrics mean no worries about spills.

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3. Create a where, what, when checklist

Get practical. What are you planning to do during those days and nights? Are you staying with family, at an Airbnb, a cozy B&B or a resort? Is this a super-casual barbecue, pool and beach thing, or more of an antiquing, restaurant and sightseeing trip? Check the weather app for your destination's forecast. If showers are possible, make a superlight hooded utility jacket part of your travel outfit. Anticipate cool mornings and chilly air-conditioning with a sweatshirt. Add in must-haves like charger cords and prescription meds, and the most-missed items women forget include a swimsuit (even if only for a dip in the hot tub) and a light oversize scarf that works as a wrap, pareo, pillow, blanket or dress-up piece for a tee. Remember the goal is to take as little as possible, with maximum versatility as the plan. See tip number 5 for a perfect list.

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4. Pick a comfy stylish travel outfit

Slim jeans, loafers and a blazer still make a great first impression (especially if traveling to a big city). But let's be honest: You're on a summer vacation and you'll sitting in one place for a long time en route. You may love leggings,  jeans , jumpsuits and maxi dresses, but they're not ideal for travel — too tight, too voluminous, and too hard to walk in, run to the gate or deal with in the restroom! Instead, wear slip-on  sneakers  or closed-toe espadrilles, ankle pants with stretch and a seasonal sweatshirt or jacket. This is your travel outfit, but the pieces work with all your packed items, too, to max out your options.

5. Pack 12 pieces of clothing total that mix and match

The items you pack depend on your trip and preferences, so adjust this list to get your ideal dozen but keep that magic number. A base of  neutral colors  is best, but don't just think black or navy. Lighter neutrals like khaki, tan, olive and light-wash denim add a warm sunny vibe — and so does white. Add a pop of bright color in a dress or top. In addition to your travel outfit, pack: two bottoms (your combo of pants, jeans, pull-on skirts or shorts); two swimsuits; five tops (your combo of tanks and tees); one day/night T-shirt dress (your preferred length); one loungey nightie that doubles as beach coverup; and one hoodie sweatshirt.

6. Take fewer shoes and accessories, more underwear

This is where we usually mess up. Estimate two pairs of underwear for each day (so doing laundry isn't always on your mind), and take an extra bra besides the one you wear to travel. They're weightless and easy to stash. However, limit  shoes  and  accessories . We always take too many. Go “lite” here, too, and skip big clunky wedges or heavy sneakers. Figure on one pair of day/night sandals, one pool slide, one pair of light flat walkable shoes like espadrilles, one pair of raffia or beaded statement earrings, one packable broadbrim sun hat and one pair of  sunglasses .

7. Plan for pieces that multitask

For packing light to be successful you need to get more creative about styling your clothes. In other words, make less do more. The best pieces easily pivot from day to night, hot outdoors to chilly indoors, super casual to polished without looking over or under done. Just be picky about choosing your favorite neckline, sleeve length and hemline. White tees like the 3/4 sleeve boatneck Hanes Women's Stretch Cotton Raglan Sleeve Tee in White ($7-22, amazon.com) or V-neck Hanes Women's Short Sleeve Nano-T V-Neck Tee in White ($14, amazon.com, not pictured) brighten up everything and add inches to your neck and torso. T-shirt dresses like the midi Ava & Viv Women's Plus Size Short Sleeve Knit Swing Dress in Blue ($20, target.com) or above-the-knee Ava & Viv Women's Plus-Size Short Sleeve T-Shirt Dress in Pink ($15, target.com) work with sneakers and a hoodie, sandals and statement earrings or espadrille flats and a cropped denim jacket. Get the idea?

8. Roll and pack in pouches like pros do

Packing your stuff neatly in separate bags inside your suitcase keeps clothes tidy and wrinkle-free while you travel and after arrival. Make stacks of like items —  underwear , tops, bottoms. Then roll or fold everything (your preference) and slip into a bag. Compression bags with a double zipper like the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes 4 PC in Deep Gray ($29, amazon.com) slim down stacks and save space, and noncompression pouches like the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Tech Cube Set in Brilliant Blue ($40, amazon.com) keep you organized. But here's my cheap fashion-editor trick: I use gallon-size see-through Ziploc plastic baggies ($10, target.com) instead. And don't forget to pack shoes at the wheel end of your suitcase for weight distribution and balance when the case is upright.

9. Bring travel-size toiletries and minimal makeup

Do not pack standard-size bottles and tubes of moisturizer, cleanser, perfume, shampoo and conditioner. Instead, pop by any department store beauty counter or Sephora and ask for samples (all it takes is a few minutes of browsing and a chat with a sales associate). Or pick up some travel-size bottles and decant a small portion of your everyday liquid beauty essentials. Cream blush, a lipstick and mascara are all you need. If you are flying, remember  TSA rules : If you bring carry-on luggage (see tip number 1), liquids must be under 3.4 ounces and fit into a quart plastic bag. When it comes to makeup, aim for low effort, high payoff.

10. Prep for the grubby stuff and return trip

Traveling and vacationing are not sparkling clean situations. A scented dryer sheet tucked inside the suitcase keeps all smelling fresh. Always keep a spare plastic baggie or two for dirty laundry, wet swimsuits and shoes to prevent dirty soles from contact with clothing. Keep liquid or cream beauty items (including sunscreen) away from clothes and slip them into separate pouches before repacking. Note that altitude and air pressure changes (if you are flying) as well as heat (if you are driving) often cause products to expand, contract, leak or drip. You don't want to arrive home to find your belongings and suitcase a mess.

Lois Joy Johnson is a beauty and style editor who focuses on women 50 and older. She was the beauty and style editor at  Ladies’ Home Journal  and a founding editor of  More  magazine.   She has written three books:  The Makeup Wakeup, The Wardrobe Wakeup  and  The Woman's Wakeup.

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How to Pack Light: 10 Tips for Luggage That Won’t Weigh You Down!

It’s every traveller’s dilemma: how to pack light for a trip?

So far on this blog, I’ve shared some of my top travel tips for finding cheap flights , keeping your belongings organized and bringing certain  carry-on essentials to make long-haul flights more bearable, but today we’re going to talk about packing – how to pack light, to be precise!

There’s nothing worse than having to haul a heavy suitcase around a new city (well, aside from having to pay for overweight luggage!), so today I’m sharing 10 travel packing tips to help keep your luggage as light as possible.

How to pack light:

1) pack a capsule wardrobe.

What is a capsule wardrobe, you ask? A collection of essential clothing pieces and accessories that can be mixed, matched and coordinated to form numerous outfits.

A capsule wardrobe can help you avoid that dreaded question – “what should I wear today?” – often a result of having too many options. So why not minimize, simplify and streamline the whole process?

My tip for packing a travel capsule wardrobe is to go for neutrals (black, white, grey, navy, brown) and add some fun into it with accessories (a scarf, a pair of sunglasses, or a headband). These items are smaller and lighter to pack than extra clothes, and they can help create multiple looks.

Travel packing tip: when in doubt I like to ask myself, “Do I already wear this at home?” If I don’t, chances are I won’t wear it on my trip either.

2) Limit the number of shoes you bring

For me, the magic number is 2-3 shoes depending on the type of trip. I know this probably still sounds like a lot, but I used to pack double that. These days I bring:

• 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes – I usually wear a pair of Converse or canvas shoes
• 1 pair of flip flops – great for the beach, hot weather and showers
• 1 pair of dressy shoes – if the occasion calls for it, I’ll pack a pair of dressy flats or sandals

Travel packing tip:  try to wear your bulkiest shoe on a travel day to save space in your luggage!

3) Downsize your makeup bag

This one is for the ladies, but seriously, how big is your everyday makeup bag?

I cleaned mine out a few months ago and found that it was filled with products I had accumulated over the past year – most of which I don’t even use on a day-to-day basis! I found a handful of bright lipsticks I thought it’d be fun to experiment with (turns out purple doesn’t suit me), a broken eyeliner pencil, two half-empty tubes of mascara, random Korean beauty products that I was tempted by in Seoul , and to make matters worse, I’m pretty sure that most of these were expired!

I’m not saying you should get rid of the fun makeup products that you wear out to parties or special occasions, but you don’t have to bring all of these on your trip either.

So, ask yourself:  “What do I actually wear on a daily basis?”

For me, the answer is: moisturiser, BB cream, concealer, mascara,  chapstick and sometimes a matte lipstick.

Once you’ve figured out what products you need, you can just pack a small travel makeup bag with your essentials. You’ll be surprised by how light it feels in comparison to your everyday makeup bag.

Travel packing tip:  to keep things light bring multi-purpose makeup items. For example, lipstick that doubles as cheek stain, or a shimmery eyeshadow that can double as highlighter.

4) Empty out your purse

Remember when those oversized handbags were in style? I always felt like that was a bit of a Mary Poppins vortex, where the unlikeliest of items would appear.

The fact of the matter is, that the larger your purse, the more chances there are for unnecessary items to burden you.

Before you leave on your trip, dig around your purse to see what’s actually in there? Two pairs of sunglasses, packets of gum, a tube of Tide-to-Go, a handful of beads from that bracelet that broke off your wrist, old Kleenex…a half-eaten chocolate bar you bought at the bus station two weeks ago, what?

Chances are you’ll lighten your load, and also get through security a lot faster .

Travel packing tip: bring a small, compact purse that only holds what you need for the day – otherwise you’ll be tempted to pack more things into it.

5) Ditch the shampoo and toiletries

Toiletries are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to heavy luggage. By the time you’ve grabbed your bottle of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, you’ve likely already added an extra 2 litres of weight to your suitcase.

In this day and age, most hotels, guesthouses and even hostels provide you with shampoo and soap. It may not be the mango-coconut scented shampoo that you’re used to, but it does the job.

Alternatively, if you really want to use the products you’re used to, you can either buy travel-sized items from the drugstore or get these travel-sized refillable bottles  so that you can fill them up with your own products at home.

Travel packing tip:  Always put your toiletries in a zip-lock bag to avoid any leaks.

6) Go digital with your guidebook

Did you know that you can buy guidebooks as e-books and that you can download them right to your phone?

For example, Lonely Planet’s Guide to Europe on a Shoestring is around 900 pages and it weighs a ton (I travelled with it, so I would know!) So, why not get the digital version, or better yet, save yourself some money and just buy the chapters you need?

That’s right, you can buy Lonely Planet e-books by the chapter based on the select destinations you’re travelling to? How clever is that?

Travel packing tip:  Go digital to keep things light.

7) Leave the technology behind

Laptop, tablet, phone – how many electronics do you travel with?

Unless you’re working while travelling , there’s really no reason to have all these distractions. I mean, you’re there to enjoy your trip!

One way to pack light is by leaving any unnecessary technology at home. I’d recommend just bringing your phone since it has all the functions you’re likely to need: you can call home, have access to email, and use GoogleMaps to navigate a new place. Everything else can stay home.

Travel packing tip: If you don’t have an international plan, you can pick up a SIM card with some data at the airport once you land in your destination.

8) Don’t fill your luggage to the top

Just because you have space, doesn’t mean you should use it!

One of the main reasons I used to overpack is because I was choosing the wrong luggage for the length of my trip. Whenever I saw that there was still room left, I would continue to throw things in resulting in a heavy suitcase.

These days I travel with a  Heys carry-on  if the trip is 1-2 weeks in length, and my Osprey Sojourn 80L if I’m going to be gone for several months. I also try to make sure I’ve only filled about 3/4 of my luggage, just in case I do end up buying a few extra items while I’m travelling .

Travel packing tip:  If you struggle to keep your luggage organized, you can use packing cubes to compartmentalize your clothing.

9) Swap your books for a Kindle

I love bringing reading material when I travel because it’s a great way to pass time on planes, trains and buses.

When I first started travelling, I actually used to pack 2-3 paperbacks in my luggage, which can be quite a bit of weight to carry around.

Then, I got a Kindle and it was a huge revelation. It was so thin and light and it could hold so much reading material!

I still love the feel of real books in my hands and I continue to buy books for my ever-growing library, but I’ve also made room for a Kindle  in my life when it comes to travel.

Travel packing tip:  Get a case for your Kindle so you don’t end up with a cracked screen.

10) Try to pack carry-on only

Last but not least, the most obvious one: try packing carry on only!

It can seem a bit daunting if you’ve never done it before, but why not give it a shot. Following the packing tips above, spread out what you think you’ll need for your trip on your bed, and try to see if it can fit in a carry-on suitcase.

If it can, pat yourself on the back, because you’ve just figured out how to pack light for your trip!

Travel packing tip:  if it doesn’t fit in your bag, wear it! This goes for hats, jackets and bulkier shoes.

Do you struggle with how to pack light for a trip? What are your tips and tricks for keeping your luggage light?

Very helpful tips! It took me a few years of traveling to really get the pack light concept and I have finally gotten better at it. I use a lot of your tips for when I pack. Also, found that packing cubes are so helpful when trying to pack light!

Hope you can help me!

That’s a really useful list to carry. Like you, I prefer to travel reasonably light, although since my kids came along, I’ve had to adjust my packing style. These days, we travel with everything other than the kitchen sink. On a recent trip to Barbados, we managed to get it down to two suitcases, which was pretty good.

Joel, My best tip would be to get kids their own rollaboard carry-ons as soon as they are big enough to pull them (our kids were two). It gives them something productive to do, which dramatically increases the odds of cooperation. Plus, nothing clears a path in a busy airport like a purposeful two year old with a suitcase who knows where he’s headed.

I have been backpacking for years now, but I still tend to carry a lot more clothes and stuff than I need. At times, it gets really difficult to have so much weight on my back, but I am working on it, and hoping to get better at packing stuff for my future trips.

I have just been learning about this travel light philosophy and have been adjusting consistently to make a lighter bag each time I travel!

Audrey, hola, que botas de trecking recomendas? veo que usas unas marrones en los videos de Argentina. gracias, y saludos desde Buenos Aires. Me encantan los videos que hacen, son unos genios

Very helpful, I faced the issue in my recent Tukey Trip and will keep all the points in my mind on my next Maldives Trip

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How to Pack Light for Europe (or Anywhere): 12 Mindset Tricks + the Packing List to Actually Make it Happen

Do you always plan to be a light packer, but then you just can’t ever seem to make it happen when you’re getting ready for vacation? Then this guide is for you.

And it isn’t just about what to pack to keep your suitcase or backpack lighter. It’s about how to think about packing light in a way that will help you to actually pack light.

This is my own personal strategy, developed over a decade of every kind of travel – from following backpacker trails through Southeast Asia and Central America , to living abroad and traveling as often as possible (with the tiniest carryon possible), to my current schedule as a full-time travel blogger – often traveling for two or three weeks in Europe with just one carryon .

But you don’t need to be on the road for weeks to make use of the packing strategy.

These tips can work for anyone . Regardless of your personal style, or even the type of trip you’re taking – a weekend getaway close to home, or a year around the world. Regardless of the weather, or your destination. And this isn’t a “packing list.” What you wear is up to you.

Instead, this is a guide for how to decide what to pack, and how to be okay with choosing to pack less.

Because I get it – packing less is hard. I’ve been there. For years, I wasn’t any good at traveling light, and I consistently packed way too much. Until I realized that more stuff usually just made travel worse.

This is a complete guide, so it’s a long read. If you want to jump around, here are the main sections:

Less stress, packing light saves you money., easier to get around (without feeling like an awkward tourist)., less baggage = more secure., less pollution., 1. outfit repeating is okay., 2. mixing and matching is mandatory., 3. you don’t have to be prepared for every situation..

• 4. Just in case you spill a plate of pasta on your pants, bring one extra pair – not three.

5. Doing laundry is easier (and less awkward) than dragging huge luggage.

6. only pack comfortable, good-looking, appropriate clothing that you enjoy wearing., 7. don’t pack last minute..

• 8. The Best Packing Test: What do you reach for in the morning when you’re getting dressed for a normal day?

9. (Almost) everything is replaceable.

10. it’s easier to buy something on the road than leave something on the road., 11. you’re not alone on the side of a mountain., 12. everything is temporary., use packing cubes., pack merino wool clothing., pack light toiletries, too., the packing strategy:, use decent luggage., want to put these packing tips to use, the why: this is what you gain by packing less.

Seriously, every time I switch hotels and have to spend more than 5 minutes getting my things back into the one configuration that makes everything fit in my bag, I swear to myself I’m going to go even lighter next time.

Bonus tip: Don’t pack your bag full . Leave some space, either for shopping, or just breathing room. (It’s no fun when it’s a struggle every time you have to zip it up.)

Never pay another checked-bag fee again. Plus, size and weight limits are often different (smaller) for European airlines. So if you’re packing for a Euro trip, as I often am, less stuff will definitely mean less stress and fewer fees.

Again, especially for trips to Europe, nothing makes me feel more like an unwanted tourist than dragging loud, heavy roller bags over cobblestones and making an absolute racket in a quiet alley. The less the better. (And when I want to really go stealth, I’ll go for a good travel backpack. My favorite is the 40L Tortuga Pro , for all the reasons I outlined in my review .)

UPDATE: In April, Tortuga released a less expensive, lighter version of their travel backpack . I’ve traveled with both, and wrote up a detailed comparison of the Pro vs Lite backpacks . In short, it’s a great budget option that reduces the weight of your luggage by 1 pound, and still uses quality materials and construction.

Good to Know: Many European destinations have ancient historic centers – where you’ll likely want to book your accommodation – where the streets are too narrow for cars. Plan on walking some distance with all your luggage.

Your luggage will be much safer from thieves if you can keep it with you for bus, train and ferry rides – stashed under the seat or in an overhead rack. (Large suitcase usually don’t fit in these places and have to be stored at the entrance to the train car, or in the bays underneath a bus.)

The more stuff you pack, the more fuel the airplane has to use to get off the ground. (Same goes for every form of transportation – more weight means more fuel.) I know it may seem like a drop in the bucket, but it adds up when everyone is checking two giant bags for two weeks in Europe.

Okay, that’s the motivation to travel lighter. Now for the mindset tips (and a few realistic packing tips, at the end) that have made packing light actually possible for me.

The Golden Rules of Packing Light

These are my 10 packing tips that can change the way you travel.

This is my number 1 tip for packing lighter, for any travel, anywhere. To be honest, I’d like you to read the entire article, but this is probably the only advice you really need. Repeat. Outfits.

And that’s coming from a woman who likes to look nice, and is aiming not to stick out as an obvious American tourist in Europe. (Believe me, it’s a look most Europeans recognize easily: Ugly running shoes. Shapeless, synthetic “travel clothes.” Athletic wear outside the gym. Big ugly logos.)

But that look isn’t required to pack light!

Don’t pack any item of clothing that only works with one other item. This is essentially the idea of a capsule wardrobe for travel – a small collection of interchangeable items that you can mix and match.  

My go-to strategy is to have one or two pairs of pants or shorts , depending on the weather, and two tops that go with both of them. I alternate between the tops every other day. That way it doesn’t quite feel entirely like repeating.

Those are the basics, then I add little bits of flair: A nice dress, a fancier top to alternate in with the t-shirts, etc.

But the flair items still have to go with multiple basics. A dressier top that only works with one pair of pants, but not the other, and not the shorts or skirt? Leave it home. Same goes for layers – one sweater, sweatshirt, coat, etc. needs to go with every outfit.

But what if we go to a really – like really, really – fancy restaurant? Well, is that something you’re likely to do? Have you ever done it before? Do you really think this trip will be the first time?

Okay, maybe you’re right. Maybe it will.

If a highly specific and unusual situation comes up on your trip, won’t you have time to go shopping? (Plus, that’s what the extra space in your suitcase leaves room for.)

4. Just in case you spill a plate of pasta on your pants, bring one extra pair – not three.

Your backup does not need a backup. Everything will be okay.

I always have a hard time convincing people of this at first, but once you try it, you get it. Moving around with heavy bags is a pain. Squeezing everything back into an overpacked bag every time you change hotels is also a pain.

But doing laundry is pretty easy, and you’ve got options:

• Utilize the laundry service at your hotel – sure, it’ll cost more than it would to do laundry at home. But it’ll probably cost less than the airline’s fee for a checked bag. What you’re paying for is the simplicity and ease.
• Wash a few key items in the sink of your hotel room and let them dry overnight. I’ve been doing this for years!
• Go to a local laundromat .

For either the sink washing or the laundromat, I always pack a few of these laundry detergent strips . They’re plastic-free, and the epitome of light-weight and packable. (They’re what I’ve used at home for years now, too.)

This is the second biggest secret to packing light: Every piece of clothing you pack for a trip should be a piece of clothing you love to wear. Be strict on this – it has to check all four boxes:

• Comfortable to wear all day.
• Looks good.
• Appropriate / Makes sense – for the local culture, the weather, and the activities you have planned.
• Joyful! If you could wear it, but you just aren’t excited about it, leave it home! (Or better yet, find a friend who wants it or donate it.)

The sweater you always want to wear, but somehow it never feels quite right with any of your outfits? NO. DO NOT PACK IT.

I’ve written before about a phenomenon called wish-cycling (throwing non-recyclable items in the recycling bin, just hoping it’ll help). Well, I think this is a similar concept: Wish-packing. Don’t take the bait.

If you’re packing in a rush, it’s almost impossible to be as strategic as you need to be to pack light.

But… I have a confession. Despite knowing the risks, I still do pack pretty last-minute sometimes. I’m literally typing this while sitting on a train to NYC, where I’ll be for 8 days.

When did I pack my suitcase?

About two hours ago.

How much did I pack?

Probably twice as much as I needed. (But yes, it still all fits in one carry-on.)

8. The Best Packing Test: What do you reach for in the morning when you’re getting dressed for a normal day?

If that sounds like a boring way to pack for a trip, then consider this: Are you “saving” the clothes you most enjoy for special occasions or big trips, thinking, “oh, I can’t wear that for just a casual dinner, it’s too dressy” ?

Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, so wear the dress today! There are no rules anymore, anyway. Wear what you enjoy.

Learning to pack lighter has really helped me think about living lighter, too. Why keep stuff around that I don’t enjoy and find useful? (Thanks, Marie Kondo.) If the clothes you reach for every morning are clothes you really love wearing, then packing them for a trip should be a no-brainer.

(For me, these top-quality merino wool t-shirts are a go-to that have simplified this a lot. More about those in the packing list section below .)

If you forget something you really need, you can almost always pick it up on the road, in almost any country.

Here’s what you really do need to pack:

Yes, there are a few items I’d rather not deal with replacing during a trip. Here they are:

• Credit and debit cards , including extras stashed in separate bags that are not my wallet. (One in a day pack/ personal item on the flight; one in the bottom of my suitcase, etc. Don’t keep all eggs in one basket.)
• Anything prescription, or any meds you take regularly , including extra contact lenses, birth control pills, or anything else you can’t pick up in a drugstore. (Ibuprofen, allergy pills, aspirin etc. can all be purchased just about anywhere in the world. If you know you’ll need them, pack them. But don’t pack the entire medicine cabinet “just in case.” )
• Camera equipment. Generally, I’d say don’t plan on buying a new camera/ iPad/ computer on your trip.
• Charging cables. Don’t forget them! (But don’t pack all the extras, either. You can replace them, if needed, just about anywhere. I’ve done it more than once.)
• Special clothes. Your super special dress for a wedding you’re attending, or date night on your vacation? Yeah, pack it if you have it. But don’t pack six of them.
• Comfortable shoes. There’s a special bond between a traveler and her good walking shoes (especially when those shoes are also good looking for fashionable European cities). Same goes for comfortable hiking boots. Don’t leave these to be replaced on the fly, if you can avoid it.
• Clothing you just love wearing. As I mentioned above, these items should be your entire packing list anyway. So when you start planning travel outfits, start with these items.
• Travel documents. Obviously. I’m not going to remind you to pack your passport.

And that’s it. Nothing else is irreplaceable, or will ruin your trip if you forget it.

If you carefully pack the items on the list above first, you can rest a little easier knowing that nothing else is truly necessary. Not for survival, and not even for comfort – since you’ve already packed your favorites.

(This one is mostly about packing for long-term travel.)

So we agree now that we can replace almost anything during a trip. But I always find it much harder to abandon unneeded things once I’ve put them in my bag.

This is a lesson I learned from several multi-month trips across Central America , Europe and Asia with just a backpack. Each time, I realized early in the trip that I’d packed too much. And each time, it was really hard for me to just give things to someone in a hostel, or donate them locally.

Once you have an item in your bag, it can just be tough to get out of the trap of thinking, “ but what if I need it for something…? ”

Let me paint a picture with a true story: A friend of mine in Montana went on a long-haul, ultra-light backpacking trip in the Canadian Rockies. The “ultra-light” part meant analyzing every ounce of her gear and cutting what you might never have thought you could actually cut – she literally cut off the handle of her toothbrush to take an ounce of weight off her back.

Creative, yes. But she ended up slicing her wrist open while chopping the toothbrush, and had to pack a whole bunch of extra first-aid supplies to keep her wound clean while it healed on the trail.

When I was thinking about this anecdote, I thought it would be a cautionary tale about trying to pack too little. And I guess it is that, but there’s another point, too:

Are you planning a backpacking trip where you’ll be alone in the wilderness for weeks at a time? If not, then remember #9. There’s very little you can’t replace on the road, if you want to.

Packing light can be scary at first. It requires rethinking habits that are very culturally ingrained, and that’s not often easy.

Feeling awkward about repeating outfits more than you normally would, or anxious about not having multiple options for every day of your trip? If you are, it’s okay, and it’s temporary. (You’ll be back to your full closet before you know it.)

And who knows, you might even get used to it, and start loving the freedom of less stuff.

Remember that learning how to pack lighter is a process. You’ll get better at it and feel better about it with practice.

Packing list: the items that will actually help you travel lighter.

That was the philosophical part. Now, let’s get to the concrete part.

Again, what you pack is up to you. I don’t need to tell you how to dress, and there isn’t much that I think you need to buy to pack lighter and better.

The items below are the only ones I really recommend and use constantly. They definitely are helpful, and they work for me.

I thought they were a waste of time and money for so long, but I’m now a total convert. Packing cubes keep your clothes organized in your suitcase, and keep them neat and un-wrinkled .

And both of those things will help you feel better about packing less.

(I used to roll my clothes carefully, which is another option. But now I find packing cubes make it easier to rearrange items in your suitcase without messing everything up.)

I usually use one small packing cube for underwear, and one larger one for my t-shirts, tank tops, and sweaters.

I rarely pack more than two pairs of pants, so I don’t usually need a separate packing cube for pants. (Unless I’m traveling to a conference, or somewhere else where I know I’ll need more pants and skirts, or dressier ones.)

The Brands to Buy:

My favorites are a previous version of these cubes from REI , which I’ve been using for years. I love that they have mesh sections for a bit of ventilation, and an extra zipper that lets you compress or expand the contents . (Which means you can keep everything snug and neatly folded, whether you’re packing less or more.)

Here are a couple more options that I’d look at if I were shopping for them now:

• New: I’ve just added one of these compression packing cubes to my collection, and I have to admit, they’re the best I’ve ever used. The construction is high quality, the shape is perfect for folded shirts, sweaters and dresses, and they fit a ton!
• These packing cubes from Cotopaxi are made of recycled fabric. (Also on Amazon .) They have colorful fabric that looks useful for organizing, but no compression.
• If I ever need to upgrade, I’ll probably go for these cubes from Peak Designs . They have lots of bells and whistles, and the brand is known for high quality. (Also on Amazon .)

In the past year, I’ve become a true believer in the value of merino wool clothing for travel.

It’s not cheap, but merino has so much going for it for travel clothing.  It doesn’t wrinkle , and it stays smelling fresh after lots and lots of wears. (I tested that pretty extensively in this merino travel clothing review , and later on a one-week summer e-bike tour in Italy .)

Plus, merino wool is versatile – it keeps you warm in cold weather, and cool in hot weather (I promise). It still insulates when it’s wet, and it’s naturally antibacterial .

I usually pack two or three merino tops (between t-shirts, tank tops, and long-sleeved tops, depending on the season) and I mostly just wear those for an entire trip.

I’ll usually wash everything once in the middle of a two or three-week trip, but it’s often not even necessary.

Even when I pack other tops, usually cotton or linen, I find they only get one or two wears because they’re so much higher maintenance. While the merino tops just keep looking and smelling good, day after day.

The Brand to Buy:

I think Unbound Merino makes the best merino wool clothing for travel, because it’s actually designed for travel. (Not for outdoor sports, as many merino clothing brands are. These pieces are instead extremely multi-use.)

There are no logos or loud designs on their clothes, so they go with everything and look elegant, not dorky. And the cuts are simple and classic . They work just as well for hiking and biking as for visiting museums and touring cities. (I regularly wear them for all of those.)

Wearing my active merino tank top in the heat of Prague in June, and my merino travel dress during my October trip tasting organic wineries in Napa Valley .

I started down this road for environmental reasons, but solid toiletry swaps are brilliant for travel, too.

(Yes, I will forever be that friend who’s trying to get you to try a new shampoo bar, solid skincare product, or anything else plastic-free. But honestly, the friends who I manage to convince tend to like my recommendations !)

Solid toiletries let you pack months’ worth of products in a fraction of the space, with no chance for leakage in your bag.

They also simplify my packing lists, as I can skip buying (or bottling) “travel size” versions of all my products. (I use these same products at home, and they’re automatically ready to travel.)

And the formulas have improved so much in the past few years that it’s hard to even find an excuse not to try them. You can now get the best available hair and skincare ingredients in solid formulas with refillable packaging – which just happens to be perfect for travel!

No more bad hair days from bad hotel shampoo, or dry skin from leaving your favorite products at home.

These are some of my favorites solid toiletries that I pack for every trip:

• More on Dew Mighty here . Read my full review of SBTRCT skincare here. Discounts: Save 10% on Dew Mighty, and 20% on SBTRCT, with the code TILTEDMAP
• Solid toothpaste and mouthwash tablets . Despite lots of comparison testing , Bite remains my favorite brand for both of these. Discount: Save 10% on any Bite order with the code TILTEDMAP10 .
• Alternative: If you really don’t want do go the bar route, these concentrated products are also excellent and nearly plastic-free. (Check out my Everist review here . Discount: TILTEDMAP10 for 10% off any order.)
• Face wash bars . My go-to from Earth Harbor lasts forever and is harder than most bars. (AKA – easier to pack without it breaking or getting squished.)

For details and the other products I use, here’s another blog post with my full plastic-free travel toiletry list .

Or, if you want to keep it short and sweet, sign up for my email list below. The first email includes a PDF checklist with just the highlights and exclusive discount codes.

I don’t think you need to get too picky about this. If you already have a suitcase or travel backpack that works for you, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel.

The only reason I’d even recommend replacing luggage is if you’re missing some really essential, functional features. The ones I think matter are weight, pockets/ organization, smooth-rolling wheels (or comfortable straps for a backpack), and easy access. More on those below:

Whether you’re packing carry-on only or not, if you’re flying, you’ll have a weight limit for your baggage. ( Train travel is much easier going on this.) Ideally, you don’t want to eat up too much of it with just your bag while it’s still empty.

Suitcase Example: I’ve almost never seen carry-on bags weighed in the US, but I’ve had it happen regularly on flights in Europe. Once, while flying out of Lisbon, there was apparently an 8 kg (17 lbs) weight limit for carry-on bags. The airline asked to weigh mine at the gate, even though the dimensions met their requirements.

It clocked in at a way, way overweight 23 kg (51 lbs). And the airline fined me 125 euros on the spot.

A lighter bag definitely wouldn’t have helped that time, but it’s worth paying attention to.

Organization

Packing less gets way easier when you know where everything is, and can keep your clothes neat and wrinkle-free and by making sure they don’t get scrunched into knots in your bag. Packing cubes and decent pockets are both useful for this.

Backpack Example: I’ve taken several multi-month trips with the Osprey travel backpack that you see so often in airports. (If you just automatically notice these things the way I do… occupational hazard, I suppose.) It has a detachable day pack, and it comes in multiple sizes. There’s also a men’s version .

I loved the concept, but the main bag didn’t have a single pocket to organize your stuff. And the day pack was just so tiny, I found it almost useless. (For details on this, read right here .)

Osprey has since added at least one interior pocket to the updated version, but I still went for this Tortuga backpack instead, on a recent trip to El Salvador . (As I wrote in my review , the bag definitely exceeded my expectations.)

UPDATE: Check out Tortuga’s even-lighter new Travel Backpack Lite , and their excellent, packable daypack . I’m traveling with both right now to test them, and have been impressed! (Here’s my comparison of the Tortuga Pro vs Lite backpacks .)

Comfortable Wheels or Straps

Smooth-rolling wheels are important, too, just like a comfortable strap system if you’re traveling with a backpack. Straps that make your shoulders hurt, or a roller bag that’s always flipping over behind you, or doesn’t roll straight, will get old fast.

For a suitcase, upgrading from an old two-wheel bag to a newer one with four wheels will make a huge difference.

For a backpack, make sure you have a sturdy hip belt system , which takes the weight off your shoulders and makes it much more comfortable to carry, even if only for an hour at a time. (This is one many reasons I decided the Tortuga 40L Pro backpack was worth the price for me.)

Easy Access to Your Stuff

This is mostly an issue with travel backpacks , not suitcases. I’ve never felt the need to try a clam-shell suitcase (the kind with the main zipper in the middle, dividing the storage into two equal halves). Traveling with a small carry-on, I don’t find it necessary.

Backpack example: There are a lot of good reasons not to travel with a backpacking backpack (which will likely have top-access, as opposed zipping all the way open, as a suitcase would). You don’t want to have to pull everything out of your suitcase to get to one thing, and that’s pretty much how outdoor backpacks are designed.

So the full-access zipper was one of the things that drew me to that Osprey backpack , above. But then the lack of organization made it a failure in my book.

The Brands to Buy: (Best Carry-on Luggage )

If I were to go back to backpack travel regularly, I’d stick with either the Tortuga Pro backpack or the new Lite version , both of which I’ve used on several trips lately. They’re purposefully designed for traveling light, with lots of organization and security features, plus the suitcase-like full zip.

[ Details: Here’s my full review of the original Pro Tortuga travel backpack , including my comparison with similar bags from Cotopaxi and Osprey. My thoughts on the Pro vs. Lite bags are here .]

For a light-weight and really well-made carry-on suitcase , I’ve been using an early version of this Victorinox global carry-on for years. I’d definitely say it’s a good buy, at least if you travel as much as I do, but it is an investment.

That being said, it doesn’t have any broken zippers, holes in fabric, or really any signs of wear after more than five years (and I’ve lived out of it almost half of that time).

And in the long-run, buying something good once is always better than buying cheap and having to replace it. (It’s a better experience, and it’s less of a toll on the environment.)

(My “global” carry-on is designed to pass as carry-on size on European airlines, too. So it’s slightly smaller and squarer, as opposed to rectangular, compared with larger US carry-ons . My husband has the larger version , and we can confirm from many EU flights that his often has to be checked at the gate , while mine always makes it on.)

I hope my travel tips for packing less have been helpful for you! Do you have questions? Leave them below in the comments and I’ll get back to you.  

How about in one of these gorgeous destinations:

• The Azores – a beautiful, quiet escape in the middle of the Atlantic. (Including the island of Terceira , which I wrote a more detailed guide to.)
• An Italian bike trip through a lesser-known region (and you can join me on this trip , too!)
• The Mississippi Blues Trail
• Adirondack State Park , upstate New York

Help more people find this article! Share on:

Sustainability and Sustainable Travel Writer

I’m Ketti, a former journalist, originally from Montana, USA, who moved to China with a job teaching English, a side-hustle writing for magazines, and just one word of Mandarin. That turned into five years abroad, a Master's Degree in Sustainable Business & Energy, and a passion for finding more eco-friendly (and realistic) ways to travel and live. That's why I created Tilted Map – to share what I'm learning along the way!

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I just found your blog and your travel tips are the best I’ve ever read. But I have a question. My husband and I will be going on an extended trip from May to July, starting with biking in France and Germany, followed by an 11 day cruise in the Greek islands, and some stops in between to see Italy. My big dilemma is shorts! I will pack at least two pairs of bike shorts but I’ve no idea what type of shorts I should pack for southern Europe. Linen does not hold up well. Any suggestions?

Hi Kathleen,

Thank you so much! That makes my day. 🙂 And that sounds like an EXCELLENT adventure you’ve got planned!

For shorts, I usually pack pairs when I travel in the summer: One pair of board shorts , which are great for the beach but can also blend in not on the beach. And one twill pair for cities/ everything else. (Thin, summer-weight – lighter than denim, heavier than linen – so it’s not too bulky to pack. And they go with everything.) I have a cute striped pair from Carve Designs that I’ve been wearing for nearly a decade! The specific design is long discontinued, I’m afraid, but I’m still a huge fan of the brand. Almost everything I wear in summer is from them – very mix and easy, easy, casual/slightly sporty, packable but still stylish.

Also, their reversible swimwear is great!! I have two of this bikini top , which can easily double as a sports bar and is great for being both cute and not letting your boobs fall out if you’re actually planning to move.

Now you’ve got me thinking about shopping and summer weather lol. Anyway, I hope that’s helpful! You might also want to check out my sustainable clothing brands list, and – since you’re biking, too! – this story about the bike trip in Italy I did last year.

Have a good one! – Ketti

Packing Light; 24 Expert Tips to Travel Light (From a Fellow Traveler)

I was never any good at packing light.

My husband used to say if I packed it I’d have to carry it, and so after a couple of trips where I’d take way more than I needed and didn’t wear/use half of it, I started to pack less and less.

It was only after backpacking across India with my sister in 2019 however, did I learn the true art of packing light.

We took only one carry-on bag each, weighing 7kg for a 3 week trip from Nepal, through India and on to the Maldives.

Something about packing light for that trip and being able to travel light across a huge country like India, taking my bag on and off planes, and avoiding the long waits at the airport baggage claim was truly liberating!

Plus I realized we really don’t need as much as we think we do and it’s just about being savvy, exploring all options for how to travel light and using the best travel gear available to minimize how much we pack.

These days there are so many fantastic gadgets, tools, alternatives and tech gear to help us pack lighter.

So let’s get cracking, here are my top tips for packing light;

Table of Contents

19 Tips & Hacks for Packing Light

1. make a packing list.

Much like going to the supermarket, you’ll be far more efficient if you make a list of absolute necessities first.

Here’s an example of my packing list which rarely weighs more than 7KG;

• Swimming costume or bikini / Light Beach dress
• 2 x pairs of shorts / 2 x light summer skirts / 3 x t-shirts
• 1 x ‘going out’ dress
• 2 x night shorts & tee
• 14 x underwear (I always take a lot as I hate washing underwear in hotel sinks)
• 1 skin color plunge bra (can wear under black or white, and with posh dress or t-shirts)
• 1 x flip flops or thongs or sandals (depending where you’re from in the world)
• 1 x trainers / sneakers (which I generally wear when traveling from place to place or hang off the back of my bag
• 3 x trainer socks / 1 x leggings / 1 x light cardigan
• Travel size all in one Shampoo/Conditioner (sacrilege to some women, but hey I want to travel light) / Travel size shower gel
• Mascara / Bronzer
• Makeup wipes
• Small battery powered toothbrush / 50ml toothpaste
• Travel size sun lotion / 50SPF lip balm
• Hairbrush / Hair scrunchies
• Travel size body moisturiser / Deodorant
• Antihistamines / Paracetamol / Ibuprofen
• Tiger Balm / Plasters
• Ear Plugs / Face mask /
• Mask / Hand Sanitizer
• Adapter / Phone/ Kindle/ Computer & Fitbit chargers
• Phone – iPhone / Computer – Macbook 12” Notebook

Useful Extras

• Ziplock bags & spare plastic bag – for anything and everything!
• Travel Bags – for separating tops/shorts/underwear etc, and also great for laundry
• Combination padlock

My husbands bag usually weighs less than mine and he takes;

• 2 x shorts (Both double as swim shorts) / 2 x tees
• 7 x socks / 7 x boxers
• 1 x ‘going out’ shorts & tee
• 1 x croc flip flops / 1 x trainers/sneakers
• Travel size shampoo / 1 x razor / Deodorant / Toothbrush
• Phone / Kindle / Computer

Write down details about your trip and make a list of what you’ll need for each activity. Then work out how you can make some of your clothes dual purpose (shorts can be swim shorts for example) and lay everything you think you need out on your bed.

If it’s still too much, be strict! Do you really need that extra tee?

2. Choose a light bag

A big mistake many travelers make is by choosing a heavy suitcase or backpack.

Sure it would be great to get that back that doubles as a backpack and wheely case, but remember if you’re going carry on bags, every extra feature weighs a little more and means less stuff in your pack.

Pick a backpack or suitcase that’s ideally under 2kg (2.2lb) and around 40L capacity to fit everything neatly inside.

I personally use either my Firetrap backpack which unzips like a suitcase or the Matein gray backpack , which is sturdy, water resistant, comfortable to wear and has lots of pockets and storage areas, so I can organize my packing super efficiently!

Another recommended bag is the Fendong 40L lightweight backpack .

If you’d prefer a suitcase with wheels, your best bet is the 21 inch Travelpro Maxlite expandable case . Weighing in at 5.4lbs (2.5kg), you’ll need to be more efficient with what you pack, but if you want the luxury of wheeling rather than carrying, this case is one of the lightest around.

3. Use packing cubes/bags

Packing cubes or bags are to help you organize your clothes more efficiently.

Just because you’re packing in smaller bags, does not mean your luggage is lighter! Compression merely means smaller. I know that sounds obvious but some of the marketing language on these products can be a little misleading.

You also don’t need to pay through the nose for fancy packing bags. On my recent 3 week trip across Europe and then Dubai, I used these bags which only cost $7.99 and did a fantastic job of helping me to separate tops, shorts, underwear, dirty clothes etc.

If you’re looking for more colorful bags, I recommend this 8 cube set in multiple colors.

4. Roll, don’t fold

Rolling your clothes doesn’t necessarily save space. Your clothes will take as much space as your clothes will take, whether you roll, fold or throw in!

However, to keep your clothes crease free and to be able to maximize bag space without leaving lots of gaps, your best bet is to pack clothes by rolling them rather than folding.

I had a dress I wanted to wear in Dubai that I carried with me through Europe for 19 days rolled up in the bottom of my backpack. When I pulled it out, there was hardly a crease to be seen!

5. Take minimal toiletries in small containers

I don’t know about you, but my toiletries are always what weighs the most!

Once I’ve included my favorite body spray, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, deodorant, contact lens solution, electric toothbrush, etc, etc!

So it’s time to get strict! Almost everything you want to take can be bought along the road. Even countries in far out places will sell basic essentials and any personal item you may need these days.

Stop being a hair product snob and buy a two in one shampoo/conditioner, then transfer it to a small bottle. Take a small travel size shower gel. Leave the electric toothbrush and charger at home and buy a cheap disposable battery powered toothbrush. Ladies, wear less makeup!

Here’s what’s in my toiletry bag;

• Travel size all in one Shampoo/Conditioner / Travel size shower gel

Here is the best invention ever for those of us who like to smell nice – portable mini refillable perfume atomizers ! Easily fill with your fave perfumes and throw in your bag!

Also I regularly buy packs of travel bottles to take a variety of liquids in handy, safe for carry on, containers.

6. Only pack for a week to 10 days

No matter how long you’re going to be traveling for, the secret is to only pack for 7 – 10 days.

Take a small wash powder for washing essentials in a sink when you need to and be prepared to head to a launderette on route.

On my recent trip across Europe, my sister & I found a launderette in Venice and sat at a cafe opposite drinking wine while our clothes washed and dried. Then again in Luxembourg, where I sat in a cafe next door drinking a hot, sweet macchiato latte!

Who said washing couldn’t be fun!

7. Use a luggage scale

If you’re determined to take only hand luggage, a luggage scale is essential.

You’ll want to be sure your carry on size bag is no more than 7kg or 12kg, depending on your airline limits.

I’ve used a multitude of scales over the years for carry on and some seriously heavy bags (before I worked out how to pack light!)

It may sound silly, but it’s important to use scales which fit well in your hand and are designed to help you lift your luggage easily while being able to read the weight!

One set of scales I had, you had to be a contortionist to be able to lift a 20kg bag and see the weight on the side of the scale!

Here are the luggage scales I use and recommend . Easy to lift and easy to see the weight. Plus super lightweight themselves if you plan on doing some shopping while overseas and need to take them with you!

8. Take dryer sheets to keep everything smelling nice

Inevitably you will have to wear the same clothes several times between washes. A great way to keep your clothes smelling nice is to add in the sheets generally used for tumble dryer washes.

This keeps your clothes, bag and shoes (stuff them inside the shoe), smelling fresh and lovely!

9. Ladies! Take a skin color bra for all color clothes.

I used to pack a black bra and a white bra to cater for different color clothes. I would even take a separate plunge bra for lower cut dresses and tops.

Nowadays, a skin colored plunge bar caters for all occasions & outfits!

I also take a super light skin colored non wired t-shirt bra , which folds up to almost nothing for slouchy or low exercise days.

10. Fold underwear into a small cuff shape

A great way to save space and take as much underwear as possible, is to fold your underwear up into a small cuff like shape. This works for womens knickers/panties & mens briefs/boxers.

Simply lay your underwear flat facing up. Fold the sides into the middle, left to middle right to middle. Then starting at the bottom, roll the underwear up and tuck into the waistband.

It takes some practice, but the end result is a tight small oblong shape that can be neatly added to a packing bag or cube.

11. Use the same moisturizer for body & face

One for the ladies, if you apply moisturizer daily use the same one for your face and body.

Clearly if you tend to use ridiculously expensive face cream, this isn’t a tip for you. However, to save space and weight this is a great hack and these days there are some fantastic products which will work just as well no matter where you apply them!

12. Wear trainers, pack sandals

I spend my life in flip flops (thongs/sandals) or trainers/sneakers.

For big walk days I’ll want to wear my trainers. For more relaxed days I’ll want to wear my flip flops.

When traveling from place to place, always wear your heaviest shoes and pack your lightest!

13. Use clothes for dual purpose

On a hike last week, my good friend rocked up in some awesome hiking trousers which doubled as shorts. All she had to do was to unzip the trouser just above the knee and hey presto, shorts!

You can use your clothes for multiple purposes if you’re clever.

• Shorts can double as swim shorts.
• A sports bra can double as a bikini top.
• A sarong can be used as a skirt, a cardigan/throw or a makeshift towel.
• A day t-shirt can easily be made into an evening shirt with a necklace and belt.

As you pack, ask yourself how you might be able to use an item of clothing for a second or third purpose, rather than taking something extra.

14. Quick Drying Clothes

Ditch the jeans my friend! Not only are they heavy, bulky and actually not that comfortable to travel in, they’ll also take hours to dry if you’re caught in a rainstorm!

Your goal is to take lightweight clothes that dry fast. This helps when out and about and if you have to do a quick wash in a hotel bathroom.

15. Take a lightweight fast drying towel (optional)

To be honest this is an optional item.

Most hotels and hostels will provide small shower towels, so if you’re desperate and need a towel for the beach you can usually grab one of theirs, albeit it might be very small!

However, if you’d prefer to have your own towel on hand, something light and quick dry is preferable!

Microfibre is the way to go and here’s the towel I recommend .

16. Take a jewelry organizer (optional)

To be honest I don’t wear a lot of jewelry, and if you’re the same, then don’t even bother.

However, every now and again a nice necklace or dangly earrings adds to a plain t-shirt and turns it into evening wear!

Depending on the type of trip I’m taking sometimes I will opt to take some extra necklaces and jewelry with me, however simply throwing a necklace into a toiletry bag generally means half an hour of trying to untangle it at the other end!

A jewelry organizer is a game changer!

Here’s the one I use – Becko Jewelry Organizer – small, lightweight, stores 6 – 8 necklaces, loads of earrings, rings and bracelets, it’s easy to slip into your backpack and ensures your necklaces don’t get all tangled up.

17. Post souvenirs home

Looking to do some shopping while abroad? Consider sending souvenirs home rather than lugging them around with you.

Many shops will package up bulky items and happily send them for you, at a cost of course!

18. Take a small foldable rucksack for days out

Even as a digital nomad or long term traveler , you’ll likely be staying at a hotel or hostel, leaving your main backpack and heading out exploring for the day.

At the very least you’ll want to head out for dinner without having to take your luggage with you.

I recommend a small foldable rucksack or small bag, you can put your essentials in, such as a purse or wallet and phone, your water bottle and of course your passports or valuables you don’t want to leave anywhere.

When you’re ready to travel again, you simply fold it back up and slip it into your main backpack until the next time you need it!

19. Take a tech kit

Being a digital nomad, I always take a tech kit containing my charger cables, power bank, my adapter, extra camera battery etc.

This is the handy pouch I use to organize all my cables etc.

And this is the excellent universal adapter I use, which covers every country you can think of and includes USB ports and a USB type C port.

5 More Tips for Packing Light for the Cold!

So what happens if you’re going to a cold country, but still want to travel light?

Here’s some tips and tricks for packing light for the cold.

• Take leggings instead of jeans. Men take Chinos instead of jeans
• Wear leggings under light walking trousers
• Wear your heavy stuff like your main jumper & coat & pack your lighter clothes
• Layer clothes with multiple thin layers
• Pack light thermals !

Tips for Packing Light Summary

As you can see there are so many ways to make packing light easier and more efficient.

Even if you want to take checked baggage as opposed to carry on, packing light means less risk of excess baggage fees, less creased clothes, less space used in your hotel wardrobe, less washing and more flexibility if you want to explore different areas of the country you’re visiting.

For digital nomads or long term travelers packing light is a skill which must be mastered!

As silly as this may sound it’s also a liberating experience to travel more minimally, focusing only on the essentials.

I hope this article has given you some great ideas to pack light for your next world expedition. Happy packing!

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Wondering how to travel light? Check out these practical tips to packing light that will save time, money, and from chaotic experiences while traveling.

When I had just started traveling, I had a different definition of packing light. For my trip to Egypt that was going to last for 10 days, I packed items that a light packer could use for like 2 months.

The more I traveled, the more I learned how to pack light. I’ll admit I still pack a few things that I consider essential but others might not need but I’ve generally improved my packing techniques that I can now call myself a light packer.

Yeah, my friends can testify to that, because when we travel together for a couple of days, they are always suffering with their huge backpacks as I am just rolling with a small travel daypack (you can actually shop my favorite daypack from here ) and they wonder how I have everything I need.

But before we look at the tips to packing light, let’s look at some of the endless advantages of packing light for travel.

Advantages of packing light for travel

Other than just carrying a lightweight travel backpack, packing light comes with a lot of benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked.

• It is easy to use public transportation when you travel light. Instead of hiring a private taxi to accommodate your 5 suitcases, if you have just one suitcase or backpack, you can easily sit with it while using public transportation.
• There are minimal to zero chances of paying for extra baggage when you pack light. Actually, you’re less likely to exceed the required kgs of the airline if you pack light hence saving some money.
•  Fewer chances of losing your stuff. When you travel with so many things, you’re likely to forget somethings to wherever you travel to. But if you packed light, it would be easy to remember everything you packed in the first place so the chances of losing some of your stuff are less likely.
•  If you’re traveling by plane, packing light will help you spend less time at the airport during check-in. I mean whoever wants to spend unnecessary time at the airport check-in point because you carried so many things including some that you don’t need. Yes, you don’t need a lot of stuff, you just haven’t realized it yet.
•  Not giving a huge tip out of guilt to someone who helped you carry an overly heavy bag.

I could spend the entire day telling you why you should start packing and traveling light but since you came to this post to find out how to actually pack light, let’s get to it.

Related post: Best airport tips and tricks to make your travels easier

Tips to packing light

1. Use a lightweight travel backpack

The number one tip to packing light is to actually use a light travel backpack. There will be no point in packing light if the backpack you’re using is heavy itself.

The lightweight travel back I recommend is the Osprey backpack. You can buy it from here if you don’t have it yet

2. Use one sizeable backpack/ suitcase instead of many

Using one sizeable backpack for travel will help you pack light instead of using many small bags.

And by all means, if you get a big backpack, no question about that, you will fill it up. But since the ultimate goal is to pack light, get one sizeable backpack that will just fit all that you need.

This is commonly known as one bag travel and it is great when it comes to traveling light.

3. Pack only the necessities not what you might need.

Instead of packing all the unnecessary stuff, make some research about what you’ll need in that particular place.

There is so much information on the internet, so many packing lists for almost every country and city. Read them so that you know exactly what to pack.

If you’re planning to travel to Africa, here is a list of everything you’ll need before you go for your African safari or this Egypt packing list if you’re going to Egypt.

But if you’re just packing for a hostel stay, this packing list for a hostel , has everything you need to pack and what you should leave home before you go.

And if you’re traveling for 2 weeks, here is another post on how to pack for 2 weeks in just a carry-on.

But if you’re just going away for a weekend trip, here is the best packing list for a weekend getaway to help you pack only the essentials.

Related post:  Camping tips and hacks for beginners 

4. Use packing cubes.

This is by far one of the best smart packing tips and also the most efficient way to pack light for a trip. 

Using packing cubes will not only keep your backpack organized but will also help you dictate how and what to pack.

If you get yourself these packing cubes; they come in 4 pieces, which means everything you pack should be able to fit in the 4 packing cubes.

The best packing technique here would be to allocate each category of items to a specific packing cube.

For example, one for t-shirts/tops, one for bottoms and underwear and others like that.

Don’t forget to shop those amazing packing cubes from here . Alternatively, you can buy this set of 8 packing cubes.

5. Take advantage of the travel scales

There is no way you will know that you’ve packed light unless you actually know how much your luggage weighs.

So instead of waiting to reach the airport and find out how many kgs your luggage weighs (in which case it might be too late and you’ll need to pay for extra baggage), why not use a travel scale to find out.

You don’t have to buy the most expensive travel scale on the market, buy this relatively cheap travel scale and it will just do fine.

The other technique while packing for a trip would be to dictate the maximum weight your luggage should be.

As soon as the maximum weight is reached, that should be the end of your packing.

Or try to remove the unnecessary items you might have packed first to create room for the much-needed stuff.

This will help you pack light and eventually travel light on your highly anticipated trip.

Related post: Best tips for traveling on a budget

6. Don’t pack bulky items if there is a compressible substitute

We all know there are some essential travel items that can turn out to be bulky, so instead of opting for the bulky ones, why not go for the compressible options.

The best example here is an empty bottle- it is a travel essential item that you should carry but instead of packing this bulky water botter , why not buy this collapsible one that will save you plenty of space in your travel bag.

However, as you pack light, it doesn’t mean leaving behind the essential travel essentials. So here are some of the travel essentials you should pack.

Travel Essentials you should never leave home. –  A universal travel adapter : Since different countries use different adapters, I’d advise you to buy one universal travel adapter to cater for all regions. You can  buy one from here  if you don’t have it yet. –  A power Bank : One of the things you should never leave behind while traveling is the Powerbank! Phones have now become a great deal of our lives that we need to use them for so many important things. So take a power bank with you so that you don’t run out of battery.  This power bank   is small, light, and has the capability to charge your phone and other devices multiple times. – Microfibre travel towel – I always opt for  this microfibre travel towel  because it is super lightweight, easy to wash, and dries easily. –  First Aid kit : Regardless of where you’re traveling to, you’ll need to pack a First Aid kit for emergencies that might arise while traveling. Remember it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Just make sure that the one you pack has all the essentials and that it is small and light enough to fit in any kind of suitcase/ backpack.  This first aid kit   actually fits all the qualities mentioned above plus it is really cheap for what it offers. –  Collapsible water bottle : I always prefer carrying a water bottle while traveling so that I can just refill it when I run out of water. It also helps be a responsible traveler since you won’t have to use tones of disposable plastic bottles which are not great for our environment. Any water bottle can work but I prefer  this collapsible one  as it doesn’t take a lot of space in my bag.

7. Do not pack a hundred books to read while you travel.

If you’re all about reading while you travel, buying an E-reader will save tonnes of space in your backpack.

Books are heavy and take up a great deal of space yet you can still have your favorite books on an e-reader like an Amazon Kindle.

Save all that space and travel light by shopping an  Amazon Kindle from here .

8. Pack fewer shoes! 3 types of shoes should be enough.

Shoes are items that take up most of the space in a backpack and on top of that, they are heavy making the entire backpack heavier than it should be.

On my very first trip, I packed over 5 pairs of shoes (Yes I was a terrible packer and I still wonder why I carried all those shoes that I ended up not even wearing).

Now that I know better, I carry only 3 pairs and they are always enough and much needed.

I pack my favorite Nike sneakers for general traveling and trekking (they are also the ones I wear while flying so that they don’t take up any space in my backpack).

I pack these flip flops for just an evening when I am tired of the sneakers and want my feet to get some air.

Finally, I also pack showering slippers, I only pack them when I know that I will be sleeping at a hostel because I know they don’t provide any.

But if I am to stay at a hotel, I don’t bother packing them because in most cases, the hotels provide slippers and even if they don’t, I will most likely have a private shower so that shouldn’t be a problem.

But if you don’t have sandals, I recommend buying yourself a pair of from here .

Related post: Tips for staying in a hostel for the first time

9. Don’t pack your most heavy clothes, wear them instead

This is one of the most underlooked packing tips for traveling light that you should take into consideration.

Rather than packing the fancy heavy jacket that you insisted on taking, why not wear it on your flight.

To be honest, you might sweat a bit while at the airport, but as soon as you reach the plane, you won’t even realize it since the temperatures are much cooler inside.

This will leave you plenty of space in your travel bag for other essential items.

Related post:  Step by step guide to planning a trip

10. Pack clothes that can be recycled.

Yes, there is something called “recycling clothes” if you haven’t heard about it.

Instead of packing white jeans that you wear once and they get dirty immediately, why not carry these outdoor convertible pants , that you can wear even up to 3 times in a row and will still look ok (they can as well be converted into shorts btw).

If you’re a cleanliness junkie, you can still carry these exact pants but give them a space of 1 to 2 days without wearing them.

This means 2 or 3 of those pants will be enough for you, leaving you plenty of space in your suitcase/backpack. Shop the outdoor research pants on Amazon from here. 

11. Carry a microfibre travel towel instead of the normal cotton towel.

Microfibre travel towels are lightweight and weigh 10 times less than the ordinary cotton towels.

They not only dry fast when washed but are also lightweight – this will save you a great deal of space in your bag hence traveling light. This is the microfibre travel towel I recommend to pack instead of the “ordinary ones”

12. Pack light clothes that can easily be washed from anywhere.

While traveling, you’re likely to run out of clean clothes. So instead of carrying so many clothes because you don’t want to do laundry, why not carry clothes that can easily be washed and dry easily.

If you stay at hostels or travel in African countries, you’re likely to get laundry services at a really low price but if you choose to stay in a pricey hotel where laundry services literally cost an arm, you’re most likely better off doing your own laundry and that’s when packing easy to wash clothes can be to your advantage.

Related post:  Road trips games for adults

13. Cut down on the toiletries.

I agree toiletries are some of the essential things to pack while traveling but this doesn’t mean that you need all of them.

This is most common in women – we tend to overpack toiletries. So to make sure you just carry only the essential toiletries, why not buy a toiletries kit from here with everything you’ll need while traveling or get this sizeable TSA approved toilet bag to keep in your toiletries.

14. Cut down on the beauty cosmetics and accessories.

Who doesn’t want to take Instagram perfect photos with accessories to amplify the look while traveling?

With that, you might just end up taking your full makeup kit, the entire jewelry box, your mega nail polish box just to glam up while you travel.

But the amount of space they take up in your travel bag can be filled up with items you’ll actually need. So instead, pack a few cosmetics and accessories from each category.

15. Prepare your mind to be comfortable with less

If you’re used to having access to literally everything you need at a snap of your fingers, packing light starts with preparing your mind to be comfortable even when you don’t have everything you’re used too back at home.

If you learn that you won’t need all the designer bags and shoes you own to have an amazing trip, you’ll not pack them and this will eventually result in packing light.

If you use all these travel packing tips and tricks, you will be able to travel light for your upcoming trip.

More travel tips to help you plan your trip

• Things to do at the airport on a long layover
• Useful travel tips for first-time flyers
• Must-know tips for first-time flyers
• How to survive a long flight in economy
• Things to do before traveling abroad
• Things not to do when you travel
• Best backpacking tips for beginners
• Best hiking tips for beginners

* The adventurous feet is a proud member of the  Amazon Associate AND other affiliate programs. This means that if you purchase anything through this website, i might get a small commission without any additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting The adventurous feet*

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How to Travel Light & Not Look Like a Slob: The Lazy Girl’s Guide

Last Updated: July 11, 2022

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

Wondering how to travel light?

First I have to warn you: whether you’re a backpacker or carry-on traveler, one of the downsides to traveling light is that your wardrobe is, by definition, woefully limited.

Now, don’t get me wrong – there are many things worse in this world than having only 2 bikinis on your Hawaiian beach vacation, but it seems like nowadays people are divided in two camps: the minimalist light packers who favour function, and the glam #OOTD traveler types who are inexplicably always wearing gorgeous flowing dresses.

… but my question is: what if I’m neither?! What if I’m both?! And also inhumanely lazy?!? (mostly that)

I’m by no means a stylish fashionista (I literally own 15 different grey cardigans and don’t know why), but looking presentable while travelling is still important for me.

From my experience, people are generally nicer and more willing to help you, plus on a very vain level, twirling in floral dresses is just really fun.

Genuinely, I don’t have the self-confidence to rock the stereotypical ‘backpacker’ look.

While other girls might look badass, carefree and cool in their loose tops and topknots, my attempts at this aesthetic veer more towards ‘deranged hobo’… which is a look that cannot be saved by any accessory.

… so for my fellow deranged hobos, this article is for you. The in-betweeners… who want to pack light, look decent, but not worry about looking glam at every second.

In this post, I detail how to travel light and feign that you’re put together wherever you go! Don’t worry fellow lazy girl, I gotchu.

Of course, these packing light tips are much more relevant to certain destinations than others. Most of my travels have been around Europe, where style might be more of a concern, but of course, if you’re reading this blog, I know you’re brilliant and amazing anyway… so use your common sense as to which tips make sense to where you’re headed.

How to Travel Light (and Not Look Like a Slob): Golden Packing Light Tips

1. pack a few knockout accessories – especially bold pieces like statement necklaces.

Honestly, beautiful accessories are the closest thing we have to magical ‘instant glam’ fairy dust.  People often question why “I look so dressed up” when legitimately all I’ve done is put on a sparkly necklace.

It’s a sneaky (and wonderfully lazy) way to look good, so I always try to have 2-3 nice pieces along with me, especially since they weigh close to nothing. (And cost next to nothing too… look at ALL these ridiculously pretty ones for less than $20).

Where can you find said magic dust? Well, if you’re looking for inspiration, Happiness Boutique has a wide selection of gorgeous pieces, including the sparkly gem I’m wearing in the photo above.

For other travel-inspired options, ModCloth has a bunch of beautiful necklaces I’m obsessed with at the moment!  Browse (and lose all self control) here.

2. Bring only what you wouldn’t mind being photographed in

Those wondering how to travel light should remember this: we’re living in the 21st century so odds are, at some point during your travels, you’ll be wanting photos taken.

My tip to you is to never ever bring anything that you wouldn’t want to see in photos, no matter how comfortable.

Many people tend to have a “lazy outfit” (probably giant sweatpants and hoodies, though I’m partial to this kangaroo onesie , myself). The problem with these is that they only serve one purpose: when you want to vegetate and become a human burrito.

When items only work for one certain occasion or purpose, then you’re not maximizing the space in your bag. So, even with things like sleepwear, think of items that are both comfy and decently put together (e.g. yoga pants instead of fuzzy panda bear fleece). This way you can potentially use them in other situations.

PRO TIP: Look into buying one of those dresses you can wear multiple ways. They’re so easy to find (and really cheap too! Here’s a cute one for under $20). They’re perfect for the day to night transition (and for pretending you’re not recycling the same 4 outfits over and over. lulz)

3. BUT don’t forget to prioritize comfort

This means those platform heels should probably stay at home, along with that skin tight clubbing dress.

Again, make sure the pieces you pack are multifunctional.

For instance, a nice top paired with dark jeans can be used for going out in the evening, and also for sightseeing during the day (with a pair of casual shorts).

One test I use is to think: “Would I mind sitting on a 12 hour bus with this on?”

If the answer is no, then I won’t pack it. There’s a wide variety of pretty clothes that are comfortable, so opt for those and never pack something that is *ultra cute* but uncomfortable to wear. I guarantee you won’t bother putting it on.

RECOMMENDATION: I seriously swear by my dress sandals from Clarks.  They’re the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned and one summer, I literally wore them everywhere, to the point where I got THE worst tan lines in history. Here’s a similar pair to what I have.

4. Make sure all your tops match all your bottoms

One of my favourite packing light tips.

Making sure all your tops match all your bottoms is an easy but simple trick to maximize the different outfits in your bag!

This will usually mean picking some kind of colour palette for your wardrobe, but since I have a weirdo obsession with colour palettes anyway, that’s more of a reward for me than anything else!

There are also some companies out there who now specialize in convertible travel wear that you can wear in a bunch of different ways. VacayStyle for instance has awesome collections, with pre-matched pieces that combine into over a dozen outfits . Perfect for the hopeless and uncoordinated! (aka me)

5. Pay attention to the fabrics! Pick items that don’t easily wrinkle

When I’m at hone, my favourite thing in the world is my clothing steamer, which works like magic and instantly smooths wrinkles.

Unfortunately, bringing this mammouth gizmo with me isn’t an option on the road, and as a result I’m often stuck with wrinkly clothes (which I vainly try to fix with my hair straightener).

Save yourself the grief – you want clothes that you can grab right out of the suitcase and throw back in just as easily. While irons may be available at hotels and hostels, ain’t nobody got time for that.

What fabrics are ideal? Well some travellers swear by Merino Wool ( scope out products here ) but there’s plenty of good options out there.

Of course, you know your wardrobe best (i.e. what holds up to wrinkles, what dries quickest) but for a good guide, check out this post on Best Fabrics for Travel from Her Packing List.

6. Pack a pretty scarf or two

A nice scarf is probably one of the most versatile things that you can pack.

I use mine for so many purposes (as a blanket, to wrap around fragile goods, as a makeshift pillow on buses, etc.) that I sometimes forget you’re actually supposed to wear it.

A colourful scarf can jazz up your basics immediately and is a sneaky way to make it look like you have several outfits! It’s also perfect for emergency situations where modesty is a must (e.g. visiting certain churches).

PRO TIP: Consider getting one of those secret passport scarves that let you hide your valuables like a ninja. Yes, these exist. Loads of options online for less than $20 ( see them here ).

7. Quality > quantity, pack only pieces you love (rather than more just for the sake of variety)

If you wanna know how to travel light, you should keep quality > quantity in mind, and never pack anything for the sole purpose of “just in case”. If that 1 in 1000 case pops up, there’s stores abroad where you can probably get the item you need.

8. Bring plenty of layerables

A good question is how to travel light even when it gets cold.

The answer is layers!

Even during the summer, odds are there will be some random anomaly of a day where low temps will make you feel like a human popsicle.

Bringing clothes that layer well together is crucial.

Don’t be that girl who had to wear a fancy trench coat over a casual denim jacket over an oversized sleeping T-shirt (aka me once because I’m useless).

9. Avoid lights and whites

For long-term travel, I’d stick to darker tones.

A lot of bloggers advise that you bring a plain white t-shirt because “it’s so versatile” and “effortlessly cute”.

I don’t know what kind of stainless universe these bloggers come from, but if you ask me to pack a white t-shirt, that thing will probably have chocolate on it before it even hits the suitcase (shout out to Tide to Go for being your gal’s BFF).

Pastel and lighter shades should also be avoided. One of my favourite light blue dresses started turning brown in certain spots during my 3 months abroad, which ruined the princess appeal just a bit.

Depending on the length of your trip, you’re going to want items that last through some wear and tear, so darker shades work better.

PRO TIP: Buy some travel-sized laundry detergent pockets . Tide makes these affordable ones for sink use. They could save your life between proper laundry runs.

10. Have one little black dress

LBDs are a lazy girl’s best friend (well, 2nd best friend after Netflix).

It’s an easy way to look nice and its versatility is unmatched. You can dress it down with a scarf and cardigan during the day, then quicker than the Flash, add some bling and you’re ready for a night out. Pro tip: A-line dresses like this one  are perfect for hiding any travel-induced food babies!

11. Invest in a nice purse

“But what about money belts and fanny packs” you murmur.

I’m sorry – I can’t do it. I just can’t.

Fanny packs and big clunky backpacks to me are akin to a giant sign that reads “I am a tourist. Please rob me if you can”.

To me, it doesn’t matter if you have the nicest outfit in the world, the wrong bag really shatters the whole ‘put together’ illusion that we’re attempting to create.

Luckily, there’s a lot of great bags out there that combine function and style. I would highly recommend the Lo & Sons Claremont camera bag, which is big enough to hold a camera + lens and plenty else if you get creative. There’s even a secret zipper on the back for your valuables! I bring it pretty much everywhere and it’s my go-to “look presentable” companion.

12. Pack shoes that can transition from day to night

While running shoes are practical, I argue that you can find flats, walking sandals and boots that are just as comfy, but more versatile for travel purposes.

Unless you plan on doing hikes or other sporty things, invest in some really good walking shoes that can be passable for a night out (e.g. high heeled boots, strappy sandals, etc.), again, rockin’ that dual purpose.

RECOMMENDATION (AGAIN):  One last plug for my favourite sandals ever. I promise, Clarks makes the most comfortable shoes. I’ve gone hiking in them!  Here’s a similar pair to what I have.

13. And this isn’t for everyone, but bring a friend who’s your size!

Here’s the thing: you can mix and accessorize all you want, but after a certain amount of time on the road, there’s no shaking the fact that  you  feel drab from wearing the same thing over and over.

If you’re able to travel with a friend, you have the potential luxury of sharing your wardrobe which, trust me, can work wonders on you feeling recharged and ready to take on your travels.

Even if you’re not the same size, share accessories like scarves and necklaces and you’ll feel brand new! No friends? This product makes it easy to grow one. … just kidding. *starts sobbing*

But you know, of course, I wouldn’t recommend choosing your travel partner based on their clothing size. That’s a little too  Mean Girls  for my liking.

A final note on modesty:

Depending on where you’re going, certain types of dress may be considered inappropriate, or will earn you the kind of looks you don’t want.

In Morocco for instance, I had to make sure my dresses were long and that my legs were covered because otherwise I would get stared down everywhere I went. Bring a pair of leggings/stockings and a scarf on every trip for moments like these when you need to cover up in a pinch.

So, do you have any extra tips on how to travel light?

Oh, come on guys, I’m definitely not perfect. Let me know in the comments if you have any extra tips on how to travel light and still look good!  Until next time! 🙂

Pssst… I hope you enjoyed this guide on how to travel light! Please note that this post does contain affiliate links, which means I would earn a commission from purchases made through my recommendation (but come at no extra cost to you). Feel free to email me if you have any questions!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

32 thoughts on “How to Travel Light & Not Look Like a Slob: The Lazy Girl’s Guide”

Great tips. I think the number one thing is making sure that every piece can be used and matched in different ways. The second to most important thing to me is: make sure you bring clothes that don’t get super wrinkled or in some other way need a lot of TLC. When you are traveling, the last thing you want to worry about is spending 30 minutes ironing one shirt or folding the cardigan in just the right way so that the hole doesn’t show. Bring your most effortless clothes!

Thanks, Susanna!! Yeah those are definitely key ones. You learn a lot just from trial and error I think, but hopefully this post will help a few newbies out !

I love this article! My color palette is basically grey, blue and black LOL! Great tips! May apply a few to prevent that hobo look!

Nothing wrong with that haha! Those are my go-to shades as well. Like I said in the post, I own 15 grey cardigans. #hoarderproblems

I am also very lazy so packing isn’t high on my prio list but I do want to look decent indeed, especially with all the pics happening. I always bring a scarf for fashion statements and/or comfort/warmth/pillow. I will never look like I’m in a photoshoot but as long as it is comfortable and I feel good in it, I am happy.

That’s my exact attitude as well! Sometimes I see these gorgeous photos of girls in long, flowing dresses on top of mountains and I just… I just don’t get it haha. I’m constantly pursuing that happy medium, because I know I’m not cut out for high fashion style blogging, but I still want to feel comfortable/confident.

Great tips! My last trip was the first time I properly tried to do the matching thing and it was amazing! Ive never gotten dressed so quickly in the morning as I could literally put on any clean top and any clean bottoms. I’ve even found myself thinking this way back home and now if it doesn’t match, I don’t buy it!

It’s SUCH a gamechanger, isn’t it?! And so cool that you’re doing that at home too. I just did a mass purging of all my clothes and am now trying to be more minimalist in my wardrobe. Think I’ll keep matching in mind for my next shopping trip!

Agreed, one must pack the bare minimums and repeat it in different combinations.

Heh exactly! I suppose guys are also less fussy about this kind of thing, hey? 🙂

Either I’m going for the deranged hobo look and just don’t care, or I can pull it off! Things like merino wool are my best friend! I’m actually wearing a jumper made of wool as we speak… And I’m at home! With my (somewhat still packed in boxes at my mums house) full wardrobe! It’s interesting seeing how everyone thinks about packing. I’m finding my bags are slowly getting less and less full as time goes on!

I think you just pull it off haha. So envious of that! But yeah I’m trying more these days to downsize my packing too. It’s definitely a work in progress but over time you really do learn what you need and what you don’t.

I actually never care how I look on pictures when I travel. But I have many friends that do and those will be very helpful for them 🙂

That’s so good to hear! Admittedly, I can be a little vain haha so how I look really impacts my confidence. Hope some of your friends will find this article useful!

This is such a great list! Like you, I don’t want to look like a complete slob but I’m not about checked luggage or a ton of wardrobe changes. A scarf is my best friend when traveling. I’ll have to remember the statement necklaces though. So easy and takes up very little room.

Yeah I think all travellers have their go-to ‘pretty scarf’ haha. It’s genuinely a lifesaver! And yesss so happy to have another girl join the statement necklace bandwagon. Hop on! It’s a sparkly ride 😉

Wow, great tips thanks. I always try and pack light as who wants to carry around a heavy rucksack but it is difficult to look good. I love your idea of travelling with a friend of the same size. Technically you could then travel very light and just wear her clothes 🙂

Hahah that’s brilliant. You show up to the airport with just a purse and she’s like “where are your clothes??” Then you give her a big hug, point at her backpack and whisper “OUR clothes.”

Yup to all of these tips! Although I love my pastels, so there’s always at least one piece that travels with me! But I also bring Tide to-go, just in case 😉 But you sound like my husband when it comes to white tees…lol, it’s like he attracts stains! Thanks so much for the little blurb to my blog! 😀

Great tip about the statement jewelry. I could definitely use a few pointers on that as I am awful at accessorizing. Overall great tips, and I think we have the same style on a lot of items! Thanks again for the link back 🙂

This is great, I will definitely have to keep these in mind! Keep up your wonderful work pretty gal! x

adelelydia.blogspot.com

Thank you, Adele!! <3

This is so necessary! My sister makes fun of me for buying all neutral colors but I always am glad that I have items to match pretty much everything. Thanks for the great advice. 🙂

Hehe no problem Gina! Team Neutral all the way. Like I said, I own 15 grey cardigans. How, I don’t know, but I do haha.

Great tips! Packing clothes that look good for day and night is absolutely essential for me!

Thanks, Emily!! Yess it can be tough to find those transitionable pieces at first but once you find the perfect one… best feeling ever.

This post is amazing thank you so much! I’m going travelling in South East Asia this summer and I have no clue how I’m going to pack light (I’m the kind of girl that needs a mini suitcase for one night away! But I’m also the kind of girl that then wears the one comfy outfit the whole time!) I’m terrible at packing light even though I know I won’t wear all that I do actually pack! Goodness me this post is helpful! Thank you!O

Yay Olivia – so happy you thought the post was helpful!! Pro tip for SE Asia: pack only the bare essentials because you are going to do a LOT of shopping. You can pick up super cute dresses for like $5 USD if you haggle, and the comfiest pants ever so don’t worry about packing much at all because there’s tons of opportunities to shop and pick up what you need once you’re there.

This is the answer for my upcoming one-month eurotrip this May! I’ve been thinking on and off about bringing lighter shade clothes and dress because I still want to look ‘cute’ though I only want to bring eight pieces, but now I read this… I should reconsider it again. Thank you so much!

hejnerissa.com

You’re welcome, Nerissa!! SO happy you found it helpful. Have an amazing time in Europe!

It’s 2020 so no travelling but when I do get to travel again I will incorporate some of your tips. I find these useful whether you are a backpackers or luggage hauler. Last year my daughter & I went to Costa Rica. She took a backpack. I took luggage. Both of us learned some valuable lessons from that trip. I over-packed. She under-packed. Her clothes were a wrinkled mess. I had to lug that suitcase up many, many flights of stairs. No elevators in Costa Rica. And my nice white t-shirt that I wore numerous times ended up very dirty and stained. Lessons learned. Thanks for the tips.

Just came up on Pinterest. Good advice. I usually go light, and yes avoid light colours and for me, also black. But I have to be colour coordinated or I don’t feel right, which actually makes putting a wardrobe for a trip easier. a couple of things – longer sleeves are useful for under layers, hot places (I burn) and for modesty, and shirts that roll up can be worn several ways. And your “little black dress” – the concept is excellent, but the colour can be any darkish colour that makes you look great – for me, it’s more likely to be dark green, dark brown or aubergine. Black makes many look sallow or washed out.

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How to travel light: 12 travel hacks to travel light

By: Author Monica

Categories Packing Tips , Travel Tips

I’m always harping on about how important it is to travel light. Travelling light gives you extra freedom and flexibility that you just don’t have with heavy luggage.

You can move quickly through airports and train stations and it’s so much easier to take public transport with a small bag. You’ll save money by not having to check your bags in on a plane and you can keep your luggage close when you’re on trains and buses.

You’re also less likely to lose things when you travel light because it’s easier to keep track of your belongings.

I’ve been thinking a lot about travelling light recently because I’ll soon be travelling with a baby and I’m pretty sure that travelling light + baby is pretty much impossible. I might not be able to pack light for the baby but I’ll definitely be able to pack light for me so the travelling light challenge is about to get extreme!

I could go on all day about the benefits of travelling light but I’ll leave it at that and start sharing my top tips for travelling light.

1. Use a small, lightweight case

The oldest trick in the book and possibly the simplest way to pack light – Use a small suitcase or backpack so you can’t possibly fit too much in it. Don’t be tempted to get a case that’s slightly too big because you will fill that space with unnecessary crap.

For more inspiration and proof of the benefits of travelling with a small bag, check out this post by Chris over at Backpacker Banter: My 25L Backpack Challenge . Yep, he travelled for 3 weeks around Thailand with nothing but a 25L backpack!

I like to travel with just hand luggage and recommend my range of luggage which is all available on Amazon. There’s the Travel Hack Cabin Case, the backpack and the tote.

It’s designed to be the perfect size for cabin baggage, meaning it’s as big as it possibly can be without being too big. It has separate compartments to keep everything organised and is an absolute dream to travel with. This is a great option is you plan to travel with cabin luggage only.

Below are a couple of great luggage options if you’re trying to travel light.

The Travel Hack Cabin Case

The Travel Hack Cabin Case is my all-time favourite for travelling light. The suitcase is perfect for a carry-on case for most airlines and weighs just 2.7kg but still has a massive 45 litre capacity. It also has handy pockets so you can access your belongings easily, whether you’re on the plane, going through security or at the airport.

• Generous 28 litre main compartment with packing straps and a variety of zipped pockets for everything from toiletries to straighteners.
• Rear padded compartment for a Macbook or a small laptop.
• Stylish 600D PU outer shell with faux leather inserts and rose gold detailing.

Cabin Max Metz

The Cabin Max Metz backpack is within the dimensions for most airline carry-on luggage and weighs just 0.7kg!

If you’re looking for ultra light but spacious luggage then this is the one.

• CARRY ON BAG 55x40x20 cm soft shell design to fit 94% of worldwide hand luggage gauges including: EasyJet and Ryanair, Eurowings, Vueling, Norwegian, Virgin, BA, Lufthansa, Jet2, Wizz Air, Iberia,...
• MAXIMUM CAPACITY - Large 44-litre capacity cabin bag makes it possible to fly without checking in baggage to the hold. Lightweight yet durable cabin bag 55x40x20 0.7kg (1.5lbs).
• CABIN BACKPACK - Featuring 3 main lockable zipped compartments, including document pocket, organisational accessories and tech pocket, including 2 zipped compartments. High strength durable,...

Tripp Ultra Light 4 wheel cabin case

If you’re looking for a lightweight suitcase then you can’t go wrong with the Tripp Ultra Light 4 wheel cabin case. It weighs 2.1kg, so you’re going to be left with 7.9kg for your belongings.

• 4 Wheel Carry On Suitcase
• Colour: BLACK
• 5 year guarantee

Antler Clifton Suitcase

The Antler Clifton Suitcases are great quality and so reliable. The cabin case is a little heavier at 3.5kg but if you’re looking for a really good quality case and you’re not as worried about weight then it’s a good option.

• CLIFTON LUGGAGE: Our Clifton cabin suitcase is everything you could want from a lightweight suitcase. Designed to last with its polycarbonate material, this carry on suitcase is strong, eye catching,...
• SIZE & MEASUREMENTS: Our carry on suitcase features flexible carry handles, 4 interior pockets, a zip closure & interior compartments. The cabin suitcase measures 20 x 40 x 55 (cm) with a packing...
• DOUBLE ANTI-THEFT TSA LOCKS: The Clifton cabin suitcase has anti-theft technology with its double TSA-approved locks for added security that separately secures the front pocket & the case itself. This...

Cabin Max Lightweight Backpack Trolley

If you aren’t sure if you want a backpack or a trolley then check out the Cabin Max Lightweight Backpack Trolley. It weighs just 1.7kg and has a 44 litre capacity.

• HYBRID - Cabin Max Lyon trolley backpack is a convenient wheeled carry on suitcase that coverts into a backpack for any type of travel. Just unzip the back section which covers the wheels and backpack...
• PACK TO THE MAX - Combines the maximum size allowed for hand luggage with an abundance of practical features
• DESIGNED TO FIT - At a massive 44L with dimensions 55 x 40 x 20 cm including wheels it is still extremely lightweight at 1.7KG

2. Pack 2 pairs of shoes and no more

Shoes can often be the bulkiest items in our bags so never travel with more than 2 pairs. Wear your bulkiest pair on the plane and a pack a smaller pair in your case.

I’m currently love the On Cloudnova trainers for trips where I’ll be doing lots of walking.

The Veja trainers are nice if you want some comfy white trainers that are a bit more stylish.

A comfy pair of Dr Martens are great for winter trips.

And I like a pair of Birkenstocks for daily wear in warm destinations.

Read more: What shoes should I take travelling?

3. 1 pair of trousers/jeans

Jeans or trousers are another bulky item to travel with so never travel with more than one pair and you should always wear these on the plane.

I usually opt for whichever jeans are my current favourites. You can’t go wrong with a comfy pair of black skinny jeans. My favourites at the moment are the classic Levi’s 501’s . I have them in a few different colours but black is the best for travel because they’ll match everything and no one really notices them, so you can get away with wearing the same jeans for days (don’t judge).

4. Minimise toiletries

If you’re staying in a hotel you can guarantee you’ll be provided with shampoo and shower gel so leave these at home. This means that most guys can get away with nothing more than a travel sized deodorant and toothpaste.

Most ladies will find it a little more difficult because there are some toiletries you just can’t leave home without.

I have a whole post over here about travelling with hand luggage toiletries and some nifty little products to make it easier to travel light! These tiny refillable pots are genius to help travel light with things like makeup and lotions.

How to Travel with Hand Luggage Liquids (& fit all your toiletries in that tiny bag!)

#5. Take an iPad/tablet

Cut down on tickets, books, magazines, a laptop, games, notepads, music, maps and travel guides and simply pack a tablet. My hand luggage used to be chocker with all sorts of entertainment options but now I just have my iPad and it’s made travelling so much easier.

Consider taking a portable powerbank  if you’re planning on taking long journeys. I have one that isn’t much bigger than a lipstick but it will charge my iPad for about 5 hours. It’s a good backup for emergencies too – like if you’ve got your hotel confirmation email stored on your iPad and the battery has died!

6. Pack simple clothes and lots of accessories

If you look at my Travel Style board on Pinterest you’ll see that I’m a bit obsessed with jeans and white t-shirts. It’s such a simple, easy style and so easy to pull off while you’re travelling. I’m really tempted to pack a bag full of white t-shirts next time I go away.

Team your jeans with sandals, white trainers, winter boots or heels. Then team your t-shirt with a blazer, a cardigan, a cosy jumper or a big scarf and you’ve got outfits for any situation without having to pack too much.

7. Pack ‘hard working’ clothing

No, you’re not sending your clothes to work, you’re looking out for clothes that have more than one use.

Think things like sarongs and scarves which can be used as towels, blankets and wraps.

You also can’t go wrong with black leggings. They’re easy to wash and dry and go with virtually everything.

It can be harder to pack light in colder climates. I love UNIQLO’s Ultra Light Down coats because they pack up into a tiny bag (similar to a cag in a bag) but they’re really, really warm!

8. Use packing cubes

I LOVE packing cubes. Not only do they keep your bag organised but they help make the most of your space and stop you overpacking. I tend to travel with four packing cubes. One for tops, one for bottoms, one for underwear and one for evening clothes. Once each packing cube is full you can’t possibly squish anything else in so you’re forced into packing light whether you like it or not.

Read more: Are packing cubes worth it and do they really save space?

Are packing cubes worth it and do packing cubes really save space?

9. Wash your clothes while you’re away

No matter where in the world you’re travelling, it doesn’t need to be expensive to get your clothes washed.

Fancy hotels in certain cities will charge a fortune to wash your clothes so look out for laundrettes or, cheaper still, wash your clothes in your hotel bathroom. You can’t go wrong with the Dr Beckmman Travel Wash . It’s so cheap and amazingly effective!

I usually soak my clothes in the sink and rinse them out while I’m showering. Laundrettes and apartments with washing machines will become your best friend if you’re travelling for a few weeks or more.

If you’re travelling in a developing country it costs next to nothing to get your clothes washed but be aware that if you’re paying £0.50 for a load of washing, you don’t want to be giving them your expensive designer clothes.

• Special concentrated washing gel
• Formulated to use when you are travelling or away from home
• Can be used in any type of water

10. Remember: you can buy everything out there!

No matter where you’re travelling, you’ll always be able to find the necessities. You might not find your favourite brand of shampoo but you will find something very similar.

If you’re going somewhere where you think you’ll need specialist equipment, wait until you get there to buy it. You’re not the first traveller to visit and you won’t be the last so you can guarantee you’ll find local shops selling everything you need.

When I travelled to Borneo I climbed Mount Kinabalu. I’d spent the past 18 months in Australia and didn’t have a single item of warm clothing or a decent pair of shoes. I was panicking but when I arrived to Kota Kinabalu I realised I wasn’t alone and the city was filled with hiking shops thanks to all the travellers who pass through and pick up the necessary hiking items.

11. Don’t use lots of small purses and pouches

(This doesn’t apply for packing cubes – I mean really small pouches for tiny things like jewellery or socks) The first time I went backpacking I was super organised and had a separate little pouch for everything. A pouch for medicine, one for toiletries, one for souvenirs. Yes, my bag was organised for about the first 5 days (out of about 450 days!) but I had lots of unused space in my bag. Socks and toiletries are the perfect items to squeeze in your bag and fill up the gaps. Lots of pouches lead to lots of gaps and lots of wasted space.

12. Use a bag or case that opens fully

I don’t recommend using a top-loading backpack. This means smaller items slip to the bottom and are forgotten. Use a bag that opens all the way and you have access to everything. You don’t need to be quite as organised and this reduces the needed for all those little purses and pouches.

Do you have any more travel hacks to help you pack light?

You can find even more packing tips over here.

Sunday 24th of March 2019

The last 2 hotels I stayed at offered at the most is the mini bar soaps. The first one gave the soap and had to buy travel sized shampoo, lotion, etc. I take bar soap and refill the empty bottles with everything else I neeed.

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How to Pack Lighter, Smarter, and Faster, According to T+L Editors

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

No matter the length of the trip — be it a weekend beach getaway or a three-week Himalayan trek — you'll need to pack a bag, and you'll want to pack it right .

There's a lot to consider when determining what to bring: the type and length of your trip, your itinerary, the weather, the size of your luggage, and any weight limits imposed by your mode of transportation. And with so many factors at play, it's easy to overpack or underpack, especially if you've waited until the last minute.

Enter: the editors at Travel + Leisure , most of whom can be ready for a trip at a moment's notice. We're sharing our favorite ways to keep your clothes wrinkle-free, your cosmetics spill-proof, and your souvenirs safe, whether you're packing for a solo trip or for your entire family (kids included).

You'll learn how to best organize your carry-on luggage , how to pare down to avoid those excess baggage fees, and a few easy tricks to help you remember the little items you're most likely to forget .

With these travel packing tips, you'll be packing like a pro in no time. The only question that remains: Where will you and your impeccable packing skills be heading to next?

Pack by Outfit

"There's nothing more annoying than struggling to stuff everything back into your suitcase at the end of a trip only to realize you didn't even wear half the clothes you brought. That's why I started strictly packing by outfit — not individual item — and only letting pieces I had a plan for make the cut. I'll take a skirt only if I know I'm bringing a top and shoes that I would wear with it, and I'll think about the activities on my itinerary and what I see myself wearing while doing them. I hate checking a bag but love clothes, so being realistic and planning ahead is key." — Nina Ruggiero, Deputy Digital Editor

Lay Things Out First

"Even when I pack at the very last minute, I take time to lay everything out before any item goes into my bag. Grouping things together on my bed helps me see quickly what items don't pull their weight. A pair of pants that can only be worn with one top, or that requires shoes I wasn't already planning to pack? Back in the drawer. Seeing everything clearly before I start also helps me fit things into my bag in a logical way. For me, this means starting with my bulkiest items, then cherry-picking lightweight items to tuck into gaps around them to form a sturdy base layer to build up from." — Skye Senterfeit, Photo Editor

Have a Dedicated, Pre-packed Travel Dopp Kit

"One of the most frustrating parts of getting ready for a big trip is realizing that you can't zip up your bag until after you've brushed your teeth and packed the products you need in your toiletry bag. I keep a travel-only toiletry bag that has duplicates of everything I ever travel with ready to go in my suitcase." — Tanner Saunders, Associate Digital Editor

Choose a Soft-Sided Bag

"Packing in a soft-sided weekender or duffel gives you the flexibility (literally!) to shape your bag to what you're packing instead of the other way around. My canvas overnighter takes on a different shape depending on what I need it to hold and will squish, even when packed almost beyond its means, into spaces a hard-sided roller bag just won't go. I hope my current bag will last forever but I'm eyeing this simple weekender from Makr as its eventual replacement." — Skye Senterfeit, Photo Editor

Have a Ready-to-go Health Kit

"After going on international adventures and suffering food poisoning, sudden fever, cuts and scrapes, terrible bug bites, and other ailments — and then having to navigate a foreign pharmacy — I've learned to always pack a small medical kit. I keep a toiletry bag ready to go stocked with Band-aids, Neosporin, pain relievers, cold medicine, medicine for stomach trouble, itch relief ointment, antibiotics (you can ask your doctor for an emergency prescription before you travel), and ear plugs (life savers on long-haul flights and trains). And if you never have to use it, all the better!" — Karen Chen, Editorial Producer

Separate Jewelry With Snack Size Bags

"Buy 'snack size' plastic bags for packing necklaces. To prevent tangling, give each one its own bag and fasten the clasp." — Kathy Roberson, Copy & Research Chief

Check the Hotel Closet

"In the closet of most high-end hotel rooms, you'll find draw-string fabric bags for laundry and shoes. They're semi-disposable, but fantastic for packing. Trust me, using them to separate shoes and dirty laundry will totally transform your return-journey packing experience." — Flora Stubbs, Executive Editor

Be Prepared for Wet Swimwear

"I always pack a plastic grocery bag — or steal the shower cap from the hotel if I forget — to stash a wet bathing suit in for the return home. That way, we get to enjoy every last second on the beach." — Jacqueline Gifford, Editor-in-Chief

Use Marie Kondo's Folding Method

"All memes aside, I've been living the Konmari lifestyle for a few years now, and her folding method may be one of the biggest takeaways. Not only does the method save room in drawers at home, but the folded clothes can go quickly in a bag or suitcase for extremely fast packing. Another perk of using the Marie Kondo method is being able to see your entire wardrobe at once so you don't have to waste time digging in boxes of storage for off season clothes when taking a warm weather vacation in winter months." — Mariah Tyler, Visuals Editor

Roll, Don't Fold

"I always overpack, so rolling up my clothes so that they take up less space in my luggage is essential." — Devin Traineau, Associate Photo Editor

Keep Essentials Packed and Ready to Go

"I am a terrible packer. No matter where I am going, or for how long, or how far in advance I booked my trip, I will inevitably be up at 2 a.m. the night before, just one misplaced sneaker away from a complete meltdown. I've accepted this as an inevitability and tried to streamline the process where I can, so now, I always keep a clear toiletry bag packed with all my favorite products, so I can see at a glance what I have and add in a couple essentials (sunscreen for a lake trip, bug spray when there's hiking planned, etc.). I also keep a few plane go-to's — chargers, lip balm, eye mask, neck pillow — in my favorite travel bag, which helps me speed through the personal-item prep so I can get back to bemoaning my lack of good shoes and waffling on how many caftans and books I'll need for a four-day weekend." — Lila Battis, Senior Editor

Invest in Luggage You Love

"For most of us, no matter how organized we are or how many times we do it, packing will just never be pleasant. The best way to make it more enjoyable? Invest in luggage you look forward to using, be it for functionality or style — or, ideally, both. As professional travelers, the T+L team spends a whole lot of time packing and unpacking, so we worked with top luggage brand TravelPro on a collection we knew we'd actually love to use. I have a set (including a checked bag, hardside carry-on, and tote), and all three pieces are sturdy, spacious, and basically do the organizing for you as you pack in their various compartments. I'm always happy to take them out of my closet and prep for a trip, and I feel good deplaning and exiting the airport in a new city with them in hand." — Nina Ruggiero, Deputy Digital Editor

Create a Capsule Wardrobe

"No matter how hard I tried, I could never streamline my packing list — until I started thinking of it in terms of a capsule wardrobe with a specific color palette. I always start with a neutral (usually black or blue) and then build outfits based on the main events or activities happening during the trip. Usually it ends up consisting of two dresses, two pairs of pants, two tops, 1-2 sweaters, and a jacket. More brands, including Aday and Summersalt, are designing their lines so that everything mixes and matches easily, which makes building a functional but flexible packing list that much easier." — Sarah Bruning, Senior Editor

Wear Your Heaviest Clothes on the Plane

"As a chronic overpacker, and someone who never, ever checks a bag, weight limits are no friend of mine. That's why I always stick to the following motto when it comes to packing light: If it's heavy, wear it. Bulky jacket? Cute boots? Chunky sweater? I'll wear them all, then throw the jacket in the overhead bin, slip off my boots and into some compression socks, and usually keep the sweater on – a warm and cozy antidote for those often chilly airplane cabins." — Alisha Prakash, Senior Digital Editor

Keep Masks and Hand Sanitizer at Hand

"If you're traveling during the pandemic, you'll want to pack essentials like face coverings and hand sanitizer in your checked and carry-on luggage so you're never without. Keep them in an easy-to-access pocket so you can grab a fresh mask, wipes, or sanitizer whenever you need it." — Elizabeth Rhodes, Associate Digital Editor

Prepare for Travel Shopping

"Admittedly, packing light isn't easy for me. The only way I can get myself to not prepare for every possible scenario (and end up packing ski goggles next to swimsuits for the same trip) is by promising myself a little shopping while I'm at my destination. This helps me to pack only essentials and a couple of favorite items I know I'll wear or use. Then, I leave at least a quarter of my suitcase empty, ready to be filled with souvenirs. If I don't end up shopping, it's even more of a bonus — there's nothing better than lightweight luggage." — Kendall Cornish, Associate Digital Editor

How to Pack Delicate Clothes

"I always roll my clothes, making room for more things in my suitcase (admittedly, I'm an overpacker), especially with fabrics that tend to wrinkle or crease easily, like silk or satin. For items that are especially delicate (hello, slip dresses!), I always, always, always roll them around a piece of packing paper. I like that over tissue paper because it's sturdier and tends to hold its shape even if things in my suitcase move around." — Deanne Kaczerski, Digital Content Director

Wait to Wrap Gifts

"If you're traveling during the holidays, wait to wrap your gifts when you reach your destination. TSA may have to unwrap presents to see what's inside, so it's best to bring the packing supplies with you or opt for bags and tissue paper for easy-rewrapping." — Elizabeth Rhodes, Associate Digital Editor

Related Articles

Your Airplane Travel Toolkit: An Insider’s Guide to Perfect Packing

• Overpacking is a common issue, affecting 65% of travelers
• Understanding TSA guidelines is crucial for hassle-free packing
• Packing light enhances the travel experience
• Personal anecdotes and tips from experienced travel journalist Flora Goodwin 
• Packing hacks and essentials list for easy airplane travel

Packing Prudence: Unpacking the Overpacking Phenomenon

The age-old conundrum of what to pack for airplane travel often results in travelers stuffing their suitcases with all but the kitchen sink. The repercussion? A parade of unnecessary items and exorbitant baggage fees. However, the art of packing lies in the balance - taking only what’s necessary without compromising on comfort and style.

TSA Rules 101: The Science Behind Carry-Ons

Let's get to the basics. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States permits passengers to bring one quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in their carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These items must be in travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. Familiarity with these rules not only simplifies your packing process but also saves precious time at the airport security checks.

Travel Light, Travel Right: The Philosophy of Packing Less

As iconic fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg once said, "I travel light. I think the most important thing is to be in a good mood and enjoy life, wherever you are." The essence of travel isn't about hauling heavy luggage; it's about embracing the journey and making memories.

Packing Hacks and Essentials: Flora’s Secret Airplane Travel Toolkit

So, what should you pack for airplane travel? Flora Goodwin , seasoned travel journalist, swears by a curated list of essentials , clever packing hacks, and a flexible attitude. From multi-purpose garments and travel-size toiletries to entertainment essentials and comfort items, the trick lies in making each item count.

Smart Packing Tips from Flora Goodwin

Our experienced travel journalist, Flora Goodwin , brings you some more insider secrets to successful packing.

1. Go Digital

These days, your smartphone is a powerful tool that can replace multiple items in your bag . Download your boarding passes, hotel reservations, and other tickets onto your phone to eliminate the need for printed copies.

2. Power Up

Don't forget your power bank and charger. It's advisable to carry a power bank in case your device's battery dies, especially during long flights.

3. Freshen Up Kit

A small bag with essentials like a toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, deodorant, and face wipes can be a lifesaver, particularly on long-haul flights .

4. Essential Medications

Always bring your prescription medications in their original packaging, along with the doctor’s prescription. You never know when you may need them.

5. Entertainment Essentials

While most flights have in-flight entertainment , it's wise to download your favorite books, movies, or shows on your device in case of limited options or technical glitches.

6. Snack Smart

Although meals are served on long flights, delays can happen. Having a couple of your favorite protein bars or snacks can tide you over in such scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the tsa rules for carry-on luggage.

The TSA allows one quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on. These must be in travel-sized containers of 3.4 ounces or less per item.

How can I avoid overpacking for airplane travel?

Understand your itinerary and pack accordingly. Use multipurpose items, pack travel-sized toiletries, and consider the weather of your destination. It's always helpful to lay out everything you want to pack and then reduce it by half.

What are some essentials to pack for airplane travel?

Apart from clothing, remember to pack travel documents, a reusable water bottle, snacks, entertainment items like a book or an iPad, toiletries, medicines if needed, and comfort items like a neck pillow or an eye mask.

What should I wear while traveling by airplane?

Comfort is key. Opt for layers so you can adjust according to the temperature. Avoid metal accessories to breeze through security checks, and wear shoes that are easy to remove and put back on.

How can I maximize space in my luggage?

Roll your clothes instead of folding, make use of packing cubes, and fill up dead space (like the insides of shoes) with smaller items like socks or chargers.

Can I pack food for airplane travel?

Yes, you can pack food for airplane travel. However, remember that liquids or foods in paste form might be subject to TSA's 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Should I pack a towel for my travels?

That depends on your accommodation. Most hotels provide towels, but if you're unsure, a quick-drying microfiber travel towel can be a space-saving addition.

How do I keep my clothes from wrinkling in my suitcase?

Rolling your clothes instead of folding can help reduce wrinkles. Also, packing them in plastic dry cleaning bags or using packing cubes can keep your clothes neat and tidy.

What are some must-have travel apps for my journey?

Some popular travel apps include Google Maps for navigation, TripAdvisor for local suggestions, and language translation apps like Duolingo. Additionally, many airlines have their own apps for easy check-ins and updates.

Traveling doesn't have to be a battle against baggage. By understanding packing principles, acknowledging TSA rules , and embracing the philosophy of 'less is more', we can transform the often-stressful task of packing into a streamlined process. Here's to smarter packing and happier journeys! Indeed, packing for airplane travel can be an art. Remember, the goal isn't to pack your entire home into your suitcase. Instead, focus on the essentials that would make your journey comfortable and your stay convenient. So, the next time you're staring at that open suitcase, recall these handy tips and pack like a pro!

• Travel + Leisure Survey
• TSA Guidelines
• Diane von Furstenberg Quote

What I Pack for My Travels: Your Guide to Packing

After over ten years of traveling the world , what I carry in my bag has changed a lot. Most of that change has to do with the fact that I now carry a lot of gear related to blogging, but it also reflects that I’ve learned a lot about packing since I first hit the road in 2006.

I’ve traveled with big duffel bags, 60L packs, 30L packs, carry-ons, and everything in between. I’ve learned different packing techniques through the years.

And today I want to share that knowledge with you.

So, what should you pack on your trip?

As little as possible.

Packing light is a cliché, yet one that has a lot of truth to it. The more I travel, the more I realize I don’t need a lot of stuff. Everything I need now fits into one backpack (for more recommendations from my years of testing backpacks, click here for my top travel backpacks .

I like to write down everything I think I’ll need — and then cut it in half. I always ask myself, “Will I use this enough to justify the weight?”

Most of the time the answer is no.

I take only the essentials, and if I really need something I didn’t bring, I buy it on the road. It’s not that hard to find medicine, clothes, or an umbrella overseas.

I also try to stick to the same climate during my trips to avoid having to carry lots of different kinds of clothes. I don’t want to be lugging sweaters around Thailand ! However, plans can change, and if that happens, I’ll buy a light jacket or a sweater. I’ll keep it until it is a burden and then give it away.

Also, you can do laundry overseas so I like to carry enough clothes for 7-10 days, do laundry, then repeat. There’s no need to bring a lot of stuff when you can just wash what you have.

As for the long answer to what you should pack? Well, below is my suggested packing list — but you should tailor this to your needs.

( Note: This focuses on travel to a non-winter climate. If you’re heading somewhere cold, you’ll need to adjust accordingly.)

Table of Contents

3. Toiletries

4. small medical kit, 5. miscellaneous.

• Universal power adapter/converter
• External battery/portable charger
• Kindle (if you’re an avid reader and don’t want to lug around books)
• Camera (if you want more than just smartphone photos)

For more gear recommendations, check out this post on the best travel gear.

• 1 long-sleeved T-shirt
• 1 pair of jeans (heavy and not easily dried, but I wear them a lot — a good alternative is khaki)
• 1 pair of shorts
• 7 pairs of underwear
• 1 bathing suit
• 1 pair of flip-flops
• 1 pair of sneakers
• 8 pairs of socks (I always lose my socks so I take extra! I have no idea where they go?)
• 1 pair of dress shoes (heavy to carry around, but when I visit friends, we usually go somewhere not sneaker-friendly. This is destination dependent. I do this more in Australia and Europe and less so everywhere else.)
• 1 dress shirt (for going to a respectable place in the evening)
• 1 pair of black dress socks
• 1 toothbrush
• 1 tube of toothpaste
• 1 package of dental floss
• 1 small bottle of shampoo
• 1 small bottle of shower gel
• 1 towel (always pack a towel!)
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Antibacterial cream
• Hand sanitizer

For more on first aid kits, check out this detailed post on how to make one for any destination .

• A key or combination lock (everyone should have one!)
• Headlamp (trust me, it comes in handy)
• Ziplock bags
• LifeStraw (water filter)

  Special tip: Buy a small backpack so you won’t be tempted to overpack. We subconsciously like to fill empty space, so if you have a big bag, you’re more likely to overpack just so you don’t waste space. By getting a smaller backpack, you’ll be forced to take only the essentials — a mind trick that works very well!

I’ve found that this list leaves me wanting for nothing. I’m sure many of you will read this and say, “But what about X?” or “You really don’t need Y.” Well, that works for you, and this list works for me. Tailor your list to suit your travels.

I write this post not because I think there is one perfect way to pack but to answer the recurring question about what I pack and why. This is my list and suits my “chase the summer, live in hostels” lifestyle.

But the real point I want to emphasize is that you really don’t need a lot when you travel. You never need as much as you think.  

• Are you female traveler? Click here for a packing list for female travelers!
• Looking for a backpack? Click here to figure out how to pick the best backpack!
• Want more gear information? Click here for more tips on what travel gear to bring!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Travel light, travel right! Five tips to pack smarter for your next trip

Team Indulge

Start with a detailed packing list tailored to your destination and activities. Categorize items into essentials, clothing, toiletries and miscellaneous.

Think of outfits that can transition from day to night with a change of accessories. a pair of comfortable jeans, a few basic tops, and a versatile jacket can go a long way., shoes are bulky and take up valuable space. aim to pack no more than three pairs — a comfortable pair for walking, a dressier option and possibly a pair of sandals or flip-flops., packing cubes are a game-changer for staying organized. they compartmentalize your items, making it easier to find things without rummaging through your entire suitcase., always have a small and easily accessible bag for important documents like your passport, tickets and travel insurance. include a printed copy of your itinerary and accommodation details., if you plan on shopping during your trip, leave some space in your luggage for souvenirs. packing a foldable duffel bag is a smart move..

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The Essential Beach Packing List

Chris Gray Faust

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Headed on a beach vacation? Use our essential beach packing list to help you pack everything you’ll need for a relaxing beach getaway. Best of all, it can save you money, since packing the right things now will keep you from having to repurchase items once you arrive.

Let other people sweat the small stuff, and streamline your list of hot weather must-haves so you look cool, even when the temperature isn’t. Here’s what to pack for the beach—without overpacking.

What to Pack

Download our fillable beach packing checklist here .

Download the Checklist!

Clothes & Accessories to Pack

• Water Shoes
• Undershirts
• Casual Shirts
• Light Sweaters
• Leisure Shoes
• Small Purse
• Athletic Shoes
• Workout Gear

Toiletries to Pack

• Dental Floss
• Conditioner
• Styling Tools
• Facial Cleanser
• Moisturizer
• Shaving Supplies
• Contact Lenses
• Contact Solution
• Makeup Remover
• Menstrual Care Products
• Birth Control
• SPF Lip Balm
• After Sun Cream
• Nail Clippers
• Hand Sanitizer
• First-Aid Ointment
• Insect Repellent
• Medications
• Pain Relievers
• Disposable Wipes

Beach Gear to Pack

• Beach Umbrella
• Beach Towel
• Beach Blanket
• Beach Chairs
• Beach Sport Games
• Inflatable Floats
• Snorkel Gear
• Waterproof Phone Case
• Portable Speaker

Misc. Travel Essentials to Pack

• Water Bottle
• Passport/Visa/ID
• Maps/Directions
• Credit/ATM Cards
• Insurance Cards
• List of Medications
• Emergency Contacts
• Copies of Documents
• Smart Phone
• Electronic Chargers
• Copy of Vaccine Card
• Portable Charger
• Suitcase Locks
• Sleep Travel Set
• Reusable Baggies

Other Beach Packing Tips

Overall Plan: Light and breezy items should dominate your wardrobe choices. While you want to be comfortable, skip the faded and raggedy T-shirts and instead aim for a summery look that’s casual but polished. And while you’re packing, you may be tempted to focus just on getting there, make sure you also spend some time thinking about how you’ll transport wet and sandy items back home. There’s nothing worse than a suitcase full of sand. CGear has a line of products, including lounge chairs, blankets, and bags , that are “sand-free” and are must-have additions to your beach packing list.

What’s Essential? No beach vacation is complete without a swimsuit . Buy more than one so there’s always something dry to wear, and bring them along in your carry-on. For footwear, pack flip-flops, sandals , water shoes , or canvas tennis shoes, depending on the type of beach you’re on.

The Only Packing Checklist You’ll Ever Need

Choose a mesh or nylon beach bag with a distinctive pattern so it’s easy to spot in a crowd, and make sure it has inside pockets, preferably waterproof, to store valuables and small electronics such as your cell phone. Speaking of gadgets, make sure that they’re waterproof or have protective covers. A soft-sided insulated tote for drinks and snacks is easier to carry than a bulky cooler. Pack some disposable wipes for quick clean-up. Reusable plastic bags can be your best friend: Use them to bring food to the beach, and then carry wet swimsuits and towels on the way home. And you’ll probably want a portable speaker , too. For more ideas, see 15 Beach Bag Essentials You Need for Summer .

Secret Weapon:  If you wear corrective lenses and your beach sessions involve exploring reefs for colorful fish, you may want to invest in a prescription snorkel mask . Having your own mask can also prevent communicable diseases. (I once got a wicked case of pinkeye from a tainted snorkel mask in Costa Rica. Lesson learned.)

Are You Booking Travel Far Enough in Advance?

Safety First:  No matter how good it feels, the sun is not your friend. Load up on sun protection with a strong sunscreen that you can reapply often. If you’re traveling to your destination by plane, look into  sunscreen towelettes that won’t explode or leak like bottled sunscreen. When you’re lathering up, don’t forget your face. Add SPF lip balm, and wear sunglasses and a sun hat . Make sure to check the environmental regulations at your beach destination, as some places are banning harmful and coral-damaging chemical sunscreens. Instead, shop for reef-safe sunscreens .

Leave at Home:  Being on the beach is an excuse to cut loose; avoid bringing clothing that’s too stuffy or structured. If you’re staying at a hotel, find out ahead of time if towels and other beach amenities are included. Many  vacation rentals also have “house” items such as camp chairs and barbecue grills so there’s no need to bring your own.

Download the Packing List for the Ultimate Beach Vacation

Click here or on the image below to download our fillable beach packing checklist.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2012. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Chris Gray Faust contributed to this story.

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Gadgets, apps and packing tips: Travel writers' must haves on every trip

"Easy Travel” is a 10-part series focusing on how to reduce bumps during vacations, anticipate roadblocks and be ready when things aren’t going your way. If you'd like to contribute to our future reporting and share your experience as a source, you can click here to fill out this quick form .

If you only travel a few times a year, it can be a little overwhelming. There are weird regulations and lots of different lines in the airport. Hotels and rental cars can have lots of confusing terms and conditions attached to booking, and going somewhere unfamiliar can be disorienting.

But there are plenty of products out there designed to help make it all less stressful. I talked to my colleague Wilson Santiago Burgos, founder of Mochileando.com and regular contributor here at USA TODAY. We brainstormed some of our must-have apps, gadgets and credit cards for when we’re on the road.

Here’s what we came up with.

What are some good travel apps?

Santiago said Google Flights is his go-to site for searching for the best deals, and added that it’s a good idea to research which platforms typically have the best hotel offerings in different regions.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

He said Expedia is a good app in the U.S., but if you’re traveling to Asia, Booking and Agoda are the best. 

Keep in mind that third-party booking platforms like Orbitz, Kayak and the rest may have good deals, but can also be more complicated to deal with if something goes wrong, like a flight delay or cancellation. Just make sure you double-check the terms and conditions if you don’t book directly with the hotel or airline.

I’m pretty simple when it comes to the actual travel day: I typically just download the airline app for whatever carrier I’m flying and make sure to stay up to date on any changes to my itinerary. FlightRadar24 and FlightAware are helpful for that, too, and I know many other travel professionals who say the Flighty app is a big help on their own trips.

Here are some of Travel + Leisure’s top-ranked free travel apps :

• PackPoint : an easy way to make a checklist, as Santiago recommended.
• Dayuse.com: Search for hotel rooms that are available for odd-timed stays on long layovers.
• GasBuddy : Find the cheapest gas prices for your road trip.
• Eatwith : Grab a meal with locals and make new connections while you travel.
• Flush : for when you need to find a toilet.

Make travel easy: We tested ChatGPT itineraries in 5 US tourist spots

What items do people need when traveling?

All the typical tech advice applies: having a smartphone with you can be a big help, not just for things like airplane boarding passes and mobile room keys, but also for keeping connected while you’re on the go.

“If you are traveling internationally, it’s very important to check if you have roaming. If you don’t have roaming, I recommend buying an electronic SIM card,” Santiago said. He added that an external power pack, AC adaptors for international destinations, and his tablet and laptop are also on his list.

Even if you don’t have roaming service, you can download sections of Google Maps for offline use, which can be a big help if you’re navigating an unfamiliar city without cellphone service. Not all of the features are available in offline mode, but you can at least use the basic GPS functions to orient yourself.

Here are some of the best gadgets to have with you when you travel, according to Travel + Leisure :

• Tile or Apple AirTag: to keep track of your luggage .
• Noise-canceling headphones: Find the ones that you like the best and tune out those screaming children.
• Tablets and e-readers.
• An external power pack.
• Universal charging cables.
• Power adapters.

How do you pack things for a trip?

It’s always a good idea to keep essentials with you in your carry-on. Things like medicine and at least a day’s worth of clothes, maybe two days', in case something goes awry with your trip. Of course, chargers are a good thing to bring with you as well, and most airlines prohibit many electronics from traveling in checked bags these days because of the fire risk they present.

“I recommend everybody should use a checklist every time you travel to make sure you travel,” Santiago said, noting that writing down what you need ahead of time is a good way to ensure you don’t forget anything.

Flying with breast milk or formula?: Don't worry about liquid limits. Here's what to know.

Which credit card to use for travel?

Many credit cards are designed for frequent travelers and come with perks like lounge access, compensation or waived fees, and even cover registration for programs like Global Entry, TSA Precheck and Clear.

Some of the high-end credit cards like the Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve have annual fees that run hundreds of dollars, but there are less expensive cards meant for more infrequent travelers that have perks like no foreign transaction fees or bonus points for booking travel.

The easiest reward program? What to know about Expedia Group's new One Key loyalty program

“There is not (one) best credit card for travel, there are different credit cards for different kinds of travelers, and you should find the best option for you,” Santiago said. 

He added, though, that enrolling in Precheck and Global Entry is a good idea even for infrequent travelers, so it’s worth considering exploring cards that include that benefit.

“If you have TSA Precheck and Global Entry, use the program to travel because you will save a lot of time at the airports,” he said. 

What is your best travel hack?

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected] .