I am an enthusiastic advocate of packing light. As light as possible, at least! I do feel for the poor tourists who drag around huge pieces of luggage down cobblestone streets, taking the bus or at the airport.
People ask me about what to pack all the time! What exactly is packing light? What does that look like?
It seems it’s hard to choose because you don’t know if you might need some item or not and you don’t really know how the weather is going to be.
You can’t really predict if you can buy what you may need at your destination and what if, oh, Gosh, you get invited to a special dress-code dinner or something!
When it comes to packing I follow a 5S methodology for choosing what to take and what it’s not worth carrying around, based on need, frequency of use and opportunity to use it.
Experience has taught me what to pack and how to pack for a holiday trip to warm weather for up to a month, using just a carry-on and a backpack.
I’ll be covering these topics in more depth in upcoming videos!
What to pack when packing light?
Here’s my six-minute video on the subject (my second video ever ;-) I’m getting better, aren’t I?) and after that, keep reading to get the highlights and some additional tips.
The packing list
In previous articles I’ve talked about the packing list I use (Download the Excel spreadsheet here), a great iPhone app to design your own packing list, and my travel luggage.
So the importance of the packing list when packing light, cannot be understated. It saves you time and headaches, releases the stress of having to remember everything you need to pack and makes packing a breeze.
A… breeze, I tell you!
The carry-on bag
Clothes
When it comes to clothes go for darker colors, they hide wrinkles, make you look slimmer and can be worn more than once without looking too dirty.
As far as the pieces I bring I have found that I can make do with the following items:
I take 2 pairs of pants in light fabric, preferably with some side pockets. Yes, yes, I know it’s not the most flattering look for some women, but I aim for comfort when travelling.
And in all honesty, I don’t mind looking like a tourist so much, just as long as I don’t look like a clueless tourist!
If you’re a woman and would like to be a bit dressier, you can bring a nice skirt.
I take 4 t-shirts or blouses, cotton, nothing synthetic, so that way I am not too hot.
I take 1 or 2 sweaters depending on how chilly the weather may be, cotton preferably.
I often take 1 or 2 scarves because they can dress up even the sloppiest of outfits and don’t take up a lot of room in my bag.
My pajama, one towel (only if you’re not staying in a hotel) and underwear.
Toiletries
Toiletries are divided into two containers: Whatever is not liquid or gel goes into my cosmetics pouch and whatever is liquid or gel, has to go in the Ziploc bag as per TSA regulations.
My cosmetics pouch also carries — you guessed it — my cosmetics! And hair brush, tooth brush, nail file, etc.
Other miscellaneous stuff
Mini medicine cabinet: I bring a small Ziploc bag with assorted off-the-counter medicine like Ibuprofen, Alka-Seltzer, eye drops and some Band-Aids.
Shoes: Just my walking/hiking shoes and a pair of sandals. If you’d like to go a bit dressier you can add a pair of flats.
And lastly, I pack a small backpack or nice small purse that I use when I go exploring during my trip, something to carry some ID, money and a bottle of water.
But this small backpack will be the subject of another post ;-) So check in regularly for that!
The backpack
I reserve the backpack for the important, valuable (God please don’t let me lose it) stuff.
Technology: Camera, cell phone, iPod, binoculars, earphones, chargers.
Documents and money: Plane ticket, passport, ID, credit cards, cash.
Stuff: Sunglasses, notebook, pen, water bottle, reading book.
Whenever possible, I avoid taking my laptop with me which may cause you to take some additional precautions with your photographs and video, like carrying an external hard-drive.
What about you? Do you have some special technique for packing light?
Do you think about packing light when planning a trip?
How about sharing it in the comments field or join us in Facebook!
Useful post and video. Will definitely be thinking about this when I get round to packing for my extended trip next month!
Hi, Jules! You seem like an experienced traveler. Do you have any tips of your own to share?
After reading your post I will save so many headaches and kilos in my next luggage. Thanks Caro!