Standing over an exploding suitcase at 11pm before an early flight is a special kind of hell. We’ve all been there – clothes everywhere, toiletries scattered across the bathroom, and that sinking feeling that you’re forgetting something crucial.
For years, I tried every packing method under the sun. I’ve stuffed enormous suitcases with “just in case” items I never used. I’ve frantically repacked at airport check-in counters when my bag was overweight. I’ve lugged heavy bags up five flights of stairs in a lift-less Italian pensione, sweating and cursing my packing choices.
Then everything changed. During a three-week trip through Southeast Asia with just a 35L backpack, I discovered the liberating joy of travelling light. Don’t worry, I’m not going to tell you to just pack a toothbrush and leave free-spirit – I’m being realistic with you what you want, what you really need, and what you really don’t need.
So here’s my philosophy for smarter, more enjoyable travel that I’ve refined over dozens of trips. Whether you’re planning a city break, beach holiday, or mountain trek, these principles will transform how you pack.
First… Where Are You Going?
Research your destination properly. Check weather forecasts, cultural norms, and accommodation amenities. It sounds obvious, but you’d be shocked how many people pack winter coats for tropical climates “just in case”.
The Ultimate Packing List
Now it’s time to make a plan. Yes, before you even start packing, sit down with a pen and paper and think of the following things I’ve listed here. It’s easier to jot it all down and cross it off as you go, rather than rely on memory. Plus it’s handy for double-checking at the end.
The Right Bag
Let’s start with the foundation. For most trips, I swear by my 35L backpack. It’s carry-on size for virtually all airlines, has plenty of compartments, and – crucially – leaves my hands free.
I spent ages researching the perfect bag and eventually settled on the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. The clamshell opening makes it function like a suitcase but wearable as a backpack – brilliant for cobblestone streets or when you need to leg it to catch a train.
For organisation, I use packing cubes religiously. They compress clothes, making everything fit like a game of Tetris. Plus, they keep clean clothes separate from dirty ones as your trip progresses.
I also pack a collapsible tote that weighs next to nothing but is dead useful for day trips or bringing home souvenirs that don’t fit in your main bag.
Clothing That Works Harder
Choose versatile items that serve multiple purposes. My large cotton scarf doubles as a blanket on chilly flights, a beach cover-up, and even a makeshift picnic blanket.
The secret to packing light isn’t bringing less – it’s bringing smarter. Every item should earn its place in your bag by being versatile, durable, and appropriate for your destination.
For a typical week-long trip, here’s what works for me:
- 4 T-shirts (I’m obsessed with merino wool blends – they don’t smell even after several wears and dry quickly if you wash them in the sink)
- 2 long-sleeve tops (one casual, one nicer for evenings out)
- 2 pairs of trousers (dark jeans and lightweight travel trousers)
- 1 dress or skirt that can be dressed up or down
- 1 pair of shorts or leggings (depending on destination)
- 7 pairs of underwear and socks
- 1 packable rain jacket
- 1 light cardigan or jumper
- 2 pairs of shoes maximum (comfortable walking shoes and sandals or flip-flops)
The key is choosing a colour palette where everything mixes and matches. I stick with neutrals with a few pops of colour. Black trousers go with everything, and nobody notices if you wear them multiple times.
My greatest discovery was quick-dry clothing. After getting caught in a torrential downpour in Amsterdam, my traditional cotton jeans stayed damp and uncomfortable for days. My travel trousers, however, were dry within hours.
Toiletries: The Miniature Challenge
Toiletries can take up shocking amounts of space if you’re not careful. I keep a pre-packed toiletry bag ready to go with travel-sized essentials:
- Small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (under 100ml)
- Multi-purpose soap for emergencies (Dr. Bronner’s is brilliant for washing clothes, too)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Moisturiser with SPF
- Minimal makeup in a tiny ziplock bag
- Sunscreen (even for city trips)
- Basic medications (painkillers, plasters, anti-diarrheal tablets)
For longer trips, I plan to buy toiletries at my destination rather than packing large bottles. Most places have shops, after all.
Oh, and my absolute must is a quick-dry linen towel that takes up minimal space. After using those massive, fluffy hotel towels for years, I was skeptical, but these thin towels are really absorbent and dry incredibly fast.
Electronics: The Essential Minimum
I’m a bit of a tech junkie, but even I’ve learned to streamline for travel:
- Smartphone (obvious, but it’s your camera, map, translator, and entertainment)
- Portable charger (10,000mAh is the sweet spot for size vs. charging capacity)
- Universal travel adapter with USB ports
- Kindle (optional, but saves me from packing heavy books)
The charging cable situation used to be a nightmare until I started using a small pouch just for cables. Nothing worse than frantically searching for a charger when your phone’s at 2% battery in a foreign country.
I once spent two hours in Rome (an already time-limited trip) looking for a place to charge my dead phone because I’d forgotten my charger at the hotel. Learn from my mistakes.
Documents and Money
Some things simply can’t be replaced if lost:
- Passport and ID (I keep photos of these in my email as backups)
- Credit/debit cards (I bring two different types in case one isn’t accepted)
- Small amount of local currency (just enough for initial transportation and food)
- Travel insurance details
I keep a small envelope for receipts and tickets. It’s old-school, but having everything in one place saves me from panic when I need to find something quickly.
One tip I learned during a sketchy situation in Barcelona – keep a “decoy” wallet with an old card and small amount of cash. If the worst happens, you can hand that over instead of your real wallet. I know – not the most positive tip but hey, I’m a realist. Thankfully, I’ve never needed to use this trick, but it provides peace of mind.
Tailoring Your List for Specific Trips
While the core list works for most trips, some destinations require adjustments:
- For beach holidays, I add extra swimwear, flip-flops, and a lightweight cover-up. I also bring a dry bag for wet swimsuits when packing to leave.
- Winter destinations obviously need warmer clothes, but I still pack light by focusing on layers rather than bulky items. A thin down jacket packs down to nearly nothing but keeps me nicely warm.
- Business trips require a few smart outfits, but I stick to a single colour scheme so I can mix and match with minimal pieces. A blazer elevates even basic outfits and can be worn on the plane to save space.
- For adventure trips, I swap fashion for function with quick-dry everything and add a headlamp (which has saved me more times than I can count during power cuts or navigating poorly lit streets).
Real-Life Lessons from the Road
Some of my best packing insights came from travel disasters:
During a trip to Iceland, I forgot a proper waterproof jacket and spent a miserable day at Gullfoss waterfall, soaked to the bone and freezing. Now a packable rain jacket is always in my bag, regardless of forecast.
In Thailand, I packed dozens of outfits but ended up wearing the same three lightweight dresses repeatedly because they were the only things comfortable in the humidity. The rest just took up valuable space that could have been used for souvenirs.
I once had to wash clothes in a hotel sink after an unfortunate incident involving red wine on a white top. A small packet of laundry soap sheets now lives permanently in my toiletry bag.
Perhaps the most valuable lesson: you need much less than you think. Most destinations have shops if you desperately need something. I’ve yet to visit a place where it was impossible to buy a toothbrush or t-shirt.
Start Packing Smarter Today
The freedom of travelling light isn’t just about convenience – it changes how you experience your journey. You’re more mobile, less stressed, and more focused on the destination rather than your stuff.
Next trip, try challenging yourself to pack just a carry-on. You might be amazed at how liberating it feels to move through the world unencumbered. Your back will thank you, your stress levels will drop, and you’ll never again be that person repacking an overflowing suitcase on the airport floor.