Packing light saves me time, money, and provides a unique freedom to roam as I please.
Time spent…
checking baggage: 0
waiting for bags at carousel: 0
making a lost luggage claim: 0
lugging bags around airport or paying for airport carts: 0
One of the BEST feelings is stepping off the plane and seamlessly b-lining to the train station without having to worry about lugging weight. I never hear myself mumble that I have to “drop off this luggage” and consequently get stuck at the hotel before I see and experience new things. I go immediately to lunch… or to the lake! I think of it as a spring start into my adventure!
Side note, If you LOVE fashion and cannot live without all your (I’m sure amazing) options that’s okay! You do you boo-boo! I trekked the Annapurna circuit in trail runners and a Mall of America t-shirt so needless to say I am no where near the authority on any sort of fashion.
Simple packing guidelines:
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Make a calendar/list of activities, lay out clothing and then mentally put an outfit together for each day using pieces. Too many?–try removing an item and building the calendar until there are only a handful of items.
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Dark colors and quick dry fabrics when possible
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Downsize toiletries as much as possible, buy liquids upon arrival at Dollar/Euro store
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Wear the bulkiest items on the plane
Recent Example
Packing for Amsterdam, Budapest, Rome, Average Temperatures: low of 37, high of 79, Activities: Sightseeing, city walking
Bag: Patagonia 22L, the link has since expired but I copied a screen shot below! It doesn’t have a crazy amount of pockets, which for me means things won’t disappear. There’s a top pocket, laptop place in the back and front pocket. Simple seems to work for me.
Packing List, Total of 16 items
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2 pairs of Exofficio travel underwear
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1 Exofficio travel bra
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2 pairs wool socks (1 thick on 1 thin)
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1 pair black denim jeans
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1 pair black leggings
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1 black 100% silk turtleneck sweater
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1 black silk fitted t-shirt
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1 navy blue long-sleeve cotton shirt
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1 black wool coat
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1 grey scarf (can double as shaw)
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1 makeup/toiletry bag
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1 pair incredibly comfortable, worn-in leather boots
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1 pair black Keds
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1 Sony mirrorless camera
I wear 8 items on the plane and I pack the remaining 8 in my bag. Light as a feather! And really, it. feels. amazing. It’s so much easier to immerse myself in the travel when I don’t have to babysit my belongings!
Details
I swear by Exofficio’s fast drying wears. I rotate and wash underwear. It’s easy to add it to the list when I hop in the shower after a long day of walking. I wash the travel bra depending on activity level. I found my first pair of Exofficio briefs at an airport store in the clearance section and I’ve been hooked ever since.
In the past I’ve done both expensive and cheap versions of this essential item. It doubles as an outdoorsy trekking option as well as a sleep option if you’re sharing a space. They are also a breeze to wash if you sweat or spill during your adventures.
The thin pairs are incredibly easy to wash every 2-3 days depending on activity level. Wool is the way to go!
1 pair black jeans
I found a great pair at the thrift store. Just as long as they are comfortable. I sometimes use this as a dress up option with boots and scarf. I don’t wash these usually even though I probably could as they are the super cheap variety and light.
This keeps me warm and looks nice when I pull my hair up and pop on a pair of earrings. You can snag one at a thrift store- just look at the tag
1 black silk fitted t-shirt & 1 navy blue long-sleeve cotton shirt
Nothing remarkable to see here, just make sure they fit
Doubles as my coat and my plane blanket/pillow/resting whatever! I do not put this in my bag
This doubles as a shaw in case of nice weather, a sit- upon if we happen to picnic, etc.
I like this clear one for fast finding items if I stay longer than expected at the airport, etc. I only take the basics, I re-package them and leave the faux lashes at home.
1 pair incredibly comfortable, worn-in leather boots
They look nice, are great for walking and keep me warm. I don’t have a link…mine are vintage and annually cared for by a cobbler. I do not skimp on footwear.
I just brought them for a relief from the boots! The leather cleans easily and they look smart.
It’s my very favorite thing because I bring back so many souvenirs this way! If you are looking for a travel camera, I highly recommend anything SONY.
And that’s it! Don’t be afraid to free yourself from “options”. The first time packing light might be a little scary, but soon it will become a regular and hopefully liberating experience. YOU are what needs to travel…not your stuff! Happy (light) travels!
