travelling with light

Travelling With Light

Parque de las Ciencias

Planetariums

Travelling with Light

A fulldome movie.

Through the conversation between a child and his mother, Travelling with Light tackles the importance of light in all areas of our lives. The movie presents different scenarios that reveal the complexity of light and its direct influence on our planet.

The Sun is the closest star to Earth and generates the energy that provides the light and heat necessary for life. The study of the Sun’s light and that of other stars and galaxies enables the development of several models that explain the origin, structure and evolution of the universe.

Nevertheless, the Sun is not the only source of natural light. Fire has accompanied the Earth since its inception and has played a very important role in the evolution of the human being, so much so that its discovery by primitive societies changed their way of life. Even artificial light and its applications in medicine or communication reveal the relationship between humanity, life and light.

Technical specifications

• Duration:  29 minutes
• Orientation:  Unidirectional / Concentric
• Sound:  5.1 / Stereo
• Available resolutions:  4K, 2K, 1K
• Languages: Chinese (Mandarin) / English / Spanish / Arabic / French / Japanese / Korean / Russian / Turkish / Valencian
• Style:  Animation
• Keywords:  Science, physics, light, astronomy, documentary
• Target Audience:  + 5 years old, family friendly

“Light is actually the most refined form of matter”

Louis –Victor De Broglie

TRAVELLING WITH LIGHT

Watch the movie, full previews of travelling with light.

MUSIC RECORDING SESSIONS

LISTEN TO THE ORIGINAL MUSIC

• Technical Direction: Roberto Sánchez
• Audiovisual Direction : Javier Bollaín
• Script : Roberto Sánchez / Vicente López
• Executive Production : Manuel Roca / Javier Medina
• Scientific supervisors : Víctor Costa / Antonio Claret / Guadalupe de la Rubia
• Music:  Sergio de la Puente

Other Materials

Movie Poster

Movie Script :

Movie Trailers :

This project was made thanks to

Collaborating planetariums.

Special collaboration of

With the support of

Audiovisual Production Companies

Media Gallery

News about Travelling with Light

Selected for the 5th Fulldome Film Festival Korea – 2020

Premiere at planetario de madrid.

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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Travelling with Light

Through the conversation between a child and his mother, planetarium show "Travelling with Light" tackles the importance of light in all areas of our lives.

Description

Through the conversation between a child and his mother, planetarium show “Travelling with Light” tackles the importance of light in all areas of our lives. The movie presents different scenarios that reveal the complexity of light and its direct influence on our planet.

The Sun is the closest star to Earth and generates the energy that provides the light and heat necessary for life. The study of the Sun’s light and that of other stars and galaxies enables the development of several models that explain the origin, structure and evolution of the universe.

Nevertheless, the Sun is not the only source of natural light. Fire has accompanied the Earth since its inception and has played a very important role in the evolution of the human being, so much so that its discovery by primitive societies changed their way of life. Even artificial light and its applications in medicine or communication reveal the relationship between humanity, life and light.

A fulldome show for planetariums and digital dome theatres.

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Show details, technical specifications, production & support.

Screened at 16 dome theaters and counting...

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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 October 2014 and updated September 2021

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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

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

• Tags Minimalist Packing , Packing , Packing Light , Packing Lists , Travel Accessories , Travel Gadgets , Travel Gear

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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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 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 now, 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.

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 if I want to go really stealth, I’ll go for a good travel backpack .)

Bonus tip: 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.)

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.)

You can even save a bit with my discount code below:

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.)

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, good-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:

• 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 in Napa Valley in October.

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 exceeded my expectations!

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 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 the Tortuga backpack , which I just bought and have been using on a few trips lately. It’s 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 Tortuga travel backpack , including my comparison with similar bags from Cotopaxi and Osprey.]

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. (My detailed guide to the island of Terceira is coming soon, too!)
• An Italian bike trip through a lesser-known region (and you can join me on this trip , too!)

Help more people find this article! Share on:

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

Digital Nomad Packing List: The Ultimate Guide to Traveling Light

• March 24, 2024
• Last updated: March 24, 2024
• Digital nomad , What to pack

Home » Travel Blog » Digital Nomad Packing List: The Ultimate Guide to Traveling Light

Packing light is not rocket science. Whether you pack for one-week vacation or you’re looking for an ultimate digital nomad packing list for your long-term travels, minimalism is a king.

Traveling light will save you not only space and unburden your shoulders, but it’ll save you considerable amount of time (skipping the queues for checking your luggage ), and money (fees for check-in luggage).

Check out some pro travel packing tips based on long term experience of traveling only with a carry on backpack.

Digital nomad packing list

Digital nomad backpack, the north face backpack.

It has ideal size, lots of pockets, and also a laptop compartment. Bonus: very good back padding. Check price on Amazon .

Backpack rain cover

You can buy it separately if your backpack doesn’t have one included. It’s lightweight,  and you can use it as a cover for your camera bag and as a head/ shoulders cover during heavy rains. Check price on Amazon.

Combination locks

These are life savers! We can’t imagine travelling without securing our “mobile houses”. It’s always good to lock your backpack when you leave your room in a guesthouse/hotel and also every time you travel by bus/train/plane. Check price on Amazon.

Read more related articles:

• Best vlogging camera
• 10 Best Travel Books to Inspire Your Next Trip
• Best Camera for Travel Photography
• Best Hiking Backpack: A Practical Guide
• Best Travel Backpack

Compression sack for clothes

Great space saver! We played with an idea to buy packing cubes , but because of the design of our backpacks, we felt it’d be more convenient to get all our clothes into compression bags which saved a lot of space and we can easily separate clean and dirty stuff in the bag, too. Check price on Amazon.  Check this article for the best packing cubes.

Best laptop for digital nomad and other electronics

We were choosing our working tools very carefully and this is so far the best travel laptop we’ve found. Gianni edits his photos using Lightroom software and the computer is powerful enough to handle that. I would prefer for my video editing Macbook Pro, but this would add up on the weight so I keep the lighter model for now. Check price o n Amazon.

Macbook Laptop Sleeve

Very useful when you work in cafes and don’t want to carry along your backpack. It’s also a great protection of your laptop during travel days, when the backpacks move around more than usually. A must item in your digital nomad gear. Check price on Amazon.

Contactless payments are the best way to go if you’re constantly on the move. Unfortunately, you risk your cards being scanned by criminals due to the chips present in them. Placing your credit and debit cards  inside an RFID-blocking wallet  can keep your information safe.

If you just check your emails when travelling or do “only” writing, maybe you won’t need a mouse. But if you edit photos and videos, a mouse just makes the job easier and faster. Check price on Amazon.

WD My Passport Hard Drive

How to store all material from the road is probably the biggest issue when you work as a digital nomad and travel only with a carry-on. If you shoot in RAW, you know the files are too big to store in the iCloud. Carrying a portable external hard drive is so far the only solution how to keep your photographs and videos with you. Check price on Amazon.

Travel adapter

A necessary accessory when changing the countries around the world. Check price on Amazon . For different plugs and outlets, check out World-Power-Plugs.com

Kindle Paperwhite Wi-Fi

Your portable library! The best option for avid readers and carry-on travellers!  Check price on Amazon.

Very useful when you plan to document your digital nomad lifestyle while hiking, biking, running or swimming. Check price on Amazon.

Transcend Flash Memory Card

Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean you can’t still make a great cup of coffee. The AeroPress not only brews a smooth, flavorful cup, but its compact, lightweight design makes it super portable and easy to take with you when you’re on the go.

More packing lists to read:

• What to Pack for Your Mexico Vacation
• What to Pack for Thailand: the Ultimate Packing List
• Packing List for Europe: The Ultimate Preparation Guide
• What to wear in Paris: The Ultimate Guide

What to pack for him

The north face trekker convertible pants.

The best choice if you travel with a carry-on! Gianni has been travelling with this model of North Face convertible pants for almost three years (bought a new one after 1.5 year) and he can swear by it. Check price on Amazon.

KEEN Men’s Newport Sandal

Honestly, we cannot imagine our travel without KEENs. They’re our most favourite travel shoes. Ideal for light trekking, walking in the cities, even in hot climate (for this we recommend buy a pair with a soft leather sole, not rubber). Check price on Amazon and read some more suggestions on the best walking shoes for men .

Barefoot running shoes for travellers

A must have item in your backpack if you are keeping yourself fit on the road. Opt for lightweight barefoot shoes if you feel comfortable with them. Check price on Amazon. Read our detailed review on Vivobarefoot running shoes.

Travel dress shoe

If you are looking for something classy, here is your option for   travel dress shoe from OAKA, which redesigned dress shoe into travel friendly, comfy and zero drop shoes in order to improve your mobility and health. Check the latest models of OAKA .

This is the moment to remember about your minimalistic packing. Take only 2-3 of them.  Check price on Amazon.

Short sleeves shirt

Always useful when it happens to attend a more formal occasion. Check price on Amazon.

A rain jacket

Great to pack if you visit countries during a monsoon season. Keep it as light as possible, preferably with a hood.  Check price on Amazon. Read our guide to the best rain jacket.

A must have item for your travels. Keep it minimalistic, and pack one, maximum two pairs. Tip: Opt for a swimsuit suitable for running. That way you don’t need to pack too many outfits.  Check price on Amazon.

Comfortable underwear

What to pack for her

Convertible light pants.

Ideal when you intend to go trekking to tropic destinations, and then stay in cooler places or opposite. Great space saver. Check price on Amazon.

KEEN Women’s Sandals

It’s a good idea to pack a pair with you. You can wear it while trekking, or as a pyjama while camping. And, naturally, for your yoga practice. Check price on Amazon.

Comfortable tops

2 or 3 tops will be perfectly fine. Try to pair it with the colour of your skirt or trousers. Check price on Amazon.

In case you plan to go out somewhere more formal, pack one. Check price on Amazon.

A skirt or a dress

Just take it. You don’t want to stay all the time in your hiking pants or shorts. Pick a lightweight one, preferably with some pockets. Check price on Amazon.

It’s good to have it when hiking through different climate zones or visiting a country in its monsoon season. Check price on Amazon.

A fleece hoodie

You’ll need it in the evening, and it’s a life saver when taking buses or train with strong a/c on your travels. Buy one with pockets. Check price on Amazon.

A pair of swimwear

Well, you’ll need one. Or two, but don’t pack more than two pairs of bikini. Check price on Amazon.

Keep it minimalistic. Max. 4 pieces, no matter how long your travels are going to be.  Check price on Amazon.

Bring one sporty, and one elegant. That’ll do it. Check price on Amazon.

A must have for all travellers, especially for those with a carry-on. You’ll be grateful for packing it with you because it’s the most multifunctional item in your digital nomad backpack. You can use it as a scarf, bed sheet, bed cover, curtain, headband, skirt, dress, beach towel, towel and much more! Check price on Amazon .

Love it! We use it as a scarf in buses/trains/planes with strong a/c, as a headband, hairband, camera protector and we clean our lenses with a buff, too. Check price on Amazon.

Which toiletries to pack

A toothbrush, a toothpaste, dental floss Travel size hairbrush Lip balm Aspirin Plasters Ankle support Menstrual cup > Ladies, this little thing will make your travels easier, and your bodies healthier.

Essential stuff

Passport Travel Insurance Cash Debit cards Credit cards Spare passport photos Photocopies of passports Vaccination card (What vaccinations do you need?) ID cards Bank reader

Miscellaneous

A gaffa tape Earplugs Waterproof dry bags for your documents Swimming goggles OverBoard Waterproof Dry Tube Bag

Here are other interesting packing articles you might want to check:

Carry On Packing List  by Make Time to See the World

Digital Nomad Packing List by Hobo with a Laptop

Packing cubes list  by Adventure in You

Best Backpacking Gear  by A Backpacker’s Tale

Packing lists  by Travel Fashion Girl

Never Ending Voyage Packing List

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Ivana Greslikova

• Published: March 24, 2024

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31 thoughts on “digital nomad packing list: the ultimate guide to traveling light”.

Great list for aspiring travelers! Personally, I’ve gotten my pack WAY down from when I started backpacking in 2006 with a 10,000 liter pack. But I still manage to have 10kg of clothes, toiletries and scuba goggles… along with my 13kg of electronics. It’s a real killer on the back, but I really don’t see how I can do less. The camera stuff alone is about 7kg with lenses, body, gear and tripod. Alas!

Hi Greg, thanks for commenting. We have reduced a lot our clothes, we have only a couple of changes, if we need some clothes then we buy on the road. As regarding the gears I have always tried to keep the minimum weight possible. We use DX cameras with only 3 lenses with us and in the future we might switch to mirrorless full frame. Laptops are Mac Air so weight reduced to a minimum. Great blog you have. 🙂

I was traveling last year with a huge 70l bag. Now on the road with only 25L + a 10L Decathlon bag. This later contains a700g sleeping bag (more convenient for CS) and 1.5kg camera gear, or my daily stuffs. One major point to travel light is obviously to go in warm places, and don’t bring warm clothes, that we all do here! A second point about photography is to get rid of the heavy DSLR and their lenses. I recommend the µ4/3 system (check especially the Olympus OM5 and their new M1, but quite expensive), the best compromise between quality and size. Or even with DSLR, depending what you like to shoot, a standard zoom can easily get replaced by one or 2 light prime lenses. I have 4 lenses and a body for less than 1,3kg (or 900g without the tele). The main issue with these systems is however the poor batteries so you need to carry 2 extra… Enjoy your travels!

Hi Eric, nice to hear from you. Yes, you are right, packing light is good for warm climates, that’s why we have chosen to travel first to South-East Asia. I have also 1,3 kg for my camera gears. I am following the developing of the full frame mirrorless, those cameras will be really travel friendly. 🙂

The decision about the cameras is always a big one. I am forever on the lookout for the best camera with the most features in the smallest package. For me that means it has to be easy to always have the camera with me which rules out pretty much all DSLRs. I know that’s a compromise, but if I cannot stick the camera in a belt pouch which I can carry easily all day long, I won’t take it along. My latest choice is the Nikon P7700 which takes good pictures, good video, has 7X zoom, most DSLR controls and a flip screen. The biggest thing is it does fit into my belt pouch. It’s not up to the standard of a full size DSLR, and you cannot exchange lenses, but my motto is the best camera is the one which you always have with you.

Luckily technology is gradually getting where cameras are getting more compact all the time. So this decision will become easier for us every year since there will be smaller and more powerful models coming out.

I agree with you that the clothes are the least important thing when you pack. You can always buy them cheaply on the road. The tech items is where we have to plan well. Macbook Air is a great machine, my only issue is that if you want to do any video editing on the road, this is really difficult with this small screen. If you mostly stick to photography, then this should be no problem.

The Nikon P7700 is a great camera also. We are thinking to buy smaller cameras at some point without compromising on image quality. I guess the 2014 will bring lot of new interesting models especially after Sony recently launched the A7r. As regarding the Macbook Air, we just love it 🙂

Great useful post.

It is so true that you literally need a few essentials and you can survive. None of these ridiculous backpacks bursting at the seams.

You know you end up living in the same outfits anyway.

Thanks, Charlotte, we are really happy with the stuff we are carrying and also we wish to reduce it a bit in the future 🙂 Happy travels!

I’ve bought pretty much everything on this list for my own carry on after finding this! Thanks!

Glad to hear that, Kate. Enjoy your travels 🙂

We have been travelling about 29 months, but the only time we have lightened our bags is in Central America, where we didn’t need shoes or clothes. We make films so we carry all manner of gear including tripods, bounce/shade boards etc. on top of that we carry a snorkel and mask each for diving, shoes for hiking/training and it starts to build up! We have just accepted that for our work and interests there is a certain amount of gear that we must have 🙂

I can hear you, Serena, we had a big dilemma which gears to pack and there have been some moments when we miss warmer clothes, but otherwise, we’ve been able to survive 🙂 On the flip side, you can train with your gears for longer and tougher expeditions 🙂 Happy travels guys!

Great list – well done! I love using multi-purpose products to keep the packing list short – things like lavender essential oil is great for insect bites or to help you get to sleep (which is sometimes tricky on your travels).

Thanks for the tip, Kerry. For the insect bites and mild headaches is great to use a tiger balm that you can buy in Asia easily. Happy travels!

Oh wow, I really wish the Kids had read this before packing to come to South East Asia. Watching them unpack and try to then repack each time we move on would be hilarious except that the joke is on me as I actually have to travel in the suitcase. Sardines have it easy! Boy even brought a scarf with him to South East Asia that he hasn’t used for over 10 years just because he said it had ‘sentimental value’ and didn’t know what else to do with it. All I can say is that it certainly smells sentimental. Thanks for such a useful guide, all the same. I will do my best to get the Kids to read it to understand where they’ve gone wrong. Kluk

Hi Kluk, thanks a lot for commenting! It took me some time to say “bye” to all sentimental objects and my favourite scarfs, too 😀 We’re very happy to carry only 10kg each, however, it happened a few times we needed some warmer clothes that hadn’t fit into our backpacks. It’s all about balancing and finding the right destinations, too. Happy travels and cheers to all your family 🙂

Wow you guys really know how to pack light! I always end up packing too many clothes and then not wearing half of them anyway. Next time i’m going to take a leaf out of your book and only pack a few clothes. Plus then I will have room to buy more if I see something i love!

Thanks for stopping by, Izzy 🙂 Yup, that’s smart, you can always buy whatever you need and like on the road! Happy & light travels 😉 Ivana

My rule of thumb has always been pack, then remove half the stuff because you won’t need it. I can’t remember who first gave me that advice, but I find it works more often than not.

Great tip, Mike! Not applicable for us, I’m afraid. We downsized to maximum and sold/gave away everything we own. What we carry it’s all what we have 🙂

Thanks for sharing your list! We’re making our own at the moment and packaging in a couple of weeks. Can I ask why you’re taking 4X 1Tb hard drives? I was just planning to edit as I go and upload to Google Drive/ Dropbox as I feel it’s safer than a hard drive that can be lost/ damaged. What are your thoughts?

Hi Felicity,

Now we actually carry 4x2Tb. I know, it looks too much, but what we have in our backpacks, that’s all what we have. Our luggage is our house basically 🙂 We’re on the road full time and we have no physical home, apartment, or flat. We had to upgrade the size because we shoot in raw, so the files are too big to upload to Cloud or Dropbox for us, unfortunately. We also do lots of videos, which are big in size, too. Moreover, it takes time for us to edit photos and videos for the articles, we don’t blog every day (lots of other blog related things to complete during the day), so that’s why we need to store them somewhere before working on them. Well, yes, it’s risky to carry them everywhere we go, but we have a backup drives with us, so hopefully all will be fine 🙂 Cheers and happy packing!

Guys, impressive list. We’re also travelling light whenever we can but as we love camping our backpacks are always quite heavy. Anyhow just out of curiosity, I was wondering, how about rainproof or windproof jackets? Ivana how do you manage wothout face cream or sun block? Safe travels!

Hi Kasia! We just upgraded our packing stuff and got some softshell rain and wind proof jackets, and ditched the old jumpers. They are light weight, and we usually wear them at the airport or just tie them to the side of the backpacks. Need to update the list on the blog 🙂 When in Asia, I usually don’t use any facial cream since the climate is so humid that skin hydrates itself 😀 And for the sunblock I use only coconut oil that I buy in Asia. No chemicals, smells nice and does its job 🙂

WOW – I am very impressed with how little you are able to bring when traveling. I have one of the 18+ (maybe even double that) bags of wardrobe so I couldn’t see myself getting to this point. But, definitely some really helpful tips and recommendations. Thanks!

The earphone is great and his discount is very shocking. I am a traveler. I read a many blog and post about packing list.But your packing list was different. That is very important for any traveler. I am very helpful for that. Can you give me some information about this earphone?

Very informative! Thanks for the tips!

Thanks a lot Vivienne

Great packing article. Thanks for sharing!

Cheers from a fellow Nomad

About to start my 2nd long journey (too much fun on the last one). I am adding a mirrorless camera with prime lens for this trip. Without using a dedicated camera bag, what are some of the ways with decent protection that these can be put into my 30L pack?

Hi Ron, we recommend Lowepro Passport Sling Camera Bag (the one mentioned in the article), which fits perfectly in a 30L backpack. I’ve been traveling with the 32L NorthFace bag and the Lowepro bag for over 4 ys now, without any problem. You’ll just need to a use vacuum bag or packing cube to create more space for the bag 🙂 Buon voyage!!

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101 Tips For Packing Light

To help you learn how to pack light I’ve complied a list of 101 methods you can use to reduce the weight of your luggage and the amount of stuff you bring on your next trip.

By using these packing light tips to design a packing list you’ll be able to ditch that checked baggage, save money by avoiding excess baggage fees, and travel with just a small carry-on bag.

Whether you want to learn how to pack light for a week, 2 weeks, a month long trip, or for perpetual travel these hacks will teach you to travel lightly.

• Research your destination . I mean really research! I like to get on google Streetview and have a look around. Knowing exactly where you can get hold of everything will put your mind at rest and keep stuff out your bag. Check out what the locals wear. Make sure you anticipate the weather and pack accordingly.
• For most people overpacking clothes is the main problem. So  rediscover hand washing . Washing machines are not the only way to wash clothes. Go try it now in your bathroom sink, it’s not so hard. Washing your clothes while traveling sucks. But it sucks way less than carrying a huge heavy bag.
• And if you clean clothes while traveling  you won’t have a huge pile of laundry when you return.
• Bring your own  travel laundry line .
• Bring a  universal sink plug .
• You can even wash clothes in shampoo  to save packing detergent.
• Speaking of shampoo… when packing  pay close attention to any liquids . Most liquid items that you pack are available in lighter dry versions. Replace shower gel with a bar of soap. You are literally packing water weight. Shampoo, Insect Repellant, Toothpaste, detergent, sunscreen, and cosmetics all have light-weight solid versions.
• Go digital  wherever possible. If “there’s an app for that” then don’t pack it. Not packing books, cameras, maps etc if your phone can do it will save so much space.
• Do pack your smartphone . But keep it in your pocket to keep the weight out of your bag.
• Go where or when the sun is shining.  You’ll need fewer clothes if it’s warm and dry.  Winter wear is generally heavier.
• Pack Layers  – Don’t take that heavy jacket, a sweater plus super light windbreaker gives you more options.
• Choose quick-drying, odor-resistant fabrics.  They need washed less frequently and if you do wash them they dry fast. Merino wool is my favorite for shirts. You can wear the same merino shirt multiple times without washing. If you insist of washing after every wear synthetic fabrics dry the fastest. Linen is also a great choice of fabric for travel clothing.
• Pack versatile  neutral colors  and styles for your outfits. Packing light actually begins long before your trip. Building a travel capsule wardrobe begins with choosing the right styles and fabrics long before you think about packing your bag.
• If you don’t like neutral colors  choose 1 single bold color  like red to form the basis for your entire wardrobe.
• Wear your heavy, bulky items on the plane.  This will leave extra space in your bag.
• A marked item is a waste of space. So  pack clothes turned inside out  to avoid getting visible marks and stains.
• Jeans are heavy.  A single pair of jeans can weigh almost 1 lb. So take only 1 pair or even better choose lighter pants.
• Pack shoes sparingly.  1 stylish pair of boots and 1 pair of sandals can cover most footwear occasions. Hiking boots are for hiking vacations only and should be worn on the plane.
• Toiletries — Don’t pack any. Buy them at your destination or use those tiny travel bottles if you must. Your liquids allowance is a maximum not a target. Solid toiletries are more weight efficient that liquid toiletries.
• Pick the right luggage.  This is one of the most important packing tips. Choose a smaller, lighter carry-on size bag that sets your limits. Then compress and compromise like a manic to make things fit inside. A rolling suitcase can weight over 10 lbs before you even pack anything in it!
• Choose a smaller bag  made from lightweight materials. Leather might be durable but it’s heavy. Ballistic nylon is extremely strong and light.
• Excessive compartments, gadgets and padding sells bags but it makes bags heavier too.  Keep it simple.
• If you can,  lose the luggage wheels and hard-shell case . They add weight and with these tips, your bag will be light enough to carry. A 30 – 40 liter  carry-on sized backpack is the sweet spot for hand luggage .
• Don’t take your laptop . This is a game changer. You can do a lot of things on a smartphone or a tablet these days.
• Check out Sentio Desktop for  an app that turns your android phone or tablet into a desktop experience . Pack a travel bluetooth keyboard and mouse if you must.
• Audio Books offer the best entertainment per gram or gigabyte. I know you like to watch a movie on the plane but the book is always better than the film right? And these days with big name actors narrating often  the audio book is often better than the book.
• Get a porter, your husband or  your kids to carry your things for you.
• Plan in advance! Or even better actually  trial pack the main bag . If you pack at the last minute you’ll overpack. Do some test packing in advance.
• Go for a  trial walk locally  with your luggage. Better to learn the error of your ways while you are still at home so you can make corrections. Remember to test carrying your bag upstairs and running for a bus!
• Take only what you know you need.  No “what ifs” .
• Beware the packing system.  Adding compression packing cubes, compression bags, compression sacks, toiletry bags, and other organizers. While they may help organize and save space they don’t make your bag weigh less!  You can do a lot of organization and compression with rubber bands and polythene food bags.
• Rolling clothes  allows you to take a smaller lighter pack.
• Use  the space inside shoes , bras etc. Keep your bag size and weight down.
• Leggings  are lightweight and versatile.
• Raincoat plus sweater plus hat plus gloves beats a heavy jacket. 10% of your body heat is lost through your head.  Pack a woolly hat  if you’re going to cooler climates.
• Sleep naked  and leave the pajamas behind.
• Take cheaper lightweight accessories  and jewelry or none at all. You can leave behind fears of losing your most precious gold and diamonds too!
• Leave behind cash  and take a prepaid travel money card. TD Bank doesn’t charge you for worldwide ATM fees and offers a great exchange rate if you keep a balance of $2500. Also, a Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking Account automatically reimburses you for ATM fees worldwide. You don’t need to carry cash.
• You don’t need to print out everything.  Most airlines will let you board using a barcode on your phone. Your hotel has a record of your reservation. You don’t need to bring a filing cabinet. Just take photos of any important documents.
• There will be snacks available at the airport and on the plane.  You don’t need to pack snacks  unless you have some special dietary need. Save those calories for a nice meal at your destination.
• Never pack a towel.   Sorry Douglas Adams . Hotels provide them and besides, you will dry naturally even without one. A beach towel might be appropriate for a beach vacation but they are usually very cheap to buy on location.
• Pack only things that make you happy . You like to wear your favorite clothes again and again right?
• Ladies…  Lace boxers  are sexy, lightweight and easy to wash in the hotel room sink.
• Mail your dirty laundry home.  Mail cheaper clothes you could afford to lose forward to your hotel before you arrive.
• Take those  old holy socks  on a final journey. Throw them in the trash once worn.
• Hide your house keys  under a rock or leave them with a friend or neighbor. You don’t need to take your house keys around the world with you.
• Avoid over-sized headphones and opt for  earbuds .
• If you do take a laptop replace the charger with a small lightweight  dart laptop charger.
• Buy shorter versions of any cables  you take with you to reduce weight.
• Get your eyesight corrected with  laser eye surgery . You won’t need to carry your glasses or contact lenses with you anymore. (NOTE: Packing light is a dumb reason to get laser eye surgery)
• A diva cup . As I guy I can’t really comment on this but just throwing it out there.
• Wear thin,  short ankle socks  rather than full length. Or better still  no socks.
• Thongs  are lighter than knickers.
• Heck… why not  go commando !
• If you are an American remember you have the right to bare arms. Short sleeves rather than long. Vests rather than t-shirts.  Who needs sleeves anyway  )
• Crop tops .
• Invent your own uniform . Steve Jobs famously wore a black turtleneck, blue jeans and New Balance sneakers every day. Mark Zuckerberg wears jeans and a grey t-shirt to work every day. These guys didn’t waste time deciding what clothes to wear and I’m sure they could pack light if they needed to! What do you look best in? Why not wear that every day?
• Always remember…  the most attractive thing you can wear is a smile.
• If you can reduce your luggage down to a small backpack  you won’t need to take a day bag . Just leave the heavy things at the hotel and use the said small backpack as the day bag.
• If you do pack a day bag  make sure it’s a tiny lightweight one .
• Share things  with your travel partner. Would 1 phone charger suffice?
• Visualize your over-packing pain . You are dragging your heavy checked bags up those stairs. You are lifting that bulky carry-on suitcase into the overhead compartment try to find a space to squeeze it in.
• A smaller lighter travel backpack  fits under the seat in the plane . Hurrah! No more fighting for space in the overhead bin.
• Remember….  lost luggage IS A THING . Get your weight down to carry on only and never lose a bag.
• Let experience be your priority . For this pack your eyes, ears, nose and taste buds. Let the sun beat down on your skin, let your feet feel the earth on which you walk. Let the rain wash away your troubles and let the wind blow through your hair. Amen.
• If you don’t know people where you are going. It won’t matter if you  wear the same clothes 2 days in a row .
• Use a  manual toothbrush  rather than electric.
• Don’t like doing hand laundry in the hotel sink? Ditch the hotel and  stay in an airbnb  that has a washing machine.
• Or book a hotel that is  near to a launderette.
• Phone your hotel and ask what amenities they have available? Don’t pack anything you can  borrow at your destination.
• Tiny perfume samples  are great for traveling. Get some before you go!
• Not going somewhere with a sink?  Pack a scrubba wash bag .
• Dry clothes quickly by laying  rolling them up in a towel then dancing on them . It really works!
• Are you a travel jogger? Then  try “barefoot” minimalist running shoes . Fewer injuries and lighter to pack than sneakers.
• Work out!  Make your bag SEEM lighter by getting bigger muscles!
• Lose some weight  if you can do so healthily. A smaller body means smaller clothes and that means a smaller and lighter pack. It will help with those speedo vacation snaps too!
• Don’t pack loads of travel security gadgets i.e. body wallets etc  The world is not as scary a place as you think . Pack your common sense instead.
• Solid stick antiperspirant deodorant will  stop your clothes from becoming smelly.
• Pay attention to the fees  you might pay for checking luggage. They will make you think twice about heavy checked luggage.
• Large bags often mean taking a taxi. And taxi drivers the world over just love a tourist because they can take them the extra-long scenic route! With a small light bag,  you can just hop on public transport .
• Multi-functionality is good . Items that have more than 1 use get you bonus packing points.
• Empty your purse or wallet  of all the membership cards, receipts etc that you don’t need. Make sure you have a small wallet or purse. A money clip is a good idea.
• Tear or photograph the interesting pages from your guidebook . Leave the book.
• When you come home from a trip. Separate your things into two piles. All the stuff that you needed and  all the stuff that you didn’t. Take a photo , print it out and pin it to your suitcase to remind you next time.
• Change the experience of your load by  distributing the weight . A backpack spreads the load across your back and hips. Take items from your pack and put them in your pockets.
• Ask advice  from people familiar with your destination. Do you think I’ll need this?
• Your ego and fear about what other people think about you weighs the most. It’s responsible for most of what you pack in your case. To really travel light…  don’t care so much what people think .
• Do  pack your inner self-confidence . You don’t need “that thing” to make you feel good, look good or be special. You are special without it all and you’ll do just fine!
• A  vaccination  weighs less than a hefty medical bill.
• Remember, if you are carry-on only you won’t need to wait at the  baggage claim .
• Listen to Rick Steves . “There are two types of people in the world. Those who pack light and those that wish they had.” Thanks Rick!
• Use  lockers in train stations  to stash your luggage and collect later.
• Travel often . Because the more you travel the more you will learn to jettison things you don’t use or need.
• You can  use a sarong  as a towel and a blanket.
• If you  grow a beard  and you won’t need to pack a razor.
• Waxed legs  will stay smooth for 3 to 6 weeks. If your trip is shorter you won’t need a razor for your legs. Or just go natural.
• Tie  helium balloons  to your backpack. But not too many or you will float away ????
• Ask a impartial friend to pack for you  or hire a wardrobe consultant to help you pack. Yes that’s a real thing ))
• Study the  packing lists  of light packers.
• Ignore other people’s rules. It’s your bag put what you want in it!
• And lastly the final tip…. and the only 1 that you really need.  Take less stuff with you!

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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. A few weeks ago, I traveled with my high school senior to California for a two-week tour of colleges . Considering we had a stacked agenda and were going to be on the road a lot, I was determined to travel light and enjoy our trip from start to finish, without stressing over what I left behind. I also didn’t want to be concerned about lost luggage, so I opted to bring only a carry-on. My mantra while packing was that every piece of gear had to be multi-functional in order to maximize space. Here’s how I did it, and my tips for packing light on any trip.

Choose the right luggage

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. For this trip, I opted for 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 made it easy to lift into the overhead bin and in the rental car. The padded front compartment is perfect for things like a laptop, power cords, or a book—I fit 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. 

Next up: Choosing a functional personal item. I paired my suitcase with the  Awassa tote from Parker Clay . I found it large enough to carry my camera 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 . The tote’s trolley sleeve was a lifesaver, slipping onto my rolling suitcase and allowing me to keep one hand free. And for an extra tote I could use on campus visits or on the trails when we snuck away for a quick hike, I added Patagonia’s  Ultralight Black Hole tote pack , as it folds down into a small pouch when not in use. 

Don't skip the packing cubes

Anyone who struggles with optimizing space when traveling knows that  packing cubes are the only solution. Not only are they perfect for organization, but compression ones like these from Monos also 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 these cubes allows me to see what's inside at a glance, making it easier to get ready.

Opt for lightweight, multi-functional fabrics

I will admit, choosing the right clothes for two weeks was the most challenging part of this trip, especially since we were going from sunny and hot Los Angeles to cloudy and cool San Francisco. I needed to have enough options for various climates without overpacking. 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. I wore this  fleece-lined relaxed girlfriend fit pair for the flight, and packed the  mid-rise performance slim straight for backup.     

For daily wear, I brought a few classic, mix and match pieces from Prana in neutral colors. Foundation rib tanks like  this one and  long sleeve crew T-shirts are stylish, versatile, and comfortable, and perfect for layering during California winters. 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. A few organic cotton  Sopra seamless bras that doubled as sports bras and  Comrad compression socks completed my essentials. 

As a beginner trail runner from the Midwest, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to tackle hiking trails in California. My  Superbeam scoop neck running crop top and Litewave Splitty running shorts from Bandit Running were ideal because of their double layered quick drying fabric, which meant I didn’t need sweatshirts to keep me warm while running outside. I also added a pair of multipurpose, water-repellent, 40-UPF sun protection  Patagonia’s Skyline traveler pants . They worked great on trails as well as sunny afternoon walks around town.

Keeping up with the theme of packing multi-purpose clothing, I chose to take two outerwear pieces. The  Stretchdown light vest from Mountain Hardwear and 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 wore 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. 

Pick versatile pairs of shoes

Deciding on what shoe(s) 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 withstood hours of walking around campuses. For my running and training routines, I leaned on my trusted eight-ounce Floatride Energy 4 Adventure running shoes from Reebok .  

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

After a lot of trial and error over a summer 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 essentials  are a game changer and the travel size tins save a lot of space. My favorite sweat-resistant  Miami Beach Bum Save Face sunscreen and  Le Prunier Anti-Aging Plum beauty oil double up as a day or night moisturizer duo. And all this packs away in my carry-on friendly  Monos Metro toiletry case .

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The Ultimate List of Travel Gear for Packing as Light as Possible (2020 Edition)

When traveling, minimalism has become our way of life. During our world trip, we chose to pack light, that is, to travel with cabin suitcases only. And for nothing in the world would we have done it differently because the benefits of traveling light far outweigh any drawbacks.

In fact, during our 15 months trip across 50 countries , the total weight of our equipment was 30 kg for our family of 4. And believe it or not, if we had settled for the bare essentials, we could have reduced it to 20 kg in 2 carry-on luggage.

For some, this form of travel may seem frightening. One only has to try it to adopt it. But to avoid being disappointed, it is best to be well prepared for it. To prevent your preparation from becoming a real headache and to help you take the plunge, I will share with you a list of items that I have carefully selected.

On the day of departure

4 Reasons to Travel Light

First of all, here are 4 reasons to travel light:

1. Travelling with heavy luggage can cause fatigue . This is all the more true when a dense itinerary forces us to move often from one accommodation to another.

2. Suitcases can be quickly packed and unpacked. . Time spent traveling is precious. Optimizing it is the best way to make the most of it.

3. Minimalism helps reduce hassle . We don’t get emotionally attached to materials or appearances. Our only souvenirs are in our heads and in the pictures. When we possess fewer things, it becomes easier not to lose them.

4. Great savings can be made . Travelling solely with carry-on luggage reduces check-in fees and saves time at airports. It also prevents lost, delayed or broken luggage. In addition, one can afford to rent smaller cars with smaller trunks.

The Fiat 500, a car with a small trunk

The only drawback to travelling light is having to do laundry once a week. However, all you need to do is to make arrangements to have access to a laundromat or a washing machine at your hotel or Airbnb. In most developing countries, 5-star laundry services are available and for a few dollars, you can have your laundry washed, dried, ironed and folded.

Selection Criteria For Our Travel Items

Each item that accompanies us has been meticulously selected according to 5 criteria: compactness, lightness, quality, robustness and price.

Since these items constitute our “home” during the trip, we might as well select them carefully. This list is the result of several months of investigation, review reading, comparison and shopping. I therefore put my seal of approval on these items according to the aforementioned criteria!

So without further ado, here’s the list!

N.B. : the links contain affiliate codes that allow us to earn a small revenue on each sale at no additional cost to you. Some links may redirect to non-existing products, depending on your location.

Our Selection of Light Travel Items

Away travel carry-on.

Away Travel is among suitcases what Tesla is among automobiles. With an integrated 10,000 mAh USB charging battery pack, a TSA-approved security lock and an enclosed laundry bag, the cabin suitcase has been designed and engineered for modern travelers. It is lightweight, sturdy, durable, has optimized compartments and dimensions at the limit of those allowed by most airlines. In short, everything in this suitcase is convenient.

We have two Away Travel carry-on suitcases.

Away Travel Carry On

Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 backpacks

Osprey is THE reference for backpacks. Its reputation is well established. Their bags are designed to be comfortable, ergonomic, durable and have a LIFETIME guarantee! So if a zipper breaks or if a samurai accidentally rips open a bag with his sword, Osprey will repair or replace it free of charge.

So you can be confident that you won’t need to buy another bag for the rest of your life… or that of the company, depending which event comes first. But since they are in business since 40 years and no one has ever surpassed them, you can keep traveling with peace of mind.

We chose two 40-liter bags because they have the maximum dimensions to be considered as carry-on luggage by most airlines. The Osprey Farpoint is for men, and the Osprey Fairview for women.

When we returned from our trip around the world, our bags still looked brand new!

Osprey Farpoint 40

Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack

Osprey again. Impossible to miss them, they are the best! The Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack is perfect to escape on an excursion with your water and food after dropping off your suitcases at the hotel. It can also be used as a laundry bag. It is easily tucked into a small bag the size of a child’s fist, which is handy when space in the suitcase is limited. In addition, it only weighs a few grams.

And remember, the Osprey warranty is valid for the rest of your life! We’ve worn out both of our day-packs during our world tour. We made use of the Osprey Warranty when we returned and received two new day-packs!

Gonex Packing Cubes

Once again, “the reference” for packing cubes. You’re going to tell me I’m just repeating myself. Then I’ll stop saying it and you’ll just have to keep it in mind for the rest of the post. The Gonex packing cubes are convenient for organizing our belongings within the compartments of our suitcases. Simple isn’t it?

We even bought compression storage cubes to save even more space. But because our items are so compact, our bags never overflow and we don’t need to compress them.

Compression Gonex Packing Cubes

Gonex Packing Cubes Medium

Icebreaker Apparel

I will not make an inventory of the clothes that accompany us on our trip. Known that they have been meticulously picked according to the same criteria as our other travel items, in addition to durability and comfort. Nevertheless, I do recommend one brand of outdoor clothing for serious travelers that I rank above all others.

Do you know the brand Icebreaker ? This New Zealander clothing brand manufactures merino wool garments. The result is simple: the clothes are insulating when it’s cold, they breathe when it’s hot, they don’t keep body odors. Moreover, they are antibacterial, they dry quickly, they are ultra-light, and they are so comfortable!

La Icebreaker family

These clothes have allowed us to do less laundry. Like in Iceland when I wore the same Icebreaker t-shirt for 9 consecutive days (and nights) without ever having to wash it. Even during hot weather, I wear them 3 or 4 days in a row before washing them because they don’t smell at all! And since they are washed less, we don’t pack as much clothing, so we can travel even lighter!

The disadvantage of these clothes, as you may have guessed, is their price. But their quality is well worth the cost!

Tesalate Beach Towel

No more thick and bulky towels. Say hello to the Tesalate microfiber beach towel . It is light, compact, durable, ultra-absorbent and dries very quickly. Sand does not stick to it and it is very handy since it can also be used as a beach, picnic or yoga mat. Tesalate is an Australian company that produces towels designed for travelers. They are available in several sizes with designs as beautiful as one another.

The Tesalate beach towel

Dell XPS 15 Notebook

The Dell XPS 15 is a laptop for those with a need for performance! Some would be satisfied with the 13-inch version. I personally like the comfort of the 15-inch. But since the edge of the screen is almost non-existent, it is the size of a regular 14-inch laptop. In addition to being ultra-thin, my XPS 15 is equipped with an i7 processor, 32 GB of RAM, a 1 TB SSD disk and a 4K touchscreen. Processing my photos with Lightroom has become quite a breeze!

Dell XPS 15

Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB External Hard Drive

There is no external hard disk drive thinner than the Seagate Backup Plus Slim besides SSD disks. It’s perfect for photo backup!

Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2 TB

Fujifilm X100F

Join me and hundreds of thousands of Fuji aficionados: sell your Nikon and Canon right away and choose Fuji! This is the 4th generation of the X100 camera line. The Fujifilm X100F is a mirrorless technology masterpiece, one without which you might not enjoy following us on our travels quite as much. After my wife and children, it is my favorite travel companion. I never get tired of taking pictures. Besides, it’s beautiful!

In my opinion, this is the best compact camera in terms of quality, price and versatility. It takes extraordinary pictures and has unparalleled color rendering that only Fuji can achieve. Its 35mm equivalent fixed lens can somewhat limit the shooting possibilities. With the Fujinon WCL lens which brings it to 28mm, it becomes more versatile in almost all conditions.

Its successor the Fujifilm X100V (5th generation) was released in 2020. If having a fixed lens is an issue for you, I would recommend the Fujifilm X-Pro2 which is the equivalent of the Fuji X100F but allows interchangeable lens. Its successor the Fujifilm X-Pro3 , more recent, is the Fuji X100V equivalent.

GoPro 7 Black

Everybody know the GoPro . I wouldn’t immerse my Fuji in the water, but I would definitely use the GoPro in the water!

Gopro 7 Black

Zippod 45 Tripod

Few tripods take up little space. The Zippod 45 is so compact and light that it should be a piece of equipment for any traveling photographer who wants to save space in his suitcase. It is not very sturdy in the middle of a hurricane, but it gets the job done.

The Pedco UltraPod

The Pedco UltraPod is a very versatile small tripod. It folds up tiny and it can be attached to a pole.

Pedco Ultrapod

Manfrotto Camera Case

I love the Manfrotto brand because the company not only produces good tripods, but also high quality camera bags.

Manfrotto Amica 10

iPad mini 4

During our world trip, each of our boys had an iPad mini for school. Android doesn’t offer the same variety of educational applications as iOS, so we had fallen back on these tablets. We had scanned the class workbooks into PDF documents so that the kids could do their exercises on their iPad.

iPad Mini 4

Asus ZenFone Max Pro 128GB

Under the criteria “long battery life in case I venture into an area without electricity” and “entry-level so as not to be sad if I get it stolen”, I present to you my phone, the Asus ZenFone Max Pro 128GB . You can’t imagine my relief to be able to live without having to charge my phone every day.

Asus ZenFone Max Pro

Deercon Rechargeable Cordless Hair Clipper

Deercon provides a compact electric hair clipper that trims well and runs on rechargeable battery power. And with 3 heads to trim each month, the clipper has quickly paid for itself.

Deercon Cordless Hair Clippers

USB Rechargeable LED Headlamp

For the times when we had to wander at night in the middle of the Jordanian desert or the Malaysian jungle, this USB rechargeable headlamp has proven to be very useful to us. This is the winner of the “just in case” category.

LED Headlamp

Steripen Pure+ Water Purifier

Better safe than sorry, as they say. The Steripen Pure+ can irradiate all microbes and viruses in the water before you drink it and it can be recharged via USB. The lamp can purify 15,000 L of water. That shouldn’t stop you from bringing Imodium tablets!

Steripen Pure+

The Universal 4-Port USB Power Adapter

With all of our devices that we have to charge via USB, the purchase of this travel adapter makes perfect sense.

Universal Adapter with USB plugs

The Ultra-fast USB Car Charger

Here is a USB Car Charger with 2 Qualcomm 3.0 sockets to quickly charge our electronic devices in the car. You’re welcome.

Quick Charge 3.0 Car Charger

Car Phone Holder

A small magnetic phone holder that holds my phone attached to a metal plate, so I can use my GPS when I drive. Check!

Magnetic Phone Holder

Travel Locks

You never know what can happen on a trip. These travel locks are symbolically useful in deterring household staff with bad intentions.

Neck Stash for Passport

You are never safe from an unfortunate situation, but you must know how to minimize the risks. As you can see in the photo, this security pouch can hold 4 passports, credit cards, 500 Euro bills, and even Apple headphones!

Rfid Blocking Neck Stash for Passport

Silicone Bottles

100 mL being the largest format allowed in aircraft cabins for liquids, these refillable silicone bottles are convenient to keep our shampoo and sunscreen in.

Refillable Silicone Bottles

Blizetec Pocket Blanket

To sit on the ground, on the lawn or on the beach without getting dirty, or to cover our belongings in the car away from prying eyes, the Blizetec blanket is always with us.

Blizetec Blanket

The Electronic Luggage Scale

Small and lightweight, this electronic luggage scale will ensure that we balance the loads of our bags before arriving at the airport. This is an indispensable item especially in Asia and Oceania, where low-cost airlines limit the weight of cabin luggage to 7 kg.

Digital Luggage Scale

The Non-essentials

In addition, here is a list of objects that we brought with us at the beginning of our trip, but that we left behind along the way.

The Precision Stylus

In the absence of paper and pencils, the children are entitled to a precision stylus that emulate writing on their iPad.

Stylus for iPad

The Boogie Board

The Boogie Board is ultra light and saves us from travelling with paper. Super handy for writing and drawing, then erasing at the touch of a button. Kids love it!

Boogie Board

Hootoo TripMate Titan Travel Router

Here is another extraordinarily practical thing. Le Hootoo TripMate Titan is a travel router and WiFi signal replicator. When you arrive at the hotel, all you have to do is connect this device to the WiFi, and it transmits the signal through its own network, on which all your devices (computer, phone and tablets) are already configured. This way, there is no need to configure the WiFi on each device every time you move from one hotel to another. Another interesting feature of this device is that it is energy autonomous because it has its own battery. Therefore, it allows you to take advantage of the WiFi at the outdoor swimming pool while working. And finally, with a capacity of 10,400 mAh, its battery can be used to recharge electronic devices via USB, just like a charging battery pack.

Hootoo Wireless Travel Router

MPOWERD Luci Inflatable Solar Light

The MPOWERD Luci is an inflatable light that can be charged with sunlight. It charges in 7 hours in the sun and can provide 12 hours of light. Perfect for playing cards with the family in the RV!

MPOWERD Inflatable Solar Light

Glacial Stream Personal Water Filter Straw

The Glacial Stream Water Filter Straw allows the water to be cleaned in order to remove its contaminants. It is less effective than a Steripen in removing viruses, but no less convenient.

Personal Water Filter Straw

The Cooling Towel

The Tough Outfitters cooling towel is great! Soak in water, wring out, place around the neck to cool down for several hours during a heat wave.

Tough Outfitters Cooling Towel

Mifold Booster Seat

If you cannot travel with car seats and you don’t want to rent one every time you rent a car, the mifold booster seat save a small fortune while ensuring the safety of our children. In addition, they comply with safety standards both in Europe and America.

The Power Inverter

For camper road-trip enthusiasts, the power inverter is a must! No need to hunt for a Starbucks in order to recharge your computer anymore! This little device will do it for you! Simply connect it to the 12V power supply of your vehicle to obtain a 110V AC output.

Power Inverter

Keep reading our great travel stories by browsing through  all our destinations !

Browse through  15,000 of our  most beautiful travel photos  sorted by destination and download them  for free !

I would also like to take this opportunity to share with you  the summary of our exceptional world tour as a family !

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• How to book flights at the lowest price ?
• How to enjoy free hotels nights with credit cards ?  (for Canadians)
• How to make the most of your travel points?  (for Canadians)
• Which credit card to carry when traveling ?  (for Canadians)
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19 Carry-on Travel Hacks For Travelling Light

By: Author Vagrants of the World Travel Writer

Posted on Last updated: November 18, 2023

Home >> Travel Tips >> 19 Carry-on Travel Hacks For Travelling Light

Carry-on travel is on the rise, and there are some great carry-on travel hacks for travelling light you should consider before your next trip. Avid travellers are avoiding checking bags to minimise the risk of lost baggage, lugging heavy bags from place to place, and reducing their travel impact on the environment.

Jump onboard the hand luggage-only trend with these carry-on travel hacks!

Whether you’re flying domestically or travelling abroad and want to save some money, travelling with carry-on luggage can save big bucks as well as time and stress.

I think we’ve all either experienced, witnessed or heard the stories of lost luggage and how it can really put a damper on your travel plans. Consider purchasing luggage trackers or smart tags. You can find a list of the best ones here .

Travel itineraries are often jam-packed, leaving little to no time to file a baggage claim, purchase new clothing and wait for your baggage to arrive. 

This year, lost luggage, travel delays, and cancellations have skyrocketed and will most likely continue as travel increases and there are worker shortages. The key to avoiding some of this chaos, carry-on travel !

Fortunately, I have many excellent carry-on travel hacks to help you pack lightly and strategically in your carry-on luggage. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or it’s your first time flying, in this post, you will pick up some new travel hacks. 

 But first, let’s cover why carry-on travel is a great option for you and unpack the key benefits .

Table of Contents

Should I travel with a carry-on?

Carry-on travel makes life so much easier on the road when on shorter trips, a lesson I learned in my twenties! 

Most low-cost carriers or domestic/short-haul services, only include carry-on luggage in their basic or lite ticket prices. Checking in a bag will cost you extra on top of your plane seat.

Save yourself $30-$70AUD or possibly more by travelling light . You can fit what you need for your next trip into a carry-on if you know how to pack!

Now that you’ve saved yourself some money let’s take a look at the time-saving of carry-on travel.

Most airlines have online check-in options, so skip the queues at the check-in desk and head straight through to security. You can get to your gate with plenty of time to grab a coffee or snacks or just sit back and unwind.

When arriving at your destination, skip the baggage carousel and the stress of dealing with delayed or lost luggage.

With just a carry-on, you can hop straight into a taxi or public transport and head up the many floor stairs at your AirBnB with ease. We’ve all been there, struggling up narrow stairways with 30kg of luggage; it’s not fun!

Carry on Travel Hacks!

Here are 19 of my top carry-on travel hacks! Skip the hassle of lugging heavy baggage around, and the fear of lost luggage and spend more time enjoying your trip!

• Preparation is key

Firstly, getting organised and planning ahead is essential for packing your carry-on luggage. Lucky for you, by reading this you are halfway there! 

I’m a huge fan of making packing lists ahead of packing. I find it reduces my chances of leaving something behind. 

Carry-on travel, means you have to be more strategic with the items you pack. Take the time to make a note on your phone or on a piece of paper with the essentials you need.

• Take photos of your outfits

Go an extra step further and plan out your daily outfits so you only pack what you will wear. 

Take photos of the outfits and pack them in the order you will be wearing them to avoid ruffling through your suitcase in the early morning. 

• Choose your carry-on luggage wisely

Set yourself up for carry-on travel success by choosing a lightweight bag that maximises your hand luggage allowance. 

When shopping for new carry-on luggage consider the following factors: 

• Manoeuvrability and ease of travel
• Organisation such as pockets
• Distinctiveness such as colour or personalisation

The Samsonite Ascella Carry-On Spinner Travel Bag is my go-to when travelling with hand luggage only. Weighing in at 2.95kg, this suitcase has plenty of room with zip compartments and an extendable section. It is also extremely high quality, has 4 wheels for ease of travelling and comes in a range of colours to suit your preferences. 

• The Carry-On features Dual Spinner Wheels for effortless maneuverability and a smooth glide while a large pull handle provides a comfortable grip. Thoughtful organizational pockets give you the flexibility to pack your way, including a removable Wetpak(TM) pocket designed to hold toiletri

Another carry-on luggage favourite is the Rockland London Hardside Carry-On. This is a great option if you prefer hard-shell luggage and don’t want to invest as much money. Weighing just over 3kg, fully lined zip enclosures, mesh pockets, and 4 wheels for maneuverability. 

• 22X13. 5x9 (with wheels)
• Lightweight yet extremely durable ABS material
• Multi-directional double spinner wheels

4. Check maximum carry-on baggage allowance

The next carry-on travel hack is maximising your baggage allowance. Choose an airline that allows up to 14kg in carry-on baggage , either as part of the airfare or through an additional carry-on allowance that can be purchased. Additional baggage fees purchased online will be lower than the fee applied at the airport.

Check the carry-on baggage weight requirements with your airline as they can differ from airline to airline. Generally, 14kg is the maximum carry-on allowance, sometimes it is only 7kg. 

Additionally, most airlines allow one additional personal item that can fit under the seat in front, such as a backpack or handbag. Use this allowance to pack more essentials. Here is a comprehensive list of travel essentials for women .

If you are flying on several carriers, check all allowances. The last thing you want is to arrive at the airport and be struck with excess baggage fees. 

5. Bring a personal carry-on bag

As I just mentioned, carry-on allowances usually include one additional item that can fit under the seat in front. 

Pack a backpack or large handbag to bring more essentials on the road. I also will carry bulky clothing items such as jackets or hoodies to save space and weight. 

If travelling internationally, you should consider a good anti-theft backpack or sling bag. Here are the best anti-theft backpacks or, for something smaller, the best sling backpacks for your next destination travel.

Usually, my personal carry-on bag contains the following items:

• Headphones 
• Earplugs & Eyemask (If you’re an anxious flyer like me these are very helpful) 
• Water bottle
• Essential medications for longer flights
• Hand sanitiser
• Small toiletry essentials 
• Roll on deodorant 
• Any important printed travel documents
• Change of clothes for longer travels

Weight your bag after you’ve finished packing to ensure you aren’t over the allowance. Target has a great baggage scale that is super affordable. If you are planning on doing some shopping make sure to leave some room! 

6. Roll, don’t fold

If you’ve never rolled your clothes to fit more in your suitcase, you need to start! 

Rolling your clothes squeezes the air out and can also prevent wrinkling.

Roll your jackets, coats, jeans, towels, activewear and shirts. 

Another pro of rolling instead of folding is you can easily see more of your clothes. This is important if you are on the go and keen to stay organised. 

The only items I won’t roll are evening wear such as nice dresses or dressy tops or really bulky jackets that are best placed on top of your suitcase, particularly for added protection if opting for a soft shell suitcase. 

7. Packing cubes to stay organised

Stay organised with packing cubes if you have a hard-shell suitcase with no pockets or want to categorise your items for quick access. They will seriously change the way you travel for good!

Packing cubes will also help you re-assess if you need to pack that extra T-shirt or dress. 

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8. Downsize toiletries, makeup and liquids

Toiletries such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant, dry shampoo and makeup are often the culprits for excess baggage weight or taking up too much room. Avoid taking anything that isn’t essential, such as your collection of serums or hair care products. 

Where possible downsize your shampoo, conditioner, cleanser, body wash, sunscreen and moisturiser into travel-sized containers. Pick up some reusable travel containers from Target, Amazon or your local pharmacy. 

And don’t forget a travel-sized dry shampoo, my favourite is Bastisse by far! If you are only going for a few nights skip the shampoo and conditioner and make do with dry shampoo!

Opt for a roll-on perfume over a full-sized bottle, choose a small roll-on deodorant over an aerosol and avoid value-sized toothpaste. 

Leave your overloaded makeup bag at home and just bring your absolute essentials such as mascara, foundation, concealer, powder, brows, lips, bronzer and brushes.

9. Book a hotel with a good range of amenities

If you have extra budget available and are booking a hotel over a hostel or Airbnb, reduce the need to pack all your essentials by choosing a hotel with premium toiletries. 

Leave the hair tools, shower products and skincare behind and make do with the supplied products. 

Pack any further essential toiletries in travel sizes, ensuring they adhere to airline guidelines on liquid items.

And take any leftover hotel travel products with you for your next trip!

10. Basics are key

Next up on my list of carry-on travel hacks is to travel with a minimalist-style capsule wardrobe .  

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt about travel packing it’s basics are key. Select clothing pieces that are versatile and go with lots of different options. The aim is to create many different outfits from just a few pieces. 

Basic colours such as black, white, nude and denim are luckily right up my alley. Avoid bright colours, crazy patterns or pieces that aren’t easy to throw on. 

TIP: Here is a short list of Best Travel Pants for Women!

Consider what pieces you can wear from day to night, to the beach, out for dinner, shopping, sightseeing and road-tripping. Comfort is also key on long travels. And don’t forget to consider sun safety!

Consider what you will be doing on your travels when creating your capsule wardrobe. Below are some questions to ask yourself and points to consider when creating outfits. 

• What is the average temperature of the destination/s I am travelling to? 
• How many nights am I travelling for? 
• Will I be going out to nice dinners, parties or events?  
• Will I be out in the sun or water? 
• What will I be mostly doing during the day?
• Will I have time to work out?
• Am I visiting any countries or attractions where modest dress is required? 
• Is this outfit comfortable for a full day of walking? 
• What will I wear on travel days, to and from the destination?

11. Avoid items that wrinkle 

Avoid items that wrinkle, point blank. Trust me you won’t have the time or energy to be ironing your favourite shirt. 

Whether you’re travelling for work or leisure, save space and leave clothes that wrinkle behind. 

Moving on to more carry-on travel hacks.

12. Don’t forget insurance 

Just because you are carrying light doesn’t mean you’re not still at risk. Yes, you have minimised or eliminated the risk of lost luggage but you are still at risk of sickness, injury, theft, travel cancellations and other unfortunate circumstances. 

It’s simple, if you can’t afford travel insurance , you can’t afford to travel.

Besides your passport, travel insurance is the most important thing to take with you, even if you’re only travelling a short way. I’ve heard way too many horror stories from people who either needed it and didn’t have it or had to use it, and it’s just not worth the risk. And be sure to read your insurance policy carefully so you are aware of what you are and aren’t covered for. 

For example, riding a Vespa is not generally covered under a standard policy. If you fall off, injure yourself, damage the vehicle and need to book the first flight out for medical care, you won’t receive any compensation. 

Why do I know this, cause it, unfortunately, happened to my housemate. She was left with a huge bill that could have been avoided. 

Plus travel insurance does not have to be an expensive bill. It’s usually pretty cheap, especially for quick trips so there’s literally no excuse not to get it!

Safety Wings, Nomad Insurance is a program worth checking out, but you should always speak to your travel agent or do your own research to find the right fit for you. 

13. Consider your gadgets and entertainment 

If you are travelling with tech, take an ultra-slim, lightweight laptop or even better a tablet.

For shorter trips consider what you really need. Are you actually going to spend any time on a laptop or can you make do with your phone? Can you make do with taking photos on your phone instead of bringing your camera?

Planning on reading several books on your trip by the beach? Trade the hardcopies for a lightweight Kindle or tablet. 

The more tech you travel with the more chargers and adapters you will need which will add weight to your luggage fast. 

Speaking of adapters, don’t forget your international travel adapters. If you are on the go for an extended period of time and need to charge your phone, pack a wireless portable charger. 

Earphones are a non-negotiable and a must for my travels, especially if travelling via a plane. Pack your favourite earphones instead of your bulky headphones. 

14. Layer your travel outfit

Wear your bulkiest jacket, your scarf, and bulky sneakers on the plane. If you get warm on the plane, simply un-layer. Doing so will save you from shoving even more items into your hand luggage and going over the weight restriction. 

Even better, if you have a jacket with pockets, use that as storage! Pop additional items that you may need on the first day of your travels in the jacket such as your iPhone charger, wallet and a few toiletry necessities. 

This is great if you are also over the baggage allowance after doing a bit too much shopping on your trip! We’ve all been guilty of that!

15. Utilise empty spaces in your luggage items

When packing, cleverly place smaller valuables inside other items. 

Pop your jewellery or sunglasses inside your shoes or coat pockets. Roll up valuables in your clothes to protect them and make use of luggage pockets for extra storage and organisation. 

16. Consider using a packing app

Free phone apps such as PackKing can create free packing checklists based on the travel destination, duration of stay and planned activities, plus information on nearby laundromats. 

17. After you pack, try to reduce your luggage by another 20 per cent

Once you have finished packing, step back and re-assess whether your packed items are essential or can be left behind. 

After all, you can purchase additional essentials at your destination if you change your mind and plan to visit a local laundromat or do a load of washing in your hotel. You won’t be stuck wearing dirty clothes with unwashed hair. 

18. Wash as you go

Do your research ahead of time to choose accommodation with laundry facilities. Or, check out where the closest laundromat is. 

Luckily, if you’re travelling on a budget, hostels generally have laundry facilities on site. If you’re splurging on a luxury hotel, check out if they have washing services. Even some Airbnb hosts offer washing and folding for you for a small fee. 

If not, as long as you have access to a sink or bathtub, you can wash clothes while you’re travelling if you really have to. Or do what I’ve done in the past and bring your dirty clothes in the shower with you. I prefer to bring a laundry bar of soap to scrub the dirt away and avoid spillage. 

Once you’ve washed your clothes, grab some coat hangers and find spots around the room to hang them dry.

19. Keep calm and carry on! 

Last on the list of my carry-on travel hacks is to act confident and no one will question you!

If you think your hand luggage is slightly over the limit, don’t panic. Oftentimes times airlines won’t weigh carry-on luggage unless it is visibly over-size. When lugging your bag around make it look easy. 

If you make your bag look light as a feather you will likely not have any trouble. If you do run into trouble and can’t place items in your person or in your personal bag, consider whether it’s cheaper to pay the excess baggage charge, or to dispose of some items such as toiletries that you can buy at your destination. 

And remember, if you do forget something, it’s usually not a big deal. You can often make do without it or purchase it at your destination. 

I hope these carry-on travel hacks have helped you plan what to take next time you’re travelling with hand luggage only. 

FAQs: Best Carry On Travel Hacks

How do i maximize my carry-on luggage.

To maximize your carry-on luggage, start by selecting versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. 

Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space and reduce wrinkles. Use packing cubes or compression bags to organize and compact your belongings efficiently. 

I also suggest you invest in travel-sized toiletries or reusable containers to minimize liquid restrictions. 

Wear your bulkiest items, like jackets or heavy shoes, on the plane to free up space in your carry-on. Lastly, be mindful of the airline’s specific carry-on size and weight restrictions to avoid any surprise fees or issues during boarding.

What is the 123456 rule?

The “123456 rule” is a handy principle for efficient packing when travelling. This rule recommends packing one hat, two pairs of shoes (one for walking, one for dressing up), three bottoms (like pants or skirts), four tops (such as shirts or tanks), five pairs of socks, and six pairs of underwear. 

Following this rule can help you ensure you have a variety of outfits for different occasions while still keeping your packing manageable and organized. It’s a practical way to plan your travel wardrobe without overpacking.

What is the rule of 3 when packing?

Here’s the lowdown on the ‘Rule of 3’ for packing . Instead of overloading your suitcase with outfits for every possible scenario, pack with the mindset that every item you bring should work for at least 3 different occasions. 

Think of it as your clothing’s triple duty – it should fit in at dressy events, professional settings, and casual outings. So, when you’re putting together your travel wardrobe, choose pieces that can be mixed and matched to create versatile outfits for various occasions. 

This way, you can pack light and still be prepared for whatever comes your way during your trip.

What can I pack with only a carry-on?

Packing with only a carry-on requires careful selection of versatile and essential items to maximize space while adhering to airline size and weight restrictions. 

Here’s a list of what I pack in my carry-on-only bag. 

1. Tops -Pack 3-4 tops that can mix and match with your bottoms.

2. Bottoms – Include 2-3 bottoms, like pants, skirts, or shorts.

3. Outerwear – One lightweight jacket or cardigan for layering.

4. Underwear and Socks – About a week’s worth.

5. Pajamas – A comfortable set or just a sleep shirt if space is tight.

6. Swimwear – If needed for your destination.

7. Shoes – Three pairs max—comfortable walking shoes, casual shoes, and maybe a pair of dressier shoes if required.

8. Accessories – A versatile scarf, belt, and minimal jewellery.

Toiletries and Personal Items

9. Travel-sized Toiletries – Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, and a small razor.

10. Toothbrush and Floss – A compact toothbrush with a cover and a small roll of dental floss.

11. Medication – Prescription medications and basic first aid supplies.

12. Cosmetics – Essential makeup items in travel-sized containers.

13. Haircare – Minimal hair styling products and tools.

14. Travel Towel – A compact, quick-drying towel.

15. Personal Documents – Passport, ID, travel insurance, and copies of important documents.

Electronics

16. Laptop/Tablet – If necessary for work or entertainment.

17. Chargers – Chargers for your devices.

18. Adapter – If traveling internationally.

Miscellaneous

19. Travel Pillow -An inflatable or compressible travel pillow.

20. Reusable Water Bottle – Stay hydrated on your journey.

21. Entertainment – A book, e-reader, or tablet for entertainment.

21. Snacks – A few snacks for the journey.

Remember to wear your bulkiest clothing items and shoes on the plane to save space in your carry-on. 

Thank you to our Guest Writer, Olivia!

Olivia is an accomplished Australian travel blogger in her 20s on a mission to seize every opportunity, one destination at a time. Defining Decade is here to be your trusty travel sidekick, your go-to for inspiration, and your roadmap for making the most of this pivotal chapter in your life.

• EXPLORE Random Article

How to Travel Light

Last Updated: September 27, 2023 References

This article was co-authored by Angela Rice and by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Hall . Angela Rice is a Luxury Travel Specialist and Co-Founder of Boutique Travel Advisors, a luxury travel advising business in Phoenix, Arizona. Angela specializes in consulting and curating highly customized and unique travel itineraries for clients seeking luxury, group, and multi-generational family travel. Angela studied at Arizona State University and The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business. She has prior consulting experience in accounting and business, which helps her run her business behind the scenes. Angela has been featured in The Washington Post, Reader's Digest, Travel Weekly, USA Today, Travel Market Report, Phoenix Magazine, and MSN. She is also a frequent guest on WBBM News Radio 105.9 FM's Travel Tuesday show. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 174,077 times.

Packing for a trip should be about getting together the essentials, not filling up a suitcase with your whole wardrobe. Too much baggage will weigh you down during your travels, and it can be expensive if you're traveling by plane. Fortunately, traveling heavy is completely avoidable. By downsizing your luggage, packing more efficiently, and being selective with your clothes, you can travel light on your trip.

Downsizing Your Luggage

• Don’t spread your travel belongings out across multiple bags if it’s not necessary. One full suitcase will be easier to travel with than two half-full suitcases.
• If you’re flying to your destination, try to fit all your belongings in a carry-on size bag. It will be easier to get on and off the plane, and you won’t have to pay to check a bag.

Packing Efficiently

• If you can’t find a travel-size option for something, buy a small, refillable travel bottle and fill it with the product you want to take with you. [7] X Research source

Downsizing Your Travel Wardrobe

• If the weather is calling for rain, pack an unopened rain poncho instead of a bulky rain jacket. It will take up less space in your bag.
• If you're traveling somewhere cold, pack clothes you can layer up with instead of a heavy winter coat to save space in your bag.

• For men, basic button-up shirts in neutral shades are a versatile item that will go well with anything.
• For women, pack a simple black dress that you can dress up or down depending on the occasion. A blazer is also a great choice that you can wear casually or in a more formal setting.

• If you’re going somewhere warm, particularly the beach, pack flip flops or sandals instead of sneakers. They take up half the space and your feet will be more comfortable in the heat.

• To save even more room in your bag, skip packing laundry detergent and buy some when you arrive at your destination. If there’s nowhere to buy detergent, wash your clothes with liquid dish soap instead. [11] X Research source
• Pack a stain remover pen in your bag. It won’t take up much room, and it will be more convenient than washing your clothes. [12] X Research source

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Angela Rice. Travel Specialist. Expert Interview. 18 September 2020.
• ↑ https://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/how-to-pack-light-tips-from-a-master-packer/40625c8c-8a11-5710-a052-1479d2766ce0
• ↑ https://www.skyscanner.net/news/15-best-ever-packing-tips
• ↑ https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/advice/2012/12/12/10-packing-tips-every-traveler-should-know/1764207/
• ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/us-news-travel/how-to-pack-light-9-tips_b_3354703.html
• ↑ http://travelfashiongirl.com/5-tips-to-travel-size-toiletries-for-minimalist-travelistas/
• ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/pack-it-all-in--without-overstuffing-or-suffering/2015/08/06/794de9d6-3566-11e5-adf6-7227f3b7b338_story.html

About this article

To travel light, pack versatile items that will go well with anything, like simple outfits that can be dressed up or down depending on accessories or shoes. Additionally, limit yourself to 1 pair of casual walking shoes and 1 pair of nicer shoes since they’re bulky items. You can also use travel-sized toiletries or buy small tubes of toothpaste and shampoo once you arrive at your destination. To learn how to downsize your luggage, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Traveling with Sweeney

Inspiration and information for the best in luxury, cultural, and active travel, traveling light: packing tips for the 21st century.

Editor’s Note 9/1/2019: Also be sure to check out our latest post with great tips for helping you pack your bags and get traveling — Packing Light: Tips for Women Travelers !

By TWS contributor Kristan Lawson

Great packing tips for traveling light

When did everyone forget how to pack.

After a recent stay-at-home decade I have started traveling again — and I’m aghast at everyone’s poor packing skills.

When I was younger, I went through the customary “backpack around the world” phase, and in those days — the ’80s and ’90s — most of my fellow travelers seemed to be backpackers as well, and our goal was to travel as lightly as possible. Sure, there were a few people stuck in a time warp still using hard-sided luggage left over from the 1960s, but it seemed that the era of unwieldy and heavy hand-carried luggage was coming to an end.

Now, in my newly reignited wanderlust I was eagerly looking forward to discovering how the ongoing miniaturization of all our travel essentials surely must have made our luggage smaller and lighter than ever before.

Boy, was I wrong. Fast-forward to 2013 and suddenly it seems that everyone on every flight — even five-year-old kids and college students bumming around Europe — has klutzy wheeled luggage too heavy to even carry (not that they try). Sometimes even two or three bags.

I don’t even want to know what could possibly be inside all that luggage — all I see is how unnecessarily large and heavy their bags seem. Hadn’t we moved past all that?

Time to chuck it all overboard and start from scratch. Fellow travelers: Consider this your refresher course on How to Pack .

Over the past year I’ve developed and finely honed a world-travelers’ packing list designed to cut out all the weight and bulk yet keep all the modern essentials.

The following list may seem to have a lot of items, but most of them are very small and hardly weigh anything. 75% of the entries below combined weigh less than one unnecessary pair of shoes.

Ready for some packing tips? Let’s travel light!

Everything (except clothing) for a ten-day trip overseas

The Ultimate 21st-Century Packing List

The Essentials passport credit card

That’s all you need, really. The list could end right here. You need a passport to get on the plane, and with a credit card you can buy whatever you need at your destination. Even so, acknowledging that everything which follows is non-essential, let’s continue:

Money debit card $100 worth of cash in local currency $50 in US cash

Since I don’t recommend bringing a wallet (as we’ll see below), you still might need some cash to get to your departure airport, and to have on hand in case of unforeseen pre-flight emergencies. Upon arrival at your destination, often the first few hours are the most confusing, and exchange rates at airports are often a ripoff, so I recommend getting a bit of foreign cash ahead of time back at home (most major banks in the US offer some foreign exchange at decent rates) to tide you over you when you arrive. If you need more foreign cash for a longer trip, withdrawing it using a debit or credit card at a bank once you arrive is safer than the old-school method of carrying around a big wad of bills or travelers’ checks.

The real essentials, all of which fit neatly in a passport pouch worn at all times: passport, credit and debit cards, cash, house key, memory card

Information airplane ticket/flight info hotel booking info maps and itineraries

Optional: address/phone/email contact list bus schedules/transit info guidebook

Postmodern travelers may try to dispense with paperwork altogether, preferring to keep all information and lists electronically on their smartphones or computers. Personally, I don’t like being that reliant on machines, so I like to bring printouts of various essentials — flight and hotel info, maps, etc. ¬— making it easy (and safer) to refer to them in stressful situations. I also like to bring paper versions of my contact list and transit schedules, though not everyone may need this.

As the author of several guidebooks myself, its painful to admit that guidebooks have become nonessential, but I gotta be honest: the web-connected smartphone has replaced the guidebook for many travelers. If you’re still old-school and want a real guidebook in your hands, bring one that is small and lightweight; even consider tearing out and discarding unnecessary chapters ahead of time, to lighten the load.

Photography pocket-sized digital camera battery charger for camera memory card reader

Optional: USB cable for connecting camera to computer

In the old days, if you needed to travel with a decent camera, you were forced (as I was) to lug around not only a heavy, clunky and delicate SLR, but also its case, an extra lens, and several rolls of film. Now, all of that can replaced by a single high-end digital pocket camera that’s one-eighth the size and one-tenth the weight. The quality of even mid-range digital pocket cameras has risen so high that only professional photographers on assignment really need to bring a full-size DSLR anymore. (I myself, as a semi-pro photographer, bring two high-end pocket cameras, but most people can get by with one.) The one downside of digital cameras is the need to recharge their batteries frequently, but luckily their battery chargers are generally quite small.

Many travelers foolishly leave all their digital pictures on their cameras (and nowhere else) for the entire trip; and if the camera gets lost or stolen on the last day, they lose everything. Don’t make that mistake: Bring a memory card reader (such as an SD card reader) so that each night you can offload all your photos to your computer or tablet, safeguarding them if your camera is later lost. (I myself also bring a small cable to connect my cameras to my computer, just in case the card reader breaks; but not everyone needs to have this backup.

Computing and Electronics MacBook Air/iPad/other ultra-compact computer power adapter for computer iPhone/other smartphone iPhone/iPod power cable spare 32gb SD card 3 electrical converter plugs headphones

Optional: iPod 4gb USB thumb drive pocket watch

All my electronic and photographic needs

Long gone are the days when writers needed to carry along a travel typewriter or even a heavy laptop. If you need (or want) to write on your journey, it’s best to bring either an 11″ MacBook Air (the smallest and lightest of portable computers), or an iPad or similar tablet computer (if you don’t mind the on-screen keyboards). There are a few other ultra-compact notebooks, but I prefer the Air for being the most stable and resilient. The main drawback of “ultra-compacts” are their power adapters, which in some cases weigh as much as the computer itself.

Many Americans these days can’t seem to survive without a smartphone, so it goes on the list, although be forewarned that your call and data plan will likely not work in most foreign countries, and you’ll have to buy a new SIM card and calling plan to make your phone fully functional overseas. To keep it running, you’ll also need a charging cable, not to mention some electrical converter plugs so you can recharge all your electronics in foreign electrical outlets.

As someone who creates a lot of “digital content” (i.e. photos and writing) on my travels, I’m always paranoid that my computer will be stolen during the trip, and along with it all my files and pictures. The solution? A spare 32gb SD memory card, which is more than big enough to contain all my photos and writing. Every night, after uploading my photos from my camera to my computer, I then copy them once again from my computer onto my 32gb card — which I then slip into my passport pouch and carry around with me at all times . That way, even if my computer is stolen from my hotel room, or my luggage is swiped, I still have all my data safely around my neck.

Personal Care toothpaste toothbrush dental floss portable hairbrush sunscreen prescription and over-the-counter medicines shaving razor makeup

Optional: anti-perspirant lipscreen vitamins/supplements cough drops earplugs sleep mask anti-bacterial wipes/lotion/spray feminine hygiene products contraceptives hair care products

Personal care products (at least the ones suitable for display)

Bring everything you need to take care of your body, but don’t go overboard, and try to keep it small. If you have prescription medicines, don’t bring the whole bottle — just enough pills to last for the journey. Bring travel-size tubes of toothpaste and sunscreen, not big heavy full-size ones. The little things add up. I have trouble sleeping in strange environments, so I bring earplugs and an eye-covering sleep mask. And to keep infectious diseases at bay, consider preventive measures like vitamins, cough drops and anti-bacterial products. Again, in small amounts.

What we’ve packed so far

Everything you see in the first photo and listed so far

Everything you see in the first photo and listed so far easily condenses down to a small pile not much bigger or heavier than a single high-school textbook.

Back to our packing tips

Clothing shirts pants lightweight sweater socks shoes underwear nightwear

Optional: hat sunglasses swimsuit

This category is where most people go wrong when it comes to packing. Take it from generations of weary travelers: KEEP IT TO A MINIMUM. Whatever you aren’t wearing at any given moment, you must personally carry in your bag. Don’t drag around an entire closet. Choose clothes based as much on their weight as on their fashion or function. Generally, tourists like to travel during the summer and/or prefer warm destinations anyway, so most of the time you really aren’t going to need a lot of heavy clothing, unless you’re absolutely sure you’re headed somewhere cold. On past trips, whenever I brought too much clothing, I always regretted it; but I never regretted bringing too little. Why? Because in a worst-case scenario when a snow-storm strikes Tahiti, you can always simply buy a jacket or warmer clothing while on the road. Think of them as souvenirs.

For a ten-day trip I bring 3 shirts, 2 pairs of pants, 1 lightweight sweater, 3 pairs of socks, 3 pair of underwear, 1 pair of shoes, and a very lightweight pair of pajama bottoms. All cotton. It’s easy enough to wash things in the sink and dry them in your room, or pop them in a washing machine if you’re somewhere civilized. I also am sensitive to the sun so I need a hat and sunglasses, but that’s just me.

If you know ahead of time that you’ll attend a formal ball or a cosplay convention, then you may need to bring extra specialty clothing, but the average traveler just needs the basics.

This is all the clothing I need for a ten-day trip (aside from the outfit I’m wearing), including daypacks, swimsuit, and hat

Miscellaneous passport pouch small portable backpack small portable shoulder bag non-leak pens mini sewing kit rubber bands plastic bags front door key only

Optional: pencil small notepad safety pins water purifying filter or tablets bug spray

I always bring a “daypack” — an extremely lightweight small backpack — for outdoor excursions when the rest of my stuff is back in my room; and also a similarly lightweight shoulder bag for “indoor excursions” (like museums or temples) when a backpack might seem awkward. If you bring a pen, make sure it’s the kind with a sealed ink cartridge — nothing is worse than a pen leaking ink all over your possessions.

As for the front door key to my home: I slip it into my passport pouch alongside my 32gb memory card, so I know it’s always safe.

If you’re heading somewhere tropical, bring bug spray and some way to purify water; but otherwise leave those at home.

Food airport/flight snacks

Optional: energy bars

I like to bring some small snacks with me as I first depart, because I often find myself getting hungry waiting for my flight at the airport. But make sure you eat it all or discard it after the first day — food can weigh your bag down. My travel partner has hypoglycemia, so I pack a couple of emergency energy bars as well, in case of an unexpected drop in blood sugar.

Every single thing mentioned in the list, including the clothing, comfortably fits into a mid-sized backpack.

Every single thing mentioned in the list, including the clothing, comfortably fits into a mid-sized backpack, with plenty of room to spare — and which easily slips under the seat (or in the overhead compartment) on an airplane. Total weight (not including backpack and the clothes I’m wearing): 12 pounds .

DON’T Bring wallets full key rings large notebook address book books to read umbrellas large or heavy laptop computer jacket

This is the most important category of all when it comes to traveling light. Leave everything unnecessary at home. This includes your wallet and your key ring, which will just be a burden and a temptation for pickpockets on your trip. Put your credit card and debit card, along with your large cash bills, your passport, your memory card and your single house key in your passport pouch , which you should wear around your neck (under your clothing) whenever you leave your hotel room. Leave your pockets free for small bills and change. Don’t bring big writing pads or address books. Don’t even bring a book to read — savor each moment on your trip. If it rains or gets cold, just buy an umbrella or jacket there. And keep your electronics small and light at all costs.

One last note: I recommend putting everything in transparent zip-lock bags, which are almost weightless; if you’re not careful, just the containers (heavy pouches, bags, cases, etc.) can weigh down your bag. Transparent bags also make things easy to find, and as a bonus enable you to slip easily through customs, since it doesn’t look like you’re hiding anything.

Here’s the full list, which you can copy, save and adapt for your own future trips:

passport credit card debit card $100 worth of cash in local currency $50 in US cash airplane ticket and flight info hotel booking info maps and itineraries pocket-sized digital camera battery charger for camera memory card reader MacBook Air or iPad or other ultra-compact computer power adapter for computer iPhone or other smartphone iPhone/iPod power cable spare 32gb SD memory card 3 electrical converter plugs headphones toothpaste toothbrush dental floss portable hairbrush sunscreen prescription and over-the-counter medicines shaving razor makeup shirts pants lightweight sweater socks shoes underwear nightwear passport pouch small portable backpack small portable shoulder bag non-leak pens mini sewing kit rubber bands plastic bags front door key only airport/flight snacks

Optional: address/phone/email contact list bus schedules and transit info guidebook USB cable for connecting camera to computer iPod 4gb USB thumb drive pocket watch lipscreen vitamins and supplements cough drops earplugs sleep mask anti-bacterial wipes/lotion/spray antiperspirant feminine hygiene products contraceptives hair care products hat sunglasses swimsuit pencil small notepad safety pins water purifying filter or tablets bug spray energy bars

Note: For more and updated information about permitted items in carry-on and checked luggage: Transportation Safety Administration

What are your packing tips?

Photos courtesy of Kristan Lawson.

About the author:

Kristan Lawson is an author and photographer who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is also co-author of several travel guidebooks .

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32 thoughts on “ Traveling Light: Packing tips for the 21st century ”

Thanks very much for this helpful post! We’re heading off to South East Asia next month and your tips have given us some useful ideas for packing over the next few weeks!

Super list, Kristan, and I appreciate the photos to make your point! You’ve set a new standard for down-sizing my gear, and I will see how close I can come for the next trip…meaning next week. 🙂

Glad the photos proved helpful, Anita! It’s a little embarrassing to reveal my personal belongings to the world, but visually showing how packing light should be done can be even more inspirational than a mere description.

Love it! I do use Eagle Creek Pack-it! Folders and Cubes – they don’t add any noticeable weight and they slide easily (with plenty of room to spare) into my 55L pack.

I think the airlines are screwing it up for us. Those kids and adults with the “klutzy wheeled luggage too heavy to even carry (not that they try). Sometimes even two or three bags.” are packing that way because many airlines (in the US anyway) are charging for checked bags. Yes, even if you only check one, single bag, many airlines will slap a $25 fee on top of the already costly ticket.

As I understand it, the checked bag fees are related to reductions in ground crew staff and the airlines’ efforts to reduce the overhead of salaries. However, in doing so the airlines are creating long TSA lines and far too many departure delays as so many traveling nowadays cram what seems to be their entire lives into carry-on bags…even toddlers who are often used as “mules” for the adults.

Interesting theory about how airline policies strongly affect packing habits! You may be correct.

An intriguing alternative theory that occurred to me: There seems to be a backlash against miniaturization in recent years, especially amongst hipsters and young folks. Examples: “ear bud”-style headphones nowadays can have excellent audio quality, and are very tiny — and yet many people under 25 have inexplicably “reverted” to wearing large clunky noise-cancelling old-style headphones, popularized by the “Beats by Dr. Dre” brand, even though they’re much more unwieldy and heavy than small ear buds of almost the same audio quality. Another example: When cell phones first appeared long ago, they were extremely heavy and thick, and everyone cheered when they became slimmer and lighter with every passing year. But in the last 18 months or so, Samsung has begun increasing the size of its cell phones, until they’re now as heavy as they were 15 years ago — and yet these new mega-phones are very popular.

I suspect the average consumer is not putting enough thought into what might be termed “micro-ergonomics” versus “macro-ergonomics,” and are now opting for the latter at the expense of the former. Yes, it may be more convenient to have a full-size easy-to-open umbrella for when it rains, but the trade-off is that when it isn’t raining (which is most of the time, usually) it’s better to have a small folding umbrella which can be stowed away easily. One must weigh the pros and cons in each case, and too many people are choosing options that are convenient when in use but inconvenient when not in use.

Catherine, I absolutely love posts like this! Because I think of what do I pack when I finally get to travel overseas? I worry about so many things. I worry about documents (i.e. passport, etc) and that I’m minding my own merry business and a policemen (I work in law enforcement btw…) stops me, “your papers are not in order.” And I get thrown in jail. Yep, I watch way too many movies sometimes. The other is getting ripped off. That I won’t know the $$ end of things overseas.I’m not a total dum-dum but I still worry about these things. That’s why I will take someone with me (whoever is willing to go) who has experience on overseas travel with me the first couple of times. Then, I will go on my own down the road. Thank you again, this was a great post! 🙂

Now these very detailed and useful packing tips. Thank you sooo much.

This packing list includes a lot more than expected. While this isn’t exactly “traveling light” to some, perhaps this is a more civilized and modern approach to what traveling light entails in the 21st century. After all, it is 2013. Interesting read and thanks for the advice, as it was certainly insightful if nothing else.

Wow, great list and very detailed too. I think where I’m going wrong is with the cloths. I have now started to buy cloths from where I travel to. It’s an easier option to packing many cloths.

I have actually been really impressed by how light many travellers are able to pack and how far you can make the right articles of clothing go! With that said, I have also met those who do carry their homes with them and manage to pack an extraordinary number of belongings into one massive backpack! As a result, I think this list was a brilliant plan and will prove very helpful to your readers!

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I am obsessed with traveling light. There are VERY few times when I’ll check a bag… The result is that I’m often wearing the very same thing in a lot of my photos, but so be it!

Indeed very informative blog shared for traveling. Thanks alot!

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This is AMAZING. I always pack too much and my shoulders are dead by the end of a travel day! I’m excited to modify this a little bit for a 14 day trip 🙂 Thank you!

I love the list, and love the advice but for the sake of your fellow travelers, please move the deodorant from the optional list to the essential list 😉

Great tips, but always leave your prescriptions in their original containers! Yes, they are clunky but they won’t cause TSA or customs agents to detain you on illegal drug charges.

Thanks for your input!

My husband was stopped about his perscriptions and asked what each of them was for. They were in the correct bottles. I was on a flight once when a man passed out. There was a Doctor on board and the man’s companion handed the Doctor a bottle holding seven days of medication. The Doctor handed back the bottle and said he couldn’t do anything because he had no idea was the pills were for. I always carry medication in the correct bottles.

I would also move feminine hygiene products out of the optional category. I can say from personal experience that searching for tampons in a small Ecuadorian town is not a fun way to spend part of your trip.

Excellent article. My quandary is what to pack for 2 month trip to a rainy cool climate. I am hindered by the fact that I will be moving from place to place weekly by train and public transit … But these tips are a great start

My husband and I just returned from a seven month vacation. Our most important lesson, PACK LIGHTER. Your suggestions were great. If you really need something, you can buy it once you get there. Make the process of getting there as much fun as being there. Don’t be weighted down with unnecessary “things”. After awhile that heavy luggage feels like a weight around your neck instead of a necessity.

I like to travel light, but for me, one important category is books. I HAVE to have books to read so these days, if I have a long fight at the start (from Australia we’re used to flights of about 24 hours unless we’re heading to Bali), I take one printed book (and look hard for compact versions, not the huge trade variety) and make sure my Kindle has a goodly supply of unread stories. I can’t do without the hard copy of at least one, as the Kindle battery won’t last for over a day and I need it to. By the way, that’s another way to carry guide books. My other comment relates to cotton clothing – pure cotton can take a long time to dry, and crease something awful, especially if you have no access to an iron. I find cotton mixed with elastane, or viscose or bamboo knits work much better and dry well and swiftly. I make most of my clothese, but a good pair of travel pants and jacket are essential.

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Um. You can’t always buy what you need. Just returned from 16 days in Cuba. Not much to buy there. Going to Haiti today. Can’t buy anything there either. I still travel with hand baggage only. Bring water bottle and Steri – pen!

Just read your article Catherine and am very impressed. For the last few years I’ve only used cabin baggage, plastic zip lock bags, etc. But you’ve suugested tips that I hadn’t thought of, which has inspired me to cut back even more. Thanks

Great article! I keep trying to reduce my “must haves” and not filling my suitcase (if it starts out full, what to do with souvenirs?). My “perfect” trip is one where I have used everything I packed. I do have a comment re prescriptions. I take 21 pills a day, so if I had to take the original bottles, I would need an additional suitcase! So, in addition to my daily baggies of pills, I have a bunch of 21 bags that contain one pill each, labeled, plus photos of all my prescription bottles, so the labels can be read, plus a list from my pharmacy of all my prescriptions. This has actually been the one thing I haven’t needed to use, so far no one has questioned my prescription baggies.

Excellent list, but I would add a few things that add hardly any weight or bulk:

First, you dont put a pen on your list even though there is a picture of one in your guide. You have to fill out customs forms everywhere you go.

I would also pack a rain poncho. They are extremely light and even in hot climates (tropics) there are rain storms.

How about a coin-purse? You can keep bills and cards in it but in Europe and the UK you accumulate massive amounts of change in a short time. It is not like the US where everything is bills, there are 5 euro coins etc.

Sorry, you do have a pen but I missed it because it said “non-leak pen”.

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How to Pack Light when Travelling

Weight limits imposed by airlines and travel companies and a desire to collect some souvenirs serves the need to understand how to pack light, we hope this article assists you whether taking a tour to New Zealand, Europe or Britain . Odyssey Traveller is a Antipodean travel company serving World Travellers since 1983 with small group educational tours for senior couples and mature solo travellers.

10 Oct 22 · 10 mins read

25 Tips to Travel Light

Packing light isn’t easy, but if done properly it can bring unheard benefits to your travels. By streamlining your packing down to hand luggage only, you can save a great deal of money on check-in fees, reduce your carbon footprint as a lighter plane uses less fuel, and skip those darned long check-in and baggage claim ques! Then when arriving at a new place, it’s so much easier to move around with light luggage, rather than being encumbered by a massive suitcase.

Travelling light doesn’t mean you need to make any major sacrifices. All that’s required is a few changes with your luggage, prioritising what you really need, and you won’t even notice what you’ve left behind. You’ll realise it’s possible to significantly trim down your packing weight and save space in your bags while still travelling in comfort and style.

At Odyssey Traveller, we’ve compiled 25 of our favourite packing tips to help you do so. These tips are part of our general advice for mature and senior travellers on our small group tours but are useful for travellers of all ages.

In addition, all of our programs come with detailed:

• Country-specific advice
• Reading suggestions
• Advice on visa applications for the countries being visited
• A list of inclusions and exclusions
• Plus, other important relevant information to assist you in planning your trip.

Find out more about our tours here or read on for our comprehensive tips for travelling light.

Check your airlines’ luggage policies

Airlines generally don’t charge passengers anything extra to bring abroad one personal item and one carry-on bag. Generally, these items must be able to fit an overhead compartment or under the seat.

However, rules regarding the size and weight of these items are not standardised. For example, the allowable size for your free under seat bag is 40cm x 25cm x 20cm on Ryanair, but 45cm x 36cm x 20cm on easyJet. Some airlines charge extra for bags that weigh more; others are concerned only with measurements. Restrictions on your personal item also differ. Some airlines limit the item to something small like a handbag or a thin laptop. Some also include both your carry-on bag and your personal item in their weight limits.

It’s best to check your airlines’ latest carry-on rules before packing so you don’t get caught off guard. If you have connecting flights, make sure to check the policies of each airline you are flying with and not just the one you bought the tickets through. Be especially careful with European-based airlines. Although they may offer cheap flights, they are known to have the strictest policies around weight and size limits for carry-on bags, and may end up costing you much more.

Choose the right bag

The best way to pack less is to use a smaller bag. As you’ll have less space to work with, you won’t feel compelled to bring as much and will have to prioritise. Consider taking a smaller suitcase or backpack, depending on the type of travelling you’re doing. A wheeled suitcase will work fine for a holiday where you’re not travelling around as much, such as at a resort. Otherwise, a backpack is much more versatile and easier to move around with.

It’s also crucial to consider the weight of your luggage bag itself when packing. Larger rolling carry-on bags can be quite heavy, using up your valuable weight limits. Choose bags with a light a weight as possible for your foundation.

Weigh your bag

Weigh your bags before heading to the airport, rather than just guessing how heavy they are. You don’t want to find out last minute that your bag is heavier than allowed and end up having to play for checked baggage. Buy a cheap set of travel scales to make sure you’re staying within the airline carry-on weight limits. Bring it with you to use again if you’re planning to also go carry-on on your return trip.

Think outside the bag

If you require the use of heavier items when travelling, it may make more sense not to bring them in your bags but rather rent it there or even ship it over to your destination. For example, if you’re going on a biking adventure over several days, it may be better to ship over your bike that you’re used to riding. But if you only need gear for a day or two, it’s probably better to rent. Of course, if renting is expensive, it may end up cheaper to just bring your gear with you.

Organized Packing

Stick to a packing list.

A huge mistake when packing is adding much more than you actually need. Filling up extra space with non-essential items is tempting but it will just result in weighing you down. Rather than just going through your things and adding them to suitcase, it’s best to make a packing list and stick to it. Think about all your planned clothes and gears carefully and add all the things you absolutely need to the list before packing. If you’re not a hundred per cent sure if you’ll need something, don’t bring it. For any last-minute emergencies, you can usually find most things at your destination.

Pack the day before

Don’t leave packing until the last moment. If you’re too hurried, you might get stressed and stuff your bag too full of items you don’t really need.

Roll your clothes

Take up less space in your bag by rolling up clothes. Lay out two or three pieces flatly on top of each other and roll tightly from one end. Squeeze air and wrinkles out as you go. This works best with softer fabrics that are less likely to wrinkle, such as cotton and wool. Studier fabrics, such as denim jeans, are better to fold.

Use packing organisers

Maximise space and keep your things organised by using packing organisers, such as packing cubes, stuff sacks, and compression bags. Organising clothes in packing cubes, rather than putting them straight in your bag, makes them easier and quicker to find. They also place a natural limit on the number of items you can pack. Stuff sacks are also handy to group underwear and socks, or miscellaneous items you don’t want to just toss into your bag, such as earplugs, jewellery, sewing kit, and gadgets. Compression bags, meanwhile, squeeze things down by removing excess air, helping you to save a huge amount of space. Be careful though, as compressing does not ensure a lighter bag, and can tempt you to overpack.

Don’t pack more than a week’s worth of clothes

If your trip is longer than one week, it’s easier to make time to do laundry along the way.

Bring versatile clothes

Pack versatile clothing items with neutral colours so that you can easily mix and match them all to create several outfit combinations. If an item doesn’t work with multiple outfits, it should be left at home. As should anything that you’d only use on unique occasions. Add small items, such as a bandana, silk scarf, or earrings, for some colour and extra style. And remember it’s okay to repeat outfits.

Bring multi-use shoes

Most travellers only need to bring two pairs of shoes that can be used for multiple purposes. For example, running shoes can be used for running, walking, and hiking. You don’t need a new shoe for every occasion. This means leaving behind bulkier shoes, like high heels or hiking boots, for easier multi-use alternatives if you can. Choose shoes that you can easily match with most outfits.

Don’t pack clothes just in case

Be realistic about the clothes you’ll need and don’t bring along items for the odd chance you’ll need them. If the weather is going to be warm and sunny, then plan for that – don’t bring big, warm clothes just in case. If something happens and you really need an extra layer, you can always buy something there.

Choose lighter fabrics

Swapping out heavy and bulky clothes, such as those made of wool and heavyweight fleece, for more lighter materials can save you a great deal of space and weight and will dry faster after washing. Opt for lightweight fabrics such as silk and synthetics such as nylon and polyester. Although slightly heavier, cotton, linen, and cotton blends are still on the lighter side and are good options to take. Technical gear is especially useful for winter wear. Thin thermal jackets, warm fleece, and clothing made of merino wool will all keep you warm during cold weather without adding weight.

Layer clothes

Bring versatile layers rather than a heavy coat or chunky jumpers and add or remove them as the temperature conditions change. For example, you can layer a short-sleeve shirt with a long-sleeve top, or a add a lightweight jacket in colder climates.

Dress heavy

Wear your bulkiest, heaviest items with you on the plane rather than packing them. This goes for your jeans, boots, cardigans, jacket, and coat. Even if you don’t need a coat on your holiday, one with large pockets can be used on the plane to hold your phone charger, socks, or various other items! Airports are usually kept cold, so you don’t have to worry about overheating. And once on the plane, you can keep cool by turning the overhead fan on.

Limit the toiletries

Leave the toiletry bag behind – – the lightest option is to bring no toiletries with you if possible. Find out if you’re accommodation will provide you with the basics such as shampoo, lotion, or razors. Most other toiletries can be purchased at your destination – even in the most remote locations. And if it’s not something you’ll require every day – such as toothpaste or toothbrush), then you can most likely go without it.

Take smaller sizes

If you do need to take toiletries with you, opt for smaller travel size ones. A 100ml shampoo can last for more than 2 weeks! You can buy travel size bottles from most pharmacies that you can then refill with your favourite product. Or you can transfer your toiletries into travel tubes, pill boxes or storage bottles. And if you run out, you can always top up with any free products from your hotel or replace locally.

Use solid toiletries

Solid toiletries are an even better option for travelling, as they are smaller and lighter than liquids. Solid shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, soap, and even body moisturizer all tend to weigh less than their liquid alternatives. Plus, you won’t have to worry about liquids allowance at the security checks. And they won’t accidentally open and spill everywhere when travelling!

Share your toiletries with your travel partner

If you’re travelling with a friend, there’s no need to double up on most toiletries. Most things you can share. So split the list of what you both require and reduce the weight of both your bags.

Plan on doing laundry

Doing laundry is a necessary part of travelling lightly, but you don’t have to take your bulky laundry items with you. A small bar of soap is all you need to clean your clothes – and it can also be used for your hair, body, and dishes. Your clothes can be washed in your accommodation’s sink or even while you’re showering. Otherwise, most hotels and hostels offer laundry services or washing machines to use. And if not, it’s usually pretty easy to find a cheap local laundry service nearby.

Only take your essential medications

Don’t bring any particular medication you haven’t needed recently, as you’re unlikely to use it while you’re away. Limit the medications to any prescriptions you have, especially if you need to take them on a daily basis. Any other emergency medications can be found at pharmacies at your destination.

Limit the beauty products

Even if you usually have an elaborate beauty regime, you don’t need to bring all your products with you when travelling. Let loose a little and just bring the absolute necessities. The same advice goes for devices like hairdryers, hair straighteners, or curling irons – these can all be left at home.

Electronics

Leave the laptop behind

If you’re going on holidays, then you most likely don’t need your laptop. If there is the odd occasion you might need it, then most smartphones can now do all the things your computer does. For those that struggle to use the phone’s keyboard for writing longer things, a foldable Bluetooth keyboard is a useful tool. This with a phone is much lighter and saves much more space than bringing a laptop.

Take a Kindle

For the book lovers out there, travelling lightly doesn’t mean you have to leave your books behind. Load as many as you like onto your Kindle and save valuable weight that heavy paperback books take up.

Pack small headphones

Your big headphones may provide better quality when listening to music, but they also take up a decent amount of space in you bag when not being used. Take smaller headphones that you can easily roll up and shove into your bag or packet.

Odyssey Traveller Tour Advice

At Odyssey Traveller we have a number of blogs and resources that provide you with general advice for travelling. This advice is particularly intended for senior and mature travellers on our various educational small group tours.

We have some 300 tours listed on our website, from Dinosaurs in Mongolia to a Walking tour of the Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain or the Australian outback. All are designed for active, inquisitive travellers in a small tour group environment with a set itinerary.

We have been serving global travellers since 1983 with educational tours of the history, culture, and architecture of our destinations. We specialise in offering small group tours partnering with a local tour guide at each destination to provide a relaxed and comfortable pace and atmosphere that sets us apart from larger tour groups. Tours consist of small groups of between 6 and 12 people and are cost inclusive of all entrances, tipping and majority of meals. For more information, click here , and head to this page to make a booking.

For more travel advice, check out some of our other blogs, including:

What to pack for holidays.

• Preparing for a walking holiday or tour
• 35 Responsible Travel Tips
• Women’s Walking Shoes: The Definitive Guide

Travel Fitness and Wellness on Small Group Tours

External related articles to assist you on your travels:.

• 101 Packing Light Tips – Traveling Light
• 7 Packing Hacks to Lighten Your Suitcase
• How to pack capsule wardrobe for light travel-Planepack
• What is Responsible Travel? | RoundTrip Foundation
• How to Wash Your Clothes While Traveling: Our Best Tips

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For couples and solo travellers who enjoy the ballet and the arts this 16 day program from Amsterdam to Hamburg and finishing in Paris is a dance delight. Programs and actual performances will vary, but the structure and fabric of the experiences to be enjoyed within a small group remains the cornerstone of your experience on this program.

From A$11,550 AUD

Asia and the Orient

British Isles

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Traveling Light: How to Pack a Carry-on

By Stephanie Rosenbloom

For some travelers, the mere thought of packing a carry-on bag can sour even the most potent vacation anticipation . But packing light can also be a creative endeavor that helps build excitement for your upcoming getaway. And with fees for checked bags on the rise, it makes economic sense to master the art of packing a carry-on. Here are some tips on how to save space — and your sanity.

Get in the minimalist mind-set

If you tend to over-pack, begin by thinking about why you’re traveling in the first place. Doing so may help you focus on the many sights, sounds, scents and tastes you’re about to experience instead of the many outfits you’re unable to cram into your bag.

“It’s all about the mind-set,” said Pauline Frommer, co-president of the Frommer’s Guidebooks and Frommers.com , who has not checked a bag in more than 20 years. “When you’re traveling,” she explained, “it’s more about you seeing the world than the world seeing you.”

Pack colors that coordinate so you can bring fewer items yet still have options, like re-wearing the same pants with various shirts. Darker colors mean a stain won’t render something unwearable. And invest in some technical clothing. Such pieces keep you warm without being bulky, are easy to move in, have pockets for necessities like glasses and cellphones, and resist water as well as odors so they can be worn more than once. Many outdoor apparel brands ( Patagonia and Arc’teryx , to name a couple) make clothes that are great for hiking yet sleek enough to dress up when the sun goes down. Just pack some eye-catching accessories.

“I tend to maybe throw in a necklace,” Ms. Frommer said, which she wears on top of her day clothing “to make it look more dressy.”

Choose your bag

There is no perfect carry-on for everyone. To determine the bag that’s best for you, ask yourself how you’ll be using it. Will you be carrying it long distances, through subway turnstiles and city streets? Or will you typically be rolling off a plane and into a car? Bags with wheels tend to be less taxing on your body, though if you’ll be taking public transportation or flights of stairs, a backpack or lightweight duffel can keep you hands-free and may make for smoother transitions. Also consider the things you’ll be bringing. Structured, harder luggage is often best for keeping dress clothes wrinkle-free and organizing unwieldy items like high heels. That said, a soft duffel bag without wheels has a better chance of being able to squish into an overhead bin.

Nerissa Settie, who, as the butler executive at Raffles Doha in Qatar trains the butler team and oversees day-to-day operations, wrote in an email that “each option offers a different benefit,” with duffel bags providing more depth, and wheeled bags providing more compartments and less strain on your shoulders. If you opt for the latter, buy a bag with four wheels, Ms. Settie advised, which is easier to maneuver along an aircraft aisle.

Whatever bag you choose, know the rules. Carry-on bag dimensions vary by airline, so be sure to check your specific airline’s size and weight requirements, including those of any connecting carriers.

Also pay attention to your route and fare class, which can affect the number of bags you’re allowed to carry on, as well as their weight. And remember: While your bag may comply with the carry-on policy, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be allowed to bring it on. For instance, if you’re in a low boarding group, you’re more likely to have to gate-check your bag. With that in mind, keep essential items like medicines in a small bag that can easily fit under the seat in front of you. If you’re unsure about whether you’re allowed to pack a particular item, check out the government websites for the places you plan to travel through, such as the Transportation Security Administration’s What Can I Bring? page and the European Commission’s Information for Air Travellers page.

Know when to fold ‘em

When it comes to packing your clothes, the question is: Should you fold them flat or roll them? Ms. Settie recommends rolling because it uses less space and results in fewer creases. That’s easy enough with T-shirts, but what about a suit jacket? The butlers at Raffles Doha use a technique that involves turning one shoulder of the jacket inside-out and then tucking the opposite shoulder inside it, aligning the sleeves and then folding the jacket in half while inside-out, which minimizes wrinkling and helps protect the outer layer of the jacket (Ms. Settie shared instructions here ). Or simply wear your blazer onto the plane, something Ms. Settie suggests because jackets and jeans take up a lot of space and weigh more. Besides, she said, doing so gives you “the added benefit of traveling in style.”

As you place items in your bag, think about balance. Put heavier items, like shoes, at the bottom (near the wheels, if your bag has them). Ms. Frommer said she typically packs two pairs and stashes things such as socks and jewelry in them.

Clothing should go toward the top of your bag to reduce creases created from weight, with jackets going in last, Ms. Settie said. You can also add a layer of protection from wrinkles by putting skirts and blouses in plastic dry cleaning bags before folding them flat and then placing them at the top of your bag.

Borrow and buy

A bit of research ahead of time can free up a lot of room. Call your hotel or vacation rental to find out if items like hair dryers and sunscreen are provided so you don’t have to pack your own, and ask if they have washing machines or offer cleaning at reasonable prices.

And don’t worry about packing for every possible eventuality. Buying practical things while you’re away can be great fun. It’s an opportunity to talk with locals, try regional products (like the affordable beauty elixirs found in Parisian pharmacies) and, of course, bring a few treasures home, thanks to all that room that’s left in your bag.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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How could laser-driven lightsails remain stable?

by Brian Koberlein, Universe Today

It's a long way to the nearest star, which means conventional rockets won't get us there. The fuel requirements would make our ship prohibitively heavy. So an alternative is to travel light. Literally. Rather than carrying your fuel with you, simply attach your tiny starship to a large reflective sail, and shine a powerful laser at it.

The impulse of photons would push the starship to a fraction of light speed. Riding a beam of light, a lightsail mission could reach Proxima Centauri in a couple of decades. But while the idea is simple, the engineering challenges are significant, because, across decades and light-years, even the smallest problem can be difficult to solve.

One example of this can be seen in a recent arXiv preprint paper . It looks at the problem of how to balance a lightsail on a laser beam . Although the laser could be aimed directly toward a star, or where it will be in a couple of decades, the lightsail would only follow the beam if it is perfectly balanced.

If a sail is slightly tilted relative to the beam, the reflected laser light would give the lightsail a slight transverse push. No matter how small this deviation is, it would grow over time, causing its path to drift ever away from its target. We will never align a lightsail perfectly, so we need some way to correct small deviations.

For traditional rockets, this can be done with internal gyroscopes to stabilize the rocket, and engines that can dynamically adjust their thrust to restore balance. But a gyro system would be too heavy for an interstellar lightsail, and adjustments of the beam would take months or years to reach the lightsail, making quick changes impossible. So the authors suggest using a radiative trick known as the Poynting–Robertson effect.

The effect was first studied in the early 1900s and is caused by the relative motion between an object and a light source. For example, a dust grain orbiting the sun sees light coming at a slight forward angle due to its motion through sunlight. That little forward component of light can slow down the asteroid ever so slightly. This effect causes dust to drift toward the inner solar system over time.

In this paper, the authors consider a two-dimensional model to see how the Poynting–Robertson effect might be used to keep our lightsail probe on course. To keep things simple, they assumed the light beam to be a simple monochromatic plane wave. Real lasers are more complex, but the assumption is reasonable for a proof of concept. They then showed how a simple two-sail system can use the effects of relative motion to keep the craft in balance. As the sails tilt off course slightly, a restorative force from the beam counters it. Thus proving the concept could work.

However, the authors noticed that over time the effects of relativity come into play. Earlier studies have taken the Doppler effect of relative motion into effect, but this study shows the relativistic version of chromatic aberration would also come into play. The full relativistic effects would need to be accounted for in a realistic design, which would require sophisticated modeling and optics.

So a lightsail still seems like a possible way to reach the stars. We just have to be careful not to make light of the engineering challenges.

Provided by Universe Today

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These Are the Only 3 Outfits You Need to Pack for Any Trip, According to a Carry-on-only Traveler

This foolproof packing list actually doubles the amount of outfits in your suitcase.

• Best Accessories for Travel Outfits

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Daisy Rodriguez

Before I became a travel journalist, I was a buyer in the fashion industry for over 15 years, working with brands such as Brooks Brothers, Michael Kors, and the former Liz Claiborne, so you can say that I have a keen eye for style, quality fabrics, and a good fit. These days, I put my former skills to work in a different way. On average, I travel twice a month and it’s not unusual for me to be zipping through the airport on any given day, so I pack light and maximize the outfits that I’m taking with me. 

At first, it wasn’t easy to streamline my packing lists for each destination; I was always stressed that I had left an essential top, pair of bottoms, jacket — you name it — at home. But, with the help of my former fashion buyer brain, I developed the ultimate travel capsule wardrobe , complete with three foolproof outfits that help me create dozens of looks (without needing to check a bag , I might add). Here are my favorite mix-and-match separates that suit any type of trip itinerary — both work and play — along with some must-have accessories that'll widen your wardrobe horizons. 

Duer LuxTwill Trucker Jacket 

Duer luxtwill high-rise trousers, minnow navy and dusty red stripe sweater.

I’ve been a huge fan of the Canadian clothing company Duer for several years now, and its LuxTwill Trucker Jacket and matching High-Rise Trousers are one of my favorite outfits to bring on work trips. Both the jacket and pants are made of 98 percent cotton and 2 percent elastane, so the pieces have a structured look while allowing for some stretch for comfort.

While it’s a great set, I also love to wear the jacket as a separate, over dresses, leggings, or jeans. And, to save suitcase space, I'll sport it on the plane. I've found that it's a versatile essential that’s great for work and play destinations. The trousers pair well with knits as well as button-front tops. I especially love pairing it with a slouchy novelty sweater like my favorite one from Minnow ; it's an excellent transition piece for spring that works with denim, pants, skirts and shorts and is constructed of a dreamy cotton-cashmere blend, making it super soft and comfortable. 

The timeless nautical pullover is also cozy, but not bulky and the dolman sleeves are fashionable and functional, allowing you to move freely when traveling. I own two of these sweaters and find myself bringing them on work trips and vacations because they match with nearly everything that I own.

To copy the look for less, pair this cropped jacket (on sale for $24) with these $40 high-waisted trousers and this nautical-inspired crewneck sweater that's currently $31 — all from Amazon. 

PrettyGarden Two-Piece Sleeveless Vest and Wide-Leg Pants Set

I’m in love with Amazon's two-piece sets because not only are they available at amazing price points, but they're super sleek and can be styled in so many ways. Here, the vest is drapey and offers a sophisticated and elegant look, although it also works well with denim; when I'm home, I like pairing it with my Everlane Super-Soft Relaxed Jeans for a laidback SoCal vibe, but when I'm on the go, it goes perfectly with the Duer LuxTwill High-Rise Trousers featured above (and I can layer the brand's LuxTwill Trucker Jacket on top or pair the PrettyGarden trousers with my Minnow sweater ). 

The bottoms are like palazzo pants and flare slightly, with a loose fit throughout. I like that they aren’t too tight, making them perfect for work meetings, long travel days, and itinerary-heavy days. They also have functioning pockets that are great for holding your essentials while on the move. The set comes in eight colors and sizes range from S to 2XL. Both pieces are machine washable; I’ve put them to the test in the wash several times and they come out looking just as good as new. A word of advice: Make sure you hang them to dry or lay them flat so they retain good shape.

For a more tailored look, you can get the set with a tighter-fitting cropped vest for $52. But, if this look is too business casual for your destination, I also pulled some stunning two-piece sets; check out the now-viral Anrabess Short-Sleeve Mockneck Sweater Set on sale for $40, the tropical getaway-ready Anrabess Linen Tank Top Matching Set that's currently $30, or the PrettyGarden Rib Knit Matching Set , which trades trousers for an elegant maxi skirt.  

Vuori’s Short-Sleeve Lux Crew Jumpsuit

Vuori makes my favorite activewear, so it’s no surprise that this super-flattering jumpsuit is on my list of favorite travel outfits. The jumpsuit's performance knit is so comfortable, especially in the summer when it feels good to wear loose-fitting clothing, but is also perfect for travel days, road trips, as well as lounging poolside (save room in your carry-on by using it as a swim cover-up). 

To make this outfit extra cool, slip the brand’s Halo Performance Hoodie over it when heading to a Pilates class or an early morning stroll. You can also wear it with a cropped jacket (like the Duer trucker jacket that I mentioned earlier) for a night out on the town. When the dress code calls for something cozier, I'll layer my Minnow sweater on top so it feels like I'm wearing a sweatshirt and sweatpants — even though the combo looks effortlessly chic.  

If you’re not a fan of onesies, don’t fret. Vuori's Villa Wide-Leg Pants can be paired with its Energy Top to serve a similar look. And, if you're looking for more budget-friendly jumpsuits, over at Amazon, you can get the Anrabess Short-Sleeve Crewneck Jumpsuit for $40. 

Travel + Leisure / Jean Chen Smith

Best Accessories for Travel Outfits 

Now, it's time to put the finishing touches on these travel outfits. Similarly, my go-to accessories can be mixed and matched to be styled with different looks, ensuring that everything in your suitcase is functional and will get plenty of use on your trip. Below, you'll find my favorite travel shoes and travel purses to tie your outfits together. 

Kizik Venice Slip-On Sneakers

A while back, I kept seeing these amazing hands-free slip-on shoes that you can put on and take off without having to bend down or fuss with laces. The Venice slip-ons are by far my favorites. They’re easy to slide right into, super lightweight, and hassle-free to pack. I love wearing them on long flights because they don’t feel constricting (plus, they make going through TSA security a breeze and I can easily slide out of them once I'm in my seat). And, when I'm at my destination, their cushy insoles and grippy rubber soles keep my feet comfy and supported when I'm on the move. 

They go with everything and really elevate any outfit. I'll pair them with my Duer set for more casual affairs and use them to make my PrettyGarden vest-trouser duo more playful after work meetings. And, of course, they're the long-lost soulmate for my Vuori jumpsuit , especially on travel days. 

Sapahn Jori Crossbody Bag

I used to be partial to labels and monogrammed bags, but I’m currently loving the Jori Crossbody for day-to-night use. During a recent trip to Santa Barbara, I found myself using it instead of my trusty Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag — which says a lot . Although it looks small, it actually fits everything that I need for a busy day on the go; I can store a small notebook, wallet, makeup compact, and smartphone in there without effort. 

The best feature of this bag is that you can switch out the straps to give it an entirely different look, making it transitional from work to play. There are two pockets inside for organizing smaller items like lipsticks or receipts. It comes in four colors, although the khaki hue is my favorite because it’s great for spring and it goes with everything — whether I'm dressed up in my PrettyGarden vest and wide-leg trousers , dressed down in my Duer LuxTwill Trucker Jacket and matching High-Rise Trousers , or out grabbing coffee in my Vuori jumpsuit .  

Amazon is filled with leather crossbody purses that are equal parts versatile, functional, and stylish — starting with the Gladdon Crossbody Bag (that's on sale for $16), the $13 FashionPuzzle Small Dome Chain Strap Crossbody Bag , and the Afkomst Crossbody Bag , which has a similar gold buckle detail in the center. For extra flair, I also spotted this on-sale Fossil crossbody that has a color-blocking print and a roomy build. 

Milmo 1813 Tote Bag

Milmo's 1813 isn’t just another tote bag, it’s a lifesaver for travel. I often use it as a personal item (paired with my Vuori jumpsuit ) when flying because of its versatility and roominess. I also love that it has a removable and washable interior liner that easily comes out with snap buttons; I don’t have to over-worry about spills and messes (the company also offers a two-year warranty on any defects outside of normal wear and tear). 

Its durable rope handles, which attach along the lower half of the bag, can hold up to 300 pounds, which is why it excels as a travel bag. As a tote, it's elegant, structured design is boardroom-ready (with my PrettyGarden two-piece set) , but it can also be worn as the perfect off-duty bag thanks to its convertible crossbody straps (I can sport it around town in the Vuori jumpsuit or Duer duo when I want to be hands-free). The exterior zip pockets allow for quick and easy access to your essentials while in line at the airport or a local eatery. It comes in four colors, but my choice is green.

Over at Amazon, you can replicate the look by adding the KouLi Buir Quilted Tote Bag ($40) or Missnine Laptop Tote Bag ($30) to your cart. But, if you want vast color options, I recommend the Wrangler Vintage Convertible Tote , which is available in 33 hues and is currently on sale for $49. 

Everlane Day Glove Flats

While I’m a huge fan of my Mansur Gavriel flats , I usually opt for Everlane's Day Gloves when I'm traveling because they’re just so comfortable and sleek. Praised for their buttery soft leather, the shoes mold to your feet for easy movement and endless support. I can take on a full day of walking wearing them. The rubber soles create a solid foundation and provide grippy traction on uneven and slick surfaces.

Made in an Italian factory, they come in 13 colors and sizes from 5 to 11, with the option for narrow or comfort width. I own several colors and rotate them when traveling. Plus, they hardly take up any room in my suitcase, which is always a win if you're a carry-on-only traveler, and can help spruce up professional outfits like the PrettyGarden vest and wide-leg pants , or make laidback styles like the Duer trucker jacket , matching pants , and Minnow sweater dressier.  

Their comfort is hard to match, but Amazon shoppers assure that the Trary Mary Jane Flats are another supportive option (and they're only $35). You can also get the Square-Toe Ankle Strap Ballet Flats , which are teacher-approved , from DreamPairs for $33. Knit flat fans can score the popular Frank Mully Pointed-Toe Flats for $36 thanks to a limited-time deal.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

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WEEKEND RUNDOWN: Here's the biggest news you missed this weekend

Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.

Solar eclipse warnings pile up: Watch out for danger in the sky, on the ground on April 8

Editor's note: An updated cloud forecast for the April 2024 total solar eclipse is in. Read the latest eclipse forecast and news as of Wednesday, April 3 .

The upcoming solar eclipse , as exciting and fun as it promises to be, is also coming with a growing number of safety warnings — both for what will happen in the sky and what will happen on the ground.

In late March, we've heard warnings about potentially dangerous fake eclipse glasses , the possibility for increased car c rashes around the time of the eclipse and possible air travel headaches due to delayed or cancelled flights.

Safety is always a concern around solar eclipses, when millions of people will look to the sky as the moon passes in front of the sun. Looking at the spectacular event requires special glasses to prevent eye damage . Plus, tourists from around the country will be flocking to a narrow band of land from Texas to Maine — the path of totality, where the shadow of the moon will plunge the Earth into darkness.

Warning issued about fake eclipse glasses

"Counterfeit and fake eclipse glasses are polluting the marketplace," the American Astronomical Society announced in a statement in late March.

Using fake eclipse glasses – or no glasses at all – to look at the eclipse is dangerous to your eyes: Overexposure to sunlight "can cause severe eye injury, ranging from temporarily impaired vision to permanent blindness," the AAS said. They recommend buying from a vetted vendor and testing the glasses before the eclipse.

Here's how to tell if your glasses are legit.

It's also worth noting that you may be able to score a free pair of eclipse glasses .

Bad traffic and deadly traffic accidents

Traffic is predicted to be bad and potentially deadly —  especially after the eclipse ends . Millions of people will crowd into the narrow path of totality, then most will attempt to leave all at once as soon as the eclipse is over.

Experts warn the excitement could create dangerous and busy automobile traffic conditions as people pack into the small part of the country with the best view.

Roads could be especially packed at the  center of the eclipse's path  as Americans who  want the best view  crowd into cities, towns and remote areas, many without the infrastructure to handle big crowds.

In Texas, which is expected to bear the brunt of the crowds, the state's Department of Transportation is preparing highway signs that will say, “NO STOPPING ON HIGHWAY TO VIEW ECLIPSE” and “NO PARKING ON SHOULDER, KEEP MOVING.”

Crews in Texas are also pausing some road construction and maintenance work on major corridors in the path of the eclipse April 7-9, based on traffic volumes.

More: The April total solar eclipse could snarl traffic for hours across thousands of miles

When a total solar eclipse passed over the U.S. in 2017, reports say some traffic jams didn't fully clear for more than 12 hours in some areas.

Even worse, a recent study reported that the 2017 eclipse "was associated with increased risks of a fatal traffic crash" – potentially as much as a 31% increase, the  study said .

Air travel also impacted

The  Federal Aviation Administration  (FAA) is offering guidance to commercial planes and private aircraft  ahead of the eclipse .

"Due to the high volume of traffic along the eclipse path, (airport) arrivals can expect lengthy delays during peak traffic periods," the FAA said.

Airports in Texas, Vermont, Maine, Canada, New Hampshire, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri will be primarily affected by the  eclipse , the FAA said.

"The purpose of this notice is to inform airmen of the possible impacts to air traffic and airports along the eclipse path during the period April 7, 2024, (6 a.m. EST) through April 10, 2024, (midnight EST)," the FAA said.

More: What travelers should know about FAA advisory on total solar eclipse before April 8

Contributing: Jonathan Limehouse and Kayla Jimenez, USA TODAY

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Drivers and passengers are urged to spend some time planning their return to work and school journeys from tomorrow, or consider working from home, with major impacts still being experienced across the state’s road and public transport network following this weekend’s severe weather event.

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Watch CBS News

Flying during the solar eclipse? These airports could see delays, FAA says

By Khristopher J. Brooks

Edited By Anne Marie Lee

March 28, 2024 / 7:04 PM EDT / CBS News

Air travel was already expected to pick up next week because of Spring Break, but Federal Aviation Administration officials  said  now until mid-April will be increasingly busy due to "the Great North American Eclipse."

Many Americans are planning on flying on April 8, the day when the U.S. will experience a total solar eclipse that will track across the sky from Texas to Maine. While some eclipse chasers will be heading toward states in its main path, others are timing flights to view it while airborne.

The eclipse "will likely mean crowded parking lots at airports and long lines at security checkpoints," Marisa Garcia, a senior contributor at Forbes,  told  CBS News. 

"It's going to be hectic but fun," she added. "Go with the mindset that it's going to be busy and pack light and pack carefully. Be patient and pleasant with everyone."

Passengers on the day of the eclipse should expect air traffic delays and an unusually high number of drones in the skies, FAA Senior Technical Advisor Kevin Morris said in an advisory  video . 

According to the FAA, these airports could see delays on April 8:

• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Indianapolis
• Kansas City, Missouri
• Toledo, Ohio
• Erie, Pennsylvania
• Austin, Texas
• San Antonio, Texas
• Burlington, Vermont

Garcia said American Airlines could see the biggest delays at Dallas-Fort Worth, the airline's main hub, which is squarely within the eclipse's path of totality  — where it can be seen in full. 

Officials in Erie, Pennsylvania, said they expect roughly 250,000 people to flock to the area for the eclipse. Meanwhile, tourism for the big event is expected to bring $1 billion to Texas . 

• Federal Aviation Administration

Khristopher J. Brooks is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch. He previously worked as a reporter for the Omaha World-Herald, Newsday and the Florida Times-Union. His reporting primarily focuses on the U.S. housing market, the business of sports and bankruptcy.

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