Packing light is hard. But it’s totally worth it! Once you force yourself to pack smarter and lighter, your life on the road becomes so much easier.
Finally, you’ll feel like a bird, not packed like a mule.
A minimalist approach to packing will make you more comfortable and more mobile. By keeping things carry-on size, you can even save a lot of money by avoiding extra check-in fees. And did I mention you can skip the wait at baggage claim?
Don’t pack for the worst-case scenario. Pack for the best-case scenario and simply buy yourself out of any jams.
Whether you’re traveling for three weeks or three months, pack exactly the same. To keep your clothes tightly packed and well organized, zip them up in packing cubes.
A backpack is a lot more versatile. You can easily swing it onto the back of your car. Or you can tuck it under your seat in a bus, or easily secure it inside a locker. And if you need to run to catch that last train, you’re still light on your feet and might actually make it.
Many travel backpacks also come with clever features not usually found on suitcases that can make packing and organizing a lot easier.
Here’s a quick rundown of the main essentials to pack before you leave the house:
- Passport
- Phone charger / portable phone charger
- Cash
- Flip flops (for the hostel bathrooms)
- Water bottle
- Socks
- Sun screen
- Medicines / painkillers
- Any paperwork you may need
- Sanitizer
- Towel
- Clothes
- Sun glasses
- Umbrella
- Trainers