1. The Perfect Carry-On Bag
First rule of packing light? The right bag makes all the difference.
✔ A structured backpack – Great for hands-free travel and fits under budget airline seats.
✔ A small cabin suitcase – I swear by my hard-shell, lightweight carry-on; it forces me to pack only the essentials.
✔ Packing cubes – These save space and keep everything organised (game-changer!).
Pro Tip: Most budget airlines let you bring a personal item + carry-on, so I use my tote bag for essentials like snacks, my Kindle, and a scarf.
2. Clothing: Less is More (Plan Smartly!)
Packing light doesn’t mean wearing the same thing every day; it means choosing versatile pieces.
👖 Two bottoms – I usually bring one pair of jeans and a skirt or trousers that work for day and night.
👕 Three tops – Neutral colours that mix and match easily.
🧥 One lightweight jacket – Weatherproof if needed.
👟 One pair of comfy trainers + a dressier shoe – That’s it.
If I know I’ll need a slightly fancier outfit, I pack a dress that rolls up small and can be dressed up or down.
3. Toiletries & Travel Gadgets
Most hotels and Airbnbs have basic toiletries, so I only pack what I absolutely need:
✔ Mini skincare essentials – Cleanser, moisturiser, SPF (decanted into travel bottles).
✔ Solid toiletries – Shampoo bars and solid deodorant = no liquid restrictions!
✔ Multi-use makeup – A tinted moisturiser, mascara, and lip tint do the job.
And of course, my travel must-haves:
📱 Portable charger – Because running out of battery mid-adventure is a nightmare.
🎧 Noise-cancelling earbuds – For flights, trains, and avoiding loud hotel guests.
📖 Kindle – Saves SO much space compared to carrying books.
4. Packing Light for Different Climates
Travelling somewhere warm? Pack light layers and breathable fabrics.
Heading somewhere cold? Wear your heaviest items on the plane (coats, boots, jumpers) to save luggage space.
If I’m unsure about the weather, I bring a foldable rain jacket; it barely takes up any space but saves me when the forecast surprises me.
Final Thoughts
Packing light has completely changed the way I travel. No more dragging heavy suitcases around cobbled streets, no more overstuffed wardrobes, and no more stressing over what to wear. Just essentials, versatility, and easy travel.
