For a long time, I was the kind of traveler who carried far too much. Even a short weekend away meant lugging around an enormous suitcase, a vanity case, a handbag, and a laptop bag. Needless to say, I wasn’t exactly the easiest travel companion, and I suspect more than one taxi driver or airline staff member dreaded seeing me coming.
In fairness, my life at the time called for endless outfit changes—formal dresses for the theater, polished suits for meetings, casual clothes for daytime. I preferred to overpack rather than decide ahead of time. But years of dragging heavy luggage through airports and hotels eventually caught up with me.
When I began traveling mainly for pleasure, often on a smaller budget, I realized that simplifying my packing was not only more practical but also surprisingly liberating. My turning point came during a month-long trip through Sri Lanka and Dubai, when my bag weighed less than 14 pounds. That trip proved that light travel is not only possible—it’s enjoyable.
Choosing the Right Bag
The first step was giving up traditional suitcases. I started with a standard hiking backpack, but after spending time sailing, I switched to a lightweight, waterproof backpack-duffel hybrid. It’s durable, easy to clean, and with front-zip access and multiple compartments, packing is no longer a dreaded task. Adjustable straps make carrying it effortless, whether on city streets or off-the-beaten-path adventures.
What to Pack
No matter how long the journey, I stick to one week’s worth of clothing and rely on laundry services along the way. Rolling clothes into packing cubes keeps everything organized and wrinkle-free.
For warmer climates, my essentials include:
- Three pairs of shorts or lightweight trousers (with sarouel pants for modesty when needed)
- Two evening dresses
- Enough tops to mix and match with bottoms
- A week’s worth of underwear, with extra socks for temple visits
- A swimsuit
- Flip-flops for daytime and sandals for evenings
- A pareo that doubles as a beach towel
- A lightweight rain jacket
For colder destinations, I adapt slightly:
- Two pairs of trousers
- A dressier outfit for evenings
- Two sweaters
- Shirts to mix with bottoms
- A week’s worth of underwear
- A swimsuit (many hotels have pools)
- Comfortable shoes plus something more formal
- Flip-flops for casual wear
- A warm jacket and scarf
Streamlined Toiletries
I once carried a heavy vanity case, but I’ve pared down to essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, rose water, cotton pads, sunscreen, makeup, tweezers, nail file, and earplugs. Multi-purpose products are a game changer—for example, I use monoï oil as a moisturizer, makeup remover, and hair conditioner. If I’m traveling to big cities, I often buy shampoo and shower gel on arrival instead of packing them.
I now use a small waterproof pouch that doubles as a handy day bag for boat trips or beach outings.
My Travel Must-Haves
Over time, I’ve identified a few items I never leave behind:
- A silk sleeping bag liner for questionable accommodations
- A microfiber towel, compact and quick-drying
- A foldable extra bag for unexpected shopping
- A universal power adapter
- A hairband
- A lightweight scarf for versatility
What I Wear on the Journey
Comfort is key. My go-to travel outfit includes jeans, a t-shirt, a sweater or sweatshirt for chilly planes, and sneakers (or boots in winter). I add a jacket depending on the season, plus a scarf or shawl that works as both warmth and style.
My Hand Luggage
For day trips and flights, I carry a practical backpack or fabric shoulder bag. Inside, I pack:
- Baby wipes for quick clean-ups and emergencies
- My camera and charger
- Phone, waterproof case, and earphones
- Kindle and power bank
- Small headlamp
- Padlocks for hostel lockers
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Pen and notebook
- Travel-sized medicine kit and insect repellent
- An extra pair of socks for long flights
Traveling light used to feel impossible to me, but now it’s second nature. Packing less has given me more freedom, less stress, and a deeper enjoyment of every trip. If I can do it, anyone can.
