Packing light is hard, I get it! But it’s a skill that can make your trips so much easier. I rarely travel with more than a backpack these days (and recently survived 8 days in South America with nothing but my backpack). And I’m not talking one of those massive backpacking packs, but one that still fits neatly under the seat on the plane. Learning to pack light offers SO many benefits, it’s definitely worth a try on your next trip.
Why would you want to travel light?
1. Save money
If you’re flying on a budget airline or a no-frills fare, checking a bag or even bringing a carry-on may cost you extra. Take advantage of those low fares – you don’t need a checked bag, I promise.
2. Save time
No more waiting in line to check your bag, no more waiting for baggage claim!
3. Comfort + mobility
Dragging a big suitcase through a city and on public transportation is NOT fun, which is why I typically stick to a backpack vs. a carry-on. If you’re going on a vacation where you’ll be staying in one place the whole time, having a suitcase may not be a big deal. But if you’re traveling through Europe and constantly on the move, it’s pretty freeing to not have anything to lug around.
5 tips for packing light
1. Get a good backpack
I (and plenty of my airline coworkers) swear by the eBags Junior Weekender. I’ve pretty much ditched my carry-on entirely for this bag since I’m not a fan of dragging a suitcase around on public transit. If you’re flying on a fare that doesn’t include a carry-on (just a personal item under the seat), this is game-changing. It’s definitely larger than your average backpack, but I’ve never had a problem fitting it under the seat.
While I love that it has tons of pockets to keep everything organized, the #1 reason I swear by this bag is because it zips open like a suitcase. No more digging EVERYTHING out of your backpack to get what you need at the bottom, amen!
2. STICK TO TWO PAIRS OF SHOES
This could vary based on the length of your trip and the activities you have planned, but generally all I’ve ever needed is the pair of shoes on my feet and one pair packed away. ALWAYS bring a pair of sneakers/comfortable walking shoes. The other pair can be whatever you want (ex. sandals for the beach, trendy boots for walking the streets of Europe). Wear your bulkiest pair on the plane to save space in your bag.
I’ve tested several pairs of shoes on several trips, and my go-to pair for every trip no matter the weather is a pair of high-top Converse. I mean, you can pretty much wear them with everything from dresses to sporty looks. They’re comfortable enough to walk around in all day and you can wear a regular pair of socks with the high-tops, rather than no-shows that tend to slip off.
Below are some of my favorite travel shoes based on comfort and the ability to be paired with several outfits.
3. Only pack the TOILETRIES + MakeUp You can’t live without
Pack the essentials and remember that if there’s anything you didn’t pack that you do end up needing you can usually pick it up from a local drugstore or convenience store during your trip.
When you’re only traveling with a carry-on, full-size toiletries aren’t going to fly anyway (literally, they can’t get on the plane). Travel-size products can be a little expensive, so I like to use these refillable bottles for shampoo, conditioner and sunscreen if I’m not staying at an accommodation that already provides it for you.
4. Wear your bulkiest clothes ON THE PLANE
Rather than trying to stuff your jacket, sweaters, and hoodies in your bag, layer up when heading to the airport. Planes tend to be cold anyway, and if you get too warm you can toss a layer under your seat. And I know it’s tempting to wear your comfiest pair of leggings or sweats on the plane, but jeans tend to take up more space in your bag. If you’re only flying domestically, consider throwing on jeans instead.
Pro-tip: Be sure to roll your clothes rather than folding to save space!
5. Bring neutral colors you can mix and match
I’m guilty of wanting to have a completely different outfit for each day of my trip (gotta do it for the gram), but it’s totally unnecessary to bring that many pieces of clothing. I typically pack several tops and only a few pairs of pants that I can mix and match to create several outfits. If something can only be worn once in a very specific outfit, you may want to reconsider.
Want to remember this list for later? Pin the image below!
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