Before you start packing for your exciting adventure in Europe, Asia, South America, or anywhere else, read this travel blog! Whether you’re packing for two weeks, two months, or more, this guide on packing light has got you covered. You don't need to bring everything you own!
As you dive into this guide, keep an open mind. I’m not the only one who travels light. My personal carry-on goal is 5 kilos (11 pounds), but others set their limit at 7kg (13 lb) – the typical carry-on limit for most airlines.
By the end of this, you’ll understand why travelling light is not just a trend, but the best way to travel. Once you experience it, you’ll become an evangelical light-travelling ambassador and wonder how you ever packed any other way.
The liberating freedom of travelling light! Photo credit: Canva
Why lugging heavy bags is a hassle!
Travelling with a bulky backpack can make your trip miserable. When I backpacked around Europe, India, Nepal, and Southern Africa in the 90s, I carried a 75L backpack that weighed 15-20kg (33-44 pounds). I also wore a daypack in the front, adding another 5kg, which left me constantly checking everything I owned.
I also had it all stolen in South Africa!!! Travelling light? More like no-bag travel!
With a massive pack, travel days were exhausting. In crowded areas, I struggled to move quickly or even balance myself with all the weight. Plus, I had to deal with packing and unpacking too many items—things I never used but brought just in case. And keeping track of all my bags? Mentally and physically draining.
As someone your parents age, I now travel light with my 30L day bag/backpack through the Pacific Islands, Japan, South America, Australia. Travelling light is liberating. And I want to show you how you can give it a go too.
Can you imagine how much easier it is to travel with a single light carry-on bag? It’s time to embrace minimalist packing and leave the chaos behind!
I feel exhausted just looking at this picture...SO. MUCH. STUFF. Photo credit: Canva
And let’s not forget the pain of packing and unpacking SO MUCH STUFF!
The pain of leaving things behind because it’s spread all over your room. Or the pain of actually squeezing it all in. And then there’s the stuff that never saw the light of day on your trip. You know…the just in case items???
I think we've all had this moment. Photo credit: Canva
Managing Countless Bags is a Nightmare
When I’ve travelled with more than a small bag, my head does this swivelling thing. Constantly on the lookout for my collection of bags and constantly doing a count down to make sure they’re all present. It is mentally and physically exhausting keeping track of multiple bags.
This kind of packing just looks so disorganised. Nothing has been thought through.
Overpacking is real! Photo credit: Canva
Speed ahead to effortless travel days
There is only one word to describe lightweight travel – LIBERATING!!!! Let’s put YOU in the picture…
Carry-on travel saves money – no bag fees. Seat-only plane fares. No luggage holding fees. You can walk or take cheaper local transport.
Carry-on travel saves time – You don’t need to go back and collect your bag from a storage facility. You don’t wait at luggage carousels in airports. You’re also not one of those people posting pics of yourself with no luggage because it got lost. BTW, this is not a new thing. Lost luggage has been an issue for years.
Carry-on travel saves you and your bag – Your bag is strapped to you. It’s lightweight and extremely portable. You can manage it by yourself. You can go to the bathroom and take your bag with you. You don’t hand over your bag to anyone. It doesn’t go in a trunk, or on top of a roof rack or a luggage compartment.
Carry-on travel saves your back! A small, lightweight backpack that fits you well is so much easier on your body. Plus, with your hands free you can hold on, pull yourself up, fend off, or reach out.
Carry-on travel saves you from over-thinking – with a carefully put together travel capsule wardrobe and just the essentials, you have less stuff to think and worry about. You’ve got more time to enjoy traveling, meeting people, seeing amazing things and having the time of your life.
Carry-on travel saves the planet – you’ll be making better choices for the planet and local economies when you travel light. From buying less gear to using local land-based transport. Lighter bags mean less fuel used.
How much easier does this look? Photo credit: Canva
Key Packing Questions Before You Start
Before you begin packing, ask yourself these two key questions:
Where am I going? – Think about the cultures, weather, and seasons of your destination. Will you buy anything while you’re there?
What will I be doing? – Consider the activities, events, and transport options that will shape your trip.
These questions will guide you as to what you need. They will help you pack only the essentials for your adventure.
10 Top Tips for Packing Light with a Carry-On Bag
1. Choose the Right Bag
Getting the right carry-on bag that works for you is essential. Here’s what to look for:
Lightweight – Every extra kilogram means less room for clothes.
Comfortable Fit – Choose a bag with a comfortable harness system and hip belt to distribute the weight evenly.
Minimalist Design – Fewer pockets mean less weight and fewer chances for pickpockets to access your belongings.
Easy Access – Consider a bag that opens like a suitcase for easier packing and retrieval.
Right Size – Don’t choose a bag that’s too big—this will tempt you to overpack!
That's me with my 5 kilo (11 pound) daybag!
2. Creating a travel capsule wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe consists of versatile pieces that work together to create multiple outfits. Here’s how to build one:
Mix and Match – Stick to a few neutral colours and patterns that work well together.
Layering – Pack clothing that can be layered for warmth and comfort. Merino/smartwool is a life-changer when travelling light. Yes, they may be more expensive, but if you've only got two or three quality pieces they are worth their weight in gold.
PRO-TIP: Parents are always looking for a travel gift as a send-off - ask them for a particular travel clothing item you want.
Rule of Three – 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 pairs of shoes.
Some examples:
Two short-sleeve tees and one long-sleeve shirt.
A pair of jeans, a skirt, and leggings.
A jacket, sweater, and lightweight puffer.
Comfortable, easy-to-clean shoes like sneakers, flip flops/sandals, and hiking boots.
3. Pack Quick-Drying and Odour-Resistant Clothing
Look for fabrics that dry quickly and resist odour (merino is great). This will save you from carrying extra clothes and allow you to wash items on the go.
4. Limit Your Shoes
Pack no more than 3 pairs:
Flip Flops – Great for the beach, hot days, and shared bathrooms.
Sneakers – Versatile and comfortable for sightseeing, walking & festivals.
One Special Pair – Depending on your activities, pack either sandals or hiking shoes.
5. Use Accessories to Change Your Look
Accessories like scarves, hats, or jewellery can help you create different looks without adding too much extra weight.
6. Streamline Your Toiletries
Minimise toiletries by opting for multi-use products, such as a shampoo bar or a facial cleanser that doubles as makeup remover. Or use a moisturiser that's got SPF in it. Stick to the essentials, and keep everything in a small, well-organized bag.
Only pack the amount of toiletries you actually need. Stick your shampoo in a smaller bottle.
7. Your Smartphone is More Than Just a Phone
Your smartphone can act as a guidebook, map, entertainment, currency converter, camera, your diary, book reader, travel planner, and much more. Reduce the need for extra gadgets by using your phone.
8. Embrace Handwashing for Laundry
Handwashing small items like socks and underwear is a great way to reduce your load and avoid packing excess clothes. Done every few days, it's not such a big job. This is where the quick drying gear really works. And merino/smartwool doesn't need washing after every wear.
9. Borrow or Rent Gear
For larger or specialized items (like winter jackets), rent or borrow instead of buying new gear. Many places offer rentals, and second-hand shops can be a goldmine for affordable options.
10. Adopt the Right Mindset
The attitude you bring to traveling light is key. Embrace the idea of carrying less and freeing yourself from the burden of overpacking. Your future self will thank you!
Perfect travel containers to travel with less toiletries.
Are You Ready to Pack Light?
Are you excited to embrace minimalist packing for your next trip? Imagine the freedom of carrying only what you truly need! You’ll feel lighter, move faster, and enjoy your adventure without the stress of heavy bags.
If you’re ready, it’s time to start your journey to travel light—and never look back!
Want to know more?
Here's a few of my blogs to get you started...
How to pack a travel capsule wardrobe
Also, head over to another great website on packing light - Her Packing List - Brooke will have you travelling with just a handbag in no time at all!
Happy packing! And happy light travels!
Katherine xo
