Hindsight really is a wonderful thing. My Dad said to me once that I didn't need to make every mistake possible, and that I could learn from others (this was in my later teens when parents know nothing.)
So, at the risk of sounding very much like my Dad, here are five things I wish I'd known, or someone had told me, before I went on my first trip with just a carry-on bag.
1. Why Merino wool is a game-changer for light packing.
On my first solo and light trip to Italy and Croatia, I carried two short-sleeved merino tees and a long-sleeved one. Unbeknown to me, I didn't realise that if you air the top each night it will be fresh by the morning. Instead, I diligently washed them after each use. I could've saved myself so much time.
Yess! Merino can be worn for multiple days before washing is required. I have tested this theory so much and it does work. Hanging in a steamy bathroom is even better. But simply throwing the tee over a chair or hanging on a hanger is all it takes.
My original merino tee! I loved it so much and never tired of wearing it.
2. Watch the weight: Why every gram counts with travel shoes.
On my first trip I carried a pair of black sneakers. Even though I had weighed them - 700g (25oz), I didn't realise that not all shoes are created equally. At the time I didn't have an alternative pair to compare them with. What's worse is I actually hardly wore them - I lived in my hiking shoes, mostly. But they were handy for dinners where I wantd to feel abit tidier.
My current sneakers weigh 400g (14oz) and get worn all the time (more on these below.)
If you don't weigh your gear, you'll have no idea where the weight blow-outs are coming from. Tee shirts can range from 30 - 150g (1 - 5oz). Bags can be 700g to 2kg (1.5 - 4.5Ib). Flip flops can be 150g to 400g (5 - 14oz).
A small set of kitchen scales and a spreadsheet is all you need to track what you're carrying.
3. Versatility is key: The "dressy" essential
In Amalfi, I was hanging out with some younger female travellers who invited me out for dinner. I was delighted, as most of my evening meals were early, and I hadn't embraced eating alone at this point. To eat at a normal hour and socialise at the same time was magic.
But the sudden horror that I wasn't going to be dressed up enough, hit me. They had big suitcases and backpacks filled with going-out gear. A quick shopping trip into Amalfi, had me purchasing a pretty floating silk top. Funnily enough, the restaurent we went to was a casual affair and I felt slightly overdressed! A local family was celebrating a birthday and in truth, my tee shirt would've have looked fine.
Still, these days I do still like to have something that fits my tidy-casual vibe. My current go-to is a plain white tee shirt with a square neck. Nothing fancy, but I wear a necklace or a scarf and it does the trick fine.
Going out for dinner I might only wear it for a few hour, so it doesn't need washing after every wear either. Such a bonus to know this now. More relaxing time.
A simple white tee is dressy enough for me these days.
4. The white leather sneaker: the most versatile travel shoe.
This is probably my absolute favourite travel item. A white leather sneaker. In fact, I wear them ALL THE TIME at home too! They go with everything - skirts, shorts, jeans, dresses.
Mine are so well used that they are super comfortable. Since I wear them at home, I know exactly how they work with other clothing items. I am instantly confident that when I'm wearing them they look great.
Hands-down the best travel shoes!
5. The truth about re-wearing clothes: nobody notices!
Along with eating alone and having my bag stolen, people noticing I was wearing the same things over and over, was a big worry before my trip. By the end of four weeks, I was like, meh, no one notices and if they do, well that's their problem.
When people did notice it was actually handy as they picked me in the crowd of hikers on the Cinque Terre, or it was a conversational starting point - although that usually started when they saw my small bag.
In general, I find people are too busy taking in the sights, focusing on their own holiday to notice what other people are wearing. Even though I often stay in one place for a week or so, I don't see the same people often. Of course, that all changes when I'm hiking with a group - but yes, that's another conversation starter! And if you ever hike with ultralight hikers, they have so many tips.
Don't let wearing similar outfits day in and day out put you off from travelling lighter. I know there is that fear of being judged, but really if you feel good and comfortable, then that's all that matters.
And there's always flipping your mix and match items to make it look slightly different, plus scarves and jewellery are great for changing it up.
They say that we only wear 10% of our actual wardrobe. By default, we wear the same stuff to work, home and socialising. Let's add it to travel!
The purple merino strikes again and again and again...
Final thoughts...
I'm always learning.
I didn't come home from Croatia and Italy and create the perfect travel capsule wardrobe. Different seasons, different activities, different cultures have me mixing up my bag contents to fit the trip.
But my handwashing has become less, my shoes are always the same, and I'm not thinking about what others think. After years of people-pleasing and fitting in, that's not just making your bag lighter, that's a whole mindset lightness.
And if you want to read all about that trip, check out my book, Dare to Travel Solo: Exploring Croatia and Italy with a light carry-on bag and a ton of determination.
It's where this whole beautiful personal journey started. I still smile with wonder as to how far I've come.
About the Author
Katherine Leamy is a light travelling expert who has navigated everything from missed trains in Japan to street food stalls in Madagascar and windswept trails in Patagonia. After years of figuring it out the hard (and fun) way, she now dedicates her time to helping others skip the stress and find the magic in travelling light and solo. When not scouting for the world's best coffee, you can find Katherine recharging with a sparkling water and a mountain view.
