Packing lightly for travel

Have you ever packed for a trip and realized when you got home you packed many things you didn’t actually use?

Tips for packing light

Think about the types of things you will do on your trip

Thinking about the types of activities you are going to do helps work out what types of outfits you will need. For example, will you:

  • be doing outdoors activities like hiking and need specialist clothing and shoes

  • be going out and need a nice outfit

  • hanging out at a beach

  • doing sightseeing in a place that is hot or cold.

Create some outfit ideas based on your types of activities

Creating outfit ideas around the activities you will be doing on your travels reduces taking stuff that isn’t needed.

On my ETSY store I have a travel outfit planning and packing template that can help with travel outfit planning.

Think about pieces of clothing that can be used in multiple outfits

A good way to pack light is to include pieces that work for multiple outfits. For example, a pair of jeans that can be used during the day but dressed up at night.

Dresses can be great for travelling as they can be dressed up or down and are a one piece.

Create your packlist from your outfit planning.

Tips to pack lightly for travel.

Think carefully about what shoes you take

Shoes can take up a lot of space. Its important to think about what you are doing on your holiday when thinking about what shoes to take. Outfit planning should include shoes.

If you don’t plan to go out often, perhaps leave the ‘going out shoes’ at home and use those ballet flats or day sandals.

Take the bare minimum toiletries

Travel toiletries can add up when travelling. What’s the bare minimum you can take? Do you:

  • need much make up?

  • take larger volume products e.g. shampoo bottles. Perhaps put them into smaller containers

  • need to take your hair straighteners and hair dryer

  • can you use a face cloth for cleaning your face instead of make up wipes?

  • need to take extras or can you buy refills along the way?

Other things to think about

When finalizing your packing list it is important to think about whether you might need a few more things because you will need to change more often (e.g. in humid climates).

How often you are likely to do laundry is another consideration.

Do you want to buy clothing or shoes while you are away?

If you are likely to carry your bag around a lot and need to lift it might mean the need to pack lighter.

In practice, packing light for travel is an art. Thinking about what activities you will do and what your are likely to wear, taking pieces that go into multiple outfits and thinking carefully about toiletries and shoes to take can help.


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