Pack Light Weight When You’re Traveling

Pack Light When You’re Traveling

Consider the 1-2-3-4-5-6 Rule, One general guideline is to pack one hat, two pairs of shoes, three bottoms, four tops short or long sleeve or outer layer, five pairs of socks, six pairs of underwear. “Pack Light Weight When You’re Traveling”. This should be enough to last you for two week.

Packing for a trip always feels like a dance between art and science.If you have a history of forgetting something? Use this ultimate guide to remind you of useful essentials you need to bring along for your holidays. Knowing how to pack a backpack or carry on for a long trip isn’t easy, so simply treat this as a checklist and tick off each item as you go. “Pack Light Weight When You’re Traveling“. Of course, effective packing really depends on what kind of trip you’re about to embark on, so we’ve included items that cater to every kind of trip.

The best way to pack a backpack is to save space. Our top tip is to fold your clothes efficiently. Remember: Heavy stuff at the bottom, stuff that leaks goes in plastic bags and things you’ll need as soon as you arrive at your destination like toiletries at the top. Roll your clothes up rather than fold them if it takes up less room.

This guide will also work on suitcases for air travel too, not just backpacks.

Right luggage is a Key

A key consideration for any trip is choosing the right luggage to fit all your essentials without weighing you down. If you’re traveling with just a carry on sized bag, you want it to be lightweight , expandable options are always helpful.

Use packing cubes

Anyone who struggles with optimizing space when traveling knows that packing cubes are the only solution. Not only are they perfect for organization, but compression ones save space in your bag. “Pack Light Weight When You’re Traveling”. The bigger cube is for bulky items like jeans, pants, and sweatshirts, the medium is for shirts, and the smaller one is for undergarments and socks. The clear view window on these cubes allows to see what’s inside at a glance, making it easier to get ready.

Choose lightweight, multi functional fabrics

Choosing the right clothes was the most challenging part of the trip, especially if you were going from sunny and hot to cloudy and cool or viceversa. You needed to have enough options for various climates without overpacking. Jeans are everyone favorites. “Pack Light Weight When You’re Traveling”. With the right amount of stretch, softness, comfort, and a water-repellent fabric, you wear them on planes, around town, and even hiking.

For daily wear, brought a few classic, mix and match pieces in neutral colours. T-shirts are stylish, versatile, and comfortable, and perfect for layering during winters.

One shoe for all outfit

Deciding on what shoes to bring on any trip is always a bit tricky, but generally, you want to go classic and neutral. Because of space restrictions, opted for a neutral colour shoe that would go with any outfit and packed your lightweight gym shoes as a backup.

Adjust your body care routine

The key is to trim down your routine with multi purpose products that still get the job done and leave you feeling refreshed.

One Bag, That’s enough

When you carry your own luggage, it’s less likely to get lost, broken, or stolen. A small bag sits on your lap on the bus or taxi and stashes easily overhead on an airplane. You don’t have to worry about it, and, when you arrive, you can hit the ground running. It’s a good feeling.

Packing light isn’t just about saving time or money ,it’s about your traveling lifestyle. Too much luggage marks you as a typical tourist. “Pack Light Weight When You’re Traveling”. Porters are a problem only to those who need them. With only one bag, you’re mobile and in control. Take this advice seriously

Packing 101

How do you fit a whole trip’s worth of luggage into a small backpack or suitcase? The answer is simple: Bring very little.

Spread out everything you think you might need on the living room floor. Scrutinize each item. Ask yourself, “Will I really use my snorkel and fins enough to justify carrying them around all summer?” Not “Will I use them?”

Don’t pack for the worst case scenario. Pack for the best case scenario. Bring layers rather than a heavy coat. Think in terms of what you can do without ,not what will be handy on your trip. When in doubt, leave it out.

Mesh bags also come in handy. You can use one for underwear and socks, another for miscellaneous stuff such as a first-aid kit, earplugs, clothesline, sewing kit, and gadgets.

Go casual, simple, and very light. Remember, in your travels you’ll meet two kinds of tourists.Those who pack light and those who wish they had.

Things you must have in your luggage

1. Passport

It seems obvious, but the single most important thing to pack for your travels is your passport. You won’t get very far without it. Once you’ve ticked everything off your pre travel checklist, and before you put your foot out the door, one last check for that important little book really won’t hurt. “Pack Light Weight When You’re Traveling”. Before you travel, make sure your passport is valid too. It’s sometimes necessary to have at least six months on your passport before it expires so check your expiry date in good time so you can order a new one before the trip comes.

2. Adapter Plugs

Don’t forget to pack your adapters, buying one in the airport or on arrival can be pretty expensive, and they are often weirdly hard to find. Two adapters should be enough for your travels so you can charge and use your laptop, phone, camera, hairdryer and more.

3. Underwear

Pack enough underwear for your trip and maybe two or three extras. You can always wash your underwear during your travels if you do run out.

4. Socks

There’s nothing worse than smelly feet, so having enough clean socks for your trip is a must. Pack thick, long socks if you’re going somewhere cold and thin ankle socks if you’ll be wearing trainers around the city.

5. Portable Phone Charger

We all know that sinking feeling when our phone runs out of battery on the road. Bring a portable phone charger so that you can give your phone some juice on the go. “Pack Light Weight When You’re Traveling”. You don’t want to have your phone die when you’re lost in the city or up a mountain and you’ll miss the photo opportunities.

6. Clothes

The hard part: clothes. Remember to take a mix of light layers and warm layers for your trip ,it can get cold at night even in the warmest of places. Packing light is an art form and with limited space in your backpack, it’s good to be strict with yourself and only bring what you need .

Take into consideration what kind of activities you might be doing during your travels so that you’re prepared with the right gear. Whether you’ll be hiking, snorkelling, partying, skiing or sightseeing around the city. If it helps, write a separate list for clothes to take. If you’re going on a long trip, be sure to check the place you’re staying has a laundry room so you can wash your things and wear clothes over again.

7. Walking Shoes

If you’ll be doing a lot of walking or hiking then make sure to pack some good quality walking shoes. It’s usually best to wear your bulkiest shoes at the airport so that you can save space in your luggage.

8. Sleeping Bag Liner

A sleeping bag liner is always handy to have ,you never know when you need it. They’re light, they’re easy to pack and they make for the perfect bed lining if you’re sleeping in a tent or on someone’s sofa.

9. Reusable Water Bottle

Always carry a water bottle to stay hydrated on the road. Most travel backpacks have a water bottle compartment so it’s easy to reach when you’re walking around. Not only are reusable water bottles better for the environment but they’re also a great way to save money so that you don’t have to keep buying more.

10. Local Currency

We’d recommend finding a local currency exchange at home which will get you a better rate than changing your cash at the airport. Don’t know how much to bring? Budget how much cash you’d need for each day.

11. Hair Products

Bring essential hair products for healthy, happy locks during your travels. To minimise the toiletries you pack, we’d recommend bringing a hairbrush and some dry shampoo in order to save up space for other items like deodorant and toothpaste.

12. Medicine

It’s always good to have some medication on the road and it can be tricky to explain your symptoms to a pharmacist abroad. Painkillers or allergy tablets will come in handy for headaches, muscle aches, period pains, stomach aches , so keep some on you just in case.

13. Diary

A travel journal or diary is another amazing way to keep hold of memories you make whilst travelling. If you’re on a longer trip especially, it’s easy to lose track of everything that you’ve done and everyone you’ve met along the way. A journal can be used as a route planner or local phonebook, too.

14. Deodrant

When it comes to deodorant, we always recommend taking a roll on for travelling because it’s smaller and hassle free. A spray deodorant can sometimes be harmful to asthmatics who may be sharing your space, and aren’t allowed in plane hand luggage anyway.

15. Shampoo & Conditioner

Shampoo and conditioner bottles can be bulky to carry and they take up a lot of room in a backpack. Instead, you can fill up smaller sized bottles with your hair liquids to save space. You can buy these small reusable bottles from most pharmacies and supermarkets.

16. Bosy Wash

Same goes for your body wash. Try and pack mini versions or fill up small reusable bottles to save space. Or opt for a bar of soap that’ll last your whole trip.

17. Towel

Thick towels can take up a lot of room, so pack a thin microfibre towel that’s easy to pack or a couple of smaller ones. Most hostels don’t provide towels without a charge so remember to bring yours.

18. Moisturiser

The heat and cold can really dry out your skin so use your go to moisturiser every day during your travels. Your skin is also going through a culture shock too, and it’s important to look after it.

19. GPS or Map

Having access to a GPS App on your mobile phone will be a life saver when you’re trying to navigate around a city. However, it’s always a good idea to pack a back up map for when you’ve got no signal.

20. First Aid Kit

Every backpacker should carry a first aid kit, especially if you’ll be doing a bit of exploring in the wild.

21. Toothbrush

Don’t forget your trusty toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are quite heavy so if you find you’re running out of space, opt for a normal toothbrush instead.

22. Hand Sanitiser

A bottle of hand sanitiser is a really good idea to take pretty much everywhere with you on your travels.

23. Toothpaste

Toothpaste is an essential travel item but if you’re travelling with friends, you can save space in your toiletries bag by sharing a toothpaste tube between you. A tube goes a long way.

24. Travel Pillow

If you can fit it in your bag, this is an amazing addition that will make your trips on trains, planes, boats and cars much more enjoyable. Some of them even come with hoods for you fashion conscious travellers.

25.Sun Cream

SPF sun cream is one of the most important things you can pack in a travel backpack. Apply it generously and take sun cream with you everywhere you go, especially if you have a tendency to burn. Even though if it may not look sunny, the rays are still there so it’s important to wear sun cream everyday during your travels.

26. Eye Mask

If you’re a light sleeper then we recommend packing an eye mask. When sleeping in hostels, you never know if you’ll have someone in your dorm room turn the light on in the middle of the night. “Pack Light Weight When You’re Traveling”. With an eye mask, you won’t even notice. Plus, they’re incredibly handy to have in your hand luggage for long bus or train journeys when you want to get a bit of shut eye.

27. Swim Gear

You don’t need to go overboard with swimming costumes. If you’re travelling somewhere where you’ll be swimming a lot, pack two or three options that you can rotate, rewear and, of course, easily wash.

28. Beard Trimmer & Nail Clippers

Remember your beard trimmer and charger . If you’re thinking about packing disposable shavers, we recommend spending a little more on a reusable one instead. You’ll save money in the long run.

29. Earplugs

Some hotels and hostels give these out for free at reception, but just in case they don’t, buy a pair of foam earplugs for the nights you’d like a decent sleep without interruption.

30. Glasses & Contact Lenses

Put this on your priority packing list if you’re someone who wears glasses, and try and remember a spare pair.

31. Sunglasses

An essential for any trip. Whether it’s summer or winter, hopefully you’ll get at least a glimpse of sun during your trip.We recommend packing a pair of good quality sunglasses that will protect your eyes day to day.

32. Emergency Whistle

If you’re backpack doesn’t come equipped with one already. You never know when a whistle will come in handy as, when travelling, stressful situations can arise out of no where. You just never know…

33. Torch

This could be for a camping trip, an early sunrise hike or just to avoid turning all the lights on in your dorm room and waking everyone up. It doesn’t have to be big or fancy, just a small, cheap flashlight or head torch should do the trick.

34. Goggles

For those that know they’ll be spending a lot of time in the water, pack goggles or a snorkel mask so you can really make the most of the sea while you’re away.

35. Wet Wipes & Tissues

Another crucial item you might not think to pack, wet wipes and tissues can be a godsend if you’re travelling for a long time. Wet wipes can act as a quick wash, too

36. Padlock

Once everything is packed, lock it with a padlock to ensure your things are safe. When you’re on night trains, walking through crowded areas, waiting in a station, it’s important to make sure it’s locked at all times.

37. Backpack Rain Cover

Some backpacks already have one. If not, this is a must buy. It can feel like the end of the world if your stuff gets drenched while you’re getting from A to B.

38. Cap

To keep your head and face protected from the sun. Caps aren’t too expensive, and they’re definitely worth having. Plus, most of them can be attached to the outside of your backpack if you’re struggling for room inside.

39. Lip Balm

SPF lip balm is a good one to remember to pack ,your lips can be damaged by the sun just as your skin can. Keep them moisturised with a sun protection lip balm which you can buy from most pharmacies or cosmetics shops. The sun can also dry your lips out, so pack your favourite moisturising lip balm, too.

40. Reading Material

You may be spending a lot of time of planes and trains during your travels so buy yourself some good books to keep yourself occupied , but these can get heavy so try and limit yourself to one.

41. Snacks

Pack a few small snacks that will fit in your backpack and give you a little taste of home. Take a couple of packets of your favourite biscuits or chocolate bar , we’re sure you’ll really thank yourself when you’re craving a bit of what you’re used to. “Pack Light Weight When You’re Traveling”. Just make sure you pack snacks that won’t go out of date too quickly so you can savour them as long as you can resist!