How to travel light and still have everything you need
If you want to discover how to travel light and stress-free, here are some hand luggage tips that will help you embrace minimalist travel, pack the perfect suitcase, and decide what to pack with a practical packing list suitable for any trip.
Every time I think back to my very first trip (it was 1999), I can’t help but smile (and, let’s be honest, blush a little). I was so excited that I packed… pretty much everything! I remember that gigantic suitcase, so full that I could practically live inside it.
“What if it rains? What if I get invited to a fancy event? What if I decide to climb a mountain?” Spoiler: it didn’t rain, there was no gala event, and the only incline I tackled was the escalator at the station.
The reality is that half of what I packed came back home perfectly folded and untouched. The other half was probably not suitable for the trip. And me? I dragged that suitcase like a heavy burden—first through the airport, then through the city. When the handle broke… disaster! A true life lesson… and a backache.
But you know what? Traveling light is an art; like any art, it takes practice. As the saying goes, “You learn by making mistakes!” Today, I can proudly say I’ve refined my technique—and trust me, it’s a game-changer for travel.
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After reading How to Pack fore one-night Weekend Getaway, let’s now focus on longer trips. I’ll share how I mastered it and reveal some practical tricks to prepare a minimalist suitcase that’s ready for anything.
COSA TROVERAI IN QUESTO POST:
How to Travel Light: Practical Tips to Pack Smart
The “Less Is More” Philosophy
Let’s start with the basics: everything you pack should be useful or make you feel comfortable. That’s it. If, while packing, you find yourself thinking, “Maybe I’ll wear this” or “What if I need it?”, the answer is always the same: leave it at home. Trust me, if you truly need it, you can buy it on the spot. Sometimes, forgetting something even turns into a great travel memory!
For example, once in Greece, I realized I had forgotten my hat. Initial panic: scorching sun, no protection. But then I bought a beautiful straw hat at a local market, which is now one of my favorite souvenirs (and cost less than a pizza).
Now, let’s look at some practical examples of what NOT to pack:
Useless Shoes
Those sky-high heels or brand-new shoes you plan to “break in” on the trip? No, thanks. If you don’t wear them at home, you won’t wear them on vacation. Pack comfortable, well-tested shoes. A pair of comfy sneakers and versatile sandals—perfect for both the beach and a casual dinner—are more than enough.
Outfits for “Every Possible Occasion”
No, you don’t need a Long gala dress just in case you meet the Queen of England. Nor three different jackets “just in case.” Instead, opt for simple and versatile clothing: a black dress that works for multiple occasions or a shirt that can be styled casually or elegantly.
Too Many “Just in Case” Items
“What if it rains? What if I need a flashlight? What if I go snorkeling?” Usually, the “just in case” items are unnecessary.
Alternative: Research what’s available at your destination and pack only what you know for sure you’ll use. A foldable waterproof jacket or a scarf for visiting mosques in Turkey? Always a good idea!
The Power of a Packing List
Packing lists are your superpower. It sounds basic, but it’s not. A good list can save your trip. Before stuffing your suitcase, make a list.
Not a mental one you’ll forget halfway—“Wait, did I pack the charger? No?!”—but a real, written, tangible list. You can use an app like Packr (my favorite, super practical) or, if you love old-school methods, good old paper and pen.
My packing list is always more or less the same—a mix of minimalism and survival:
✔️ ID and travel documents!!!
✔️ Two outfit changes for different climates (one light and one warm, just in case).
✔️ One pair of comfy shoes + flip-flops, which weigh nothing and are lifesavers in many situations.
✔️ A minimalist toiletry bag (more on this below).
✔️ Essential electronics: phone, charger, universal adapter (and if you travel in a group, bring a power bank—you’ll be the hero).
✔️ A scarf—always. Even in summer. Why? Because of the freezing air conditioning on planes, chilly evenings, or spontaneous picnics. It’s the traveler’s ultimate wildcard.
Here’s the trick: never underestimate the power of the packing list. Writing it down helps you think better, avoid pre-departure anxiety, and most importantly, don’t forget the key pieces.
Minimalist Toiletry Bag
I know, resisting the urge to bring everything—from miracle serums to that anti-frizz cream you use twice a year—is tough. But the trick is to keep it simple:
✔️ A multi-use cleanser (face + body? Perfect!).
✔️ Refillable travel bottles for shampoo and shower gel.
✔️ Your must-have product (for me, it’s my mini hair straightener—it’s my survival tool).
✔️ A mini deodorant and a bamboo travel toothbrush (eco-friendly!).
If you forget something? You buy it there! In Israel, I once forgot my usual conditioner and discovered an amazing local product I used throughout my trip. Moral of the story? Forgetting something can sometimes be an opportunity.
And remember: how you pack is important, and the list is your battle plan, but it should not be an obsession. If you forget something, the world will not collapse.
In fact, you might come home with a funny story to tell — or a new balm or hat bought at the local market.
Clothes that do their job
What to pack? Learning how to choose the right clothes has been a real revolution for me. The key? Multifunction! An outfit that suits both a casual lunch and a fancy dinner, a light but windproof jacket, and comfortable shoes that don’t massacre your feet but are still cute for photos on Instagram.
And it’s not glamorous, I know, but investing in technical materials has been my ace in the hole: fabrics that don’t wrinkle, dry quickly, and always make you feel neat. Like that T-shirt I washed in a hotel sink and the next day it was dry and ready to wear-a modern miracle!
Another trick that has saved me a thousand times? Layering. Light layers, such as a short-sleeved T-shirt, cardigan and jacket, to be added or taken off depending on the temperature. Perfect for those days when you freeze in the morning and look like you’re in the middle of summer in the afternoon.
By following these tips on how to travel light, you’ll always feel comfortable and ready for anything, without carrying around a whole wardrobe!
The great fight between Backpack and carry-on baggage
It all depends on the type of trip. If cobbled streets, narrow alleys, or lots of commuting await you, a backpack is perfect. For more relaxed trips, however, a compact carry-on trolley (preferably one with four pivoting wheels) will make your life infinitely easier.
Let me just tell you that in Seville, with its narrow, cobblestone streets, my backpack practically saved my vacation. But in Porto? I cursed my carry-on baggage every single time I faced a climb.
The wheels seemed to taunt me, and that’s when I realized: there is no one perfect solution, only the right one for the trip you’re taking.
And now I have a new ally: a capacious shoulder bag from the brand Kipling.
What to pack? Well, in this bag I put everything you need to have on hand during the trip: charger, wallet, documents, a light scarf, a pair of slippers to make flights more comfortable, and even a change of underwear, which can save you in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Also, with RyanAir’s baggage regulations, you should not underestimate the size of your suitcase!
The beauty of this bag? It goes under the airplane seat, so you don’t even have to fight for space in the overhead compartment. It is practical, lightweight and has made it so much easier for me to travel.
In short, a small investment that I recommend to anyone who likes to have everything under control, but without getting dragged around by pounds of unnecessary stuff!
Click on the image to purchase it on Amazon
The things you will buy in your destination
Let’s face it: we ALWAYS come back from a trip with something extra. A hat you found at the market, that local ceramic mug you couldn’t pass up, or pictures, pencil cases, key chains, magnets…
So why leave with your suitcase already full as an egg? Leave a little room to spare, trust me, it’s the ultimate trick. I have learned to pack less precisely so I can fill my suitcase with the treasures I discover along the way.
The rule is simple: travel light on the way out so you come back rich (in memories and shopping!) on the way back.
To read what are the perfect souvenirs you won’t regret buying, click on this article!
Traveling light means freedom. Every trip is an adventure, and packing less is also a beautiful metaphor for making more space for experiences, memories, and, let’s admit it, irresistible souvenirs.
In the end, traveling light isn’t just about practicality—it’s a way to enjoy your journey more freely and stress-free. Pack only the essentials, plan a bit, and stay open to discovery—the rest will fall into place.
Do you have any tips on how to pack your bags for traveling light? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your advice!
What about you, do you have any tricks on how to pack your bags for traveling light?
Tell me in the comments-any advice is always welcome!
And remember, if you forgot something…you probably didn’t really need it!
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