The Ultimate Packing List & Tips On How To Pack Light
By following this comprehensive packing list, you’ll be prepared for any type of vacation, whether it’s a beach getaway, a city break, or an adventurous trek. Pack minimal where possible, and check if your accomodation provides toiletries and personal hygiene items which may save you from having to bring your own!
Ultimate Packing List
Travel documents
Passport
Visa (if neccessary)
Plane ticket (downloaded)
Itinerary (downloaded)
Travel insurance
Drivers license
Debit/credit/travel card
Local & foreign cash
Clothing & shoes
Underwear
Socks
T-shirt
Tops
Shorts
Pants
Skirts
Dresses
Swimwear
Jacket/coat
Rain jacket
Hat
Pajamas
Walking shoes
Flipflops
Electronics
Smartphone
Laptop
Charger for all devices
International adapter
Powerbank
Earphones/headphones
Kindle/books
Camera
miscellaneous
Sunglasses
Jewelry
Perfume
Water bottle
TSA lock
Compression packing cubes
Dry bag
Bumbag
airplane comfort
Eye mask
Ear plugs
Travel pillow
toiletries
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Floss
Shampoo & conditioner
Sunscreen
Deodorant
Skincare products
Makeup
Hygiene products
Hairbrush
Towel
medicine bag
Band aids
Antiseptic
Painkillers (panadol, ibuprofen)
Antihistamines
Hand sanitiser
Insect repellent
Personal prescription
7 Items to Save Space
Compression Packing Cubes: A MUST-HAVE to maximize space in your backpack while keeping your clothes sorted in categories. The clever zipper system compresses the clothing by removing excess air, similar to vacuum sealing but without the need for a pump (saving extra luggage space with these cubes).
Foldable Water Bottle: Folds up when not in use and can be clipped to your bag to save space.
Multi-purpose Travel Adapter: One compact adapter that works across multiple regions can replace the need for several different chargers and adapters.
Travel-sized Toiletry Containers: These save space in your luggage, and since you can refill them, you avoid carrying excess liquid you don’t need.
Tips for Saving Space & Packing Light
1. Make a list and stick to it: Start by making a packing list to avoid forgetting essentials and to resist the temptation of last-minute additions. Consider breaking it into categories like clothing, toiletries, and electronics to stay organized.
2.Roll your clothes: Rolling soft fabrics like t-shirts and jeans not only saves space but also helps reduce wrinkles. Pair this with compression cubes for maximum efficiency.
3. Plan for laundry: When possible, book accommodations with laundry facilities or bring a small laundry kit. This allows you to pack fewer clothes, making it easier to travel light for longer trips.
4.Follow the 5-4-3-2-1 rule: Stick to a minimalist packing system—no more than 5 pairs of socks and underwear, 4 tops, 3 bottoms, 2 pairs of shoes, and 1 hat. Opt for versatile basics that you can mix and match rather than packing full outfits.
5. Coordinate your outfits: Choose a color scheme for your clothing so that everything can be mixed and matched. This way, you can create multiple outfits with fewer pieces.
6. Choose a smaller backpack: By using a smaller backpack, you’re forced to pack only the essentials. I personally chose a 40L Osprey over a 70L bag because I knew that extra space would tempt me to overpack unnecessary items.
7. Be realistic about the little things: Consider whether small items like perfume, dress shoes, or styling products are truly necessary for your trip. On my backpacking journey in Vietnam, I found that I rarely reached for my perfume or makeup and they were just added extra weight for nothing.
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