Packing Tips for Traveling Light

Traveling light is an essential step towards embracing the spontaneity of travel. With a small pack, you can travel on impulse, sprinting down the platform to catch that departing train, and leaping from boat to village bus without missing a beat. From the comfort of home, it might feel like you need everything but the kitchen sink, but when it comes to packing, less is definitely more.

Understanding Available Resources

One of the first surprises for new travelers is that items from back home are easily accessible in other countries. If you can pick it up when you arrive, why haul it halfway across the world? The other big first-trip packing lesson is the value of having space in your pack; you never know when you might find a unique item that you can’t live without.

The Benefits of Single Bag Travel

Passengers on jeepney roof — A lightweight bag makes life easy if you need to ride up on the roof © Svetlana Bykova / Shutterstock

If your backpack is bursting at the seams when you set off, you’ll soon find yourself wrestling with multiple bags while the light load travelers are grabbing the best seats on the bus. Travelers with a single bag experience less stress; they’re the ones you see whistling cheerfully as they walk out of the terminal building while you’re still fighting to drag your suitcases off the conveyor belt.

The First Law of Travel Physics

There’s one inalienable rule of travel physics: the contents of your bag will expand to fill the available space. If your bag is stuffed full at the departure gate, you’re already en route to needing a second bag if you spot anything you want to buy when you reach your destination.

Pack Densely

Your bag should function on a similar principle to black holes. Folded is smaller than scrunched up. Folded and rolled is smaller still. If your clothes take up more than one-third of your bag, you are probably letting sartorial decisions take precedence over practicality.

Drying laundry — It’s not hard to wash your laundry as you go © Watch_The_World / Shutterstock

Know Your Destination

The streets may look different from your own, but shops often sell everything you’ll find back home. From toiletries to electronics, many items can be acquired as needed, so there’s no need to fill up your bag with things you can purchase on arrival.

The Rule of Three

Stick to three pairs of socks, three pairs of underwear, and three T-shirts. Wear one, wash one, dry one. For pants, two pairs should suffice, and light, flowing clothing made from breathable materials is ideal for travel.

Modern gadgets switch voltage automatically, so no need for bulky chargers © Chad Springer / Getty Images

Pack Less, Wash More

Most cultures have found efficient ways to launder clothes. Pack fewer items and wash them when necessary, ensuring your load remains manageable. Many accommodations provide basic laundry facilities.

Travel-Friendly Tech

Most modern electronics automatically adjust voltage. To avoid being weighed down by heavy chargers, opt for devices that charge via USB. A multi-port charger ensures all your devices can stay powered without extra bulk.

Rainbow Flip Flops — Flip flops–essential traveller footwear for this (and any other) season © tvirbickis / Getty Images

Only Bring What You Need

When packing, remind yourself to resist overpacking. Many items can be rented or borrowed during your travels. In most cases, it’s best to avoid what-if scenarios that lead to a heavy backpack.

Avoid Excessive Footwear

Limit yourself to two pairs of shoes: comfortable trainers for daily activities and flip-flops for casual wear. Unnecessary shoes can add significant weight to your pack.

An MP3 player means you can take your whole music collection on the road © Jonathan Smith / iBestTravel

Let Tech Be Your Friend

Your smartphone can serve multiple purposes, from capturing photos to entertaining you during downtimes. A small portable power bank can ensure your devices remain charged throughout your journey.

Be Weight Aware

Some items, such as glass and batteries, are inherently heavy. Minimize your use of these unless absolutely necessary. Invest in lightweight devices and a portable luggage scale to avoid exceeding baggage limits.

The humble sarong: one minute it's a carefree fashion statement, the next it's a portable changing room — The humble sarong: one minute it’s a fashion statement, the next it’s a changing room © Manuel Sulzer / Getty Images

Function Over Form

Focus on utility for your packing choices. Items like a quick-drying towel or a versatile sarong can greatly enhance your travels.

A quick-drying pack towel: Smaller and faster-drying than traditional towels.
A sarong: Serves multiple purposes from changing room to sunshade.
Compression straps: Helps manage your packing efficiency.
A cotton scarf or bandanna: Functional for various cultural settings.
A frisbee: Offers both fun and protection for fragile items.

Don't despair – there are lots of ways to sneak extra luggage on to a plane — Don’t despair – there are lots of ways to sneak extra luggage on to a plane © AlexBrylov / Getty Images

Tips for the Airport

If you do find yourself with items that won’t fit, consider these insightful tips:

Wearing is not carrying: Utilize your clothing to carry extra items.
Carry on plus one personal item: Take advantage of supplemental storage options.
Duty-free doesn’t count: Take advantage of duty-free allowances for additional items.

Savvy Packer’s Checklist

Here’s a suggested packing list for a multi-week trip:

Backpack (40L max, 35L is even better)
Passport and documents
Compact umbrella
Three shirts or T-shirts
Two pairs of pants
One pair of shorts or a skirt
Three pairs of socks
Three pairs of underwear
Fleece jacket or long-sleeved top
Sunhat
Sarong
Comfortable walking shoes
Lightweight head torch
Frisbee

This article was first published in October 2014.

This article was updated in September 2021.