I’m always harping on about how important it is to travel light. Travelling light gives you extra freedom and flexibility that you just don’t have with heavy luggage.
You can move quickly through airports and train stations and it’s so much easier to take public transport with a small bag. You’ll save money by not having to check your bags in on a plane and you can keep your luggage close when you’re on trains and buses.
You’re also less likely to lose things when you travel light because it’s easier to keep track of your belongings.
I’ve been thinking a lot about travelling light recently because I’ll soon be travelling with a baby and I’m pretty sure that travelling light + baby is pretty much impossible. I might not be able to pack light for the baby but I’ll definitely be able to pack light for me so the travelling light challenge is about to get extreme!
I could go on all day about the benefits of travelling light but I’ll leave it at that and start sharing my top tips for travelling light.
1. Use a small, lightweight case
The oldest trick in the book and possibly the simplest way to pack light – Use a small suitcase or backpack so you can’t possibly fit too much in it. Don’t be tempted to get a case that’s slightly too big because you will fill that space with unnecessary crap.
For more inspiration and proof of the benefits of travelling with a small bag, check out this post by Chris over at Backpacker Banter: My 25L Backpack Challenge. Yep, he travelled for 3 weeks around Thailand with nothing but a 25L backpack!
I like to travel with just hand luggage and recommend my range of luggage which is all available on Amazon. There’s the Travel Hack Cabin Case, the backpack and the tote.
It’s designed to be the perfect size for cabin baggage, meaning it’s as big as it possibly can be without being too big. It has separate compartments to keep everything organised and is an absolute dream to travel with. This is a great option is you plan to travel with cabin luggage only.
Below are a couple of great luggage options if you’re trying to travel light.
The Travel Hack Cabin Case
The Travel Hack Cabin Case is my all-time favourite for travelling light. The suitcase is perfect for a carry-on case for most airlines and weighs just 2.7kg but still has a massive 45 litre capacity. It also has handy pockets so you can access your belongings easily, whether you’re on the plane, going through security or at the airport.
- Generous main compartment with packing straps and a variety of zipped pockets for everything from toiletries to straighteners.
- Top opening easy access storage for extra storage, a handbag or toiletries, featuring a fold down shelf so this space can also be utilised as main packing space. Rear padded compartment for a Macbook...
- Stylish 600D PU outer shell with faux leather inserts and rose gold detailing.
Cabin Max Metz
The Cabin Max Metz backpack is within the dimensions for most airline carry-on luggage and weighs just 0.7kg!
If you’re looking for ultra light but spacious luggage then this is the one.
- CARRY ON BAG 55x40x20 cm soft shell design to fit 94% of worldwide hand luggage gauges including: EasyJet and Ryanair, Eurowings, Vueling, Norwegian, Virgin, BA, Lufthansa, Jet2, Wizz Air, Iberia,...
- MAXIMUM CAPACITY - Large 44-litre capacity cabin bag makes it possible to fly without checking in baggage to the hold. Lightweight yet durable cabin bag 55x40x20 0.7kg (1.5lbs).
- CABIN BACKPACK - Featuring 3 main lockable zipped compartments, including document pocket, organisational accessories and tech pocket, including 2 zipped compartments. High strength durable,...
Tripp Ultra Light 4 wheel cabin case
If you’re looking for a lightweight suitcase then you can’t go wrong with the Tripp Ultra Light 4 wheel cabin case. It weighs 2.1kg, so you’re going to be left with 7.9kg for your belongings.
- 4 Wheel Carry On Suitcase
- Colour: BLACK
- 5 year guarantee
Antler Clifton Suitcase
The Antler Clifton Suitcases are great quality and so reliable. The cabin case is a little heavier at 3.5kg but if you’re looking for a really good quality case and you’re not as worried about weight then it’s a good option.
- CLIFTON LUGGAGE: Our Clifton cabin suitcase is everything you could want from a lightweight suitcase. Designed to last with its polycarbonate material, this carry on suitcase is strong, eye catching,...
- SIZE & MEASUREMENTS: Our carry on suitcase features flexible carry handles, 4 interior pockets, a zip closure & interior compartments. The cabin suitcase measures 20 x 40 x 55 (cm) with a packing...
- DOUBLE ANTI-THEFT TSA LOCKS: The Clifton cabin suitcase has anti-theft technology with its double TSA-approved locks for added security that separately secures the front pocket & the case itself. This...
Cabin Max Lightweight Backpack Trolley
If you aren’t sure if you want a backpack or a trolley then check out the Cabin Max Lightweight Backpack Trolley. It weighs just 1.7kg and has a 44 litre capacity.
- HYBRID - Cabin Max Lyon trolley backpack is a convenient wheeled carry on suitcase that coverts into a backpack for any type of travel. Just unzip the back section which covers the wheels and backpack...
- PACK TO THE MAX - Combines the maximum size allowed for hand luggage with an abundance of practical features
- DESIGNED TO FIT - At a massive 44L with dimensions 55 x 40 x 20 cm including wheels it is still extremely lightweight at 1.7KG
2. Pack 2 pairs of shoes and no more
Shoes can often be the bulkiest items in our bags so never travel with more than 2 pairs. Wear your bulkiest pair on the plane and a pack a smaller pair in your case.
I’m currently love the On Cloudnova trainers for trips where I’ll be doing lots of walking.
The Veja trainers are nice if you want some comfy white trainers that are a bit more stylish.
A comfy pair of Dr Martens are great for winter trips.
And I like a pair of Birkenstocks for daily wear in warm destinations.
Read more: What shoes should I take travelling?
3. 1 pair of trousers/jeans
Jeans or trousers are another bulky item to travel with so never travel with more than one pair and you should always wear these on the plane.
I usually opt for whichever jeans are my current favourites. You can’t go wrong with a comfy pair of black skinny jeans. My favourites at the moment are the classic Levi’s 501’s. I have them in a few different colours but black is the best for travel because they’ll match everything and no one really notices them, so you can get away with wearing the same jeans for days (don’t judge).
4. Minimise toiletries
If you’re staying in a hotel you can guarantee you’ll be provided with shampoo and shower gel so leave these at home. This means that most guys can get away with nothing more than a travel sized deodorant and toothpaste.
Most ladies will find it a little more difficult because there are some toiletries you just can’t leave home without.
I have a whole post over here about travelling with hand luggage toiletries and some nifty little products to make it easier to travel light! These tiny refillable pots are genius to help travel light with things like makeup and lotions.
#5. Take an iPad/tablet
Cut down on tickets, books, magazines, a laptop, games, notepads, music, maps and travel guides and simply pack a tablet. My hand luggage used to be chocker with all sorts of entertainment options but now I just have my iPad and it’s made travelling so much easier.
Consider taking a portable powerbank if you’re planning on taking long journeys. I have one that isn’t much bigger than a lipstick but it will charge my iPad for about 5 hours. It’s a good backup for emergencies too – like if you’ve got your hotel confirmation email stored on your iPad and the battery has died!
6. Pack simple clothes and lots of accessories
If you look at my Travel Style board on Pinterest you’ll see that I’m a bit obsessed with jeans and white t-shirts. It’s such a simple, easy style and so easy to pull off while you’re travelling. I’m really tempted to pack a bag full of white t-shirts next time I go away.
Team your jeans with sandals, white trainers, winter boots or heels. Then team your t-shirt with a blazer, a cardigan, a cosy jumper or a big scarf and you’ve got outfits for any situation without having to pack too much.
7. Pack ‘hard working’ clothing
No, you’re not sending your clothes to work, you’re looking out for clothes that have more than one use.
Think things like sarongs and scarves which can be used as towels, blankets and wraps.
You also can’t go wrong with black leggings. They’re easy to wash and dry and go with virtually everything.
It can be harder to pack light in colder climates. I love UNIQLO’s Ultra Light Down coats because they pack up into a tiny bag (similar to a cag in a bag) but they’re really, really warm!
8. Use packing cubes
I LOVE packing cubes. Not only do they keep your bag organised but they help make the most of your space and stop you overpacking. I tend to travel with four packing cubes. One for tops, one for bottoms, one for underwear and one for evening clothes. Once each packing cube is full you can’t possibly squish anything else in so you’re forced into packing light whether you like it or not.
Read more: Are packing cubes worth it and do they really save space?
9. Wash your clothes while you’re away
No matter where in the world you’re travelling, it doesn’t need to be expensive to get your clothes washed.
Fancy hotels in certain cities will charge a fortune to wash your clothes so look out for laundrettes or, cheaper still, wash your clothes in your hotel bathroom. You can’t go wrong with the Dr Beckmman Travel Wash. It’s so cheap and amazingly effective!
I usually soak my clothes in the sink and rinse them out while I’m showering. Laundrettes and apartments with washing machines will become your best friend if you’re travelling for a few weeks or more.
If you’re travelling in a developing country it costs next to nothing to get your clothes washed but be aware that if you’re paying £0.50 for a load of washing, you don’t want to be giving them your expensive designer clothes.
- Special concentrated washing gel
- Formulated to use when you are travelling or away from home
- Can be used in any type of water
10. Remember: you can buy everything out there!
No matter where you’re travelling, you’ll always be able to find the necessities. You might not find your favourite brand of shampoo but you will find something very similar.
If you’re going somewhere where you think you’ll need specialist equipment, wait until you get there to buy it. You’re not the first traveller to visit and you won’t be the last so you can guarantee you’ll find local shops selling everything you need.
When I travelled to Borneo I climbed Mount Kinabalu. I’d spent the past 18 months in Australia and didn’t have a single item of warm clothing or a decent pair of shoes. I was panicking but when I arrived to Kota Kinabalu I realised I wasn’t alone and the city was filled with hiking shops thanks to all the travellers who pass through and pick up the necessary hiking items.
11. Don’t use lots of small purses and pouches
(This doesn’t apply for packing cubes – I mean really small pouches for tiny things like jewellery or socks)
The first time I went backpacking I was super organised and had a separate little pouch for everything. A pouch for medicine, one for toiletries, one for souvenirs. Yes, my bag was organised for about the first 5 days (out of about 450 days!) but I had lots of unused space in my bag. Socks and toiletries are the perfect items to squeeze in your bag and fill up the gaps. Lots of pouches lead to lots of gaps and lots of wasted space.
12. Use a bag or case that opens fully
I don’t recommend using a top-loading backpack. This means smaller items slip to the bottom and are forgotten. Use a bag that opens all the way and you have access to everything. You don’t need to be quite as organised and this reduces the needed for all those little purses and pouches.
Do you have any more travel hacks to help you pack light?
You can find even more packing tips over here.
Great tips, I think I learned the shoe one around the same time I realised that killing my feet on holiday was a bad idea hehe. Practical definitely trumps style when you want to do a lot of walking.
Not sure if it’s a tip or not, but when I travel I have my Macbook Air and phone, and Bloke has his iPad and phone too – however we charge all our devices off of the MacAir’s usb ports. Saves a bit of space on plugs/adapters 🙂
That’s a really good idea. Another one I’ve been told (but haven’t checked myself) is that a lot of hotel TVs have USB ports you can charge your devices from.
Yes, I’ve seen people suggest that too but I never remember to actually look either. Besides, I know my luck – the time I don’t take the charger is the time there isn’t one, grr!
Instead of buying travel cubes, I use the plastic zip bags that sheets and blankets come in. To organize things like thumb drives and ear plugs, I use medicine bottles. Empty plastic spice bottkes(tall ones) are great for shampoo, etc.
Thanks for the tip on the Uniqlo Down Jacket, I’ve been looking at them for a while but purchased one after reading this. I even got a kids in the sale. Yay for being small!
Haha, great idea! I have lots of kids outdoorsy clothes too because they’re all the same!
I’m a recent packing-cube convert. I used to find my pack would become just a huge messy ball of clothes all rolled together, but now I actually feel like an organized person!
When it comes to shoes, I always take three pairs: sandals, comfortable flats that can be dressed up or worn casually in the city, and hiking shoes. I feel like that’s the minimum for me.
Some of these I definitely have to remind myself of often. Great post!
Instead of liquid shampoo, I take a solid shampoo bar, they are great as they usually last me months but can be used as a body wash or for washing clothes. For a short trip you can even cut a slice off to take, saving even more space. Putting them in a net/ tulle bag inside a plastic tub helps them last longer and the net doubles up as a shower sponge.
Packing cubes are probably the biggest thing that has changed the way I pack. They’re just so convenient.
My biggest issue these days is my camera. I love to shoot with my DSLR but they take up a lot of room. I recently traveled with a smaller Sony camera and it was so much easier, I’m just not sure if I want to give up on my DSLR quiet yet.
I’m exactly the same, Barry. I have a love hate relationship with my DSLR. I hate lugging it around when I travel but when I get home I’m always so pleased I did because the photos are so much better. I also have a smaller Sony which is a good compromise, especially for evenings when I don’t want a bulky camera in restaurants and bars.
“Pack two pair of shoes, no more.” Easier said than done!
I know! That is my biggest challenge…also then in the clothing section there is talk of “teaming the jeans” with boots, heels, etc. – not happening if we’re packing only 2 pairs. Are there any adaptable sandal-heel inventions? lol
Reminding yourself you can buy things wherever you go is huge – I feel like a lot of people buy so much before a trip trying to stock on on things and it’s not necessary at all.
I definitely need to investigate packing cubes, as otherwise the thing I want always seems to be buried somewhere. I’ll admit I’m pretty rubbish at packing light – until I had a baby and I was forced to streamline in order to fit all her things in. I finally think I’ve got the knack 🙂
All great tips! I’d also add (for girls) to pack a lipstick to go from day to night in one simple move! A red lipstick makes (almost) any outfit look totally glam and it takes up no room at all.
Good tip, I do love a good red lippy!
I love to travel too! What I don’t like doing is working carrying bags!
Over the last three years have really researched and developed a strategy for Packing Light.
I have some little mottos that sum it up:
Ounces become pounds become work become problems.
Wear One Pack One. The total amount of clothes that you need to go ANYWHERE!
If you use it at home everyday, you’ll use it there everyday. DO NOT take anything else!
More than ten pounds is too much.
If I didn’t need so many Medicines I would just carry all of it in my pockets! I take a Gossamer Gear Rukus backpack. Eleven ounces. Thirty Liters. Perfect!
I love my Nokia 1520. Besides being a phone it is also an E-Book reader and a 20 megapixel camera! It takes some yummy photos! The charger and cord weigh almost four ounces. The flashlight feature is good too. So many things in an eight ounce phone!
The inspiration for my pack light passion was Venice, Italy! DO NOT GO TO VENICE WITH TOO MUCH BAGGAGE! Venice is pedestrian. It has Bridges. With steps. A lot of steps.
Thanks for the ideas and keep them coming!
Sounds like the perfect phone!
I definitely needed this post. I just decided to go to India and Indonesia for two month with just hand luggage and I am sooo scared. Hopefully I’ll manage but I’ll definitely be using these tips!! Another amazing post!
http://thelifeofastudenttraveller.blogspot.co.uk/
Agh, what a challenge! You’ll have to let us know how you get on!
I’m hopeless at packing light especially when I’m not quite sure what the weather will be doing. As I get older I’m finding it harder to lug a heavy suitcase around, especially up and down the stairs on the underground travelling to and from the airport. I’m always so pleased when someone offers to help and sprints up the stairs with my case for me. Would be better if I could just learn to pack lighter though!
It’s so tough to pack light when you don’t know what the weather will be like. You feel like you need to take everything ‘just in case’!
And I feel your pain with the underground and a heavy case!
This is such a great post! It is so fun finding new travel blogs! I actually have one too– but yours is really inspiring!!!
Melanie @ meandmr.com
These are really great tips! I am the worst over-packer, so I could stand to use these!
My travel packing tip is to pack your bag and then carry it around the street and up and down stairs for about half hour. Then go home and you’ll find yourself a lot less emotionally invested in your stuff 🙂
Wearing your bulkiest shoes on the plane can backfire if your feet swell. You can be sneaky and once your bag is tagged as carry on, replace them with more comfy ones. I usually take my shoes off on the plane and pack disposal slippers. I used to wear bare feet but then thought about how guys have trouble hitting the target in toilet at the best of times, let alone when there is turbulence!
That’s hilarious. I’m traveling India for 25 days and bringing a 30 litre bag. I’ll take your tip of carrying my bag around for an hour! Then I’ll probably re-pack it and take a few things out
#5 – Ngl, I bought a tablet a few years ago specifically for traveling to get rid of taking an mp3 player, three books, and laptop. So worth it!
#7 – That Chameleon Maxi is brilliant! Not a fan of their current colour selections, though… time for a trip to the fabric shop! I’m addicted to short, light sundresses when traveling – easy to wear alone or under a jacket, or tuck the bottom into a simple skirt or loose pants and instant cute top!
#10 – Great advice, and one that took me YEARS to learn… I’ve got my traveling luggage down to one duffel and one large purse for trips abroad up to three weeks, but always looking for ways to cut it down further!
Awesome post! I think packing cubes have changed my life when I travel. When I first went travelling, I took an 75L backpack, and it weighed a ton (17kg) Everything was just thrown in there, with no order. I took massive sized bottles of shampoos and everything (as if I couldn’t get any in South Korea!). Nowaways I travel with a little weekend bag or a small backpack (35L) which weighs no more than 10kg. This can often get on as hand baggage, meaning I have no queues to wait in when I get off the fly. I just walk on through.
Take a sarong! Light, cheap, simple, quick to dry and and endlessly versatile!
I have a pair of Frye Phillip harness boots that go with me everywhere. They are so sturdy, stylish, and comfortable. I really do not need another pair of footwear. I always wear black/grey/white so my packing is quite easy. Eileen Fisher also makes a skirted legging that is pretty much perfect for travel.
Re: being able to purchase everything @destination…My advice: Take the time online to find a store that stocks brands w/which you are familiar. We went to Rome a couple of years ago, our 1st trip to another country. I tried to pack lightly w/a travel-size deodorant & ran out. We found a pharmacy but I could not find a familiar brand & ended up w/1 that NEVER DRIED! I ended up using hubby’s.
Having travelled for the past fifty years and made many packing errors, like the first time I went on a six week job to Germany with two suitcases I couldn’t lift. I have since pared down my gear to one ultra lightweight wheeled carry-on bag. I can now go away for six weeks without a problem. I wash my clothes when away, and buy any toiletries I need when there. I travel a lot in the winter so need warm clothing, No. 7 is sage advice. Two or three long sleeved t-shirts are ideal they can be worn under thin sweaters or shirts as insulation or if it turns warm with just a fleece. A black fleece is essential, they are warm and lightweight. Wear as much as you can on the plane, I don’t mean everything you have just a t-shirt, shirt, fleece and warm coat if you are wintering away. Carry a small folding bag and take off the coat if where you are going has a high daytime temperature, some places have high daytime temperatures and are cold in the evenings. Airlines worry about how many bags you are carrying onto the plane, they don’t care how many bags you carry off the plane. These days I travel with , a husband, grandson, cat and dog. We all have largish handbags, or laptop bags plus wheeled carry-on bags. The dogs lead and cats stuff are in the cat carrier. I can buy cat and dog bowls as they aren’t fussy what they eat out of as long as they eat. I wear a lot of black a few scarves enhance and change an outfit.
These are some great tips – especially the idea that you can always buy anything you really need on the go. Whenever I am heading out the door, I do a last check to make sure I have my passport and wallet and anything else that I have forgotten will never be too big of a hurdle. For us girls, I would recommend taking a pair of leggings instead of (or as well as) trousers. It can be an extra layer for warmth/modesty and takes up next to no space in your bag.
I tried using packing cubes once, but wasn’t a convert. Maybe I’ll try it again, as everyone raves about them and I get annoyed how after a few days of travelling my small bag turns into a tangle.
I already follow most of the rest of these and love how I’ve just travelled with a 36L soft shoulder bag for the last few trips. Next up will be seeing if it’s enough for a 6 month trip through Asia!
These are so helpful tips! I’m preparing for a short move and I’m currently trying to pack all I need , but packing light has always been a problem for me. Your tips and advises seem to work perfectly for me, so I’m keeping them on mind while preparing my move. Thank you for sharing all this great info!
One of my friends jokes that if I could, I would travel with only a Ziploc bag. It’s true, I love to travel light. I feel mildly defeated every time I have to check a bag or lug around an embarrassingly large carry-on. But these tips have lighten my load. I’ll surely read them before traveling next time.
Toiletries are often odd shaped and take up a lot of room. Instead of regular shampoo and soap I use shampoo bars. There are so many to pick from these days, and many of them double as good body soaps as well.
They’re so easy to pack and I don’t have to wonder if I’ll like what the hotel has.
What really changed it all for me when it comes to packing light was just learning how easy it was to wash your clothes on your own or just visit a local laundromat.
I used to always bring enough clothes for each day of the week I was traveling but it was such a drag carrying a heavy suitcase or backpack.
Underwear and socks are the easiest, I just wash those in the shower with some Dr Bronners and t-shirts, sweaters and shorts or jeans I just ask the hotel if they have a laundry service or just visit a local place to get everything cleaned.
Sure, it might take a few minutes out of my day but it’s sooo much easier to travel with less stuff than it is to have to lug everything around.
Super helpful posts!
Merino wool is a great investment! It is warm but also cool as super-breathable, and best if all does not get smelly so you can wear it for days on end without washing! Bring 2 or 3 thin layers, long and short sleeved, and layer up for warmth.
Also re packing cubes I have just discovered the eagle creek specter range – very very lightweight and not bulky like others- makes using a top loading rucksack much more manageable.
The last 2 hotels I stayed at offered at the most is the mini bar soaps. The first one gave the soap and had to buy travel sized shampoo, lotion, etc. I take bar soap and refill the empty bottles with everything else I neeed.