I always say packing is an art; you start off badly, then you get less bad, and after a few more trips, you slowly find your rhythm. You’ll scream and bang some walls throughout, but once you get a solid strategy together, believe it or not, the packing process can actually become quite enjoyable.
Finding a way to pack that works for you takes trial and error, but I don’t want you to waste all your time like I did. Instead, I’m going to teach you how to pack like a pro so you never have to endure that pre-trip stress ever again.
Must-Have Travel Essentials
There are some travel essentials that you shouldn’t be leaving the house without. I like to call these my survival items: the things that help me travel better, the stuff that I simply cannot go without. I’m sure a few things are springing to mind for you.
These are the must-haves every traveler should have in their bag:
Passport
You aren’t going on any trip without a passport; this should be your number one priority wherever you go. Know the entry requirements of the place you’re traveling to; a visa or minimum validation could be required. The last thing you want is getting turned around at immigration for not doing your homework.
Losing this bad boy can be a pain in the you know what. I haven’t had it happen to me personally, but I have some friends who’ve been in the situation, and it’s an absolute nightmare. Keep it with you at all times, religiously check your bag whenever you move on, and store it somewhere secure.
A Good Bag
Having a good bag is criminally underrated, in my opinion. People get so hung up on packing when oftentimes the issue is the bag they’re using.
Select one with plenty of room and strong material that won’t tear easily (the baggage handlers aren’t going to care if they rip it). Make sure the one you go with meets the airline’s size requirements; all of them have their own policy regarding dimensions. For this reason, doing your homework on the rules beforehand is important!
Cash and Spare Cards
Withdrawing some Euros or USD before going abroad will save you a good chunk of money on ATM fees. Sure, in the developed world, you have the option to just swipe your card, but not everywhere is like that. In many countries, cash is still king, meaning you’ll need to exchange some to pay for goods. ATMs can cost a fortune with their high fees; that’s why getting your hands on local currency at a bureau will give you the chance to dodge them.
Always take a spare card when going abroad. At least if your main one gets canceled or swiped, you’ll have an extra in case of an emergency.
Clothes
The clothes you’ll take on your trip must align with the climate at your destination. But I’m a firm believer in versatility; of course, if you’re heading somewhere that’s warm, you’re bound to end up with more shorts, but a pair of trackies can go a long way if there’s a sudden temperature drop.
Some key items of clothing everyone will need regardless of where they’re heading include:
- Socks
- Underwear
- T-shirts
- Shoes
- A rainjacket
- Nightwear
- Trousers
- A jumper
- Belt
Electronics
Even for people who aren’t tech-savvy, technology is such a massive part of how we travel nowadays. Items like your mobile phone, chargers, and headphones are a necessity. Just don’t forget to research the sockets used in the area you’re visiting; you may need to buy an adapter.
While I’m a fan of traditional books, Kindles can be easier to handle for someone who reads more than one book when they’re away; at least you won’t have to carry them all around.
Toiletries
Less is more when it comes to toiletries. You can buy much of this stuff after you arrive in a supermarket, and it’s usually cheaper too. Take along your specialized products; maybe you have a particular moisturizer for your skin that can only be bought at home, things like that.
Sunscreen and mosquito repellent should be at the top of your priority list. It can be a gamble with sunscreen as sometimes it’s cheaper abroad, others it’s not. Generally, in beach destinations, it’s overpriced because shopkeepers know tourists need it, so I suggest packing it to be on the safe side. As for bug spray, it’s usually easy to pick it up in high-risk areas, but having some as backup won’t hurt.
Packing Tips for Different Climates
The climate will very much dictate how you’ll pack for a trip. Even if you want to bring the clothes you’re used to at home, it’s just not feasible. Base your clothing on the weather you’re expecting. Look at it like this: Southeast Asia is constantly humid, which means light clothing, and Europe is cold in winter, making heavy apparel necessary; you get the point.
Here are some packing tips for different climes to give you a head start.
Cold Climates
- Focus on layers rather than heavy items. This provides you with variety rather than being stuck with bulky items. You can always remove a layer or two if you get too warm.
- Wear one heavy jacket on the plane to avoid using up space in your bag.
- Hats and gloves are musts. Scarves are overrated; take along a neck warmer instead.
Hot/Tropical Climates
- Remember to put your sunglasses in your bag.
- Unless you’re going to be swimming every day, one swimsuit will do.
- Birkenstocks might be heavy, but they can act as sandals and shoes. Bringing a pair gives you the option to leave an extra pair of shoes behind.
Rainy Season
- Light, waterproof jackets are the best because it will be super humid.
- Take long clothes for the evening to sleep in as there will be more mosquitos than in the dry season.
- Consider a waterproof day back in case you get stuck in a downpour.
Things You Shouldn’t Pack
To get your packing game on point, you must start by narrowing down your list and ensuring you’re only including things you’ll use. This means saying goodbye to any bulky items that are unnecessary; my friends who like to bring their hairdryers, I’m talking to you! Your packing mantra should be: ‘Focus on essential items,’ nothing else.
I’ve whipped up my list of things that you shouldn’t be taking with you on your travels.
- Hairdryers
- Any non-essential toiletries
- Umbrellas
- Expensive accessories that you would be upset about losing
- Alcohol
- Items that you ‘might’ use
- More than one checked bag
- Technology e.g., video game consoles
- Towels for the beach (pick them up in your hotel)
How to Pack Efficiently for Long Trips
It’s one thing to pack for a weekend trip, but going away for a few months or even a year of backpacking requires a whole other approach. Throw in a few different climates to the mix, and then your head will be totally melted.
I’m a digital nomad who moves around quite a bit, so I know all too well about packing for some extended time abroad. Here’s how I try to prepare my suitcase efficiently:
Make a List
Begin by listing the countries you’ll visit and the expected weather conditions for each. As you know, the regional climates of somewhere like South America can make planning for this a little trickier.
After preparing your list, prioritize the climates where you’ll be spending the most time and pack accordingly. Try to choose multi-purpose items so you’re not stuck with too much luggage that’s not being used enough. Trust me, you’ll be tempted to ditch the jacket if it’s only needed here and there; I’ve been in that position before.
Don’t Fill Your Bag
Never fill your bag to the brim on a long-term trip. It gets seriously annoying after a while, and you won’t have any extra space when you need it the most. Rather than loading it up, leave it three-quarters full; that way, if you ever need any room for something like snacks, there’s always somewhere to put them.
Carabiners Help With Shoes
My travels have gotten so much easier since I discovered carabiners. These little coupling links hook straight onto your bag, and you can attach whatever you want. I often tie my hiking boots to my carry-on with them, as it gives me extra room inside for another pair of shoes; it’s the perfect solution.
Packing Cubes Will Be Your Best Friend
In terms of organization, packing cubes work wonders. They allow you to separate the contents of your bag while keeping everything organized. Keep one for T-shirts, the next for underwear, and another for trousers. Never again will you have to go digging for that last clean pair of socks, as you’ll know exactly where they are from now on.
Packing Tips for Carry-On Only
Some people swear by using only their carry-on for their travels. I have to hand it to them; it’s impressive to be able to pull that off every single time.
Having taken just my carry-on for a few shorter trips, I’ve come up with a strategy that makes things much more manageable. Let me share it with you:
Wear Your Heavy Items on the Plane
The body is an asset for travelers who are keen on sticking to carry-on only. Wear your heaviest items as much as possible, especially jackets and shoes, as these take up the most room. Every centimeter counts in your bag!
Bring One Pair of Shoes Only
Space will be scarce in a carry-on bag, and if there’s one thing that will fill it faster than most, it’s shoes. If I’m just traveling with a carry-on, I only pick one pair of shoes and wear them for the entire trip. Maybe you can squeeze in a pair of flip-flops if you’re lucky, but it shouldn’t be a priority when you’ve all the other stuff to consider.
Buy Travel-Sized Liquids
The small travel-sized liquids should be your go-to; this is anything under 100ml. Most airlines don’t allow larger liquids in carry-on bags, so people often pack them in checked luggage to avoid having them confiscated. Since you won’t have that option with a carry-on, only fill up on the basics like toothpaste and deodorant, and you’ll be good to go.
How to Avoid Overpacking
The urge to overpack is hard to resist, that fear of wondering whether you’ll need a certain item or not. We’ve all been there. Overpacking is a game of ‘what ifs,’ but it doesn’t have to be if you take the time to sit down and plan out what you’ll need.
Follow these pointers to avoid packing too much.
- Note down the things you’ll definitely need and get them ready to pack.
- Set a time frame for your trip, say, one week, and bring enough clothes for each day. Suppose you’re staying for two weeks, great news! Wash your clothes and re-wear them the following week.
- Any items you’re unsure about, leave them at home.
- Match up all your outfits to see which pieces of clothing can go together. If there’s one standing out that’s not linking well with the others, part ways with it.
- Split the load with your travel buddy. One of you takes the washing products, the other carries the sunscreen; it’s easy.