First things first. When you are travelling carry on only, you have next to no room to bring along any just in case‘s or what if’s. If its not essential, (meaning you use it at twice a week) leave it at home. With that in mind, you can break down your packing into three categories: clothing, toiletries, electronics, and miscellaneous.
- Clothing
This is your best chance at cutting down space and weight. For each item ask yourself the following questions:
Multi purpose – Can I use this for more than one thing? (Sports bra – use in place of a bikini top as well as exercising ✔️ Black tights – pair with a nice top for exploring cities, use for walking/exercising and for running errands. Big tick✔️)
Colour Scheme and style – Can/would I wear this with most, if not all of my other clothes?
Tech – Is this quick drying, light weight, compact, good quality and/or durable? (meaning it can handle adventures, being scrunched up in your bag and getting thrown in a washing machine with everything else on washing day. You don’t want to bring anything high maintenance)
Useful – Have I packed anything else that does the same job? How often will I realistically use this? Is it essential?
Cost – Is this cheap and easy to replace? If so, consider leaving it at home to save space and pick up something similar if/when you need it while travelling at a second hand shop.
Ideally you want to pack enough clothes to last you a week between washes. With that in mind, use the following guideline:
Tops x 5-6
Bottoms x 3-4
Dress x 0-2
Outerwear x 3 (something waterproof, something warm, (puffer) something day to day. (cardigan or hoodie)
Underwear x 10 (lightweight underwear)
bras x 7 (Sports bras are multi purpose)
Socks x 3-5 (depending on use, I wear sandals 99% of the time)
Tips.
Wear extra layers, your heaviest shoes and clothes on the plane to cut down on baggage weight.
Sports bras are more multipurpose than regular bras; you can use them in place of a bikini top, while exercising and instead of a normal bra.
This list is geared towards warmer climates, if you’re heading into winter, clothing material is key. Merino is lightweight, warm and magically hides smells for longer in between washes. You’ll also want to replace shorts/skirts and tanks/tees with another pair of pants and long sleeves.
If you don’t wear it now you’re probably not going to wear it when you travel. Only pack things you really love and use.
You’re better off paying more for high quality items with multi uses than getting multiple cheaper items that take up more room and probably wont last as long.
2. Toiletries
Toiletries can take up a significant amount of weight and space, but you don’t want to skimp on anything important like prescription medicine as you can never guarantee being able to get them while travelling.
Tips:
Make sure everything is less than 100ml and the total of all items is less than 1L. Placed everything in a see through sealed bag. Take photos on your phone of any prescriptions for any medicine you have.
- Prescription medicines and creams – The only exception to no what ifs or just in cases. Bring these and depending how essential they are, ask your doctor for extra as backup.
- Shampoo and conditioner – solid shampoo and conditioner bars are great, they last a long time, don’t take up much room and you don’t have to worry about the liquid restrictions on airlines.
- Face wash – I take a small travel bottle of cetaphil, but this is usually pretty easy to replace in most countries.
- Sunscreen – Pretty easy to replace in most countries but you don’t want to get caught out. I take a 100ml bottle.
- Skin Care – Try to simplify your routine as much as you can. I use a prescription night cream, as well as a serum and moisturiser for the day.
- Makeup – As little as possible. I take mascara and lipstick that I use on my lips and cheeks. Anything multi use is great!
- Toothbrush and tooth paste – take one of those tiny travel toothpastes and pick up a big size once you’ve landed.
- Toiletry bag – Ideally you want a soft, fabric bag that packs up as small as possible. The hanging ones came in handy when traveling in hostels.
3. Electronics
The amount of weight and space taken up by electronics varies by person. If you don’t need your laptop, don’t bring it. It takes up weight, can get damaged pretty easily when travelling around and it can distract you from cool experiences and meeting new people. However a lot of people need their laptop to work and if that’s you, theres no getting around it.
Tips:
If you’re travelling carry on only, don’t bother bringing a portable charger – they’ll take it off you at security.
- Phone and charger
- Laptop/ipad and charger (only if you need it for work ect)
- Camera (optional)(If you have the money, invest in a gopro. They’re so tiny and so good!)
- Headphones (in ear headphones are great for space saving while travelling, if you want to bring on ear headphones, just wear them while you’re heading through the airport to save space in your bag)
4. Miscellaneous
- Travel adaptor. You can get one specific to where you’re travelling to, but I would recommend investing in a universal block adaptor so you can use it anywhere in the world.
- Passport – don’t forget this!
- Cash. I would recommend getting $100 -$300 cash in the currency of the country you are travelling to. You want enough cash that you can afford to lose, (on the off chance it gets lost or stolen) but enough that you can survive a few days if there are any issues with your debit/credit cards.
- Laundry sheets or a detergent bar – Neither take up much space so you can pack and take with you or find some when you land before your first washing day.
Everyone travels differently and everyones backpack is going to be filled with different things. Use this guideline to help you start packing your backpack and re juggle until you’re happy and your backpack suits you and your travel style. Remember to check and comply with the requirements of the airline you’ll be travelling with as they can vary. A lot of airlines offer paid upgrades for extra carry on weight if you need it.
Happy travels!