The Ultimate Packing Guide: How to Travel Light Without Sacrificing Style or Comfort
Packing for a trip can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to balance packing light with having everything you need. After years of traveling, I’ve refined a system that helps me fit everything into a carry-on while still feeling prepared, comfortable, and stylish on the road.
Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or a multi-city trip, this guide will walk you through exactly what to bring, what to leave behind, and how to pack smarter.
Step 1: The Capsule Wardrobe Strategy
Packing a capsule wardrobe is the easiest way to keep your suitcase light and functional. The key is to choose pieces that mix and match so you can create multiple outfits with fewer items.
What I Pack for Clothes:
Five mix-and-match outfits – Choose neutral or complementary colors that work together.
Two dressy outfits – A nice dress or tailored pants and a top for dinners, events, or nights out.
One or two pairs of jeans – Denim is heavy, so I never bring more than two pairs.
Underwear and socks for every day of the trip – These don’t take up much space, so bring enough.
A foldable sun hat – Protects your skin and packs flat.
Pro Tip: Choose lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabrics that dry quickly and layer well. Avoid bulky sweaters or heavy fabrics unless necessary for the weather.
Step 2: The Shoe Dilemma – What to Bring & What to Skip
Shoes take up a lot of space, and I’ve learned the hard way that overpacking them is always a mistake. Here’s what actually works:
One comfortable walking shoe – My go-to is a white sneaker for versatility, or in winter, my Doc Martens Chelsea boots.
One pair of sandals – Perfect for warm destinations or as an easy slip-on option.
Hiking exception – If your trip includes hiking, bring proper hiking shoes. It’s worth it.
What to skip: Multiple pairs of heels, heavy boots (unless necessary), or shoes that only go with one outfit.
Step 3: My Travel Bag Setup
I have to laugh when I think back to our first international trip—we were convinced we were going to be backpackers. We invested in Osprey backpacks, thinking we’d easily carry all our belongings on our backs. That idea lasted about two days. Hauling our heavy backpacks through multiple cities over two-plus weeks quickly made us realize that our style of travel—hopping between 3-4 destinations in a couple of weeks—just wasn’t worth the literal extra weight.
By our next trip, we wised up and opted for one roller suitcase and one backpack carry-on, which gave us the best of both worlds. In later trips, we’ve sometimes taken two rollers, depending on the climate and what we need to pack. Lesson learned: the best luggage setup depends on the trip, but carrying everything on our backs just isn’t for us!
I always travel with just a carry-on, and my setup makes it easy to move through airports, trains, and buses without feeling overloaded.
One 20-inch roller suitcase (carry-on) – Holds my clothes, toiletries, and bulkier items.
One large personal item (weekender bag or backpack) – This sits on top of my carry-on for easy transport.
One smaller day bag (packed inside my personal item) – I usually bring a crossbody bag or a fanny pack worn crossbody.
Pro Tip: I’m designing a custom travel bag series with smart, versatile features for travelers. Stay tuned for details.
And Step 4: Travel Essentials That Make Packing Easier
Over the years, I’ve refined my must-have travel essentials that make packing more efficient and my trips smoother.
Must-Pack Accessories & Gear
A travel adapter – Essential for international travel.
Charging cords and electronics – Keep these organized in a cord organizer to avoid tangled messes.
A travel pillow – Game-changer for long flights and bus rides.
Vitamins and supplements – Pack only what you’ll need in a small travel container.
A foldable sun hat – Easy to pack and protects your skin.
Toiletry Packing Tip
I always pack my liquids and toiletries in a TSA-approved clear quart-sized bag so I can easily pull them out at security. This stays in my large personal item, making it quick to access when going through airport checkpoints.
Pro Tip: If you’re traveling carry-on only, use solid toiletries (like shampoo bars and solid perfume) to save space and avoid TSA liquid restrictions.
Packing Organization Hacks
Packing cubes – The best way to keep your suitcase organized.
Roll your clothes – Saves space and reduces wrinkles.
Keep a digital packing list – I use Trello to keep track of what I need to pack, and I refine it after every trip.
Step 5: How to Avoid Overpacking
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to overpack. Here’s how to keep it simple:
Don’t pack “just in case” items – If you haven’t worn it in months, you probably won’t need it.
Stick to a color palette – This helps everything match, so you need fewer clothes.
Use the rule of three – If you won’t wear it at least three times, leave it at home.
Pro Tip: Most places have laundry services or washing machines, so you can wash and rewear outfits instead of packing extra clothes.
Final Thoughts: Packing Light is a Game-Changer
Once you start traveling light, you’ll never want to go back. A well-packed bag means less stress, easier movement, and no extra baggage fees.
Please enjoy this picture of 23 year old baby Jacob after a 24 hour travel day
