Our first trip together involved two enormous suitcases and a surprisingly long argument about whether we really needed a third pair of shoes. Several flights, a few staircases, and many sore arms later, we have become believers in packing light. It is not about deprivation. It is about freedom.
Why less is better
A lighter bag means less stress. You can walk easily from the station, hop on a bus, carry your own luggage up the stairs, and never worry about lost bags. It also forces you to decide what really matters, which is a good exercise in itself.
Start with a palette
The secret to packing light is a small colour palette. We choose two or three neutral colours that go together, so nearly everything can be worn with everything else. A few simple tops, one or two pairs of trousers, a versatile layer, and one slightly smarter outfit for a nice dinner is usually plenty.
Our core list
- Three or four tops, mixed between short and long sleeves.
- Two bottoms that work for walking and for dinner.
- One warm layer and one light waterproof.
- Comfortable shoes we can walk in all day, plus one lighter pair.
- A small kit of toiletries in travel sizes.
- A book, a notebook, and a pen.
- A reusable water bottle and tote bag.
Do laundry on the way
For trips longer than a week, we wash a few items in the sink or find a laundrette. It takes little time and halves the amount we need to bring.
Pack, then remove
A final trick: once everything is packed, take out a quarter of it. We nearly always find that we do not miss what is left behind. We have rarely, if ever, regretted taking too little.
Leave room for souvenirs
Travelling light also leaves space for something to bring home, such as a small piece of ceramics, a bottle of olive oil, or a book from a local shop.
The next time you are packing, try it with a smaller bag. You might find that the whole journey feels a little lighter.
