When it comes to packing for travel, I believe that less is more. My dad ingrained in me that there are a couple of bare essentials: Passport, banking card and (nowadays) your smartphone. If need be, you can figure out anything else along the way. Believe it or not, packing with that mindset has been very anxiety reducing 😂
But obviously, I like extend that list a little bit to be as self-sufficient as possible and not have to look for a way of purchasing what I need on the road.
Clothes and footwear
What has worked well for me in the past is to pack clothes for the amount of days that I will be traveling but no more than 1 week worth of clothes. If I am going to be gone longer, I will do laundry along the way.
I like to pack clothes that can be easily assembled in different combinations instead of coming up with outfits ahead of time. This includes plain colors and allows for a smaller wardrobe and less items to pack.
If I am traveling in summer or to a warm climate for a week or longer, my travel wardrobe includes enough underwear and socks to last me for 1 week, half that amount of shirts/tops, 1-2 light cardigans or sweaters, 1 heavier sweater, 1-2 pairs of shorts, 1 pair of flowy harem pants, 1 pair of long jeans (that I will usually wear on the flight), 1 dress or skirt and 1 light jacket. Additionally, I make sure to include one set of workout clothes and sleep wear. I also like to pack a bikini and one multifunctional sarong that I can use as a (head) scarf, beach dress or light blanket. When it comes to footwear, I take 1 pair of sneakers (that I wear on the flight), 1 pair of ballerinas and 1 pair of sandals or flip flops.
For winter or colder climate, I drop the shorts and harem pants for 1-2 pairs of long jeans and 1-2 additional sweaters or cardigans. Additionally, I exchange the sarong for an actual shall or scarf and the light jacket for a medium to heavy one. I also leave the sandals / flip flops at home and only take the bikini if I expect a pool or spa at one of the locations that I plan on visiting.
Toiletries
Aside from packing a travel hair brush (think small tangle teaser), tweezers and a travel tooth brush, I fill all necessary toiletries into travel sizes so that I don’t exceed the liquids limit in my carry-on. This includes (most importantly) toothpaste and sunscreen. You are allowed to bring a 1 l-sized (1 quart) bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the TSA checkpoint at the airport. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 100 ml (3.4 ounces) or less per item. I also like to pre-charge my Clarisonic face brush and pack that.
Accessories
Make sure to bring your smartphone, camera (plus camera bag) and the corresponding chargers. I also like to bring a kindle for easy reading, but tend to pre-charge that ahead of time. I also bring one printed travel guide book (usually Lonely Planet) and highlighter to do my initial travel research and get some inspiration and lay of the land. A pen also usually comes in handy and does not take up a lot of space. On top of that, I usually pack a light and quick-drying travel towel and, depending on the location, a pair of sun glasses. For a couple of years, I have also started bringing a neck pillow so that long flights or rides get more comfortable.
Travel snacks and beverages
When it comes to initial travel provisions, I usually pack a couple of cereal bars and trail mix for the journey (to prevent getting “hangry”) as well as an empty water bottle that I fill after I made it through security at the airport and throughout my trip. Additionally, I try to bring a set of travel utensils with a minimum of a fork, spoon and (dull) knife and maybe chopsticks. Make sure that these are made from durable, reusable plastic or wood. The TSA will most likely confiscate your metal knife if it is in your carry-on.
Luggage and/or carry-on
Personally, I am always shocked when I see people going on vacation with more than 1 big suitcase per person because I can’t imagine how you would possibly use all of it. So much (literal) baggage. I usually take one carry-on bag and one personal item in the form of a regular backpack when I am staying in one location or have a rental car. If I am backpacking, I will take one medium backpack and a messenger bag for valuables. I try to keep all of these as light as possible. After all, I have to carry it all. 😜
And even though, the items listed above sound like a lot, they actually all fit easily into on normal sized carry-on or medium backpack and one personal item such as a regular backpack or messenger bag. My carry-on / medium backpack usually weighs 8-10 kg (17-22 pounds), which I am more than comfortable with.
Bonus packing tip
Make sure that you pack your liquids with your electronics so you can present them easily to the TSA. Even if you are TSA PreChecked, you might sometimes still be asked to unpack your liquids and big electronics for inspections. Being prepared will make it much easier.
How about you?
What are your basic essentials on your travel packing list?
Cover picture was taken in Bangkok (Thailand) in Apr 2014
Wandering Explorer Travel 
I always pack lotion and plenty of tissues/napkins– these two items are often forgotten or overlooked in the packing process, but they make a huge difference in the travel experience. My hands tend to be chapped no matter where I go, so lotion is a must…and tissues/napkins are versatile in that they can be used to wipe down dirty tray tables on trains, used to hold food without having to wash your hands, and even to use as toilet paper when the bathrooms run out! It’s the little things I try not to forget to pack up, and all in all, it becomes a good trip overall!
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That are honestly the things that I always forget and regret not packing 😂
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