As I have gotten older and my travel has become more elaborate than the €10-a-night, shoestring adventures fuelled by the cheapest street food and an infinite supply of alcohol (seriously, how did we always afford the alcohol?), I feel like I’ve lost the sacred art of packing light. Once upon a time, I could confidently live out of a carry-on for six weeks across Europe. These days? The thought of squeezing three weeks’ worth of outfits into a full-sized suitcase and a carry-on feels like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded.
Case in point: my last trip to Greece. I stood there, luggage open, already 10kg overweight in my mind, questioning if I really needed the hair curler I’ve only used once in the last two years (I have curly hair already—why was this even a debate?). And of course, I had to bring the brick-heavy platform sandals in case I spontaneously felt like making a dramatic beach entrance. Then there was the mental gymnastics around my swimwear collection—surely I couldn’t be seen in the same one twice, right?
Coming home, I unpacked and sheepishly put away three or four untouched outfits, two extra bikinis that weren’t needed and those block sandals that I definitely never wore for a dramatic beach entrance. That’s when it hit me—I’d lost my packing finesse. The effortless efficiency of my youth had been replaced by a parade of “just in case” items. So, with a renewed sense of purpose (and a slightly bruised ego), I reflected on the minimalist wisdom of my earlier travel days. Here’s what I remembered—and what I’ll be applying to future trips (with some indulgences, of course).
The art of packing less (and living more)
The secret to smart, conservative packing lies in multi-purpose items. No matter your gender or destination, the golden rule is this: pack for one week, regardless of how long you’re going away. Most places will have a laundromat or, at the very least, a sink and a sachet of detergent. And underwear? That gets a pass—pack a few extras.
For women:
- Multi-purpose dresses: Think flowy numbers you can dress up with accessories or dress down with sneakers. One dress, three outfits.
- No-iron essentials: Items like denim shorts, loose cotton shirts, and stretchy skirts that can survive a suitcase and still look decent after a shake-out.
- One purse (if you really, really need it): Choose a neutral crossbody that works for both day and night. If you’re packing clutches, ask yourself who are you trying to impress at the hostel bar?
- Versatile flats: A comfortable, stylish pair that can take you from the cobblestone streets of Florence to dinner in Santorini. Bonus points if they don’t cause blisters.
For men:
- Stick to neutrals: Whites, greys, blacks, and beiges are your best friends. Mix and match to create totally different looks from the same handful of items.
- Wrinkle-resistant pieces: No one wants to iron on holiday. Linen blends, performance fabrics, and good quality basics are key.
- Two pairs of shoes: One pair of sandals for the beach, and one pair of enclosed shoes that can handle both walking tours and dinner reservations.
Final Thoughts: Do you really need it?
Still wondering if that item deserves suitcase real estate? Ask yourself this: Have I used this in the past year? (We’ll excuse the toothbrush from that equation—we’re assuming it’s seen some action.) Do you truly need a different outfit for each meal, or is that just your inner over-packer spiralling?
Here’s a liberating truth: no one cares if you repeat outfits. You’re the only one keeping track. Save yourself the stress, the extra baggage fees, and the shoulder pain—and pack smart. You’re going on holiday, not a fashion show (unless you are… but that’s a different guide).
Happy packing—and remember: if in doubt, leave it out.