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Packing light especially on an itinerary where you are moving and changing location is a must. In fact it can be the difference between an enjoyable vacation and a miserable one.
I know quite a few people who only take one suitcase plus a carry-on- my daughter is one of them; one suitcase and one backpack.- see picture.
Doing laundry along the way wouldn’t harm you, in fact it can be a real adventure.
Too much luggage marks you out as a typical tourist, a target for scam artists and pickpockets. Plus you save on the airport baggage fees.
Here are some tips for packing light as a solo traveller;
Essentials
-Documentation- Take all you important documentations with you. Don’t forget any confirmation receipts. Make copies and leave one set with a relative or close friend. On arrival, place your documents and whatever money and credit cards in a safe in your room. If you have to use the one at the desk, use your own code and not the hotel’s code.
-Travel Insurance especially if you are travelling on your own. World Nomad is a good site.
-Take cash as well as your credit and debit card.
-VIN- Very important numbers. Take copies- keep one set in the safe and the other in your purse or pockets.
-Global plugin adapter with USB ports.
-E-reader - Kindle and I-Pad (whatever you use)
-Journal and pen
-Phone and charger
-Camera and charger
-Wear layers and convertible/changeable clothes. Wear a lot of really soft cotton t-shirts, pants and skirts with fashionable cuts that can be either dressed up or down. Make sure to pack things that can layer easily, like cardigans and wraps that you can re-wear over and over again.
-Take two pairs of comfortable shoes, one for day use and one for the evening. Don’t make extra weight by packing ‘just in case shoes,’ and whatever you do, don't take footwear that you have just bought. Think of the pain of breaking them in.
-Don’t pack a hairdryer. More than likely the accommodation will have listed this in their amenities.
Clothing
-Pashmina or large scarf - it has so many uses from head cover to beach cover-up to protection from the evening chills.
-Jacket or casual blazer for the men - just in case the temperature drops at night.
-Umbrella, scarf, gloves, hat (depending on the weather of your destinations, you may not need all of these.)
-Bathing suit. Even if there isn’t a beach, you may want to indulge yourself with a spa.
-Pyjamas, 5-7 underwear, 3 bras, 3 pairs of socks.
-Take a backpack with a fold-able tote bag as your carry-on. Pack your camera equipment and any other electronics in your backpack. Also pack a change of clothes in your carry-on.
Don't forget to place any 100 ml liquids in a clear bag for security.
-Place some plastic bags in your suitcase and carry-on. This is for wet and/or dirty items of clothing. I tend to place my footwear in them to avoid my clothes getting dirty.
It sounds like a lot but it’s not. Rinse clothes out when necessary.On your return home, list what you didn’t use and don’t pack it again.