Travel lightly

Travel Lightly

Packing less leads to more freedom

Why I Started Downsizing My Luggage

Since I cannot carry a mid-sized or big suitcase I wanted to downsize the amount of things I pack when leaving home for a getaway. I am not a minimalist, at the same time I love the norm-core style so that makes it easier to choose my clothes for a trip.

I found that packing for a long weekend trip is the same as for a one week vacation. And the same amount of things is needed if I go on holiday for two or three weeks. If I go away for two months, I don`t necessarily need more than for three weeks. This means I can pack the same suitcase for three days or for two months. What a relief this discovery was! Because I save time on deciding what to take and therefore have a lot less stress. Additonally, my purchases in general are a lot more mindful, knowing I have everything I need at home already. For example, I own summer dresses in various colours and don`t require another one in a slightly different shade of blue, green, or black.

My Summer Travel Essentials

Clothes

There are wardrobe staples I always take no matter how long the trip is. These are two or three of my favourite dresses and jumpsuits each, two bikinis, one sweater and two pairs of shoes (one pair of sandals and one pair of sneakers). One pyjama. A handful of underwear and a couple bras. Plus a light jacket and a hat or a cap. Definetly taking one or two pieces of cloth like a lunghi/kitenge/sarong, as this can be used as a skirt, towel, scarf, headwrap, blanket or for laying on the beach.

Toiletry bag

Then I fill up a basic toiletry bag with medicine, hygienic items and make-up.

Medicine would be pain killers, fever reducer, thermometer, iodine ointment, band aids, mosquito repellent, medicine for sunburn, stomach ache, travel sickness & cold. Items for personal hygiene are toothbrush and -paste, dental floss, lotion to shower, for face, body & sun, shampoo, deo, brush, and ear cleaner. Make-up for me is just eyeliner, mascara and a small, travel size bottle of my favourite perfume.

Miscellaneous items

I am taking are jewellry, sunglasses, a book, a set of cards, a flash light and a small extra bag that is foldable. And remember, you can buy most items at your destination too if needed – like medicine, hygienic stuff or leisure articles.

Essentials in a Daypack

I always carry a small backpack for the most important things: travel documents (including visa), health insurance card, driver`s license, credit-card and mobile phone with charger and adapter.

Spontaneity & Joy

You could even try traveling with just the essentials on your next trip and see how it works. I did that once for a spontaneous trip. I was dropping my boyfriend off at the train station. While saying goodbye he asked me if I would like to come along. And yes did I like his idea! Hopped on the train and we had a great long weekend away.

We also went to England once for a week with each of us carrying just a small backpack (like a day bag). That was a bit ambitious since the weather in England can change from rainy to sunny within a few hours. It worked out though I wouldn`t really recommend it.

From this day on packing has become a joy for me. Moving from a tiny backback to a small suitcase feels like there is so much space – a luxury.

Try It Yourself & Share Your Experience

Maybe you want to give it a try too? Challenge yourself on your next trip - and let me know how it goes.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or experiences to share, I`d love to hear from you. You can reach me via hello@gesaordnung.de or here via the contact form on my website.

Happy holidays & wishing you a joyful day, Gesa