For years I have been overpacking, wheeling around luggage that is heavier than I can carry, earning more frowns than I can count from people travelling on the same plane, train or bus with me.

I admit it, once and for all, I am notorious for packing too much stuff to then arrive in the destinations thinking I have nothing to wear, pieces don't match or whatever.

So I swore to myself I will (one day) put together a strict packing list and stick with it! It has been mildly successful so far, but we are all learning, right? Maybe writing it down here will improve my packing habits. Fingers crossed.

Also, while I have tried various pieces of luggage, from wheely bags to backpacks and a combination of both, I usually also bought the XL version, which is not helpful when you are trying to pack light and limit yourself from going overboard once again.

So let me tell you, go for the smaller version of luggage, this way you don't fill empty spaces with pieces you could possibly, maybe, hopefully (NEVER!) need on a trip.

Here it goes, my packing list for all the basics I pack.

Clothes

5 t-shirts
1 pair of jeans (usually wear another paid or some comfy khaki pants on the plane/train/bus)
1 pair of shorts
1 pair of comfortable shoes (sneakers)
1 bikini
1 pair of flip-flops aka thongs
8 pairs of socks
10x underwear
1 dress for when I go out
1 jumper
1 light jacket

Toiletries

1 toothbrush
1 tube of toothpaste (& dental floss)
1 bottle of shampoo (try and aim for a small one!)
1 bottle of conditioner (try and aim for a small one!)
1 small bottle of shower gel
1 razor
Hairbrush
Deodorant
Perfume in a small travel perfume atomizer (get a more expensive one that doesn't LEAK, the cheap ones do a horrible job and gone is your beautiful perfume before you even arrive at your destination!)

Extra Tip: Don't pack shampoo, conditioner, deodorant or shower gel at all if you pay extra for your luggage or you don't have much weight allowance, you can always buy those things at your destination.

Miscellaneous

Smartphone
Laptop/tablet
Mobile wifi device
All those electronics chargers
Universal travel adapter
Memory cards
Travel tripod
Credit card & backup (also helpful to save bank contact details somewhere in case of emergency/loss/fraud)
Copies of passport/credit card/etc.
A combination lock

Medical Kit

Bandaids
Painkillers (Panadol)
Hydrocortisone cream
Imodium
Eyedrops
Lozengers
Doctor-prescribed antibiotics for emergency
Hand sanitizer

Carry-On

E-books/Kindle
Headphones
Travel Scarf (serves as a blanket too)
Lip balm
Tissues
Change of clothes (especially for long trips)
Travel pillow
Snacks & gum
Empty water bottle (fill after security check)
Camera
Passport & visa if necessary
Pen
Cash & Credit/ATM cards
Insurance cards
Glasses/sunglasses
House keys

Last Words

I guess there is not one ultimate way to pack your bags as the things you want to bring highly depend on your destination.

Is it going to be hot or cold there? What will you be doing? Swimming, hiking, skiing?

How long will you be going for? One week or one year? Since I have been on a lot of very long trips (read indefinite travelling), I still recommend packing your bags just like you were going on a 2-week holiday. This way you avoid overpacking and leave space to buy things you like in your destination.

Safe travels always!

What can definitely not be missing in your luggage?

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The Basic Packing List For Every Trip