Packing Light For International Trips
After two seperate 3+ month treks around Europe and lots of domestic travel, we’ve learned a lot about packing light!
We learned the hard way that it’s just not worth it to bring a ton of stuff and makes country hopping much more difficult! We wanted to share some of the tips and tricks we have learned along the way to help you become a light packer too.
Our goal is always to bring just a personal item, as we fly discount airlines often, and many times this is the only piece of luggage included for free. We found some great travel backpacks and have used them on tons of airlines around the world and they have always passed as a personal item.
Take note that this does mean you cannot have any other item such as a purse. I empty a purse and just stick it in the backpack to use once we get to our destination.
Our most recent travel hack
I recently found out a little travel hack that is super helpful! You can purchase stuffable neck pillows on Amazon and stuff them with lots of things! You simply secure it around your neck when boarding.
I haven’t been on an airline that does not allow you to bring a neck pillow yet! I’m able to stuff five pairs of socks, five pairs of underwear, three shirts and a pair of leggings in this neck pillow.
Be Weather Aware - Pack Appropriately
Most of the places we travel have mild weather, but I still like to have a combination of shorts and pants as some days are usually warmer than others.
I have two pairs of Kuhl shorts that are perfect for travel, as they can be dressed up or down, they’re small and lightweight, and extremely comfortable. I have a pair in black and one in purple, and they are the only shorts I brought on our last European trip!
I don’t pack long sleeve shirts but instead pack several short sleeved shirts and then bring a lightweight packable jacket in case it gets chilly.
For shoes, I like to pack one pair of really comfortable sneakers for walking or hiking, as well as a neutral tan basic pair of Teva sandals which can also be worn for hikes where our feet might get wet, to the beach, or also out with a little skirt or dress if I want to dress up.
I pack one pair of cozy pajamas as I like to be very comfortable at night, and usually pack one pair of leggings, one pair of sweatpants, and one pair of nicer pants that can be dressed up or down.
I can roll up a skirt or dress easily, so I’ll throw in one or two of those, and then I have a small makeup/toiletries bag, toothbrush holder and small foldable brush I fit into the backpack. I slide my laptop and notebook into a separate compartment in the backpack, and that’s basically what we pack!
I do have to admit that when traveling Europe for months at a time, we do check one suitcase. It’s overflow from the things that don’t fit into our backpacks. So we are paying for one checked bag around Europe. We didn’t discover the neck pillow hack until after our last European trip though, so there’s a chance we could have made it work without the suitcase… we will see next time!
Pack light. adjust when needed
On our recent trip to the East Coast for a family Christmas, we decided to experiment with traveling light, despite anticipating the freezing temperatures of a New York winter. The forecast indicated chilly highs between 17-26 degrees Fahrenheit, and while buying and lugging heavy coats from California was one option, we didn't even own such winter gear. Instead, we chose to pack in layers, planning to purchase warmer coats if necessary.
The moment we stepped out of the airport, the biting cold made it instantly clear that our layers weren't going to suffice. This minimalist packing experiment certainly had its benefits, allowing us to navigate airports and transfers easily, but the harsh East Coast winter required big coats!
To accommodate our new bulky coats for the trip back to California, we bought an inexpensive carry-on suitcase. This flexible approach—not only helped us travel efficiently and inexpensively but also avoided the extra charges for additional baggage from the discount airline we used for our flight out.
The airline had strict fees for extra luggage, which was another reason we chose not to bring heavy coats from home. Our return flight with Southwest Airlines was more forgiving, offering a free checked bag (always be mindful of luggage allowances when booking flights!)
This strategy of:
Being aware of expected weather
Packing as light as possible
Being aware of airline baggage policies
Adjusting to conditions upon arrival
…has repeatedly allowed us to travel without compromising on comfort or style. It also underscores the importance of adaptability in travel—ready to enjoy the journey, no matter the weather.
*Some products discussed in this blog were gifted by adidas. However, all opinions are entirely my own.