In times when shopping doesn’t just exist by physically going into a store, it can be easy to “accidentally” purchase one too many outfits for an upcoming holiday. In my experience travelling, I think I’ve just about mastered how to pack for a holiday in a carry-on suitcase and a handbag, while still having all the outfits to get Instagram pictures. Last year, I travelled to Europe, and on my way there I was complimented by how light I was travelling. If you’re looking for a way to travel easily and lightly, keep reading this article, it could change your views on how to pack!

Packing cubes 

Packing cubes have literally saved my life when it comes to packing. It keeps luggage so much more organized than just folding it and putting it straight in. Three years ago, I purchased packing cubes from Amazon, and I still use them! I have regular packing cubes which helps me fit more clothes in and keeps the space so organized. There’s also packing cubes on Amazon that have compression which would allow for even more space for clothes or items. If there is one thing you get from this article, let it be purchasing packing cubes, you won’t regret it, I promise.

Plan outfits ahead of time

Take the time to choose outfits for either the length of time you're travelling for or if it’s an extended period of time, at least plan a couple of outfits that you know you will wear. I know it’s time consuming and travel can be hectic, especially the days leading up to a travel day, but just do it, trust me. By planning out a couple outfits, you’re guaranteed to wear what you pack as opposed to the mentality of packing clothes that you may or may not wear. With that mentality, you’re not taking up dead space by bringing things that you could potentially never wear. Make sure you feel comfortable and confident in what you’re packing so the space is used well!

Pack smartly

The key to packing smartly is to think about every aspect of your travel. For example, instead of planning your outfits that can only be worn once, plan outfits that you can re-wear in different ways. You can do this by packing a pair of pants that you can wear with different tops and build another outfit with. Essentially, make sure to pack some capsule pieces that you can wear multiple times in different outfits. The perspective should be one pants equals two or more different outfits. Another way you can pack smartly is by researching the weather of the destination that you’re traveling to a week before you leave so you can pack appropriately.

Let’s talk fashion

The worst feeling is when you have an upcoming trip, and you have no idea what you want to wear on holiday, but you want to look fashionable. This is where TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, and any online research can really become your best friend. If you don’t already have fashion inspiration (inspo) on your social media algorithm feed, now is a good time to start searching on these platforms for outfit inspiration and if you can narrow it down to be tailored closer to your type of trip, that is even better. For example, try typing in “outfit inspo for Europe” and you’ll be able to see a gallery of what others are wearing when visiting that region. Not everything will resonate with you, but some things will, and you can take this into consideration when shopping.

Invest in a good carry-on

If you want to travel with just one piece and not have to check any luggage, you’ll need to invest in a carry-on that is spacious and fits most airline cabins. One thing that I always look for in a carry-on is making sure it always has two sections to pack in instead of one. Even with packing cubes, I fear that having only one section of a carry-on to pack in wouldn’t be able to hold enough for more than a few days. I would also recommend making sure you like how the carry-on looks because if it’s an expensive purchase, you want to make sure you won’t grow tired of the appearance of it. It’s also important to remember that carry-ons can sometimes be checked in because of full flights. If you don’t want your carry-on to get damaged, there are covers that you can put over it for protection of dents or scratches.

Travelling is one of the best ways to express your fashion. When you’re in a new environment and you’re more enticed to take pictures, it’s a time to show off your sense of style and show others your fashion side. Don’t let the hassle of checking a suitcase in or lugging a big suitcase up a million stairs across Europe restrict you from your fashion sense. Take the above tips and use them wisely. Pack lightly, pack smartly, pack fashionably.