How do I pack light for solo travel?

One of my favourite games is to show people the kind of back packs I travel the world with for months. The surprised faces are priceless, and the only reaction I ever get is ‘How???’, which is funny if I think about how crazy my suitcase and bags looked like a good 10-ish years ago. But over the years I have absolutely nailed packing light. So, in today’s post I am sharing my top tips and hacks on how you can do the same. Because a, you don’t need that many things to travel comfortably, b, why pay for extra luggage when you can treat yourself to a ‘once in a lifetime experience’ instead. 

This is was me about 11 years ago, travelling to Ireland with way more than I actually needed...

1. Don’t just throw things in your luggage and hope they will work, pack and plan out full outfits. I normally like to take either a pair of jeans or light, linen trousers (if I’m going somewhere hot) and combine them with simple tops, crop tops, sweaters. I know it’s tempting to take fancy outfits you never wore before, but unless you’re only travelling for the gram (which I hope is not the case) you will want to feel comfortable. So take outfits that you wore a million times before and feel comfortable in. 

   
   

2. But if you also want to look and feel like a million dollars (which I get, sometimes I also do) take one super nice outfit with you that you can wear in moments you want to shine. Otherwise normalise repeating outfits when you travel. 

   
   

3. Always travel in your heaviest at outfit if you can. Saves you space and luggage weight. 

   
   

4. Mind your shoes. Instead of packing different pairs, find one that works give or take with all of your outfits. It’s very easy to take nice photos without your shoes in them, but having comfortable shoes will make your trip so much more smooth and comfortable. 

   
   

5. If you intend to shop while you travel, make sure you have some space left for souvenirs. I used to make this mistake, and would end up paying extra for luggage all the time. 

   
   

6. Create a capsule wardrobe. 1-2 pairs of jeans, trousers or skirts if you’re a skirt person, 3-5 tops that go with them, plus a light shirt or jumper for cooler evenings or a jacket/sweater. If you are travelling somewhere tropical it’s even easier because you can always trust a linen skirt/trousers plus bikini top combo. In this case I always like to add a light, buttoned shirt as well, it’s easy to combine with anything and comes handy when the AC or wind is too cold. Add a nice dress for special occasions and you easily have a week’s worth of clothing without overpacking your luggage. If you want to upgrade your outfits, accessories don’t take up a lot of space but go a long way. A simple beret or colourful scarf are my favourite options. 

   
   

7. Always check if your accommodation offers laundry before you plan outfits, this could mean you can pack less. 

   
   

8. When you pack your bags always roll your clothes, even your lingerie/underwear. Saves so much space than folding/throwing things in. 

   
   

9. Unless you need special products, buy deodorant/shampoo/conditioner/shower gel in a local supermarket once you get there. You can also opt for bar versions of these to save space. 

   
   

10. Don’t pack important items/papers in your checked in luggage. Always keep them in one easily accessible/smaller bag. 

    
    

11. Create a capsule collection for skincare and make up too. Only pack what’s most essential. This is only my perspective, but travelling make up free makes life so much easier. If you lack confidence to do this maybe your first solo travel is when you want to test the waters. At the end of the day no one will know you there, so you will feel under less pressure to look a certain way. You might end up embracing it. 

    
    

12. Opt for light, quick to dry clothes, so that you can wash and change them quickly. 

    
    

13. Travelling with a backpack is the smart choice. I know it’s not as glamorous, and there are days when I don’t like it either, but if you want to travel light, you have to invest in a good backpack. But choose wisely. Some backpacks are trendy and modern but actually weigh a lot. You might just want to pick something that’s super light and simple. 

    
    

14. Pack the travel version of your perfume or bring a less expensive/small one for travels. I am actually more of a perfume girlie than a make-up one, so I always want to bring a nice scent with me. But it’s not very practical to carry my expensive perfumes with me on my travels. So, I like to carry a cheaper one around, so if I lose it or it breaks it’s not that big of a deal, and also takes up less space. I like the smaller bottles you can find at Zara, I like to buy different ones when I travel, always trying something new. The best part? On days when I feel nostalgic about the places I visited, a quick trip to Zara can bring up so many good travel memories. 

    
    

15. Switch to a period cup if you can. Obviously, this is also a personal preference, but not having to carry pads or tampons with me ever again is not only convenient, but also saves some space in my backpack. 

I hope you found these tips useful. Packing light for solo travel isn’t about restricting yourself — it’s about creating freedom. The less you carry, the more energy, confidence, and space you’ll have for the moments that truly matter on your journey. Remember, every item you leave behind is an extra dose of ease you’re gifting yourself.

To make it even easier, I’ve created a free Travel Wellness Routine Builder that includes a printable travel checklist. It will help you pack smart, avoid overpacking, and feel completely prepared for your next adventure.

Grab your freebie