I used to overpack. Every Single Time. And if I’m being honest… I still have to check myself.
I packed a small suitcase and a duffel bag for my 35th birthday, 8-country, 35-day tour of southern Europe. During this tour, I traveled by plane, train, and bus and did a ton of walking. I unpacked and repacked multiple times.
What no one tells you is that there are many small, picturesque cobblestone streets and mini-hills (where cars are not allowed) that require you to carry your luggage. It’s not easy to roll heavy luggage on cobblestones and up hills. Additionally, you must meet the domestic airline luggage requirements.
In hindsight, with all the walking I did, especially on those unforgiving cobblestone streets and mini-hills, I should have packed much lighter.
The Overpacking Cycle
The designated luggage carrier I prayed for asks every trip, without fail, the same thing:
“Why are you packing this?”
And every trip, without fail, I realize one of four things:
1/ I didn’t use what I packed
2/ I used it once
3/ I could have purchased it while on the trip
4/ I could have gone without it.
Instead, I packed for:
- scenarios that never happen
- outfits I never wear
- moods I might feel
Instead of packing for what’s actually planned.
Sound familiar?
Particularly as women, we like to be prepared for anything (and for others), but we may have to consider what Jesus told his disciples…
“Take nothing for your journey,” he instructed them.
“Don’t take a walking stick, a traveler’s bag, food, money, or even a change of clothes.
This is extreme simplicity and minimalism while traveling.
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The European Mindset: Less is More
I think the Europeans are closer to Jesus’ traveling advice than Americans. One thing I’ve noticed about Europeans is that they’ve mastered the art of traveling light. Additionally, they are accustomed to walking as a mode of transportation.
Europeans prefer smaller carry-ons or backpacks to navigate those narrow streets, cobbled roads, and lack of elevators.
They focus on essentials, versatile capsule wardrobes, and comfortable, stylish walking shoes. They prioritize well-fitting basics and neutral colors that can be layered.
Europeans are more willing to buy toiletries (shampoo, sunblock) and items at their destination.
Additionally, Europeans often plan to use laundry facilities during their trip. Whoever thought? Wash clothes during your travels. Genius!!! So you don’t need 15 pairs of underwear. One week will do.
They’re intentional (my word for the year), and that’s the shift we need.
Pack the bare minimum and buy what you can’t pack at your destination.
How to Pack Properly (Step-by-Step)
Here’s how to go from overwhelmed and overpacked… to light, prepared, and free:
1. Choose the Right Bag
Your luggage determines your limits.
- Checked bag = temptation to overload your luggage
- Carry-on only (22X14X9) = discipline to pack lighter
- Personal/day bag = access to essentials (identification, money, medication, electronics, snacks)
- Hideaway tote = flexibility to bring items back from your travel (pack in luggage)
If you want to pack lighter, start smaller.
2. Know Your Itinerary
Before you pack anything, ask:
- What am I actually doing each day?
- Are there formal events? Casual days? Excursions?
Pack for the plan, not your imagination.
3. Check the Weather (Not Just the Day You Leave)
Look at:
- Daily highs and lows
- Rain probability
- Humidity
This eliminates unnecessary “just in case” outfits.
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4. Plan Outfits, Not Pieces
The goal is to pack fewer items that work harder, often using methods like the 3-3-3 (3 tops, 3 bottoms, 3 shoes) or 5-4-3-2-1 (5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 layers/dresses, 1 set of accessories). Instead of packing random clothes:
- Create full outfits (head to toe, including underclothes)
- Stick to a color palette (mix & match)
Aim for:
- 1 outfit per day
- 1–2 backup options max
Pack with Intention, Not Emotion. Ask yourself:
- Will I definitely wear this?
- Does this match at least 2 outfits?
- Am I packing this out of fear or necessity?
- You can always buy clothes at your destination.
5. Minimize Toiletries
- Travel-size everything
- Buy when you arrive or use hotel essentials when possible
- Share items if traveling with a partner
You don’t need your entire bathroom.
6. Limit Shoes (This is where we struggle!)
Shoes take up the MOST space.
Stick to:
- 1 comfortable walking sneakers (if possible, wear these on the plane to save space in luggage)
- 1 pair of everyday flat sandals
- 1 optional pair of dressier shoes
- 1 pair of shower shoes (or buy at your destination)
Bonus: Compartmentalize
Packing Cubes
Think of it like drawers inside your luggage.
Instead of having everything loose in your suitcase, packing cubes let you group items and save space.
So when you open your suitcase, everything is neat, visible, and easy to grab—no digging, no mess.
Helpful Links
Before you book your next trip…
1 | Discover your travel style so you can plan with confidence
2 | Grab my First-Time International Travel Starter Kit for pre-sale (perfect if you’re just getting started)
3 | And if you want a done-for-you experience, let me create your custom itinerary.
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