Packing Light, Travelling Far

Published in the Sunday Gujarat Samachar on 13 July 2025

I didn’t always pack light. Like many travellers, I once believed that a successful trip required being prepared for every possible situation - a change of clothes for every kind of weather, shoes for every terrain, tech gadgets for every mood, and books I never ended up reading. My suitcase would be overflowing, and still, somehow, I’d feel like I didn’t have the right things.

But over the years, travel has taught me otherwise. It started slowly—first ditching the second pair of shoes, then realising I didn’t need a full camera kit when my phone did the job just fine. Eventually, packing light became a habit, and then a philosophy. Today, whether it’s a weekend in Dubai, two weeks in Italy, or even a journey to South America, I aim to travel with just one stroller small bag and one check-in bag. And each time I do, I feel lighter - not just physically, but mentally too.

Because here’s the thing: travelling light changes the way you experience the world. You move more freely, think less about logistics, and notice more around you. You are not wrestling with bags or waiting at baggage belts for all bags. You are easily walking out of airports, hopping into trains, and strolling through cities. And in a strange but beautiful way, you start carrying less in your mind too.

So in this piece, I wanted to share what it really means to pack light, why it’s worth trying at least once, and how a smaller bag might just lead to bigger adventures.

What It Means to Pack Light

Packing light isn’t just about saving space in your suitcase—it’s about shifting your mindset. At its core, it means travelling with intention. You ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” for every item you add. It’s choosing versatility over variety, quality over quantity. It’s picking one pair of well-worn shoes that go with everything, instead of three “just in case” pairs that stay unused.

It also means letting go of the fear that something might go wrong if you don’t have that extra jacket or that special charger. Because in most cases, you’ll find what you need wherever you’re going—and often, you’ll realise you didn’t need it at all.

Packing light is about feeling in control, not overwhelmed. It’s about the joy of movement—zipping through airports, hopping on local buses, avoiding hefty baggage fees, and not worrying about lost luggage. And let’s not forget the feeling of walking into your hotel room, opening your bag, and seeing everything you need in one small, organised space.

My Go-To Packing Tricks

Over the years—and after far too many trial-and-error experiences—I’ve developed a few packing habits that never fail me. These are not hacks you’ll find in a generic listicle, but honest lessons from being on the road (and sometimes off it).

Pick a colour palette. Choose 2–3 base colours (black, white, green, navy blue—whatever suits your vibe) and make sure every item you pack works with everything else. This way, you can mix and match without repeating the exact same look.

Three shoes, max. One pair you will wear on the flight (usually sneakers), one pair for dinners or meetings (loafers or sandals), and one for the beach or adventure (flip-flops or hiking shoes, depending on the trip). Never more.

Roll, don’t fold. Rolling saves space and reduces wrinkles. Especially with softer fabrics like tees, dresses, or track pants. Invest in packing cubes. They changed my travel game. You can group clothes by type or day and compress them neatly. They’re also a lifesaver if you’re living out of a bag for weeks.

Always pack one nice outfit. Even if you’re on a casual trip, there’s always that one unexpected dinner or event where you’ll be glad you have a clean shirt, a dress, or something you didn’t hike in.

Rewear, repurpose, repeat. It’s okay to wear the same outfit twice. Or turn a beach sarong into a light shawl on a breezy night. The goal isn’t to look like a new person every day—it’s to be comfortable, confident, and present.

Packing Light With a Family: Yes, It’s Possible!

Now, I get it—packing light as a solo traveler is one thing, but doing it as a family? That feels like another level. Especially when you’re travelling with children. But over time, I’ve learned that it’s not only doable, it actually makes travel smoother.

Here’s what’s worked for us: One bag per person—no exceptions. Everyone gets their own bag, including the little one. Raya’s bag includes her clothes, a few favourite toys, and essentials. Keeping it compartmentalised helps us stay organized and reduce last-minute panic.

Share common items. Things like toiletries, medicines, electronics, and chargers go into one shared pouch. No need for three separate bottles of sunscreen or five charging bricks. You’ll save space and weight.

Versatility is your friend. For kids, pack clothes that can be layered. A T-shirt can work for warm days and as a base under a hoodie for cooler evenings. Similarly, choose shoes that can handle walking, running, and the occasional muddy puddle.

Don’t pack for ‘what ifs’. Yes, kids can be unpredictable, but overpacking for every scenario just adds bulk. Most places around the world have stores and pharmacies. Trust that you can pick up what you need.

One activity kit = hours of peace. This has been our magic trick: one small zip pouch with crayons, a notepad, stickers, and maybe one or two small toys. It’s a lifesaver on flights, in restaurants, or when waiting for transport.

Packing light as a family doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort—it means choosing what really matters. It means less stress, fewer bags to drag around, and more room for the memories you’re about to make.

So all in all, I will just say this. Packing light isn’t about sacrifice—it’s about freedom. Freedom to move with ease, to be spontaneous, to focus on experiences instead of belongings. Every item you leave behind makes room for something better: a conversation, a sunset, a memory you didn’t see coming.

So the next time you’re standing in front of an open suitcase wondering what to take, remember—less stuff, more stories. That’s it from me today. As I always say, keep celebrating life. See you next week.