Traveling light

How to become a packing expert.

I am super excited because I will be traveling for two weeks to multiple destinations! Spoiler alert: Brussels, Athens, Istanbul, Dubai & Moscow! I know that it’s crazy to cover all these cities in just two weeks, but that’s another story I might tell you later. I knew it was going to be expensive to cover these destinations in just two weeks, so I tried my best to book the cheapest flights without sacrificing time, meaning I only chose direct flights. But no space for a big suitcase, only a carry-on. I always try to travel light, in any case, who wants to carry 20 kg around the world?! Well, maybe lots of people, but not me.

Once I finished booking everything, I realized these places are completely different weather-wise. So I started to panic: How on earth would I fit clothes for two weeks in order to handle super cold and super hot temperatures?! Well, I managed to pack everything that I’ll need, keep reading to learn how I did it!

First off, I chose the must-take: sweater, coat, winter hat, gloves, scarf, sandals, slippers & travel kit.

Then I tried to choose my favorite clothes, only to realize that I’ve been wearing them constantly for the past few weeks. I thought: what’s with all the clothes I don’t wear anymore?! I should definitely get rid of them… Then it hit me! I should pack the clothes that I don’t want anymore and toss them after wearing them each day! Then my suitcase will become lighter and lighter!

And so I selected everything I don’t want anymore: t-shirts, shirts, pants, shorts, even socks, and underwear. I came up with a big pile on my bed, so then I tried to combine colors and make an outfit for each day, depending on where will I be. I did get rid of those things I really don’t want to wear anymore.

Once I had selected everything the tricky part started: how would I fit everything into my suitcase. So I put everything in by size order: the big coat in first, then pants, then shirts, t-shirts, underwear and socks to fill in the gaps. I rolled every item because supposedly doing this saves space. Well voila! Everything fit just perfect! Total weight: 9.8 kilos! I now declare myself a packing expert!

I do have some other tips:

Pack only necessary things.
Take two pairs of shoes/tennis, you will get tired of walking in the same ones for several days.
Take basic small bath items, less than 100ml. Shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, lotion and soap will do.
Don’t bring any sharp objects, knives, or scissors. Remember airport regulations.
If possible, pack a small towel & bathing suit, you never know…