When the school-year is over, we like to escape with our three girls to explore Europe, Southeast Asia, or Central America. With few exceptions, we’ve been doing this for the past 15 years. With no exceptions, each of us gets a soft, school-sized backpack. Yup, summer in a bag.
10 Tips to Pack Like a Monk explains how super light packing equals more traveling freedom and portability, without sacrificing clean undies. This small bag fits under a plane seat and is often referred to as your personal item, and will not trigger the carry-on bag fees for the overhead bins. More freedom, more savings–a little something for everyone.
Packing List
~ long sleeve shirt
~ a pair of soft jeans/pants
~ 1-2 pairs of shorts
~ 3-4 cotton t-shirts/tank tops
~ 5-7 underwear
~ 1 pair of flip flops or light sandals
~ extra bra
~ 1-2 pair of socks
~ swimsuit
Toiletries
~ favorite lip stuff, eye-liner, mascara
~ small deodorant
~ travel toothbrush
~ compact brush, hair ties
~ extra contacts, case, sunglasses
Toiletries and make-up are heavy, so minimize. Also keep in mind this is a carry on bag, so liquid and pointy restrictions apply. Shampoo bars are wonderful and not liquid. Our girls have a lot of hair so we buy bigger bottles of shampoo/conditioner between flights.
Gadgets
~ phone and individual charger
~ laptop or iPad and charger
~ camera, GoPro, batteries, chargers
We share toothpaste, camera charger chords and lenses, voltage changers. We never travel without a small luggage handheld scale.
We wear the bulky stuff on the planes; sneakers, long Lulu pants, long sleeve shirt, sweater or sweatshirt, and jacket.
That’s it. Enjoy packing light!