Packing Like a Pro: What I Always Bring & What I Never Do
Ever stared at an open suitcase like it personally offended you? Yeah—same. Packing can feel like solving a puzzle, blindfolded, while someone screams “you forgot your charger!” in the background.
But after traveling across Europe, Southeast Asia, and more overnight bus rides than I care to admit, I’ve cracked the code. This isn’t a list of random “travel must-haves” that someone who’s never left their neighborhood whipped up. Nope. This is what I actually bring—and the things I stopped doing a long time ago (because they just don’t work).
So whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or planning your “find-yourself” trip around the world, I’ve got your back (and backpack). Let’s pack like pros—no stress, no regrets.
My Ride-or-Die Essentials I Always Bring
Let’s kick things off with the gear and gadgets that always make the cut—no matter where I’m going.
The Right Carry-On Backpack
Not gonna lie—I used to be a suitcase person. But after one too many cobblestone streets and staircases-from-hell, I saw the light.
My go-to? This lightweight travel backpack on Amazon, and yes, it fits under airplane seats and in tiny hostel lockers.
Why I love it:
- Opens like a suitcase, not top-loading (no digging through clothes like a raccoon)
- Padded laptop sleeve
- Water-resistant and durable AF
FYI: I never pack more than what fits in my carry-on. It keeps things simple, and my spine says thank you.
Packing Cubes (aka sanity savers)
Are packing cubes a scam? I thought so too—until I tried them.
Now? I’ll never travel without them.
Benefits:
- Separate clean from dirty clothes
- Keep outfits organized by category (tops, bottoms, underwear—yes, even socks get their own cube)
- Makes TSA rummage sessions way less chaotic
Want to stay organized without losing your mind? Invest in packing cubes.
The Underwear Rule (And It’s Not What You Think)
Let me just say this loud and clear: I never pack more than 5 pairs of underwear.
Why? Because:
- You can wash them in the sink
- They dry overnight (especially quick-dry ones like ExOfficio or Uniqlo Airism)
- Bringing 15 pairs “just in case” is how you end up with an overstuffed bag and zero space for souvenirs
Trust me—5 pairs, wash regularly, live free.
My Microfiber Towel (a.k.a. my MVP)
You’d be surprised how many accommodations don’t provide towels (looking at you, sketchy hostels). This is why I never leave without a compact microfiber towel.
Why it rocks:
- Dries quickly
- Rolls up tiny
- Doubles as a beach towel, picnic blanket, or emergency pillow
Oh, and it won’t make your bag smell like a wet dog. Bonus.
Universal Adapter + Power Bank
You know what’s worse than having a dead phone in a new city? Realizing you can’t even charge it because your plug doesn’t fit the outlet.
I always pack:
- A universal travel adapter (with USB ports)
- A high-capacity power bank (10,000mAh minimum—more if I know I’ll be off-grid)
Pro tip: Look for an adapter with surge protection. Your electronics will thank you.
Solid Toiletries (Because Leaks Suck)
Liquid shampoo bottles are traitors. I’ve had more than one “shampoo bomb” explode in my bag mid-flight, so now I use solid everything.
My faves:
- Solid shampoo and conditioner bars
- Toothpaste tabs
- Bar soap in a soap container (easy, eco-friendly, TSA-approved)
No more liquid limits, no more leaks. Simple.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Crying babies. Drunk backpackers. Roommates snoring like dying walruses. Been there, blocked that.
I never travel without my noise-canceling headphones. They’ve saved my sanity more times than I can count. Totally worth the investment.
Travel Folder (Yes, I’m Old School)
I know we live in the digital age, but I always carry:
- A printed copy of my itinerary
- Hotel confirmations
- Passport photocopy
- Emergency numbers
Why? Because phones die. Wi-Fi fails. Paper doesn’t.
No shame in being a prepared nerd.
What I Never Do (and What You Should Avoid Too)
You knew this was coming. We’ve all made packing mistakes (looking at you, hairdryer I brought to Thailand). Here’s what I never do anymore—and why you shouldn’t either.
Pack “Just in Case” Clothes
“Oh, I might need this just in case we go to a Michelin-star restaurant!”
Spoiler alert: You won’t. And if you do? Rent something, or wear black and fake confidence.
Instead: Pack versatile basics you can dress up or down.
Bring Full-Size Toiletries
Unless you’re moving across the world (and even then…), full-size shampoo bottles have no business in your bag.
They leak. They weigh a ton. TSA will probably toss them anyway.
Use travel-sized bottles or solid alternatives. Refill as needed. Easy win.
Bring Brand-New Shoes
I made this mistake once. I paid for it with blisters the size of silver dollars.
Never bring new shoes on a trip. Break them in first, or stick to tried-and-true pairs.
I rotate:
- Lightweight sneakers (for walking 20,000 steps a day)
- Comfy sandals (hello, beach days)
- One “nice enough” pair for going out (but still comfy, please)
Check a Bag (Unless You Really Have To)
Lost luggage ruins trips. Waiting at the carousel sucks. Checked baggage fees? Don’t get me started.
Unless you’re carrying gear for a special activity (scuba diving, professional photography, a full-on wedding), you don’t need to check a bag.
Packing light = travel freedom.
Forget a First-Aid Kit (But Keep It Tiny)
I don’t mean a full survival pack. I’m talking:
- Band-aids
- Pain relievers
- Allergy meds
- Motion sickness pills
Small, light, and has saved me more times than I can count. You don’t want to go looking for ibuprofen in a country where you can’t read the label.
My “Pro-Level” Packing Checklist
Because let’s be honest, we all forget something eventually. Here’s my go-to packing list you can steal:
Clothing
- 3–4 tops
- 2 bottoms (pants/shorts/skirts)
- 1 lightweight jacket
- 1 comfy outfit for flights
- 1 “nicer” outfit
- 5 pairs of underwear + 2–3 socks
- Sleepwear
- Swimwear
Toiletries
- Toothbrush + toothpaste tabs
- Solid shampoo/conditioner
- Bar soap
- Razor
- Deodorant
- Travel towel
- Sunscreen (solid or stick)
Electronics
- Universal adapter
- Power bank
- Phone + charger
- Headphones
- Camera (if needed)
Travel Extras
- Travel folder with printed docs
- Pen (you’ll need this for customs forms!)
- First-aid mini kit
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks (protein bars save lives)
Pro Tips to Level Up Your Packing Game
Do Laundry While Traveling
Don’t be afraid to do laundry. It’s easy and keeps your bag light. Most hostels, Airbnbs, and even hotels offer laundry services. Or just use some detergent and a sink.
Use Compression Cubes for Bulky Items
If you’re packing for colder climates, compression cubes = life saver. Just don’t overdo it—you still need to carry that thing.
Don’t Forget the Little Things
Tiny items like a SIM ejector tool, laundry line, or reusable shopping bag? Game changers you don’t think about until you need them.
Final Thoughts: Pack Smarter, Stress Less
Packing doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Once you find your rhythm (and ditch all the “what if” stuff), it actually becomes kinda fun.
Bring only what you need. Pack items that serve more than one purpose. And always—always—leave a little space in your bag for things you’ll pick up along the way.
And if you’re in the market for a solid, no-nonsense travel backpack that actually fits all this? I swear by this one on Amazon. It’s roomy without being bulky, super comfy to carry, and still looks good in airport selfies.
Happy packing, friend.
Now go crush that trip like the travel-savvy legend you are.
Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments—or send me your weirdest “just in case” item. (Mine was a travel-sized iron. I was young, OK?)
