After years of full-time travel and living out of a carry-on, I’ve made every packing mistake you can think of.
Overpacking, packing for fake scenarios, trying to be cute instead of comfortable. I’ve done it all.
And now I know exactly what not to pack. These are my real-life, tested travel packing tips for women who want to travel smarter, better, cheaper.
And without dragging a suitcase full of regret.
You Don’t Need More Than Three Pairs of Shoes
Shoes are the #1 space-waster in most suitcases.
They’re bulky, heavy, and often totally unnecessary.
I used to pack five or six pairs thinking I needed options for every possible scenario. What actually happened? I wore the same two pairs the entire trip and lugged around the others for no reason.
Now I bring exactly three:
- One pair of comfortable walking shoes that can handle long travel days, cobblestone streets, and airport sprints.
- One pair of light sandals or flip-flops for beach days, pool time, or quick errands.
- And one pair of dressier flats or sandals that work with a cute outfit for dinner or going out.
That’s it.
These three cover everything I actually do while traveling.
If I really need something specific, like hiking boots or rain boots, I wear them on the plane instead of packing them.
Once you simplify your shoe lineup, packing becomes so much easier.
Click here if you want links to the exact three pairs of shoes I travel with and swear by.
Leave the Beach Towel at Home
It takes up half your suitcase and dries out slower than a travel day hangover.
Most hotels and Airbnbs have towels.
If not, you can buy a cheap one locally and leave it behind when you go.
Skip the Hair Dryer
Unless you have a very specific hair routine or are staying somewhere remote, you don’t need to bring your own hair dryer.
Most hotels and Airbnbs have one already. And if they don’t, you can usually find one at a local pharmacy or store for cheap.
Besides, bringing your own from home can cause more problems than it solves. The voltage is different in many countries, and even with an adapter, you risk blowing a fuse or damaging your device.
I’ve seen it happen. Fried hair. Burned plugs. Total mess.
Plus, hair dryers take up way too much space in your bag.
If it’s really a concern, check the amenities before you book. But in all our years of travel, I’ve never once regretted leaving mine behind.
Most accommodations have one and bringing your own is a great way to either blow a fuse or fry your hair. Especially when traveling abroad where voltage is different.
They’re neutral, versatile, and all fit in a carry-on without playing shoe Tetris.
Ditch Full-Size Toiletries
I travel with a carry on only. So full size toiletries are a no-go for me (TSA will take them).
But even on the occasions that I check a bag, shampoo and conditioner have leaked inside my bag.
Bring travel-size versions of your essentials or just pick them up when you arrive.
Especially if you’re going somewhere like Europe or Asia where the local products are often better anyway.
Leave Valuables Behind
Travel is not the time to bring anything you’d be devastated to lose.
That means expensive jewelry, sentimental pieces, family heirlooms, or anything you’d hesitate to toss in your carry-on at security.
Things get lost, stolen, or simply forgotten in hotel safes all the time. You can click here to read about the time we were burglarized in Cyprus, for example.
I travel with one pair of earrings and a simple bracelet that looks nice but has zero emotional or financial value. It goes with everything, and if it disappears, I won’t care.
I’ve seen people lose engagement rings, designer watches, and vintage necklaces. It ruins their trip.
Travel with peace of mind instead. Keep it simple, keep it replaceable, and leave anything truly valuable at home where it’s safe.
Don’t Pack “Just in Case” Items
This is a big one.
If you’re packing something for a situation you’ve imagined but probably won’t happen, don’t.
“Just in case it rains for 7 days straight.” “Just in case we go hiking.” “Just in case we get invited to a fancy gala.”
Trust me, we’ve all been there.
But those items almost always go unused and just take up space in your bag. You end up dragging around gear you never touch.
Instead, focus on what you know you’ll use.
If something unexpected comes up, you can almost always buy what you need locally. Whether it’s an umbrella, a pair of leggings, or even a nicer outfit, those things are easy to find once you’re on the ground. Traveling light makes the entire experience easier and less stressful.
Let go of the “what ifs.” Pack for real life, not imaginary scenarios.
You Only Need One Handbag
You do not need a different bag for every outfit.
You do not need a big purse, a small purse, a clutch, a belt bag, and a tote.
One well-chosen crossbody or anti-theft bag is all you need for travel. It should be lightweight, neutral enough to go with everything, and secure enough for busy city streets or public transport.
I always choose one with a zip closure, adjustable strap, and just enough space for the essentials like my phone, wallet, lip balm, sunglasses, and a small pack of tissues.
It’s comfortable for long travel days, easy to carry at night, and I never worry about leaving it behind because it’s always on me.
Switching bags wastes time and increases the risk of forgetting something important in the shuffle. One great travel handbag simplifies everything.
Don’t Travel With a Stack of Cash
It’s not safer. It’s not smarter.
We use a no-foreign-transaction-fee card and pull local currency from an ATM if needed. You’ll get a better exchange rate and lower your risk.
Most places around the world are card-first now anyway, even for small purchases.
We always carry a little local currency for emergencies, but we rely on no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve for almost everything.
And in case we do need local currency we carry a Schwab ATM card. It avoids bad exchange rates and reimburses all ATM fees!
You Don’t Need a Different Outfit for Every Day
This is one of the biggest mindset shifts when it comes to packing light.
You’re not going on a fashion show. You’re traveling. You don’t need seven perfectly styled outfits for a seven-day trip.
What you do need is a small collection of mix-and-match pieces that are comfortable, easy to wear, and can be dressed up or down.
I pack a few tops, a couple of bottoms, one or two dresses, and a light layer. That’s it.
I stick to a neutral color palette with a few accent pieces so everything works together. I
f something gets dirty, I wash it.
And if I wear the same outfit twice, no one notices. And even if they do, who cares? You’re not trying to impress strangers you’ll never see again.
Packing light means fewer decisions, less stress, and more room in your bag. And trust me, your back and your baggage fees will thank you.
Skip the Extra Gadgets and Cables
We’ve bought, packed, and ditched more travel tech gadgets than we can count.
Some sounded brilliant… until they broke. Or took up too much space. Or sat untouched in our bags while we reached for the same few tried-and-true items over and over.
Click here to read about the 7 travel gadgets that have earned a permanent place in our carry-ons.
Final Thought
Packing light makes every part of travel easier.
From navigating airports to getting up the stairs at your Airbnb to fitting everything back in your bag at the end of the trip.
These travel packing tips have saved me so much stress. Hopefully they save you some too.
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