One thing I have learned from many years of travel with minimal bags is to bring comfortable, lightweight clothes in fabrics that dry quickly and can be worn multiple times with little fussiness. Things like merino, cashmere, linen, and tencel are perfect for travel.
This is essential! If you want to travel this way you have to judiciously pick the kind of clothes you are bringing… if it doesn’t dry overnight, it will be a problem. Also, even if you think clothes don’t smell yet, the probably do (especially in the summer 😅).
I'll have a mixture of thin clothes and heavier because November in Italy can be wet and raw...just got advice from someone there to bring a light puffer jacket. EEK!! And, it's going to be for a month! I'll have access to a washer, but drying may take awhile!
A reminder that if you have any skin conditions (allergies, eczema, rosacea, etc.) don't rely on hotel bathroom products. If you want to maximize space, bring only what you need for your basic routine!
This! People who don't have to deal with these issues don't know how easy they've got it. I have to take my own products for anything that goes on my skin, otherwise it's not going to be a fun trip :'( Decanting into smaller containers helps, but for a month long trip it's still a bit weighty.
In August-September, 2023, I went to Ireland and Scotland for 6 weeks with only a 40 litre Osprey backpack and a crossbody bag. Earlier this month, I flew to Quebec City for a one week vacation using only a 30 litre Eddie Bauer backpack and crossbody. I'm absolutely convinced that backpack only traveling is totally doable with careful planning, compression packing cubes, laundry facilities. I won't travel any other way now.
Backpack travel is great and so much easier. I’ve done England for 10 days in March with 16 L twice. It might get boring to always wear the same but as long as there are sinks and washing machines, you do not need more. I like wearing oversized shirts, so I can wear them a couple of times before washing, so two are enough. Underwear I wash every day by hand, 3 are plenty. 1 extra pair of leggings, 1 extra jumper. A total of 3 pairs of socks that are also wased by hand daily. That’s it. My toiletries fit in a 1 L bag, except for the shampoo, that goes separate.
This is how I pack, have done for years. In Europe, particularly in cities, its far easier to have your bag on your back when navigating public transport, even airport.
I recently watched people on trains in Italy struggling with massive rolling suitcases. They were so stressed. I just throw on my backpack and I’m good to go.
@@mhtammi I don't think so. (They all have wheels these days, but not sure if that's what youre asking.) I got the 76cm version & it's 2.8 kg. Happy hunting. 😊
great tips. I would ditch: the laptop, makeup, panties [bring 1 for every 2 days & wash in sink], more toiletries, umbrella [use folding poncho style rain jacket]. I would bring: visor, more sun SPF stuff, tunic/dress, sarong, shawl, scarves, walking socks, deck of playing cards.
I went from a chronic over-packer to a chronic under-packer. I’m still trying to figure out my wardrobe and creating outfits rather than just a top and bottoms so it’s still a work in progress, but I enjoy watching videos like these for inspiration on what to pack and possible styling tips! ✈️ ✈️
@RanndiMarie01 I hear you! I have a rail out & am doing a 'this goes with that' exercise. 3 colours. Any extra colours, flair, will be with jewellery, scarves, belt & lipstick (all light to carry). Happy future packing. 🙂
I love these videos despite the fact that it’s truly logistically impossible for me. For one, bigger bodies = bigger clothes. So that’s a challenge. Not to mention the bulk of my travel is touring as a musician, and when you perform on stage your clothes get so hopelessly sweaty and gross, rewearing tops or dresses is not an option. But I’ve come to packing separates so I can rewear the bottoms and save some space. And when you’re hopping from place to place to make the next gig, laundry is challenging as you don’t stay anywhere long enough to let your clothes dry for a sink wash, and the laundromat visits have to be strategically planned so you don’t miss sound check. Regardless, these are great tips for the regular vacation traveler.
@@lbeard7661she says she’s plus size but she doesn’t look plus size … maybe she’s more mid size? I’m way bigger and I wouldn’t be able to get away with a backpack only :/
Regarding sink wash: have you tried drying the clothes with the provided hair dryer? Haha I've done this when I've had a small stain or something, but I've never tried a whole shirt
That’s a really helpful video. One thing you didn’t pack I would never leave without is a water bottle that fits at least half a litre. I always bring one wherever I go 😊
I don't know how to put things. I take less things than you but still have to use my small trolly , still i over stuff it with so little items . I don't know how😂😂😂 . And the worst part when i go somewhere there atleast in some moderation, when i come it feels my trolly gonna burst. I don't know if no items change then how it's possible
✈️! I am heading out for three and a half weeks in Ireland, Scotland, and England tomorrow, and this was exactly the reality check I needed; thank you! I always pack in a 32-liter travel backpack, so that tends to automatically edit my choices, and once I am at my destination, I NEVER want to be lugging stuff around. However, on the home side of things, I still fall victim to the "what if..." and my home head thinks I am going to want a little more variety, when my travel head will happily do without just about anything if it means not lugging a heavy bag from place to place.
A packing list is key. I have used the same master list for years with just a few tweaka depending on the destination. I also love compression packing cubes
When I travel for a week or more, 4 pairs of undies is what's I've always done. Do laundry in the bathroom, if there's no laundry room and just hang the clothes. (Quick dry clothing is key)
Whether I’m away for a weekend, or 3 weeks. I only bring one bag. Weekend is a smaller bag. The week or longer is a bit bigger bag. Toiletries don’t change. Also depends on the weather, if I’m bringing boots (which I’ll wear) or hiking boots or shoes and slides and I’m good. The shoes change depending on area, and weather.
✈️ I’m going for a weekend in Ireland in November. I have the Monos backpack but was thinking about taking a different travel bag. You’ve made me reconsider!
I ordered the monos backpack but it wasn’t for me. I had to return it. It’s so stiff and the little attached bag doesn’t feel secure. Plus it’s not very roomy
Very good... thanks! Though wouldn't it be great if the clip on bag at the front had a detachable strap so you could use it as a cross body bag when you get to your destination? Also I would need to bring nice sandals for going out at night... trainers or flip flops probably would be a bit casual for eating out?
We are going for 9 days with little gratis carry on backpacks one for me and one for my husband but a plot twist is that we need to pack also our 2 kids under 3 to those backpacks 😅 i dont know how but i will do it! 😅❤
✈️ great video. I like that you went through each piece of clothing and how it might go together and why it was useful with such a small inventory.. Good inspiration for a fashion packer trying to take a little bit less😉
Christina, a channel called Traveling Fevah just posted a 54321 packing video using loads of your footage. I couldn’t find any mention of you in it and thought you should know.
✈️Thanks Christina! I am travelling to Portland, Oregon for a week in July, and while I am not quite as minimalist as you, will think of these principles when I pack!
To all who use a backpack when traveling ... Do you feel your belongings are safe in a backpack? Others have said a backpack is an easy theft opportunity because there is easy access opening in the back. Using a backpack seems a more comfortable option, but I am uneasy feeling vulnerable to theft. Thoughts are appreciated.
✈️ Spain & Italy in Oct. For a month. Plan to pack light but with a checked bag & a Tote that converts to a back pack + a small rfid Hedren crossbody. 7kg is carry-on limit out of Australia so it's a bridge too far me for to he carry-on only. If it were a casual Geek islands summer trip, I'd try it. Will follow your packing tips though.
Thanks for these carry-on packing tips, Christina! Overpacking stresses me out! I am a big fan of also bringing at least one scarf/wrap/Turkish towel/Pashmina: the versatility to tie solid color basics together, doubling as light blanket, taking up so little space in carryons. Also, jewelry is such a space-saving & are style-elevating items, too. 😊
✈️ Winter travel ❄️: Tasmania (July) + Cyprus (Dec). I’m pretty good packing a 7kg 1-bag for shoulder season travel. First time packing for “proper winter” destinations.
✈️ Going to Florida in September next 🥵😵💫 - Boy, will i be able to pack light! Shorts & tank tops and nothing else. A big change from the 49th parallel…
I am not a fan of monos as well but dude magnets are really not a problem these days. We have magnetic lids and magnetic attachments on laptops, we have magsafe on iPhone we have MAGNETIC CASES FOR EVERY OTHER PHONE. There are even magnetic tripods for your cameras from very reputable brands. There is really nothing wrong with magnets around your stuff these days
I love traveling with a backpack only! Your packing list looks about right to me for the number of days (other than the laptop and camera stuff, I don't travel with those). I'd add my mini tablet for reading books, a water bottle and some jewelry. Probably a pretty scarf as well. ✈
In March l had a backpack with 32+ outfits with me (7 pieces of clothing, 2 shoes). Summer is more difficult though bcs I don’t fly in shorts and sandals. 8+3 still makes a great travel wardrobe and won’t take up more space.
✈️ Loved this, as I'm considering trying to use a slightly larger backpack for a one week trip. I'm concerned, though, about needing more layers, since it's a Fall trip.
✈️ just hoping over the strait on Saturday for 5 days in Tasmania. Then Sydney for a week in early August. Love your videos- can’t wait to explore Canada one day!
Love all your packing and travel videos! Especially from a Toronto perspective and you have totally convinced me to get a Monos carry on ❤ Much love from the deep suburbs of Kleinburg 🙋🏻♀️
I will be doing a 10 day trip in an undertheseat backpack soon 😅. well, I'll just bring 4 tiny dresses - it's a hot destination and they are complete outfits 😂
✈️ Heading for a city break later in the year. I always forget an umbrella 🤷🏼♀️ Thanks for the reminder to invest in a tiny one to fit in carry on! Safe travels xx
✈ unfortunately i cannot travel this year due ot my degree but i'm planning a trip to monaco next year! your packing/travelling videos are all saved so my two besties/travel companions and i can pack light!
✈️ starting to plan for Europe in September. Took a big back pack can on last time for a month and I'm thinking I can streamline that even more this trip. Thanks for the ideas!
✈ I think my next air travel will be to Florida in March, when our beloved Toronto Blue Jays are in Dunedin for spring training and I could also catch a hockey game in Tampa.
SO different from my packing experience in carry-on only. I traveled to Victoria/Vancouver Island. It was cold and rainy quite a bit of the time but sunny other times. I needed sandals for sharp, jagged rocks at hot springs with swim suit and coverup, real hiking shoes and outdoor wear and WARM (fleece lined) rain coat with hood for hiking in the pouring rain in the rain forest. Also needed smart clothing for a couple dinners out to really nice restaurants. Round that out with lots of cancer medications to take. So it was a lot of variable needs, but I did do carry on. I was kinda proud of myself!
