Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

No matter what part of the world you travel to, it’s always beneficial to pack light. Gone are the days when people expected to cram an entire suitcase just for a weekend trip. Now, it’s all about being minimalist. After a trip, most people realize that they only used about 75% of what they packed. Bringing less can actually give you more time to enjoy your travels.

10 Do’s and Don’ts to Pack Light

Downsizing, particularly for girls, can be difficult.

Don’t bring multiples.

Even if you’re traveling for a long time, you won’t need to lug around different varieties of everything you own in order to have fun.

Some prime examples of things you do not need to bring more than one include hats, high heels, jackets, and sunglasses.

Check out my packing secrets!

This brings us to

Be efficient.

Bring an item that satisfies a multitude of purposes. A single pair of supportive sandals or sneakers can be used for street walking, beachgoing, traveling, and going out.

Check out these 10 Steps To Packing The Best Travel Shoes For Any Trip!

One good jacket can double (or triple) as a heat source, a blanket, and a pillow.

Check out this and this packable down jacket!

Cleanliness is indispensable to most people, especially when traveling.

Do bring vital Toiletries.

Pack all the essentials, like toothbrush/toothpaste, shampoo, soap but don’t bring large quantities. Consider how much product you’ll actually use and place it into smaller containers such as these and these.

Remember, when you’re traveling the more time you spend in front of the mirror the less time you can spend exploring.

Check out these 5 Steps to Choosing Toiletries.

This also rings true for…

Don’t bring a bunch of makeup.

It’s understandable to want to tote around a minimal set of basics (foundation, blush, mascara), but chances are you won’t want to waste your time trying to look like Ke$ha while on vacation.

Use versatile items such as my favorite Nars Multiple and these cosmetics.

Check out what’s in my travel makeup bag!

Do bring your prescriptions!

This is extremely important. If you take a medication for any health reason, check and double-check that you’ve packed enough to last. If you take birth control, make sure you have enough left for the duration of your trip.

I own and love this pill case which also doubles up as a jewelry organizer.

Also, it’s important to keep prescriptions in your carry-on when you fly. If your bags get lost, you’ll want to have your medicine at hand.

Don’t bring anything you care to lose, especially jewelry.

My best friend lost an extremely expensive Tiffany necklace on one of her trips and has never forgiven herself for bringing it. Valuable are safest left at home.

But if you do travel with jewelry, check out these tips on how to travel with jewelry.

Some essentials do make travel much more convenient.

Do bring a purse and/or backpack.

It’s always nice to have something comfortable to carry your money etc. in. Make sure you bring a purse that has a zipper, and always be aware of pick-pockets when walking around.

Check out these 5 anti-theft travel bags and my tips on keeping your valuables safe!

Also,

Do bring an ample supply of underwear!

It’s excusable to wear the same dress 2 days in a row, but not acceptable with personal hygiene. If you want something light and sexy I love these and for something practical but feminine try these.

Underwear doesn’t take up much space and it’s super light, so you have no excuse for dirty drawers.

Learn how many bras you should pack when you travel!

Don’t panic if you forget.

An acquaintance of mine learned a very important lesson when he went to Africa- he packed enough deodorant, soap, and shampoo to last his 6-month stay, however he forgot to bring toothpaste.

On arrival he was able to find toothpaste as well as everything else he’d packed, and it was cheaper than what he’d paid at home.

Don’t go overboard thinking you won’t be able to find what you’re looking for, even in more remote places.

The most helpful thing to do when you pack is….

Make a list.

Write down everything you think you will need during your trip, then revise like crazy! Make sure you absolutely need the item, or else scratch it off the list. When you are satisfied, pull things off your shelves and out of your closet as you go down the list.

Hopefully you’ve got it down to just the essentials, then you can run around on your travels with much less weight on your back and much more pep in your step.

Sign up to TFG’s monthly newsletter for exclusive access to checklist, ebooks, and more!

What are your best tips to pack light?

For more tips to pack light, please read the following:

Pack Light Every Time with these 10 Simple Dos and Donts