I Stopped Overpacking. Here’s Exactly What I Carry Now

Pack Like a Pro: What’s Always in My Suitcase

🛂 1. The Non-Negotiables

• Passport + visa copies (digital & printed)
• Mobile Phone (almost as important as your passport 😅)
• AirPods/ Earphones (so you can watch that video without disturbing others)
• Travel insurance
• Credit/debit cards
• Some local currency
• Chargers + universal adapter, power bank if necessary
• Essential medicines (in original packaging). I also keep a picture of the doctor’s prescription. Most countries do not sell prescription medicine over the counter.
• A small document pouch
• Camera, laptop (if needed)
• I wear prescription glasses so I keep a case to put it in, when I sleep
• I also keep some cotton balls to stuff into my ears during take off and landing and I carry some hard candy to suck on (it helps me prevent ear blocks).

Pro tip: Keep all of this in your cabin bag. Always.

👕 2. Clothing: The 3–3-2 Rule

Instead of packing outfits, pack combinations.

• 3 tops, 3 bottoms, 2 nightwear
• Swim suit (if needed)
• A light jacket

Choose neutral colors that mix easily. Add one “statement” piece if you must.

Undergarments: I carry disposable ones, one for each day, plus a couple extra That way you don’t need to wash or store them.

👟 3. Shoes (The Biggest Space Killer)

Limit yourself to:

• 1 comfortable walking shoe
• 1 slightly dressier option (if required)
• Flip flops (if required)
• Pro-tip: If you are visiting a destination that has shrines/ temples where you need to take off your footwear frequently, carry slip-on shoes or floaters

Wear the bulkiest pair while traveling.

🧴 4. Toiletries (Keep It Light)

• Travel-sized basics (toothbrush, tooth paste, floss)
• Razor, nail cutter - but remember, these should be checked in
• Solid shampoo bars (lighter, spill-proof) or if liquid, seal them in plastic bags because sometimes they tend to flow out due to changes in air pressure.
• Minimal makeup
• Sunscreen (non-negotiable)
• Lip balm & moisturizer (planes are dehydrating!)
• Deodorant
• Sanitary napkins (if required)

Hotels often provide more than you think. You can often buy some things in the local markets too.

5. Health & Comfort (Especially Important)

I never travel without:

• My medication
• A small snack (nuts or protein bar)
• A refillable water bottle
• Compression socks for long flights
• A light shawl (planes are unpredictable)
• A small medical kit for emergency (band aid, anti bacterial cream, Tylenol, anti allergic, anti diarrhoea tabs)
• Sanitizer and disposable masks
• Hat or scarf
• Mosquito repellent

🎒 6. My Personal “Travel Always” Items

These make every trip better:

• A small journal (for thoughts you don’t want to forget) and I also have the habit of writing accounts of what I spend 😅
• Earplugs + eye mask
• A foldable tote bag (for markets!)
• Sunglasses (especially if there is going to be too much sun or even snow)
• A pen (immigration forms never wait)
• A neck pillow if the journey is for more than 8 hours
• Patience (not packable, but essential) 😍 

There is no packing list that fits everything and everyone because we all have different needs.

It also depends on where you are going and for how long.

Packing isn’t about fitting your wardrobe into a suitcase. It’s about choosing freedom over fear.

The less you carry, the more space you have — for experiences, conversations, unexpected detours, and that local café you didn’t plan for but will never forget.

So before you zip that bag, ask yourself: “Am I packing for memories or for anxiety?”

Choose wisely.

Happy travels,
Yogi 💛

PS: If you think I missed something or if you have any other tips, I would love to know 🥰. I read all replies.