Travel Tips

I remember standing in my bedroom, staring at an open suitcase and the mess of clothes spilling around it, already feeling overwhelmed. A month-long trip through Europe was on the horizon—Italy, Spain, Portugal—each promising its own flavors, textures, and weather. I had done this before: packed a giant suitcase, crammed full of “maybe” outfits, three pairs of shoes I didn’t wear, and bulky sweaters that never saw the light of day. But this time, something felt different. I wanted less. Less weight on my back. Less time spent choosing outfits. Less clutter, more space—both physically and mentally. So I set a challenge: one backpack. One month. Three countries. No checked luggage. Not because I wanted to prove anything—but because I wanted to travel differently. Slower, lighter, and more intentional. Choosing the Right Bag The first step was finding the perfect carry-on. I went with a 35L soft-shell backpack that fits most European airline requirements. I chose one with front-loading access (like a suitcase), multiple compartments, and comfortable straps. A well-designed bag makes everything easier—from airport security to train station chaos. Building a Capsule Wardobe I built a versatile wardrobe using the “10 pieces, 30 outfits” principle. Think neutral tones, lightweight fabrics, and items that can mix and match easily. Tops: 4 breathable shirts (1 dressy, 3 casual) Bottoms: 2 pants, 1 pair of shorts Layers: 1 cardigan, 1 compact rain jacket Shoes: 1 pair of sneakers (for walking), 1 pair of sandals (for dressing up or beach days) Extras: 1 swimsuit, 1 scarf, and a compact foldable tote for groceries or beach use Pro Tip: Choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics and colors that don’t show dirt easily. Downsizing Toiletries This was a game changer. I invested in reusable silicone travel bottles and filled them with concentrated multi-use products (like shampoo bars and all-in-one body/hair wash). I also carried a small pouch of essentials: toothbrush, floss, sunscreen, and solid perfume. Pro Tip: Go solid where you can (bar soap, deodorant stick, etc.)—they don’t count toward liquid limits. Doing Laundry on the go This was a game changer. I invested in reusable silicone travel bottles and filled them with concentrated multi-use products (like shampoo bars and all-in-one body/hair wash). I also carried a small pouch of essentials: toothbrush, floss, sunscreen, and solid perfume. Pro Tip: Go solid where you can (bar soap, deodorant stick, etc.)—they don’t count toward liquid limits. What I regretted (and didn’t) Things I thought I need What I regret not brining Unexpected MVPs (The things I thought I’d need—but totally didn’t) Before the trip, I packed with a bit of fear—what if I underpacked? But honestly, I didn’t miss half the things I left behind. A second pair of shoes? Unnecessary. A bulky coat “just in case”? Took up space for no reason. Even dressy clothes were a waste—I ended up living in the same few comfortable, mix-and-match outfits. Most people don’t notice what you wear, especially in travel settings. Simplicity truly worked (The few small things that would’ve made a big difference) While going ultra-minimalist was mostly liberating, there were a few things I really wish I had: A compact travel umbrella—it rained more than I expected. A second power adapter—sharing outlets in hostels was a daily battle. A foldable tote bag—for groceries, beach days, or overflow from souvenirs. These items are small and lightweight, but they would’ve added a lot of convenience without weighing me down. (Tiny items that became travel heroes) A few things I packed on a whim turned out to be absolute game-changers: Quick-dry towel – Not only great for showers, but also doubled as a picnic mat and window shade. Collapsible water bottle – Saved money and kept me hydrated, especially on long train rides. Document pouch – Helped me keep my passport, tickets, and hotel details organized and accessible. It’s always the underrated items that end up saving the day. (The things I thought I’d need—but totally didn’t) Before the trip, I packed with a bit of fear—what if I underpacked? But honestly, I didn’t miss half the things I left behind. A second pair of shoes? Unnecessary. A bulky coat “just in case”? Took up space for no reason. Even dressy clothes were a waste—I ended up living in the same few comfortable, mix-and-match outfits. Most people don’t notice what you wear, especially in travel settings. Simplicity truly worked (The few small things that would’ve made a big difference) While going ultra-minimalist was mostly liberating, there were a few things I really wish I had: A compact travel umbrella—it rained more than I expected. A second power adapter—sharing outlets in hostels was a daily battle. A foldable tote bag—for groceries, beach days, or overflow from souvenirs. These items are small and lightweight, but they would’ve added a lot of convenience without weighing me down. (Tiny items that became travel heroes) A few things I packed on a whim turned out to be absolute game-changers: Quick-dry towel – Not only great for showers, but also doubled as a picnic mat and window shade. Collapsible water bottle – Saved money and kept me hydrated, especially on long train rides. Document pouch – Helped me keep my passport, tickets, and hotel details organized and accessible. It’s always the underrated items that end up saving the day. Final Thoughts Packing light didn’t just save me baggage fees, it changed how I traveled. I moved through airports faster, navigated cobblestones with ease, and felt mentally lighter. I spent less stressing over what to wear and more time getting lost in alleyways, enjoying conversations, and sipping espresso in the sun. —Shin