how to pack light for a few-day journey
Packing light has never been my strong point, but this time, I took on the challenge to keep my suitcase as light as possible. Why? First, to avoid any gate drama, and second, to prove to myself that yes, I can travel light!
Me, the woman with an unapologetic love for shoes, bags, and clothes, managed to pack so efficiently that there was even room left for a little souvenir (which, unsurprisingly, I did end up bringing home!).
So, without further ado, let’s dive in and uncover what I packed, how I packed it, and why each item made the cut.
Multi-Destination Packing: Embracing the Minimalist Challenge
When planning for a trip with multiple destinations, the packing process can feel a bit like playing Tetris—but with your entire wardrobe! It’s easy to assume that more stops mean more luggage, but trust me, that’s not the case.
For this trip, my husband and I took on the Ryanair challenge: one carry-on and one backpack each.
That’s it! It turns out, with a bit of strategy, you can travel to multiple destinations with minimal luggage. The benefits? Fewer heavy bags to lug around, less time packing and repacking, and way less stress at the gate! Plus, mastering the art of packing light can be oddly satisfying—like proving you don’t need to bring your entire closet to look stylish and comfortable.
Know Your Itinerary and Climate: Packing with a Purpose
Let’s be real—traveling light for a multi-stop journey means doing your climate homework. With a little research, I learned that Andalusia would keep us on our toes: we’d start in the cool heights of the Sierra Nevada near Granada (at around 700 meters above sea level), and make our way through quaint towns like Santa Fe, Ronda, and the jaw-droppingly beautiful Setenil de las Bodegas. Our final stop would be sunny Seville, where temperatures in November were unseasonably warm, hovering around 20–24°C. So, a variety of climates and altitudes? Check.
Outfit Strategy: Mastering Layers
To handle the spectrum from cool mountain breezes to warm city strolls, layering became my best friend. The key is versatile pieces that are easy to add or remove, keeping you warm when the temperature dips, but breathable when the sun is out.
Packing Essentials: Materials Matter
I focused on breathable, natural fabrics—especially helpful when the temperature shifts dramatically throughout the day.
A lightweight merino wool cardigan was perfect for adding warmth without bulk, and a light down jacket provided the extra comfort I needed for evening walks through Spanish calles.
By layering pieces like these, I was ready for any weather without sacrificing space in my suitcase—or my style.
Essentials-Only Mindset: Choosing the Right Clothing
When packing light, there’s one golden rule: only bring essentials. Of course, “essential” can mean different things depending on your personal style. For me, the essentials for this trip included at least one great pair of jeans (trusty and versatile), a crossbody bag (so I could keep my hands free for snapping photos, enjoying tapas, or holding my husband’s hand), and some basic tees that were easy to wear, wash, and repeat.
An essentials-only mindset isn’t just about reducing quantity—it’s about thoughtful choices. To avoid looking like Arlecchino (the multi-colored jester!) wandering through Andalusia, I started with a color palette of whites, greys, beiges, browns, blacks, and olive green.
By sticking to these colors, I knew every piece would pair effortlessly with the rest.
This approach meant fewer items, maximum outfit combinations, and an easier time getting dressed every morning.
Multi-Purpose Items: Function Meets Style
Now, I’m not a “dress person” in the cooler months, and this trip was no exception!
Instead, I packed three pairs of trousers: a classic-cut olive-green pair that could be dressed up or down, plus two pairs of jeans (one black and one dark wash) for more casual days.
With these pants as my foundation, I had the flexibility to mix and match tops and outerwear while still looking pulled together. Essentials aren’t about compromise; they’re about picking pieces that feel true to you and work overtime in your wardrobe.
Smart Layering Techniques: Staying Cozy (and Cool) with Less
Layering is truly the secret sauce for multi-climate travel. With just a few pieces and smart layering, you can easily handle temperature shifts without bringing your entire closet.
Layering Basics: Base, Mid, and Outerwear
For my trip, I focused on layering in three levels: base layers for comfort, mid-layers for warmth, and an outer layer for those chilly evening walks. It’s a method that lets you add or subtract clothing to fit any temperature. Since I kept my color palette neutral, layering was a breeze—whatever I put on always matched the rest.
Here’s an example: for daytime exploring in Seville’s warmer November sun, a simple tee or light shirt was perfect on its own.
For cooler evenings in the mountains near Granada, I’d add a merino wool cardigan (breathable yet cozy) and top it off with a light down jacket.
These layers could go on and off depending on the temperature, giving me the flexibility I needed without extra bulk in my carry-on.
Layering with neutrals means you never have to worry about clashing colors or mismatched outfits.
Whatever combination I chose, it worked beautifully—and let’s be honest, that just made mornings easier!
Check out the photos to see how effortlessly each piece mixed together, creating outfits that felt stylish, comfortable, and ready for anything Andalusia threw my way.
Packing for Comfort and Function
Packing for comfort doesn’t mean sacrificing style—it’s all about making thoughtful choices that suit your travel itinerary and personal needs.
Footwear: Your Foundation for Every Step
When it came to shoes, I opted for practicality over variety. Knowing we wouldn’t be out at night much (after walking 7–8 hours daily, the only thing I wanted was a comfy couch or bed!), I brought just two pairs of leather sneakers: one brown and one white, perfectly coordinated with my chosen color palette.
The trick with footwear is to consider the type of vacation, the destination, and the season. For city-heavy trips with lots of walking, comfortable, versatile shoes are a must.
Trust me, you don’t want to leave this to chance—it could turn your dream vacation into a blister-filled nightmare!
Accessories: Small Yet Mighty
For this trip, I kept my accessories minimal: two scarves, period. While I could have packed more (hats, gloves, or jewelry), I relied on weather research to avoid overpacking items I wouldn’t need.
Scarves, however, are lifesavers—perfect for layering, adding a pop of style, or keeping warm during evening strolls.
Compact Toiletries: A Packing Puzzle
Keeping toiletries minimal might be the ultimate challenge, especially for women over 40. My strategy? Invest in travel-friendly 100ml bottles for essentials like makeup remover, body lotion, shampoo, and conditioner.
Preparing these ahead of time saved me a headache at airport security.
Pro tip: check out Amazon or your favorite beauty store for travel kits—it’s a small investment that pays off in stress-free boarding.
Organizational Tips: Packing for Efficiency
Maximizing Space with Clever Techniques
Packing cubes, rolling clothes, and filling every hollow with small items like socks and underwear were my go-to hacks for this trip.
Every inch counts, and these techniques saved me a surprising amount of space!
Strategic Packing for Travel Day
Since we left early in the morning and landed late at night, I prioritized keeping essentials like my cardigan and lighter down jacket within easy reach.
Airplane cabins are notoriously chilly, so having a layer to combat overactive air conditioning was a lifesaver.
Pro Tip: Know Your Airline Rules
Flying with Ryanair meant sticking to strict baggage rules.
Always double-check dimensions for carry-ons and backpacks on the airline’s official website.
This avoids nasty surprises at the gate and ensures a smoother travel day.
Bonus: Brand Recommendations
If you’re in the market for packing cubes, I’ve found brands like Eagle Creek and Amazon Basics to be reliable.
For lightweight down jackets, Uniqlo’s Ultra Light Down series is a game-changer—warm, packable, and perfect for layering.
The French Decathlon offers, as well, a decent range of good-quality down jackets at (very) affordable prices.
Final Checklist and Tips for Staying Light on the Road
Packing light requires a shift in mindset—but once you master it, there’s no going back. 😎
Here’s a snapshot of what I packed (by category):
- Clothing: Neutral basics, mix-and-match tops, versatile trousers, and layering pieces.
- Shoes: Comfortable sneakers in two coordinating colors.
- Outerwear: Lightweight down jacket and scarves for warmth.
- Toiletries: Travel-sized essentials only.
- Accessories: Minimalist—just what you’ll truly use.
My Checklist, In Detail
Following my list of all (20) items, in detail. Feel free to copy/paste it and use it as a base for your next journey:
3 x trousers (featuring each a different cut): 1 x white jeans; 1 x black jeans; 1 x olive green trousers;
2 x cardigans, one in beigy/white and one in light grey;
1 x black t-shirt;
2 x long-sleeved shirts, one white and one brown;
2 x leather belts, one in tan and one in chocolate brown;
2 x leather sneakers, one brown and one white;
2 x down jackets (as you can easily squeeze them and make them fit in any hole!), a lighter one in white and a heavier one in brown;
1 x shirt in olive green;
1 x pair of sunnies;
2 x sweaters, a thicker one in black in cashmere, and a lighter one in merino wool in beige;
2 x scarves;
1 x loungewear set;
1 x crossbody bag – I went this time for a a fancier one to give my basic looks a little twist;
Socks and underwear (as many as you can slot in any available space left in your luggage!).
Travel Mindset: Flexibility and Comfort First
Unless you’re headed to Paris Fashion Week, leave the fashion excess behind. For a successful and enjoyable trip, prioritize flexibility (interchangeable clothing) and comfort (self-explanatory, right?). When your outfit decisions are effortless, you’ll have more energy to soak in the adventure.
Weather and Unexpected Plans
What if the weather takes a turn or your plans change? That’s where layering and versatile pieces shine. A lightweight jacket can handle a chilly morning, while breathable tops keep you cool during impromptu sunny hikes. The goal is to adapt without lugging extra luggage around.
Conclusion: Travel Lighter, Enjoy More
Reflecting on this trip, I can confidently say that packing light enhanced the entire experience. With fewer items to worry about, I spent less time rummaging through my bag and more time enjoying the beauty of Andalusia.
Minimalist packing isn’t just practical; it’s freeing. No heavy suitcases, no overstuffed bags—just me, my essentials, and the adventure ahead. If you’ve ever hesitated to pack light, I challenge you to give it a try on your next multi-destination trip. You might just discover that less is more, especially when it comes to travel!
Don’t forget to leave your comment below and share with us you travel experience!
Always stay sustainably stylish and I hope to catch you here next week 😘
XOXO
B&TG