Packing Light Without Regrets

Start with the number of days you will actually re wear

For trips up to about ten days, pack for four or five days and plan one laundry stop. Beyond that the bag grows for no real benefit.

Choose items that work together. Two pairs of trousers and four tops that all match beats six mismatched outfits.

Shoes and outerwear are the weight

Two pairs of shoes is usually the limit, and wear the bulkier pair on the plane. The same applies to a jacket.

A light waterproof layer is worth its space in most climates. A heavy coat that you might need for one evening is not.

• Two pairs of shoes maximum, wear the heavier one
• One light waterproof layer
• Toiletries in travel sizes or bought on arrival
• One small bag inside the main bag for day use

The cabin bag rules have tightened

Size gauges are enforced more consistently than they used to be, and wheels and handles count. Measure your bag rather than trusting the label.

Many low cost fares include only a small underseat bag. Check what your specific fare includes before you pack, not at the gate.

When to check a bag anyway

Long trips with varied climates, ski or diving equipment, and travelling with young children are all reasonable cases for checking.

If you check a bag, still keep medication, documents, chargers and one change of clothes in the cabin. It costs nothing and covers the one bad scenario.

The things people forget

A universal adapter, a spare charging cable, and any prescription medication with its documentation. Everything else can be bought.

Leave a little space. Coming home with a bag that will not close is a small but genuine annoyance.