To ask how on earth people pack light?!

[NeedSomeAnswersPlease]

Travelling to the Netherlands for the Dutch Grand Prix in ten days or so

We (stupidly) booked to travel hand luggage only and I just don't understand how it's possible! The amount of things you need, I'll be due on my period that weekend too so need to take extra bits for that as well. I know everyone's answer will be "just take less clothes" but it all seems to accumulate - shorts, t-shirts, a dress or two for if we want to go out in the evening, it's not possible!😩

No idea. If you figure it out, let me know.

Nightmare isn't it ! I always always overpack, but I also like to have a choice as I don't always feel comfortable in a planned outfit...
do roll though, you'll get loads more in !

Do you mean the 10kg EasyJet Cary in only?

Order all toiletries to pick up at airport and assume that you're leaving them behind- so don't be fussy! Just order essentials, small pack sizes and maybe not your usual more pricey brands!
Travel in your bulkiest clothes/shoes.
Choose a colour theme- say three colours that all mix and match.
Compression cubes!

As a serial over packer who then travelled for work and had 2 kids, packing cubes will change your LIFE!!! I can get 4 of us in 2 cases for a fortnight!

I find it impossible to travel ‘light’ I think if you are ‘low maintenance’ it’s much easier but if you want to take hairdryers, straightners, a choice of shoes, a dressing gown and slippers it’s really hard, clothes are the easy part, it’s the other paraphernalia that’s a nightmare.

How long are you going for?

Compression cubes definitely help although remember there is often a weight limit as well as a size limit. I think shoes are key - travel in the bulky, walking pair and then ideally only one other pair for evenings.

I can easy fit enough for a week in a normal sized carry on suitcase. Are you just going for the race weekend? The trick is the shoes. One pair of lightweight flats/sandals in the bag only.

depends on what carry on looks like - a small case for 2 days no problem. If it’s one of those tiny laptop sized bags then no chance and I’d have booked check in hold luggage from the start.
I don’t even overpack as such it’s just that I have a lot of things that need charging 😂 and the plugs and cables etc take up so much bloody space!

I'm packing light for two weeks in the UK, but not just hand luggage. You need to ask my teen! He has no issues packing just hand luggage for a,week. He wears a sweater, hoody and coat on the plain. He never dresses for the season ( never wears shorts, never swims) couple of tshirts, two joggers, undies, one set of pjs and washes at his friends house I guess.

My only tip is wear all your heavy layers and take a carrier bag of a duty free shop. I went to Dublin for a week with my son, under seat hand luggage and 10kg case. I put stuff I the duty free bag.

Compression packing cubes and rolling your garments instead of folding. I travel a lot and if I’m going for < 5 days I only ever take a backpack.

I pack mostly dresses, because they take up less space. Wear your bulkiest items, e.g jeans and any over-layers. Bare minimum toiletries, cleanser, moisturizer, decant your shampoo/conditioner into 100ml travel bottles. I have a Mooncup so only need to pack that, if you’re willing to try a change.

I don't. Had luggage only is for day trips and weekends

Make a list of everything you take, then when you get back cross out everything you didn't use. This will help next time.

I travel very light and still find there is stuff I don't use.

I only recently learned how to do this. You truly do just take fewer things. If you need a dress for an evening out, take one that can also be worn in the day. Take only things that go together. Take only two pairs of shoes. Etc.

You don't need a "dress or two". Assuming you are going for 3 or 4 days I would pack - underwear, one dress, one pair pyjamas, one pair shorts, skirt/smarter trousers. Couple of tops. Everything chosen to go with everything else. Travel in jeans/hoodie/jacket and walking shoes or trainers. Pack a pair of sandals. What do you need to pack for a period? Box of tampons takes up hardly any space, if you need more they do have supermarkets in the Netherlands.

I know some will raise their eyes with this, but I can get two weeks out of a 10kg bag, but I can also bring an underseat bag so I manage fine.

OK, I'm definitely not high maintenance as a pp mentioned! There will be a hairdryer at hotel. Minimal make up esp. in the heat as it just slides off anyway. I stick to colour blocks and mix and match. Navy and cream are bloody great, and dark grey/black and silver, and no one will notice if you re-wear anything, they are far too busy looking at themselves. I bring light dressy scarves and costume jewellery to jazz things up a bit.

But I am guilty of overpacking don't worry I'm not perfect. I think it's easier to pack light if it's either definitely going to be hot or cold. It's when you are going somewhere and have to pack for the four seasons in the one day - that's a problem!

Cut back on the shoes, bags, big items. Bring stuff that is uncrushable and just lands on the hotel hanger beautifully from the suitcase. It can be done. I'm nearly there.

Thankfully (only saving grace) it's BA - a little case and a personal item.

Tried it this weekend and found myself wanting things I hadn't taken and not needing things I had taken.

We're away for 4 nights, but obviously two of those days are very active so will want clean clothes for the evenings

Compression cubes and extra toiletries and stuff in pockets. I have a denim jacket with huge inside pockets.

I've stopped doing this. 3 friends travel, for 4 days, we all have hand luggage obviously, I now book us one carry which we all share, or a check in if cheaper which all 3 of us share. I just can't be bothered with it.

I'd do this if I'd realised earlier, but we've booked trains to get us to the airport with a tight turn around!

Tube of travel wash and wash things in the hotel sink

It can be done, if you use minimal/the hotel toiletries, wear the only pair of footwear/jumper/ outerwear you take, don’t take makeup or hairstyling tools, and rewear items of clothing. For example for a weekend I’d wear a pair of trousers, top and a sweater or cardigan and a waterproof coat of it was rainy. I would pack a pair of shorts, maybe one dress, a couple of t shirts and some knickers and socks. That would be all the clothing I’d take. I’d take my toothbrush and paste, a comb, a box of tampax, phone, keys, passport and a charging cable. And that would be about all. It’s harder in winter or if you need formalwear.

I’ve travelled with two adults each carrying a small backpack for two adults and two children for two nights- you just have to be very ruthless and not too fussy what you look like.

You need as many pants and t shirts as nights. Travel in trousers and pack one shorts. Toothbrush, toothpaste, charger. Travel in trainers and pack flip flops for the room. One antiperspirant between you and DH. Medication. Comb. Suncream between you. Done.

Airbnb so no hotel toiletries, we're off to a Grand Prix, so no re-wearing tops unless we want to stink on the second day!