The Ultimate Guide to Travelling Light
Efficient packing tips for carry-on only
At WanderWohl, many of our trips involve multiple cities and countries so travelling light is key. Waiting for luggage at baggage claim and being worried about last minute flight changes and delays simply won’t do. The secret to stress-free travel is simple: Go carry-on only
We're breaking down three essential, space-saving strategies, to help you fit everything you need for a 2 week trip. Guaranteed.
1. The 5-4-3-2-1 Packing Method
This is the ultimate formula for eliminating decision fatigue and ensuring you have enough, but not too much, for a 7- to 10-day trip. The core idea is simple: versatility and re-wear.
2. The Capsule Wardrobe Concept
The 5-4-3-2-1 rule works best when combined with the principles of a Capsule Wardrobe.
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of essential clothing that are interchangeable and easily paired together. To build one for travel:
Choose a Color Palette: Select 2-3 neutral base colors (e.g., black, white, navy, gray, or beige).
Add 1-2 Accent Colors: Pick bright, fun colors (e.g., turquoise, coral, or yellow) that complement your neutrals.
Ensure Every Item Works with Every Other Item: When holding up any top and any bottom, they should logically pair together. This eliminates pieces that only work in a single outfit.
By focusing on coordinating colors and simple, classic cuts, you maximize your outfit combinations while minimizing the volume of clothing.
3. The Power of Compression Packing Cubes
If the capsule wardrobe is about what you pack, compression cubes are about how you pack it. These fabric containers serve two major purposes:
Organization: They categorize your belongings (e.g., one cube for bottoms, one for tops, one for underwear/socks), making it incredibly easy to find items without rummaging through your suitcase.
Compression: The dual-zipper system forces the air out of your clothes, reducing their volume. This can easily save 30-40% of the space in your bag, allowing your carry-on to look tidy, even when full.
Pro Tip: Roll (don't fold) your clothes before placing them in the compression cubes for maximum space efficiency and minimal wrinkling.
These tips work even for winter weather/multi-climate trips. By combining all three methods—the structure of 5-4-3-2-1, the versatility of the Capsule Wardrobe, and the space-saving power of Compression Cubes—you'll streamline your packing process forever and officially join the ranks of hassle-free carry-on travellers. Happy travels!
(Disclaimer: Always check the latest TSA (local equivalent) and each airline's carry-on size and weight restrictions before flying.)
From left to right: 1-2 Winter trip items with and without Packing cubes; 3. Packing cubes in carryon-on; 4-5 Period clothing for two week trip; 6. Ten days in Japan carryon-on backpack only; 7-8 Two week trip to Argentina and Antarctica
