On The Go Explorers

Packing well is one of those underrated travel skills that makes your entire trip feel smoother. The more you travel, the better you get at it, but even the best of us still forget a thing or two. To help you avoid fumbling the bag (literally, haha), here’s a clear guide on what to pack, how to plan, and how to stay organised from start to finish.

Before anything else, create a packing list. Use this article as your reference and tick things off as you go. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing important stays behind.

1. Travel Documents: The Non-Negotiables

These should be the first items in your bag. Always.

• ID or passport

• Travel permit (if required)

• Yellow fever certificate & vaccination records

• Visas or printed confirmations

• Boarding passes or e-tickets

• Hotel confirmations

• Travel insurance printout or screenshots

It’s also helpful to carry a small card with your full name, country, blood group, and emergency contact. Place all of these in a waterproof travel folder so they stay safe no matter the weather or circumstance.

2. Pack for the Weather & Your Length of Stay

The golden rule of packing: pack for where you’re going, not where you’re coming from.

Heading to a warm, desert/ coastal destination? Heavy jackets, thick socks, and bulky sweaters will only eat up space. Instead, focus on lightweight clothing, Breathable fabrics, Swimwear, Comfortable walking shoes,  Sunglasses, hats & scarves, a day bag or small backpack, and accessories that match different outfits.

Plan one outfit per day, then add 1–2 extra backup outfits for unexpected plans or wardrobe malfunctions (Seasoned travellers will argue that the “just-in-case clothes” are unnecessary). Think mix-and-match pieces to save space.

3. Toiletries: Keep It Light

Travel-sized toiletries are your best friend. I get mine from Miniso, a store for cute little things! You can use refillable bottles to decant:

• Lotion

• Shower gel

• Perfume or body spray

• Shampoo & conditioner

• Facial cleanser

• Sunscreen

If you’re trying to travel light, buy some items at your destination especially if it’s an affordable place to shop.

4. Medication & Health Essentials

Your mini first-aid kit should include:

• Painkillers

• Antihistamines

• Band-aids

• Antacids

• Motion sickness tablets

• Hand sanitiser

• Face masks

• Any personal essentials you use regularly

If you’re on prescription medication, make sure your doses cover your entire trip, and carry a doctor’s note to avoid trouble at airports. Your glasses/contacts count as prescriptions, so pack an extra pair if possible.

5. Electronics & Gadgets

Whether you’re working remotely, creating content, or simply staying connected, pack:

• Phone

• Earphones or headphones

• Laptop or tablet

• Power bank

• International travel adapter

• All chargers

• A portable hard drive or memory card if you take photos/videos

For offline entertainment, carry:

• A book

• A journal

• A colouring book

• A sketchbook

These are great for long flights, buses, or quiet evenings.

6. Some Cash. Always

Even in a digital world, technology fails. Networks go down. ATMs run out. SIM cards refuse to cooperate. Carry physical cash in small denominations for transport, snacks, tips, and emergencies

It’s a simple safety net that many travellers overlook.

Extra Tips to Make Packing Easier

Here are a few bonus hacks that make a huge difference:

• Use packing cubes: They keep everything organised and save a surprising amount of space.

• Roll, don’t fold: This saves space and reduces wrinkles.

• Keep a “travel pouch” ready: Fill it with your regular travel items so you don’t have to start from scratch for every trip.

• Always leave a little space in your luggage: For souvenirs or unexpected shopping: you know yourself.

Packing doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. With a simple list, a bit of organisation, and an understanding of your destination, you can travel lighter, smarter, and with more peace of mind.