The efficient packing of a carry-on bag for travelers who love to travel light is a skill that takes time to master. There are just so many things you want to bring with you but can’t. However, as soon as you practice the art of minimal packing once or twice, you will develop a knack for it and realize just how much space you have been wasting in the past.

Whether you are packing a backpack, a tote bag or a wheeled bag, it’s always what’s inside that counts. Here is a list of the must-have essential for those who love to travel lightly.

Must-Have Essentials for Traveling Lightly

1. Compression Packing Cubes

Compression packing cubes are simply delightful. Not only do they make it easy for you to find things in your backpack or wheeled bag but they also limit the number of clothes that you can carry. This limit will ensure that you only carry the essentials as opposed to carrying “that cute t-shirt” that you might not even end up wearing.

The thing about compression cubes is that they are more of a space saving hack than they are a weight reducing one. The fact that using compression cubes can create so much space in your bag means that you can carry more stuff. You should pay close attention to that unless you want to pay extra for your luggage.

• Pro Tip: Try not to carry the cubes compressed on your way out so that you don’t crease your clothes too much. Compress them on your back to make space for souvenirs. Though at this point, you probably don’t care that much about creased clothes.

2. Drawstring Bag for Your Beauty and Bath Products

Even though hotels offer you bath products when you visit, there is a good chance that you prefer your own. The problem is that carrying your shampoo, toothpaste, bath soap, hair gel, makeup, moisturizers and all those things in separate containers or make-up bags can take up a lot of space. Also, leaving some of them at home is not an option since they are all essential. The best way to travel with these things is to stuff them all in a cheap drawstring wash bag that you can buy at your local supermarket.

Drawstring bags are an excellent way to keep all these essentials in one place. Plus, these bags are very easy to use. You can just throw everything in there and sort them out later.

3. Carry a Sarong Instead of a Towel

Towels, although essential, tend to be bulky. The good thing is that if you are going to be staying at a hotel or an Airbnb then you are almost certainly going to be provided with one. However, if you are backpacking and want to travel light, you should consider carrying a sarong instead. Here are several reasons why this is better than a towel:

• It packs lighter.
• It’s multi-purpose (towel, scarf, beach towel etc.)
• It dries much faster.

A sarong could be the one multi-purpose item that your travel bag has been missing this entire time.

4. Carry an Almost Empty Wallet

First off, you should know that it’s always a good idea to travel with a wallet with a message engraved. You know, something personal that you can use to identify it should it, unfortunately, get lost and found. That being said, you need to empty your wallet before you travel. Leave all your Starbucks loyalty and fueling cards at home. Only carry the Visa that you will use, a little cash and a verifiable form or I.D. This will make your wallet less bulky and ensure that you only have to cancel and renew a few things should the wallet get lost.

5. A Small Portable Charger and Charging Cords

You’ll probably agree that no matter what happens on your travels if you still have your phone with you then you will be okay, right? You can always call out for help or have someone send you some money in case you lose your wallet with all your Visa cards and cash. That’s why you need to always have a fully charged portable charger and all the necessary charging cords with you. Many airlines won’t provide a USB slot for charging your phone or your camera. So, if you are thinking that you want to watch a feature-length movie as part of your in-flight entertainment or read a book on your Kindle, then carrying a portable charger with the charging cords is an excellent idea. It will help keep your devices powered until you land.

You also need to carry other essential items such as:

• Compression socks or stockings for your legs.
• Deflatable travel pillow for your neck.
• A trusted water bottle to keep you hydrated.
• Noise cancelling headphones.

This list can be as long or as short as you need it to be. What you should remember is that travelling light will probably call for some sacrifice and compromises. You probably might not be able to carry all your favorite tins of coffee but that will give you a chance to enjoy new tastes that can be found in your new destination.

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