Before I started blogging, I would seize every chance I got to travel, even while juggling a full-time job or studying full-time. This often meant squeezing in trips over the weekends or during public holidays. Picture this: heading straight to the airport after work on a Friday and returning home at midnight on Sunday, sometimes not getting to bed until 3 a.m. on Monday morning. It sounds hectic, but we genuinely loved it then and still do now.
Nowadays, we have more flexibility and are fortunate to be invited on numerous trips worldwide. Whether it’s an impromptu adventure planned after a few too many glasses of wine or a carefully arranged getaway, the basics of packing remain the same. In the beginning, I used to stress about packing, often bringing along everything I could possibly (but never actually) need, even lugging around a large hard-drive. Now, I’ve streamlined my packing essentials to just four main items you need for any 2-day trip.
This is especially useful if you’re traveling with only hand luggage. If you’re checking in a suitcase, you can bring whatever fits, including a fridge or microwave if you wish!
1. Clothes: For a 2-day trip, you can wear the same pair of jeans more than once. Chances are you’ll already be wearing them on the way out, so no need to pack extras. In summer, swap jeans for shorts using the same logic. Pack a top for each day and one extra as a backup, along with socks and underwear. Don’t forget pajamas and swimwear if needed—those are easily forgotten!
Extra Tip: If your jeans get stained (say, from rolling around in mud), a quick fix is to pop them in the freezer. This helps remove bacteria and odors.
2. Toiletries: Stick to the basics—moisturizer (for black skin, which can turn ashy without it), toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant. Anything beyond this, except for prescription meds and contact lenses, is a luxury.
3. Camera and Electronics: Bring one camera (I use my DSLR because it takes both photos and videos), chargers, a travel adapter, and backup battery packs. You might feel the urge to bring your iPad or laptop, especially as a blogger, but it’s really not necessary.
And that’s it! Those three categories cover all the essentials you need. Anything else is just extra baggage, quite literally. After years of over-packing, I’ve streamlined my process. Now, I can pack in under 15 minutes. This advice is straightforward and to the point—just like your packing list should be.
