Let’s be real — the internet is absolutely littered with blogs telling you what to pack when you’re traveling abroad. Heck, I almost wrote one myself. But then it hit me: the more important thing isn’t what you pack…
It’s what you should not pack.
Because if you’re anything like me, you plan out your travel wardrobe to match your itinerary and the 10-day forecast like a whole fashion CEO — and still come home with a suitcase full of clothes you never even wore.
(Seriously. WHY.)
So let’s fix that. Here’s how to save your time, your suitcase space, and your sanity.
Here’s the old logic: If you’re traveling for seven days, you need seven outfits, plus a travel outfit there and back, right?
Wrong.
I mean, sure, if you’re headed to a remote village where the nearest Zara is 300 miles away, then yeah — overpack like your life depends on it.
But for most of us? Part of the fun of traveling is picking up new pieces that remind you where you’ve been.
And let’s be honest: nothing hits like someone asking, “Where did you get that?!” and you get to say, “Oh, just this little boutique in London” 😌
Instead of hoarding shot glasses and keychains, why not pick up a jacket, a ring, or a cute shirt that actually works back home?
Once I finally talked myself off the “pack-everything” ledge, I started packing about half of what I used to.
If I’m going for two weeks? I pack one week’s worth of clothes — and leave room to shop.
Their products have fewer chemicals and somehow just… slay harder. So instead of stressing over TSA liquids limits, I just pack the essentials for the flight (lip balm, a little face spray) and then make my first stop at Boots the minute I clear customs at Heathrow.
One quick shopping spree later, a pop into the ladies’ room to freshen up — and I’m ready to hit London like I woke up flawless. 💅
If you’re headed to London (or anywhere in England, honestly), you will need:
But should you pack them?
Nope. (Respectfully.)
Outerwear is clunky, heavy, and eats up precious suitcase space — not to mention, it can tip you into overweight luggage fees faster than you can say, “Sorry, ma’am, that’ll be $100.”
Instead, just bop over to Primark. Primark is the go-to when you need a cute little something and your wallet has approximately £15. Seriously, fun, trendy, and cheap. Love me a Primark haul.
If you want something more substantial that will hold up year over year, head over Oxford Street where you will find loads of great retailers and THE MOST AMAZING Selfridge’s you’ll ever experience.
There are loads of locations all over London, and their coats, scarves, hats, and umbrellas are cute, affordable, and perfect for travel.
Because you’re not dropping a fortune on them, you can either bring them home (they squish, I promise) — or donate them at the end of your trip if you need the space for other treasures.
Travel isn’t about lugging your entire closet across the ocean — it’s about collecting memories (and let’s be honest, cuter clothes).
By packing smart and leaving room for adventure (and shopping bags), you’ll not only save time and space, but you’ll actually have more fun.
Remember:
You don’t have to be weighed down — literally or emotionally — by “what if” outfits and just-in-case umbrellas.
Trust yourself. Trust your taste. Trust that the perfect scarf is just waiting for you at a Primark or a pop-up market or a charming little side street you hadn’t even planned on finding.
Now go — travel light, shop right, and slay every single day abroad. 🛫✨
