While packing for any trip, a few questions pop into the heads of many of us. Questions that encourage us to add just one last thing.

What if I need this?

What if I decide to go for a swim?

What if I go to a place with a dress code?

What if it rains?

What if it gets hotter?

What if I don’t find anything I like to eat?

Should I keep this just in case?

Should I carry options?

What if one shoe does not match everything?

Should I pack backups for this?

So on and so forth.

As you might have noticed, a yes to these questions means you pack more. Your luggage gets heavier and you most likely will not use some of it.

I invite you to ask yourselves the following questions instead.

Will I use this?

What if I rent swimwear?

What if I carry clothes that work for a place with a dress code and casual purpose?

What can I layer up from what I have in case of weather changes?

What if I eat what is locally available and fresh?

What happens if I don’t carry the just-in-case item?

Is a replacement easy to buy?

Am I ok to repeat a piece of outfit?

What colours can I choose that go with everything I am carrying?

How critical is it to carry backup?

And in the end, you might find it interesting what Chanel said. “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory.” 

My variant from this is……“Before you leave the house, look in the luggage and remove one thing.” This last thing is a small gesture to learn simplicity and travelling light.