My trip to India was going to last 21 days, but I didn’t want to carry around a lot of weight. So I did some research and found a couple of websites with good tips on packing light.

I’m pleased to say that my packing for this trip was really spot on, so I compiled the list below. I have since used the same list for my 20 day trip to Provence (even a little bid reduced).

Here’s everything I took:

BAGS:

• My trusted Jansport backpack: this has been with me for 9 years and I love it. It’s only 30l capacity so it can be taken on a plane. It’s not a fancy travel backpack but it’s sturdy and reliable.
• A foldable day bag: This is something to use as my bag during the day, but it can be put in my backpack for travelling.
• 3 packing cubes: These were the best purchase! They help keep everything organised when we were on the move, and I really recommend them.
• A foldable shopping bag: To be used for shopping or as a laundry bag.

CLOTHES:

• 5 t-shirts (4 would do),
• 3 trousers (2 would do),
• 2 dresses,
• A jumper.

This was plenty, and it’s much easier to wash a couple of items per day than having to do a whole load once a week.

SHOES:

• Slip on trainers,
• Flip flops,
• Sandals.

You’d never need any more than that.

UNDERWEAR:

• 5 pairs of socks, ideally merino as they dry quickly (3 pairs are actually enough),
• 5 pairs of underwear,
• 2 bras,
• Bikini,
• Shorts and t-shirt for sleeping,
• Leggings.

TOILETRIES:

• 2 small tubes of toothpaste,
• Toothbrush,
• Johnson’s baby shampoo (the full body one, which I used to shower but also to wash my clothes),
• Moisturiser,
• Deodorant,
• Repellent,
• Suncream,
• Antibac gel,
• Band aid,
• Lip balm,
• Comb,
• Tweezers,
• Nail file,
• Loperamide and rehydration salts (which thankfully were not needed),
• Tissues,
• Ibuprofen,
• Vitamins.

TECH:

• My Canon G16 and charger,
• My Mini Diana and 2 rolls of film,
• Mobile phone and charger,
• Universal adaptor (I bought this one which was good and small).

OTHER STUFF:

• Passport and cash,
• Printed copies of documents and reservations,
• Money belt,
• Wallet,
• House keys and oyster card,
• Sunglasses and spare pair of glasses,
• A spork,
• Luggage tag in case I wanted to check my backpack on the way back (not needed),
• Lock,
• 2 carabiners (for extra safety, but not really needed),
• Travel kit with inflatable pillow, sleep mask and earplugs,
• A book,
• A notebook and pen,
• A travel towel (which was really useful not only as a towel but also as a throw),
• A poncho (not used),
• A clothes line (not used).

There were a few items which I didn’t need in the end but mostly this was a really great travel kit. And because it had everything I needed, it could easily be used for longer trips too.