One of our favourite travel quotes is “Pack lite, travel far and live long”. As we are off to go traveling for a month, starting from Manila (Philippines) and finishing in Bali (Indonesia), we decided to show off how lite we have packed for the journey. We actually can’t believe how light our backpacks are!
This time we wanted to make sure that we’ll carry only one small backpack each and no more than 5 kg in each backpack. The reason being, it’s going to be extremely hot and we don’t want to sweat like pigs with a heavy load and it’s going to be more convenient and much easier for us to walk when looking for a cheap accommodation around. This morning, we made a list of all necessary things we had to pack in order to survive and here is what we are taking with us for one month journey:
Agness’s backpack
“Less is more” in most cases, so I took only (from the top left):
- Notebook and flight tickets
- Backpack
- Straw hat (I had it from one of the local hostels in Kho Phangan, Thailand and we never parted since)
- 3 t-shirts and 2 shirts
- Swimsuit and sunglasses
- Shoes
- Waterproof bag
- Digital camera with all chargers
- External hard drive
- Perfume
- Mp3 player
- 1 bag of make-up stuff
- 1 bag of cosmetics
- 1 bag of plasters and medicines (mainly pain killers)
- Phone
- Laptop
Cez’s backpack
Cez took (from the top left):
- Backpack
- Towel (one for both of us)
- 3 x t-shirts and 3 x shorts
- Mp3 player
- Digital camera with all chargers
- Kindle
- Passport
- Small padlock
- Notebook (small laptop)
- 2 x creams from Agness and a hair gel
- Toothbrush and shaving kit
- Waterproof bag
Plan of the journey
Although we have never been well-organised travelers believing that “the less you plan, the more adventurous your journey is”, this time we wanted to plan things in advance (money saving + meeting travel bloggers on the road). Based on your recommendations (comments, e-mails and Facebook messages we are so grateful for), we came up with a well-structured plan of journey adding a lot of interesting and stunning places.
On our list there are some places like Pagudpud, Batad, Malapascua Rice Terraces, Donsol Bay, Camguin or El Nido in the Philippines, China Town, hawker center and Marina Bay Sand in Singapore and Gili Islands, Ubud and Padang Bai in Indonesia. Of course these are only few places we are planning to explore. We are still flexible with time and destinations and hope to meet some awesome people on road who will make us change our plan!
We would like to say thank you for all of your comments, advice and expertise! We really appreciate it.
Let the adventure begin… Manila, here we come!
78 thoughts on “How We Packed For A Month Of Travel”
It’s official: I’ve finally found someone that packs lighter than me! Haha, everyone always makes fun of how little I pack for long trips, but I agree with your “travel light” motto…makes the trip so much less stressful!
That’s so true Jess. It’s much less stressful and definitely more fun!
sounds like a great plan. its certainly one very digital nomad way to pack
True!
Much to see in the Philippines! Safe travels.
Cheers!
That is an incredible packing job! We seriously shed an embarrassing amount at our first destination so your packing style is something to aspire to!
Thanks Emily. We did pack extremely lite this time.
Looks like an awesome trip!! Keep us posted – I’m sure you will!! :D
So impressed by your packing skills! I don’t think that I’ll be able to pack so few things during our upcoming month in Europe although I’m definitely only planning on bringing a carry-on. Safe travels and have fun!
5 kg? Kudos! I love the idea of packing light but I always end up carrying too much stuff with me even though I am travelling on my own for a very long time, so I should be experienced enough. When are you leaving? Are you fleeing from Chinese New Year? :)
5 kg? Kudos! I love the idea of packing light but always end up carrying too much with me and I am not very tall either (159 cm). When will you be leaving? Are you fleeing from chinese New Year? :)
Wow, 5kg?! I’m impressed. I’m hoping to keep it around 10kg for my summer in Europe, but we’ll see if that happens! Why must electronics be so heavy?!
That’s funny that Cez gets to carry your creams, Agness. ;) Sam ends up doing that all the time with some of my toiletries, but it’s because he packs so little and then has all this extra space!!! Haha
5 KG? You bring new meaning to lightweight!! Hope your prepping is going great & I look forward to reading all about your adventures!
That’s awesome. And I thought I was good at packing light! I’m trying to think of what I packed that was so heavy now…
One thing though, I noticed you use a full sized bath towel. One of the best things I ever bought before travelling was a microfibre towel (e.g. . Serious space saver and dry really quick! The smaller sizes are a bit hard to wrap around your body on the way out of the shower though… I felt like a man in a mini skirt.
Next time I pack for a holiday I’ll have to come back here to see what I take that you don’t so I can pack lighter. I can’t help but notice a lack of socks and undies though :-P
Oh my-I always thought I was on the side of a light packer…you guys make me look like a serious overpacker! haha
LOL…Cez carrying your creams! I’m so giggling about that one. Packing is a big one for me to learn so I paid attention to Cez’s list. Just from a guy’s standpoint. I will definitely be asking for both your help when I finally start heading overseas, guys! Any suggestions on how to squeeze a Golden Retriever in there? It will be a tough fit but he will have to suck it up :)
How long will you stay in Bali for?
I’ll be away from 9-27 Feb, hopefully you guys will still be around by the time I get back to the island.
Have an awesome trips! :D
Wow! It’s amazing that you two are taking so little with you. I have never traveled that light, but your post is inspiring!
It’s so comfy and nice!
Interesting post, guys! I totally agree with your travel light philosophy.
I hope you´re having a great time!
I just want to know where your flip flops are, Agness! Wow, that’s really impressive. Even after backpacking for 6 weeks and seeing what I could live without, I’m not sure I could do it again in that small of a backpack. Good luck on your trip, you’re visiting some areas that are on my bucket list.
Welcome to my country! Hoping to meet you both on the road! :D
Your backpack contents looks really similar to mine! I love to pack simple and easy. Makes for a smoother journey I find, when I’m not carrying my own weight on my back lol. Can’t wait to see more pictures and posts about your trip – especially since I’ll be following the same path in two weeks! :D