How to Pack Light for Any Trip

Start with a capsule wardrobe

Choose clothes in two or three colours that mix and match. Plan for about five days of outfits and wash or laundry-service the rest.

Pack by layers, not by outfit

A light jacket, a couple of base layers and one pair of comfortable shoes cover most climates. Wear your bulkiest items on the flight.

• Use packing cubes to compress clothes and stay organised.
• Decant toiletries into small bottles and check airline liquid rules.
• Keep passport, medicines, chargers and a change of clothes in your cabin bag.
• Leave space for souvenirs on the way home.

Check the details

Weigh your bag before you leave, and keep a short list of what you used last trip. After two or three trips, you will see what you never wear and can leave it behind.