What to Pack > the flying duo

The research suggested in our post will give you enough idea on what to expect from your destination. So, it helps a lot with your packing. You might also get a feeling that you have already been to that place. This familiarity helps you in your trip. You are prepared for almost anything. The next stage of planning comes with packing your luggage. All the research work that we suggested was solely to prepare you with an idea of what to pack in your luggage.

Please note the following before packing:

Luggage

If you are travelling by plane, luggage weight as well as dimensions must conform to what is mentioned in your ticket (cabin/check-in).
Check your luggage allowance before packing. Most budget flights allow only 7 kg of cabin luggage which is not very much. They even weigh the cabin luggage at check-in counter, so you cannot be cheeky about packing 1-2 kg extra.
Try to pack within limits or else you will have trouble at the airport. Buying luggage at the counter can cost you a much more than pre booking.
If you have only cabin luggage, buy at least one add on check in luggage in your ticket if your luggage is crossing limits. This saves you money.
Also keep a backpack/handbag/travel pouch always to keep some important things handy like docs/cash/cards/ids/sanitizers etc.
Please check what is not allowed in your luggage(cabin/check-in) if you are travelling by flights.
Sort things into your cabin and check-in luggage in such a way that what is needed while travelling is in the cabin luggage.
It makes travelling very convenient and hassle free.

Clothes

Pack clothes that are appropriate with the weather of your destination during the time of your trip.
Try to pack such clothes that you would be able to layer in case of winters. Bulky jackets take up a lot of space.
Carry a pair of extra clothes just in case.
Chose lighter clothes. Prepare to mix and match your uppers and lowers to reduce luggage. This will help you specially if you have no check in luggage in your flight.
Limit denims to 1-2 only, if possible. They increase the weight of luggage.
Rolling your clothes while packing takes less space. This way they would not get crushed and you can carry more things in a single bag.
You might keep a raincoat or an umbrella if the weather of your destination requires it.

Undergarments are one of the most important parts of your packing.
Be aware that you will not always find conducive situations to be washing your clothes.
Try to carry maximum number of undergarments that would be needed for the trip duration. Unless, you are okay with repeating.
Always keep a cap/hat. Your head, hairs, and health are protected this way.

Toiletries/Make-up

For your make-up kit, pack the bare minimum.
Avoid heavy glass containers.
Use small 100 ml bottles. Flight operators allow to carry 100ml containers of total up to 1000ml at a time in your luggage. You may buy special ones designed for travelling or can reuse old small bottles.
If you have mini perfume/deo bottles, you may carry them. Security may ask you to throw large bottles (including water)
If possible keep all your toiletries in check in luggage except a few important ones.

Sunscreen is a must. Sunburns are not that sexy for everyone. It causes severe skin damage. They may stay behind for an year or more (speaking by experience!)
Many hotels provide the toiletries (basic ones like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, comb, earbuds etc.). So you do not need to always carry them unless you have allergy issues. You must carry your own face wash.
While travelling domestically we need our own toiletries because budget hotels provide nothing other than soaps. But, in all of our hotels outside India, we have never had issues with toiletries no matter the budget of the hotels.
It is okay to bring the hotel toiletries with you. We do it all the time if small disposable bottles are provided. It helps in recycling them into use for future trips and not buy new ones. But, if they provide fixed bottles or large ones, it is not advisable to carry them along with you.
Do not forget your toothbrush!

Shoes

Unless you have some specific combinations, try to carry comfortable shoes.
We always end up walking a lot while on a trip, specially while shopping/hiking/sight-seeing. Ours is around 28000 steps, recorded.
Fancy but uncomfortable shoes can make your holiday a nightmare within hours.
Carry light, soft, and comfortable shoes. You may use some good robust slippers also if you are comfortable wearing them. Keep maximum two pairs.
Remember that shoes add a lot of weight to your luggage.

Snacks/Ready to eat

If your accommodation includes breakfast most of your task is done here! We prefer making reservations with breakfast. It saves time, money and sleep. Trust me you would need as much sleep as you can get while on a trip.
If you are travelling international, we suggest you pack some ready to eat food like instant noodles or instant breakfast items.
Most of the hotels give a kettle and your hunger pangs will not be an issue if you carry ready to eat items.
You may carry packaged snacks which come very handy while sightseeing.
You may keep your own water bottle and refill the bottle wherever possible. This ensures responsible tourism and helping the environment. Plus you do not buy water which at the end of the day saves a lot of money. You can calculate on your own.

Medicines

In case you have a pre existing medical condition, do not forget to carry you medicines.
Always consult your doctor and follow his advice before taking a trip.
You may additionally pack some basic over the counter medicines, like, for fever, upset stomach, allergies, balms/ointments, pain killers or band-aids.
You may not find a medicine easily available outside India.

Others

Try to carry one two carry bags to keep your used clothes separately.
Carry bags can be handy if you get soaked in rain or your clothes get wet or stained.
You may also use the ones you get while shopping during your trip if you have not packed already.