There are many benefits to packing light when you travel, and so many when it comes to a low-waste lifestyle. They go hand in hand. Whether traveling for the weekend or for a few months, you don’t want to pack things you don’t need, and then have to carry them around. At the same time, you don’t want to have to buy things unnecessarily, taking time away from your trip and suitcase space away from souvenirs you want to bring home.

*I loved the unique façades of Valletta*

What you need clothing-wise may depend on where you are going and for how long, but I find some things are universal. Here’s a quick checklist to keep your packing light, easy, and low-waste.

*The impressive St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta*

The most essential of essentials is any documents you need. Make sure your passport or ID is up-to-date long before your trip. With new technology, often you can get your boarding passes delivered straight to your phone, eliminating the need to have extra paper (and it’s one less thing to worry about packing!). Check with your airline though, because some airlines do still want you to print your boarding pass (and may charge you if you don’t). Money and ATM/credit cards are essential, and make sure to notify your bank if you are traveling abroad.

*This beautiful building is found in Mdina*

While bringing your phone is a no-brainer, make sure you have your charger and an adapter, if you will be traveling outside your country. Headphones are a must for me, as well as a portable charger. When you are on vacation, you will likely be using your phone more often than usual, taking pictures and using online or offline maps to navigate your new destination. Therefore, your phone may drain its battery faster than usual. The last thing you want to be doing during precious vacation time is searching for an outlet and waiting for your battery to charge. Having your portable charger charged up means you won’t have to worry about that. In terms of international service, you can check with your provider but also have a look at getting a local SIM card, which depending on your destination could be a much cheaper option.

While all of the things above are important, one of the best things you can do to enjoy your trip is to pack a pair of good shoes. Since there is so much to see on holiday, you will probably be doing a lot of walking. You’ll want a reliable pair of shoes that are already broken in, so that you are comfortable and don’t risk getting a blister.

Whether traveling somewhere sunny or snowy, sunscreen and sunglasses are so important. You can get a sunburn anywhere, especially if you aren’t expecting the sun to be so strong. On a beach, in the mountains, or even just walking around the city all day can leave you with a burn, so make sure to protect yourself.

Now, how to make your travel, and lifestyle in general, low-waste and friendly to the environment? Living a low-waste lifestyle naturally lends itself to packing light. Bar soap is lighter to travel with than a large plastic bottle of liquid soap. Even better, you can find combination bar soap and shampoo. And since soap is really all you need to shave, all you need is a waterproof container to keep the bar in, and you save space, weight, money, and do a favor to the earth at the same time.

Speaking of shaving, I upgraded to a metal safety razor a few years ago, and it was one of the best investments I have made, as a traveler and as an eco-friendly person. The razor blades last about a year in my experience, as long as you store the blade separately and keep the parts clean and dry.

As far as toiletries go, I have a bamboo toothbrush, floss and toothpaste. If I am traveling I sometimes forgo my usual beauty routine and will just bring jojoba oil, which I can use both as a makeup remover and moisturizer. My deodorant is a powder bar from Lush, and I buy my makeup and perfume from cruelty-free brands.

*The tranquil water of the Blue Lagoon, Comino*

If you don’t yet have a reusable water bottle and a tote bag, these are easy solutions that eliminate so much waste and expense from your daily life. If you are traveling somewhere where the tap water is not clean enough, then of course health is your priority. Otherwise, why not drink the water that is waste-free and actually free? A tote bag is a catch-all - use it at the market, shopping for souvenirs, and just to carry around whatever you need. And they are cute :)

*View from Valletta to the open Mediterranean Sea*

Don’t forget any medicines you may need, and bring some general pain medicine for any aches. Last but not least, pack a sleep mask for your eyes and earplugs, so that you can get a good night’s sleep and make the most of your precious vacation days.

Note: These images are from my trip to Malta. The header image is of the view from the Ta’ Pinu Basilica on the island of Gozo.