Packing in Only a Backpack

On my recent eight-day trip to Scotland/Ireland, I planned on moving around a lot, so I told everyone I was only going to pack in one backpack. A hiking/skiing backpack at that, not even a backpacking backpack. I wasn’t sure I could do it despite my bravada, but when it came down to it, I felt like I had plenty of room. It helped that it was rainy all the time, so I never felt bad about wearing the same thing all the time since my pics were just of my raincoat anyway.

For my upcoming six-day trip to Greece (!!!), I want to be mobile again, so I’m packing up the trusty backpack. Here’s what I’m planning on taking.

What to pack and wear in Greece

Each of these items was picked for its versatility. Maybe you got an awesome new dress you’re dying to wear … that’s cool and all, but it won’t work in your backpack. Save it for the mainland; focus on function (while OBVIOUSLY looking fly) for travel.

• 2 Dresses: Black dress; denim dress – going out clothes, cover-ups, shopping clothes, you can do anything in these one-piece wonders.
• 2 Bikinis: Duh. Also, note that both tops are racerback—this way I don’t have to pack sports bras for hikes, yoga, visiting a CrossFit gym, etc.
• 2 Shorts: Summer time summer time summer … make ’em comfy so you can hike in ’em, or swap a pair for athletic shorts.
• 2 Tees: Versatile, baby! Make ’em soft, comfy, and solid colors.
• 1 Skirt: convenient and cute
• 1 Silk long-sleeve button-down: looks nice, but can also be a swimsuit coverup or layering piece for beach breezes.
• 1 black leggings: they’re small, convenient, and worth having (probably for the plane ride home)
• Shoes: I do everything in my Sperrys, they are the most comfortable walking/hiking/everything shoes I own—but they still look good. Converse/Vans could also serve this purpose. One pair of flat sandals. Shoes take up lots of room, so you’ve got to be the strictest here.
• Accessories: on the plane, I’ll have a hoodie and scarf but wear a tank top—the triple-threat of climate control, if you will. I also find jeans comfy. You do you on the plane, but make sure it’s stuff you wanna wear and works in throughout the week too.
• Not shown: 5 undies (in case laundry isn’t an option); the bra I wear on the plane; 1 or 2 necklaces; 1 or 2 pairs of earrings; minimal makeup and toiletries.

And that’s it! That’s how you pack for a week-long vacation in just one backpack. It may sound scary (I was scared), but it’s actually liberating in the end!

Note: Real celebs can pack full suitcases and have people shuttle them around for them. Faux celebs like me don’t mind being minimalist, it’s fun!

Double Note: the items pictured above are not my ACTUAL clothes, though I wish they were.