Started with dumping everything I thought I needed onto my bed. Big mistake. Looked like I was moving out instead of traveling for two weeks. Shoes, five different guidebooks, three jackets – total mess. Sweeping half that junk back into the closet felt good. Gotta start simple.
Step 1: Getting Real About Clothes
Checked my route: Diwali in Varanasi first, then Christmas markets in Germany, wrapping up with Hanukkah vibes in New York. Three totally different weather moods. Instead of packing a fresh outfit for each day (ha!), I focused on layers. Grabbed:
- Neutral base layer top & bottom: Comfy for planes, good under everything.
- Breathable scarf: Doubles as a head cover for temples, shoulder wrap for churches, or warmth booster.
- One super-versatile dress: Cotton blend, goes knee-length. Wore it to a Diwali puja and later dressed it up for caroling with tights & the scarf.
- Comfort pants: Lightweight, dark color. Wore ’em everywhere – exploring towns, sitting on the floor at temples, walking miles.
- Only two pairs of shoes: Tough call. Settled on my worn-in walking trainers and simple black flats that looked a bit nicer.
Rule was simple: mix and match everything. Left the “just in case” party dress at home.
Step 2: Ritual Stuff – Don’t Overthink It
Thought I needed special items for each festival. Nah.
- Small silk pouch: Perfect for carrying offerings of rice or sweets without crushing them. Used it in temples and homes.
- Compact battery-powered tea lights: Lifesaver! Lit them safely in hotel rooms during Diwali and Hanukkah when real candles weren’t an option. Felt festive enough.
- Handkerchief: Plain cotton. Quick rinse before entering temples/shrines needing head covering, wiped incense ash off my hands, dried tears at a beautiful midnight mass… yeah, cried a little.
Forgot souvenirs are a thing. Left space in my bag for small finds.
Step 3: Tech & Practical Bits – Keep it Charged
Digital clutter counts too! Ditched the bulky guidebooks and heavy laptop.
- Phone with essentials: Downloads were key. Offline maps saved me getting lost in Varanasi alleys. Translation app for market signs. Camera phone instead of a separate one.
- Single multi-port charger brick: Plugged into one converter adapter for the whole trip. Charged phone, power bank, tea lights.
- Small power bank: Essential for long festival days when finding a plug feels impossible.
- Reusable water bottle: Fill-ups at hotels or fountains. Big win.
Godawful baggage fees last time taught me one carry-on backpack and a small foldable duffel inside for overflow is the max. Done.
The “Aha!” Moment On The Road
At a crazy Diwali market, saw folks struggling with huge rollers. My hands were free! Ducked into a tiny chapel in Germany unexpectedly – the scarf was right there. Needed sudden rain gear in NYC? Jacket layers handled it. Every ounce of space mattered. Packing tight meant I could grab cheap flights without sweating the luggage.
The best part? Actually enjoying the festivals instead of dragging luggage everywhere. No frantic unpacking to find that one shirt. No extra luggage fees eating into my street food budget. Focused on the music, the food, the people, the feelings. Packing smart let the joy take over. Who knew? Backpacking ain’t just for kids anymore. Do it simple, travel happy.
