I’m off to China tomorrow! My number one tip for making traveling easier? Pack light! I’m always one for taking the smallest amount of luggage possible.

Packing light on this trip is a new challenge for me – not only is there going to be 30 degree fluctuations between daytime and nighttime weather (always challenging to pack for!), I’m also going to be hiking through Tiger Leaping Gorge, so I need to pack light enough to carry for several hours!

You may be wondering then…what’s in my pack? Let me show you…

In my 34L Backpack:

  • 3 small packing cubes filled with
    • Clothes
    • Umbrella
    • Instant coffee packets (good for coffee addicts like me!)
    • Mini First Aid Kit
    • Foldable water bucket (for washing clothes in – have you seen how dirty most hostel sinks are?)
  • Sandals and shower shoes (wearing sneakers on the plane)
  • Toiletries (particularly things hard to find in China like sunscreen, bug spray, and deoderant!)
  • Minimal make-up

I learned my lesson from how I packed for Europe and this time I’m bringing all synthetic, quick-dry clothes with layering options for the varying temperatures:

  • One long sleeve shirt
  • One regular t-shirt
  • Two lightweight tops that can be dressed up or down
  • Lightweight but warm jacket
  • One pair capris
  • One pair lightweight pants
  • Gym shorts and tank to sleep in
  • Conservative but cute dress
  • Ultra-light rain jacket
  • Undergarments (not pictured)

I feel like I have everything I need to be comfortable for 6 weeks in China without having to carry heavy bags around. I’ll post an update after my trip to let you all know how the packing list worked out. I’ll be posting about the places I go as I’m traveling, so make sure you subscribe to Everywhere Awaits to journey through China with me!