Nick Galanos, the hero of my new release The Love Left Behind, is the kind of traveller who’s got packing down to a fine art. He takes the bare essentials and travels light. I aspire to Nick’s simplicity. On occasion I’ve even managed it.

I spent two weeks in Italy with nothing but a carry-on suitcase – though luckily the weather was warm and I had access to a washing machine.

However, lately when I’ve travelled I’ve taken far more than I probably need, enjoying the freedom of not trying to squeeze everything into a (supposed) 7 kg carry-on allowance or worrying that I’ve left something behind. Somehow I still only wear the same three t-shirts.

I’m working towards going back to this minimalist approach, however, there are at least seven things I can’t travel without (barring the essentials).

A puffy jacket

Wait, shouldn’t this be under ‘essentials’? Well, yes, ‘clothes’ are an essential but there’s a reason why I’ve included this specifically. When I say puffy jacket, I’m talking about those ultra-lightweight ones which you can squish down to next to nothing. I got mine from Uniqlo but I once had one (which I then lost) from H&M which was perfect. Good for all sorts of weather, it’s often the only long-sleeved thing I’ll take.

Contact lenses

Huh? Wouldn’t you say this falls under toiletries, Dan? An essential? I don’t wear contact lenses all the time as glasses save so much hassle BUT if I want to do things like snorkel or ski then I have to pack them…along with cleaning solution and eye drops. It’s a whole process. But if I don’t have them, I run the risk of missing out so along they come.

Books

Travelling is when I get a lot of reading done – planes, trains, buses, or (rarely) relaxing by the pool. But I’ve forbidden myself from going into airport bookstores because I can’t take the extra weight so it’s ebooks all the way.

Camera (of some kind)

I’ve learned the hard way that taking a proper digital SLR camera with me is a bit of an ordeal these days. It’s heavy, cumbersome and not good when you want to travel light. I’ll still bring it on some trips when I’m expecting to see something spectacular, like tigers or historic ruins, but otherwise I’ll rely on the camera on my phone for quick snaps.

Travel credit card

Who uses cash these days? Very few people, that’s who. But international transaction fees can add up so I’ve got a credit card I use only for travel to reduce the sting – and use the money I save on things like evening cocktails.

Laptop

I’m on holiday so surely I don’t need my laptop. Alas, I’m a freelancer and often need to do work while I’m away. Plus there’s always the hope that I’ll write while looking out across the Mediterranean or in some equally idyllic location… Hasn’t happened often but there’s always a chance.

Willingness to give new things a go

This is by far the most important and the one that leads to the best experiences. Whether it’s a local delicacy, a new adventure, or having a go at the language, travelling is all about experiencing something new and you can’t do that without pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Except bungee jumping. I’m NEVER going to do that.

What are the things you can’t travel without?