I often wonder, what on earth was I thinking while packing? Haven’t I learned anything from all my travels? I mean, during my first trip to South America, I packed all my tight, chic clothes that turned out to be totally impractical for the climate and activities. Let me tell you, wearing skinny jeans in the Amazon rainforest? Not my best decision.

But here’s the thing: the typical “backpacker look” just isn’t for me. I don’t want to adopt that “practical-but-ugly” vibe, thank you very much. Yeah, I get that some people go for that whole “function over fashion” thing, but sorry—not in my suitcase! I’ve spent years trying to strike a balance between comfortable and stylish, something that looks good wherever I am, and still feels like me. Maybe you’re wondering, “Why on earth do you need to look good in the Amazon? It’s just trees and mosquitoes!” Well, who knows, maybe I’ll meet the monkey of my dreams? Ha!

In reality, I just want to feel good in what I wear. And honestly, who doesn’t? But here’s the kicker: I’m petite, and when I wear baggy clothes, I look like a hobbit. It’s not a great look for me, and it definitely doesn’t boost my confidence. Not that I need clothes to feel confident, but let’s be real—it helps. I want what I’m wearing to be an extension of me, a piece of my personal brand. You get it, right?

Most of the clothes I wear in the Netherlands don’t make the cut for my travels. I stick with summer outfits, but somehow I always get it wrong. You’d think I’d figure it out after all these trips! Summer in Europe is nothing like daily life in, say, Mexico. That cute little sundress? Gorgeous, sure, but totally unbearable in the heat. And here’s the part I almost hate to admit: I booked a 23-kilo suitcase for this trip, but when I checked in, it weighed 27 kilos, and I had to cough up an extra €180. Total rip-off, but what can I say? I wanted to bring everything!

Now, every time I move to a new destination, it’s like playing a game of Tetris with my luggage, trying to fit everything in without going over the weight limit. The worst part? I have all these clothes, but nothing that works for this insane heat. So what do I do? Obviously, I buy more clothes that I can actually wear. Because, you know, my suitcase isn’t bursting at the seams or anything.

Here’s where it gets ridiculous: I’m dragging this 30-plus-kilo suitcase around like it’s my new best friend. Oh, and did I mention I’ve got a carry-on and a backpack too? It’s a real party. Maybe you’re thinking, “Why don’t you just get rid of some stuff?” Ha! Easier said than done. I start going through my clothes, determined to let something go, and I end up with one lonely sock or a tank top I could probably live without. But then I think, “Is this really going to make a difference?” and suddenly, I’m holding on to everything again.

You see, I’m an all-or-nothing kind of person. Right now, I’m in the “all” phase—taking everything with me. But I’m slowly shifting to the “nothing” phase. Why? Because this suitcase is killing me, I’m spending a fortune on excess baggage fees, and half the stuff I brought, I never even wear. Maybe it’s time to Marie Kondo my wardrobe and only take the things I actually use. Do I really need five different black tank tops? Of course I do! That way, I don’t have to wash clothes after two days, which, let’s be honest, I hate doing.

As you can probably tell, I’m an expert at justifying why I need to keep all my stuff. But seriously, do you ever find yourself in this same situation? Are you, like me, lugging around a suitcase full of things you barely use but can’t bear to part with? If so, I could really use some tips! I’m on the verge of a breakdown here, and my next destination is just around the corner.

I know this all sounds like a first-world problem, and okay, it totally is. But isn’t it funny how something as simple as packing can turn into a never-ending internal debate? Packing is supposed to be an art form, right? Well, in that case, I’m more like a chaotic Jackson Pollock painting—stuff splattered everywhere with no clear sense of order.

The worst part is that no matter how heavy my suitcase is, I always manage to convince myself I need more. It’s like I’ve developed this bizarre relationship with my wardrobe where everything feels essential. And if we’re being real here, most of it isn’t. I mean, do I really need six pairs of sandals? Absolutely not. But you’ll still find them in my suitcase, every single trip.

I’ve tried so many times to downsize. I even packed with the intention of leaving some things behind, and guess what? I left nothing. What is wrong with me? It’s like I have separation anxiety from my own clothes. I’ve come to the realization that maybe, just maybe, I need to adopt a more minimalist approach to travel. But the thought of getting rid of my clothes? It’s like parting with memories. I know it sounds dramatic, but it’s true!

I guess what I’m trying to say is, we all have our quirks when it comes to packing. Maybe you’re like me, struggling to let go of things that “might” be useful, even though deep down, you know they won’t be. So what’s the solution here? Honestly, I have no idea. But I’m hoping that by sharing my story, you can laugh along with me—or better yet, offer some advice on how to travel light without feeling like you’re leaving half your soul behind.

If you’ve mastered the art of packing light, please, for the love of all things holy, share your wisdom. Because I need help! Or, at the very least, tell me I’m not alone in this struggle. Let’s get a conversation going—what’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever packed? I bet we can all relate to the madness that is travel packing. Let’s laugh about it together and maybe, just maybe, figure out how to lighten the load—literally and metaphorically.

Who’s with me?