Welcome to a new series of posts where we’ll show you what we like to carry for various trips, events and days out, plus some shopping picks if you’re looking for something similar. For the first post, I’m sharing some tips for a mini break of 1 or 2 nights close to home.
I often meet up with my family for a couple of nights in a hotel and since I don’t drive, it’s very important to pack light so I can carry it all easily. I can fit everything I need inside a backpack (plus my everyday bag). I’ll share more about some of these items below and hopefully it will give you some tips for next time you have to pack light.
I prefer a backpack as it leaves your hands free, fits in overhead luggage racks and usually has lots of pockets. This is one item where it’s more important to choose a practical option than a cute one but it is possible to have both. If I was buying a new one I’d be tempted by a Doughnut Macaroon backpack at JetPens (US). They come in multiple sizes and colour options, all with loads of compartments and pockets inside and out. You can also make any bag a little more kawaii by adding a plush keychain, like me, or some pins and badges.
A multi-charger is a real lifesaver for saving space and will keep all your devices topped up, especially if you add a battery pack for on-the-go. I love the kawaii tech accessories at Legami (EU) and will probably replace my 3-in1 panda charger with this 6-in-1 rainbow soon. They also have cute battery packs, mini speakers and more. I still usually add a USB multi-plug and a long phone cable as you never know what you’ll get in hotels.
I like to use a flannel for washing my face and have been packing one inside my Sugarbunnies case since I bought it on my first trip to Japan! It’s much cuter than a ziploc bag and easier to clean too. These are meant for kids to carry a mini hand towel but they are perfect for travel too. Meccha Japan (JP) and Japan Figure (JP) both have a nice selection of cute characters including Ghibli, Sanrio, San-X, Disney & Pokemon. I pick up more cute towels from ARTBOX (UK) when they get a bit worn, but they’re widely available.
All my other toiletries get crammed into a wash bag. I don’t have a big beauty routine so I like a small flat pouch that can also fit in a suitcase pocket. I’d been using the same pouch for decades but recently picked up a pink stripy one from Flying Tiger and added a pin and charm to cute it up more. Skinnydip (UK) has kawaii character makeup/wash bags in various sizes including Care Bears, Hello Kitty & Disney. If you struggle to fit everything, have a look at Andy’s post with Cute Refillable Travel Containers.
Another must-pack for every trip is my ita pouch. This is a pencil case sized version of an ita bag with a clear window pocket and larger compartment behind, both with zips. I use this for all those things I might need to find quickly, like my glasses cleaning cloth (from pikaole’s Patreon), lip balm, medication etc. Sadly Sun-Star doesn’t make mine any more but they have this MATCH mesh pouch that would work well and it actually looks like even more of a space saver! Cult Pens (UK) have all 6 colours in stock.
Travel is always a great opportunity for some extended reading time and I always bring my Kindle in case of delays so I have plenty of books to choose from. I’m still thinking about how to customise my very boring but practical case (it has a kick stand and hand strap). A much cuter option is this clear Kindle case at Paper + Word (UK), especially if you like to change things up – or have a lot of stickers! They also sell the Strapsicle, a rubbery handgrip that fits all e-readers.
Packing light does mean there’s very little space for bringing anything extra home so I always pack a foldable shopping bag. Whether you pick up some souvenirs, have to buy something you forgot to bring, or just want to pop to the supermarket on the way home, you’ll be glad to have it. You can also use it in your hotel to separate laundry or store things you won’t need until your return journey. Mine is from YumeTwins but ARTBOX (UK) have a big selection of kawaii eco bags including some that fold up inside a plush so you can hang it on your backpack.
Look out for more of these posts over the next few months. We have some fun ideas but feel free to suggest more in the comments.
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