Why packing lists might just be the secret to sustainable travel?

I’ve always been one of those travelers who almost remembers everything. Toothbrush? Check. Camera battery? Usually. Charger cable? …let’s not talk about it. I said almost.

Somewhere between packing for a family weekend in the mountains and a longer road trip with Hana, I realized that forgetting even small things had a pattern — and a price. Every time I left something behind, I ended up buying another version at my destination. A travel-size shampoo here, a new pair of sunglasses there, and suddenly my bag was heavier and my conscience lighter… but not in a good way.

That’s when I started using a travel toolkit — basically a living packing list that evolves with every trip. And here’s the funny thing: it didn’t only make my travels easier. It made them more sustainable. I slowly began to understand that sustainable travel doesn’t start when you arrive somewhere; it starts before you even leave home.

Mindful Packing = Sustainable travel in practice

Every time we forget something, we often replace it with something cheaper, not that durable, and almost always wrapped in plastic. When you plan ahead, you pack smarter — which means fewer unnecessary purchases and less waste.

My list now includes the small things that add up: a reusable water bottle, bamboo cutlery, a tote bag for groceries, Hana’s travel bowl, and a set of solid toiletries. Nothing extreme, just the things that make sense for how we actually travel as a family.

Travel Light, Travel Right

It’s also amazing how a list helps you not overpack. The lighter you travel, the more freedom you have — and the smaller your footprint. Literally. We tend to drive shorter distances, walk more, and choose public transport whenever we can, simply because we’re not dragging three unnecessary bags around.

There’s something deeply satisfying about realizing you’ve packed just enough.

Different Trips, Different Toolkits

Not every journey looks the same — and that’s exactly why I love having customized lists for sustainable travel.

Packing for a three-day sailing race, like the Szüreti (Harvest) Regatta at Lake Balaton is completely different from lounging for a week on the Adriatic coast. On race weekends, everything needs to be light, waterproof, and quick-dry — no frills, just focus. A forgotten sailing glove means buying a new pair at the marina shop (and trust me, that’s never cheap).

Then there are the city breaks, like the trip to Milano-Monza to see the Formula 1 race, where I need just one carry-on — walking shoes, a charger, a raincoat, and the confidence that I’ve got what I need. No plastic bags, no last-minute purchases - in the ideal case. Bit more difficult if a teen girl is around.

For a slow wellness trip, I pack less, but more mindfully: swimwear, reusable toiletry containers, a good book, maybe a yoga strap. It’s about calm and comfort — and remembering that I don’t need five outfit changes to relax. That, too, is sustainable travel.

And of course, there’s winter — like the Ski Welt Cup Sölden in the beginning of the season where during a weekend we watch the races, cheer from the slopes, and squeeze in a few runs ourselves. That’s where I’ve learned that forgetting small things (like thermal socks or sunscreen) often means unnecessary re-buys. Meanwhile, a seven-day ski-wellness getaway calls for balance: sports gear, a cozy robe, reusable water bottle, maybe my favorite travel mug for coffee with a view.

Different settings, same goal: pack smart, live light, waste less.

And no, I don’t work like this all the time. Sometimes I have to pack fast and don’t have time to check on everything. But I try — and that’s already more than nothing. Because sustainable travel is about progress, not perfection.

The Family & Dog Factor

Traveling with a family and a dog adds its own level of chaos — and charm. Hana’s leash, treats, passport (yes, she has one), food container, blanket, towel… and then there’s the teenager’s headphones, snacks, and power bank. Without a list, something’s always left behind, and that something usually ends up being replaced by another plastic thing we don’t really need. Sustainable travel starts with these small, shared moments of preparation.

So now we have one shared “Family & Pawprint” checklist. It’s practical, but it’s also a small ritual before each trip — sitting together, ticking boxes, talking about what we actually need. A bit of family time... no smart phones, packing needs attention! Ha-ha...

Less Forgetting, Less Buying, Less Waste

I’ve come to think of packing lists as tiny sustainability tools that are stored on my Google Keep. They don’t shout about saving the planet — they just quietly help you make fewer mistakes. Fewer forgotten items mean fewer emergency purchases, less packaging waste, and less stress.

And honestly? That’s what I call real-life sustainable travel. Not perfection — just intention.

The Next Step

No, I'm not starting to create the essential lists because it's different for everybody. But strongly advise to create your own in order to avoid all the craziness around packing for a whole family. Because I know we don't just pack for ourselves. These lists will save you from unnecessary buys, forgotten chargers, and countless “we’ll just pick one up there” moments.

Because maybe sustainability starts with something as small as remembering your toothbrush.