As an avid traveler and seat sale enthusiast, it is essential that I pack right and light. When I say light, I mean, my carry-on baggage must not exceed 7kg per airline regulations (Cebu Pacific and Air Asia). That's only because I don't usually add prepaid baggage on my bookings. So everything must fit inside my backpack.

Here's a sample of the things I packed for a 5-day trip to Tacloban-Palompon-Biliran.

1. Aquazorb towel - Microfiber and very light. Best travel towel because it dries easily.
2. to 5. Clothes; mostly shorts and light fabric shirts - we were bound to walk around a lot and the least I'd want is to be all hot and sweaty.
6. Beach wear / pantulog - mostly sandos (for the beach) and cotton tops and shorts (sleepwear)
7. Extra clothes - just in case something happens ;)
8. Hankies / shawl - Hankies to wipe off sweat / absorb sweat on my back. Shawl in case it gets cold at night on the island and it can also double as a thin blanket.
9. Board shorts / rashguard - for when I go island hopping so my shorts could easily dry and rashguard so I don't get burned too much under the sun.
10. Undies / headwear - I don't need to explain the first. Heawear to keep my hair under control while traveling in windy circumstances. It can also protect my hair from harsh UV rays.
11. Deuter travel pouch - this is where I mostly keep my undergarments and toilettries. It also has a built-in hook which allows me to mount the whole thing (on a bunk bed/closet/back of the door, etc) so I don't have to keep digging through my bag for my things when I need them.
12. 2 sets swimsuit - As a rule of thumb I normally pack 2 sets of swimsuits all the time because on days there are consecutive island/beach activities, I don't like wearing wet swimsuits just because they did not fully dry from the previous day. Also, it's nice having a change of attire for photo purposes. lol.
13. Toilettries - shampoo in sachets, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, facial wash
14. Sunblock - highest SPF possible for more sun protection. Although, the higher you go, the more difficult the lotion gets absorbed by the skin.
15. Toothpaste - I already included this is #13.
16. Wet tissues - Essential because I was anticipating the island situation wherein the bathrooms are public and water was limited. Wet wipes can be used to freshen up, wipe face, clean hands, etc.

So all of these things must fit inside my 25L Deuter pack. I usually pack them in groups in ziploc bags so I can keep them air-tight and more compact.

See, there's still space!

Apart from a backpack, I also bring a small sling bag to put other essentials when traveling. For this trip, I used a small Longchamp bag as shown below.


Here are the items inside my small bag:


1. Shawl - I just needed this within reach in case it got chilly on the plane. I ended up not really using but. But better safe than, freezing (?)
2. Hanky - forever hanky girl. I cannot leave the house without one because of its many uses. For this trip I was down with the colds and I had to have a hanky in case I needed to cover when I sneeze. Can't contaminate others with my virus.
3. Earphones - For when I would like to listen to music without really bothering other people.
4. Coin purse - handy because I don't like my change all over my bag. Makes paying public transport easy since I don't have to bring out my huge wallet
5. Wallet - Has bigger bills, credit cards, health cards, etc.
6. Microfiber cloth - I keep one within reach because I hate when my camera lens gets fingerprints.
7. Wet wipes - for moments when there's no option to wash hands or freshen up
8. Fan - oh, my trusty fan. Works magic when it's traffic and humid.
9. Umbrella - Monsoon season, you guys. You never know when this will come handy.
10. Tiny pouch - this is where I put my kikay stuff just so they don't get lost in my bag
11. Pens - because the pen is mightier than the sword and you never know when you'll need one for writing or as a weapon. Bad guys, watch out!
12. Alcohol spray - I like the Hygenix brand for this because it's not sticky and smells nice
when used on my icky hands. Can also be used as a weapon for when bad guys strike.
13. Lotion in a teeny tiny pump container - because dryness happens all the time.
14. Lippie - I'm currently obsessed with Maybelline's Creamy Mattes and I have the shade Touch of Spice.
15. Cheek tint - I got this from Bench and essential for when you need that little rosy glow
16. Perfume atomizer - Currently using Kenzo's L'eau Par and I transfer it in this atomizer since I refuse to bring the whole bottle on my trips
17. Rosary - a previous boss gave this to me from Manaog some years back and I feel like it has brought me luck since. I never leave the house without this as well.
18. Shopping bag from SAC People - because you never know when you'll need an extra storage space. I ended up using this to keep pasalubongs.
19. Post-its - in lieu of a small notebook to jot down things, list down expenses, reminders, etc.
20. Face powder - I don't like using this but I bring it in case my t-zone gets too shiny
21. Mirror - came with my Deuter pouch. I always get foreign, miniscule things in my eyes, mostly eye lashes and I need a mirror to take it out.
22. Sanitary napkin - for emergency purposes.

I almost forgot to pack my medicine box!

And lastly, a medicine box that has meds for common sickness; biogesic, imodium, mefenamic acid, buscopan venus, antihistamine and band-aids!

I remember an instance wherein I was searched after the x-ray machine at the airport showed I had scissors in my bag. I totally forgot it was even there and it wasn't even mine. Haha. I was asked to take it out of my bag and throw it away.

What are your packing essentials?