Article: How to Pack Light for a Long Trip: Smart Travel Tips for Style and Simplicity

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Desert Journey Aboriginal Art Large - Wool - Scarf

Jun 5, 2025aboriginal art

How to Pack Light for a Long Trip: Smart Travel Tips for Style and Simplicity

Overpacking is one of the most common mistakes made by travellers. Influenced by packing lists that seem to prepare for every eventuality - from hiking expeditions to black-tie galas - it’s easy to end up with a suitcase full of things that never get used.

Here’s the truth: most travellers use less than half of what they bring. The good news? It’s entirely possible to travel for weeks with only carry-on luggage - and do it in style.

Whether it’s a long weekend or an extended international journey, travelling light offers freedom, comfort and ease. No more waiting at luggage carousels, hauling heavy suitcases or stressing over what to wear. The key lies in choosing items that are versatile, lightweight and multi-functional.

Packing Strategy: Two Bags Only

Carry-on suitcase or backpack: for clothes and toiletries
Daypack: for daily essentials and valuables

Total combined weight? Under 10kg.

If heading into colder climates, layer up with a quality coat, boots, gloves and a cosy beanie. And for extra warmth and effortless style, wrap up in a Mainie Australian Merino wool scarf .

Red Bark Trees Aboriginal Art Large - Wool - Scarf

Travel Light, Travel Beautifully – With a Mainie Scarf

A Mainie scarf is a travel essential. Stylish, ethical and adaptable, it’s the first item smart travellers pack.

Why Mainie?

Lightweight & Easily Stowed

Crafted from pure silk, Australian Merino wool or vegan-friendly modal, Mainie scarves add stle without taking up space or weight.

In-Flight Comfort

Perfect for chilly planes and air-conditioned airport lounges.

Versatile Styling

Mainie transforms into a sarong, shawl, belt, head covering or evening wrap – effortlessly transitioning from beach to dinner.

Camera-Ready

Holiday snaps of unforgettable moments will come alive with the vibrant colours of distinctively Australian, authentic Aboriginal art.

Aussie Travellers: Elizabeth, Tanya & Emily

Our Mainie scarves have become an essential wardrobe component both at home and when travelling. They serve to elevate any outfit whilst also celebrating Australian First Nations culture with dignity and sophistication. The silk product is beautiful to wear, and the Merino wool is unbelievable soft and so warm. Lightweight, easy to pack and always commented on.

Climate Adaptability

Natural fibres breathe and regulate temperature, keeping wearers cool in the heat and warm in the cold.

Multi-Purpose Functionality

Use your Mainie scarf as a blanket, makeshift bag or even a handy, roll-up pillow during long journeys.

Uniquely Australian

Each scarf features authentic Dreamtime designs by Aboriginal women artists from remote communities in Central Australia, ethically produced under licence.

Social Impact

Wearing a Mainie scarf supports Aboriginal artists, their families and communities through fair trade royalties.

Cultural Storytelling

Mainie scarves are beautiful wearable art pieces that carry ancient stories and traditional knowledge through design.

Medicine Tree Dreaming Large Aboriginal Art - Silk - Scarf

Ethical & Sustainable

Natural fibres, sustainable practices and respectful cultural representation – everything fast fashion is not.

What to Pack for a Long Trip

Clothing Essentials

4 x T-shirts (1 x black for versatility)
2 x Long sleeve shirts (1 x black for day-to-night wear)
1 x Light jacket
1 x Jeans or cargo pants
1 x Shorts
1 x Black pants or long skirt
1 x Leggings
1 x Bathing suit (optional)
7 x Underwear
1 x Extra bra
4 x Pairs of socks
1 x Beach slides or flip flops
1 x Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes
1 x Black flats or slides

Toiletries & Health

Toothbrush & toothpaste
Dental floss
Travel-sized shampoo, conditioner and body wash
Deodorant
Minimal makeup (a bold lipstick goes a long way)
Small medical kit (band-aids, antiseptic, eye drops, earplugs, tweezers, nail clippers, painkillers)
Hand sanitiser or wipes
Sunscreen

Other Essentials

Combination lock
2 x biodegradable bags (for laundry and shoes)

Smart Travel Reminders

Pack for versatility, not for "just in case."
Repeat outfits – nobody notices, and it saves space.
Do laundry – laundromats and bathroom sinks are global solutions.
Buy what’s missing – the world is full of shops.

Storm Cloud Dreaming Large Aboriginal Art - Silk - Scarf

Travelling light isn’t about sacrifice - it’s about smart choices. With just a few well-selected items and a versatile Mainie scarf or two, travellers can move effortlessly, look great and feel good knowing their style makes a positive impact.

Explore the collection at www.mainie.com.au

Travel smart. Travel light. Travel beautifully – with Mainie.

Written by Charmaine Saunders

Customer Reviews

Mainie is a brand I proudly wear for so many reasons. I love that each scarf has a story and that I know with each piece funds go back to the woman that designed it. I adore the vibrancy of the colours and the high quality, I have had my scarves for many years now and they are so versatile from wearing them to do presentations or going out for lunch. I stand for empowering women and standing proud in your individuality and Mainie embodies this in every way.

Lesley Clarke

Our Mainie scarves have become an essential wardrobe component both at home and when travelling. They serve to elevate any outfit whilst also celebrating Australian First Nations culture with dignity and sophistication. The silk product is beautiful to wear and the merino wool is unbelievable soft and so warm. Lightweight, easy to pack and always commented on.

Tanya, Emily and Elizabeth

I love the Mainie Scarves, for myself and as the perfect gift. They are investment pieces that will be part of your wardrobe for life. I love travel and one or two scarves are always included in my luggage. They are perfect on the plane and for dressing up outfits. I take a Merino scarf for cooler climates and silk ones everywhere else. However, the very best part is the ethical basis of the brand. I know I support a woman artist from a First Nations community when I purchase something from Mainie. They look good and do good at the same time.

Jo Pyne

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OUR PLEDGE

Preserving our natural environment for a healthier planet

Introducing Australian Cultural Heritage to the World

Founded by Gunggari Aboriginal woman Charmaine Saunders in 2012, Mainie is a Supply Nation certified Indigenous Australian-owned company and an Indigenous Art Code approved dealer member. We recognise the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We respect the resilience, strength and pride of Australia’s First Nations people and their communities. Mainie is committed to supporting Aboriginal women artists to earn an independent income from their own work and to keep alive their traditional cultural heritage for future generations.