Hi Reader,

Do you ever find that you seem to pack everything into your suitcase including the kitchen sink? Only to find that your luggage weighs more than the baggage allowance?

This is all too frequent, and we have been guilty of this too. We’ve packed too many outfits and never seem to wear half of them.

What we have also found challenging in the past is understanding what to actually pack depending on the country and the climate.

So firstly, what do you pack for a country that has some incredible beaches, mountains, humidity, rain, temples, wildlife and a whole mix of climates?

We are going to breakdown the essentials, what’s optional, and what you should skip altogether. Plus, our go to packing hack that has changed everything for us.

Because the last thing we want, is you dragging a suitcase around with “just in case” items, when you could be travelling light, comfortable and stress-free.

The essentials

Let’s start with the essential items, because trust us, you’ll thank us later:

Light breathable clothing

With Sri Lanka’s hot and humid climate year-round, you’ll need clothing that dries fast and keeps you comfortable and cool.

We’ll pack, loose t-shirts or breathable tops, lightweight shorts, and comfortable trousers or leggings. Women will benefit from cotton or linen dresses.

You won’t need your whole wardrobe, just pack some outfits that you can mix and match. Laundry is cheap and easy, so it’s possible to do washing while you’re travelling.

Some hotels or hostels may offer a laundry service, for a minimal fee.

Temple appropriate outfits

You may plan to visit at least one temple, while you explore Sri Lanka (highly recommended), you’ll need modest clothing, such as:

• something that covers shoulders
• clothing below the knee

A lightweight scarf is a game-changer here; it weighs nothing and solves most outfit dilemmas instantly.

You can get a more detailed guide on what to wear in a Temple or place of worship in Sri Lanka.

Feel good footwear

You don’t need to pack your entire shoe collection. Just practical shoes that are comfortable for sightseeing and maybe for a nice meal in a restaurant.

We pack at least one pair of comfortable walking shoes, one pair of sandals/flip flops, and occasionally water shoes for waterfalls or rocky beaches.

If you plan to do any hiking, you may wish to bring a good pair of hiking shoes, although walking shoes should be sufficient if they are comfortable and support your feet in the right way.

Sun protection

This is a must, as the sun in Sri Lanka is no joke.

I have been burnt multiple times, not just in Sri Lanka but in Australia and the UK and it is painful. It can even spoil the trip.

Make sure you have sunscreen with at least SPF 50+, sunglasses, a cap or hat and some after-sun or aloe, to soothe any potential sunburn.

Light rain jacket

Whether you are hitting Sri Lanka during the dry season, or the monsoon season, it’s a good idea to have a lightweight foldup rain jacket, just in case you get caught out in a sudden but short-lived downpour.

Plug adapter and battery bank

If you are staying in a good hotel, they should have the UK style three pin plug sockets type G, although some smaller hotels, hostels and guest houses may have the three circular pin plug sockets, type D.

A recommended universal power adapter will convert your local plug into the type you need while travelling.

We’d also recommend a good power bank for charging on the go, or should there be the occasional power cut. You should only encounter this, if you’re staying in a local Airbnb or guest house.

Mosquito repellent

I get bitten badly by mosquitoes, so repellent is a must.

I use Jungle Formula roll on, which is fantastic and really helps to reduce bites.

Sri Lanka doesn’t have malaria, but they do have the deadly Dengue Fever, so protection is better than risking serious illness or death.

What to leave at home

We promise, you won’t need or miss these:

Heavy clothing

Leave any heavy clothing at home; you really won’t need heavy jackets, jumpers, or bulky layers.

Even in the hill country of Nuwara Eliya and Ella, you’ll need light layers, such as light jumpers and a lightweight jacket to keep you cool in the evening.

Large toiletries

If you like to pack your hair dryer, hair straighteners, and all your hair and makeup products, then DON’T.

While we agree that you still want to look your best, too much is just not necessary.

Most hotels provide the basics, plus the humidity will only do one thing to your hair anyway.

Only bring the very basic makeup products and if you need a hairdryer, most hotels and guesthouses can supply you with one.

Want a full list of what you should pack and what to leave behind, then check out a full guide on what to pack for a holiday.

Packing essential that’s changed our lives

We could not do with our packing cubes; they are our go to must have.

They keep everything organised in our travel bag, whether we go on a short weekend trip to Europe, or our annual trip to Sri Lanka.

We have three different sizes and colours, plus three laundry bags, to place our dirty clothes, ready to be washed in Sri Lanka or when we get back home.

We can’t live without them and if you haven’t already got a set of packing cubes, then we’d recommend going out to purchase them.

Once you start to use them, you won’t be able to live without them.

Our personal packing philosophy for Sri Lanka

After many trips to Sri Lanka, we have learnt what to pack and what to leave behind.

And here is our recommendations:

• Pack versatile clothing, not “just-in-case" - because you’ll regret overpacking more than underpacking
• Pack for comfort not perfection – let's face it, no one will be out to judge your outfit.

Packing is probably the most stressful part of travelling, but once you strip away from the noise, packing does become easier and incredibly simple.

And if you want help with packing for any type of trip, then you can download our free packing checklist. Download it here.

Over to you

Have you brought packing cubes? Have they changed how you pack? What is the one thing you can’t travel without?

Is there anything you're unsure of about packing for Sri Lanka, or maybe you have a question you’d like to ask us about travelling to Sri Lanka?

Hit reply and tell us, we’d love to help you feel prepared and confident before your trip.

Happy travelling

Bev & Shams

P.S. If you want to get ahead, we also have a fantastic ultimate Sri Lanka first timers guide, that includes a planned route, budget tips, logistics, ETA visa tips and lots of Sri Lanka goodies. You can purchase your copy here.

Email: bev@bevandshams.com

Website: www.bevandshams.com​

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Resources: www.bevandshams.com/travel-resources/​