But one canny traveller managed to pack everything she needed for a four month trip around Europe into just her hand luggage.

Australian author Sarah Wilson, 42, who refers to herself as a 'minimalist' has lived out of two suitcases for eight years -  and packed just eight kilos worth of luggage for a hiking trip around London, Scotland, Cornwall, Crete, Paris, Slovenia and Slovakia, as well as LA and New York.

In a blog post on her website, the 'I Quit Sugar' author revealed how she managed to survive with such a minimal amount of belongings.

To minimise her packing, Sarah wore the same clothes every day and was not afraid to wear out her clothes until they could no longer be worn.

"I honestly don't think people notice or care. I have a signature look, is how I see it," she said.

"I wear things out. My good white shirt became my hiking shirt by month three."

"I hand washed smalls in the shower at night. So only carried two pairs of undies for the trip," she said.
"I live in silk and light woollen and synthetic things; they scrunch up tight and weigh little.
"I wear sneakers with dresses very happily. I also took a very flimsy (thus, light) pair of heels for fancy stuff."