two week travel packing list

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[2023] The Ultimate Packing Checklist for a 2-Week Trip: What to Pack and How to Pack Smart

• August 20, 2023
• Long-Term Travel Checklists

Are you planning a 2-week trip and feeling overwhelmed about what to pack? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Our team of expert travelers at Travel Checklist™ has created the ultimate packing checklist to ensure you have everything you need for a stress-free and enjoyable trip. From clothing to toiletries, we’ll guide you through the essentials and provide helpful tips along the way. So let’s dive in and get packing!

Table of Contents

Quick answer, quick tips and facts, electronics, travel essentials, entertainment, health and safety, miscellaneous, recommended links, reference links.

Here’s a quick summary of what to pack for a 2-week trip:

• Clothing : Pack versatile and lightweight clothing items that can be mixed and matched.
• Footwear : Bring comfortable shoes for walking and a pair of sandals or flip-flops for the beach.
• Toiletries : Don’t forget essential toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste, and sunscreen.
• Electronics : Bring your phone, charger, and any other electronic devices you’ll need.
• Travel Essentials : Include items like a travel adapter, travel pillow, and a reusable water bottle.
• Documents : Carry your passport, ID, travel insurance, and any other necessary documents.
• Entertainment : Bring books, magazines, or any other form of entertainment for the journey.
• Health and Safety : Pack a first aid kit, any necessary medications, and hand sanitizer.
• Miscellaneous : Consider items like a reusable shopping bag, a travel umbrella, and a laundry bag.

Before we dive into the details, here are some quick tips and interesting facts to keep in mind while packing for your 2-week trip:

• Roll, don’t fold : Rolling your clothes can help save space in your luggage and reduce wrinkles.
• Pack travel-sized toiletries : Opt for travel-sized toiletries to save space and comply with airline regulations.
• Check the weather : Research the weather forecast for your destination and pack accordingly.
• Layering is key : Pack clothing items that can be layered to accommodate different temperatures.
• Consider laundry options : If you’ll have access to laundry facilities, you can pack fewer clothes.
• Pack versatile clothing : Choose items that can be dressed up or down to maximize outfit options.
• Don’t forget adapters : Check the plug type at your destination and pack the appropriate travel adapters.
• Leave room for souvenirs : If you plan on shopping during your trip, leave some space in your luggage.

Now that you have a general idea of what to keep in mind, let’s dive into the specifics of each category.

When it comes to clothing, it’s important to pack versatile and lightweight items that can be mixed and matched. This will help you create different outfits without overpacking. Here’s a checklist of clothing items to consider:

• ✅ T-shirts: Pack a mix of short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts depending on the weather.
• ✅ Tops/Blouses: Bring a few tops or blouses that can be dressed up or down.
• ✅ Bottoms: Pack a combination of pants, shorts, or skirts depending on your preference.
• ✅ Dresses: Consider packing a few dresses for more formal occasions or a night out.
• ✅ Sweater/Jacket: Bring a lightweight sweater or jacket for cooler evenings.
• ✅ Underwear: Pack enough underwear for the duration of your trip.
• ✅ Socks: Bring a mix of regular and athletic socks, depending on your activities.
• ✅ Pajamas: Don’t forget comfortable sleepwear for a good night’s rest.
• ✅ Swimwear: If you’ll be near a beach or pool, pack your favorite swimsuit.
• ✅ Accessories: Bring accessories like scarves, hats, or belts to change up your outfits.

Remember, the key is to pack items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. Stick to a color palette that allows for easy coordination, and consider the climate and activities you’ll be participating in.

Choosing the right footwear is crucial for a comfortable trip. Here are some footwear options to consider:

• ✅ Comfortable Walking Shoes: Bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing and exploring.
• ✅ Sandals/Flip-Flops: Pack a pair of sandals or flip-flops for the beach or pool.
• ✅ Dress Shoes: If you have any formal events or dinners planned, bring a pair of dress shoes.

Choose shoes that are comfortable, versatile, and suitable for the activities you’ll be doing. It’s important to break in new shoes before your trip to avoid any discomfort.

Don’t forget to pack essential toiletries to keep yourself clean and refreshed during your trip. Here’s a checklist of toiletries to consider:

• ✅ Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• ✅ Shampoo and Conditioner
• ✅ Body Wash or Soap
• ✅ Face Cleanser and Moisturizer
• ✅ Deodorant
• ✅ Razor and Shaving Cream
• ✅ Sunscreen
• ✅ Makeup and Makeup Remover
• ✅ Hairbrush or Comb
• ✅ Hair Products (e.g., hair gel, hairspray)
• ✅ Feminine Hygiene Products (if applicable)

Remember to pack travel-sized toiletries to comply with airline regulations. You can also purchase travel-sized containers and fill them with your favorite products. Consider packing these items in a toiletry bag to keep them organized and easily accessible.

In today’s digital age, electronics have become essential travel companions. Here are some electronics you may want to consider packing:

• ✅ Phone and Charger
• ✅ Laptop or Tablet (if necessary)
• ✅ Camera or GoPro
• ✅ Portable Charger
• ✅ Universal Travel Adapter
• ✅ Headphones or Earphones
• ✅ E-Reader or Books (if you prefer physical copies)

Remember to pack the necessary chargers and adapters for your electronics. It’s also a good idea to invest in a portable charger to keep your devices powered up while on the go.

There are a few travel essentials that can make your trip more comfortable and convenient. Here’s a checklist of travel essentials to consider:

• ✅ Travel Pillow
• ✅ Eye Mask and Earplugs
• ✅ Reusable Water Bottle
• ✅ Travel Wallet or Money Belt
• ✅ Luggage Locks
• ✅ Travel-Sized Laundry Detergent (if necessary)
• ✅ Travel-Sized Sewing Kit

These items can help make your journey more enjoyable and stress-free. Consider investing in a quality travel pillow for a good night’s sleep during long flights or train rides.

It’s important to have all the necessary documents with you when traveling. Here’s a checklist of documents to consider:

• ✅ ID or Driver’s License
• ✅ Travel Insurance Information
• ✅ Flight Tickets or E-Tickets
• ✅ Hotel Reservations
• ✅ Itinerary or Travel Plans
• ✅ Emergency Contact Information
• ✅ Copies of Important Documents (stored digitally or in a separate location)

Make sure to keep these documents in a safe and easily accessible place. It’s also a good idea to have digital copies stored on your phone or in the cloud.

Long journeys can sometimes be boring, so it’s a good idea to pack some form of entertainment. Here are some options to consider:

• ✅ Books or E-Reader
• ✅ Magazines or Newspapers
• ✅ Puzzle Books or Crosswords
• ✅ Playing Cards or Travel Games
• ✅ Portable Music Player or Podcasts

Having something to keep you entertained during flights or downtime can make the journey more enjoyable.

Taking care of your health and safety is crucial when traveling. Here are some items to consider packing:

• ✅ First Aid Kit (band-aids, pain relievers, etc.)
• ✅ Prescription Medications
• ✅ Hand Sanitizer
• ✅ Insect Repellent
• ✅ Travel-Sized Sunscreen
• ✅ Face Masks (considering current circumstances)

It’s always a good idea to pack a basic first aid kit with essentials like band-aids and pain relievers. Additionally, make sure to check the health and safety guidelines for your destination and pack accordingly.

Lastly, here are some miscellaneous items that can come in handy during your trip:

• ✅ Reusable Shopping Bag
• ✅ Travel Umbrella
• ✅ Laundry Bag
• ✅ Travel-Sized Stain Remover
• ✅ Travel Journal and Pen

These items may not be essential, but they can be useful in certain situations. Consider your specific needs and activities when deciding whether to pack these items.

Q: How many T-shirts should I pack for a 2-week trip? A: It depends on your personal preference and the climate of your destination. As a general guideline, packing 7-10 T-shirts should be sufficient for a 2-week trip. This allows for a fresh T-shirt every day, with a few extra for backup or unexpected circumstances.

Read more about “[2023] What to Pack for a Week-Long Trip Checklist: The Ultimate Guide”

Q: How many pairs of jeans should I pack for a 2-week trip? A: Again, this depends on personal preference and the climate. Packing 2-3 pairs of jeans should be enough for a 2-week trip. Jeans can be worn multiple times before needing to be washed, so you can rotate between them.

Q: How many pairs of pants should I pack for a 2-week trip? A: It depends on the activities you’ll be doing and the climate. Packing 2-3 pairs of pants should be sufficient for most trips. Choose versatile pants that can be dressed up or down and consider the weather conditions at your destination.

Read more about “[2023] The Ultimate Packing List Generator: Your Key to Stress-Free Travel”

How many outfits should I pack for a 2-week trip?

A: To minimize the amount of clothing you need to pack, aim for 10-14 outfits that can be mixed and matched. This includes tops, bottoms, and dresses. By choosing versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down, you can create multiple outfits without overpacking.

Read more about “[2023] Ultimate Packing Checklist: What to Pack for a 3-Week Trip”

How do you pack minimally for a 2-week trip?

A: To pack minimally for a 2-week trip, follow these tips:

• Choose versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched.
• Pack lightweight and wrinkle-resistant fabrics.
• Opt for travel-sized toiletries and consolidate them into a toiletry bag.
• Use packing cubes or compression bags to maximize space in your luggage.
• Consider doing laundry during your trip if possible.

What is the 5 4 3 2 1 packing method?

A: The 5 4 3 2 1 packing method is a popular approach to minimalist packing. It involves packing 5 sets of underwear and socks, 4 tops, 3 bottoms, 2 pairs of shoes, and 1 hat or accessory. This method helps you pack efficiently and avoid overpacking.

Read more about “What is the 5 4 3 2 1 packing method?”

When should you start packing for a 2-week vacation?

A: It’s a good idea to start packing for a 2-week vacation a few days before your departure date. This gives you enough time to gather everything you need and make any last-minute purchases. Starting early also reduces the chances of forgetting important items.

Packing for a 2-week trip can be a daunting task, but with our ultimate packing checklist, you’ll be well-prepared and ready to enjoy your adventure. Remember to pack versatile clothing, comfortable footwear, essential toiletries, and all the necessary documents. Don’t forget to consider the climate and activities at your destination. By following our tips and using our checklist, you’ll be able to pack efficiently and minimize stress during your trip.

Happy travels!

• Shop Clothing on: Amazon | Walmart | Etsy
• Shop Footwear on: Amazon | Walmart | Etsy
• Shop Toiletries on: Amazon | Walmart | Etsy
• Shop Electronics on: Amazon | Walmart | Etsy
• Shop Travel Essentials on: Amazon | Walmart | Etsy
• https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/packing-tips
• https://www.smartertravel.com/the-essential-beach-packing-list/
• https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/packing/

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The Complete 2-Week Europe Packing List

Last Updated on November 15, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Putting together a 2-week Europe packing list can prove incredibly difficult regardless if it’s your first trip to the continent or if you are a seasoned traveller.

Especially if you’re trying to travel light and minimalistically, prioritising things for your trip to Europe can be a bit tricky. We have travelled extensively all over Europe and have refined this ultimate packing list in order to ensure that you have everything you need, but also not too much!

So if you’re after the perfect packing list for Europe, then look no further. We’re here to make sure that you’re perfectly well-equipped for your trip without bringing one item too many in your limited space!

Table of Contents

Europe Packing Tips

Before I jump right into what you actually need to pack for Europe, we do need to discuss a few things in order to ensure that you are completely prepared to leave on your trip to Europe.

One of the most important things to be aware of is the season where you’re travelling, along with the region. Europe is vast with an array of varied climates and what you need to bring to be prepared largely depends on where and when you are visiting.

What you eventually end up taking with you really inevitably comes down to if you’re visiting Europe in winter or summer, northern or southern Europe.

Another thing to keep in mind when you’re planning out a packing list for visiting Europe is just how much you plan to bring with you.

It can be really hard to know what you’ll need or use on your trip, especially if you haven’t travelled much in Europe before. However, it is always a great idea to try to limit the amount of stuff you cart around with you.

Packing light can be a lot more pleasant in almost every aspect of travelling, from not having to worry about the weight limits on airlines or hauling your bags up stairs, through train stations and luggage racks.

Packing light also has the added benefit of making your things a lot easier to pack up and move when you move destination. It is unlikely that you will plan to stay in just one location on your trip and you don’t want to have to unpack and repack a bunch of different things every few days – not only is this simply a pain, it can also be very stressful.

The packing list below is quite minimalist, however, in times of travelling for similar-length trips to Europe, I’ve found that it is beyond sufficient.

When it comes to selecting items of clothing, especially, try to stray away from anything that you cannot mix and match and, often, opting for darker colours can be a great option.

Thinking more in the mindset of bringing a small capsule wardrobe rather than individual outfits to wear will help you be able to pack light while also mixing and matching to create a new look every day.

The other tip when it comes to packing light is to find accommodation that offers laundry facilities. Planning to do a wash while on the road will allow you not to have to bring so many things considering the fact that you can do a load of laundry mid-way through your trip.

Many hotels and hostels offer laundry services or, alternatively, you could find an Airbnb that has a washing machine you could use yourself. Laundromats are also always an option, though I can’t imagine it’s the preferable option considering the limited amount of time you have when it comes to exploring Europe.

Finally, when it comes to bringing items such as a hairdryer, curling iron or straightener, I would recommend refraining from this.

The vast majority of accommodations will have at least a hairdryer on-site and, especially if you’re travelling to Europe from North America, the voltage in the plugs is completely different and you risk completely ruining your devices should you use them, even if you are using an adaptor.

All in all, there are a number of things that one needs to take into consideration when figuring out what to pack for Europe. Follow the guidelines below and you should be perfectly well-equipped for your trip!

Ultimate Packing List for Europe

This ultimate Europe packing list is perfect for those looking to pack light and be a bit more minimalist in their adventure. While this certainly isn’t a complete bare-bones packing list for those who want to, say, travel carry-on only, it is good for those looking to not bring everything but the kitchen sink.

This is intended that you pack in a larger main piece of luggage (whether that be a travel backpack , wheeled backpack or traditional suitcase) along with a smaller piece of carry-on luggage such one from Level8 .

If you want to keep your items all organised then we also suggest using some packing cubes like the Eagle Creek Pack-It Compression Cubes

This checklist is also appropriate for all sexes and genders, just pick and choose some things as they don’t apply to you.

Figuring out what kind of clothing to bring is arguably the most important and most difficult thing about packing for Europe.

As mentioned earlier, it’s always a great idea to opt for neutral colours and items that you can mix and match to ensure that you can have some variety in your outfits without having to bring too many things and take up necessary valuable space in your luggage.

• Depending on the season or region of Europe you’re visiting, either bring a mixture of long-sleeve and short-sleeve tops, just long-sleeve or just short-sleeve tops to wear in Europe.
• I always recommend bringing one or two nicer tops or button-down shirts along with more casual t-shirts or tops. We like Bluffworks t-shirts as they’re both practical and also look good!
• Bringing one pair of jeans and one pair of another type of trouser is a great idea or one pair of lighter jeans and one pair of darker jeans. Having at least one pair of pants that can be dressed up is always a good idea
• You can browse some of our the best options in our best pants for travel in Europe guide.
• I, personally, love Bluffworks’ dresses , which have concealed pockets, a classic and flattering cut and can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the situation. Oh, it also is wrinkle-resistant and fully machine washable.
• If you’re visiting Southern Europe or simply travelling in the summer months, then having one or two pairs of shorts can be a great idea, especially when you need to keep cool or are heading to the beach.
• If your trip is during winter, having a tank top or light base layer will keep you warm without having to result in a bulky coat or jacket.
• Depending on the season or region, a cosy wool sweater or a light cardigan is a great idea when packing for 2 weeks in Europe. It can also be a good idea if you bring one that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion (are you seeing a trend here?).
• Of course, you likely don’t need to include a jacket at all if you’re travelling to, say southern Spain or Malta in July, however, depending on the season, a warm, lightweight jacket is always a good idea for your trip.
• We recommend a packable down jacket ( click here for men’s version ), however, we have written a detailed guide for the best jacket for Europe depending on your needs.
• No matter the region or season, a rain jacket is always a good idea, as you can get caught out in a storm regardless of where and when you are travelling.
• We love the North Face Resolve ( click here for men’s version) as it has consistently kept us warm and dry in the rainiest of conditions.
• How much underwear you bring really depends on at what point in your trip you want to do laundry. If you want to avoid washing at all, then go ahead and bring 14 or 15 pairs of underwear. They do take up valuable space, however.
• Like underwear, how many socks (and the kinds of socks) you bring really depends on your shoe preference and just how often you want to do laundry.
• Bringing a swimming suit is a great idea even if you’re not going to a seaside destination. You never know when you may go to a bathhouse, sauna or pool on your Europe trip no matter the season.
• If you happen to be travelling to a beachy destination like Italy or Spain , consider bringing 2 pairs so you have time to dry each suit between wearings.
• I, personally, like to bring one regular bra and one sports bra, but this really depends on your needs and preferences.
• If you’re not a pajamas person, then don’t bother. I am, so I bring them. One pair for 2 weeks is sufficient.

Shoes take up A LOT of space in your luggage so limiting the footwear you bring on your Europe trip can be the ticket for maximising the space in your bags.

We have a complete guide on the best shoes for Europe to help you pick the right footwear for you. This is just what we recommend bringing when you’re compiling a packing list for 2 weeks.

• A good pair of sturdy, stylish walking sneakers is essential. Pick comfortable walking shoes that you can walk in for hours and kilometres and not have sore feet.
• I, personally, love the Ecco Soft 7 trainers and wear them all the time. For a men’s version consider the Ecco Soft 7 Runner.
• Choose your second pair of shoes depending on your style and the season you’re travelling in.
• If you’re an active traveller, are visiting a largely outdoor destination, or simply plan to do a bit of walking and hiking, then a good pair of hiking boots such as the Merrell Siren Edge for women ( available on REI here ) or Merrell Moab 2 for men ( available on REI here ) is essential.
• Small, compact, and helpful for everywhere from the beach to a hostel shower to a public pool, a pair of flip flops should always make it into your luggage!

Accessories

Whether fashion accessories or handy electronic gadgets, some of these are absolutely essential items to bring with you on your trip to Europe!

• The most important accessory of them all!
• Perfect for add a splash of style to any outfit, sipping over your head or shoulders if you’re visiting a church, using as a makeshift blanket, and also for its traditional use, a scarf is absolutely necessary to bring with you no matter the season.
• A warm hat to keep you toasty in the winter in Europe is always welcome, as is a sun hat to protect you from the harsh rays during summer in Europe.
• An essential item on any winter packing list!
• A solid anti-theft handbag like the PacSafe Cityscape or day pack is perfect for keeping your valuables safe and secure while you’re out and about sightseeing and exploring.
• Buying water and using plastic water bottles is a thing of the past. There are an infinite number of great water bottles for travelling to choose from like a Hydro Flask and you’ll never need to buy a single-use plastic bottle again.
• If you’re more serious about your photography than simply relying on your phone, then bringing a good camera is a great idea.
• We love the Sony A6400 for its high-quality images at a decent starting budget and there being several great travel lenses to use with it. Make sure to bring extra memory cards!
• You always need to have something good to read, but don’t want to pack a bunch of heavy books to bring with you – a Paperwhite Kindle solves all of these problems and it is an absolutely essential item if you love to read.
• Buy a prepaid SIM card like the Orange 20GB SIM either as physical SIM or eSIM to ensure you can stay connected in Europe.
• Finding a universal plug adaptor with a number of different USB drives is a fantastic option and is an absolutely essential item when travelling to Europe from elsewhere in the world!
• Finally, a power bank will give you peace of mind should your phone die while you are out and about or if you forget to give something a much-needed charge when you need to use it.
• Making sure you have an adequate number of charging cords for all of your devices will ensure that you can make sure everything can get the best battery life possible.
• A travel pillow is nice to have if you have a long flight or are taking overnight trains or buses.
• World Nomads   offers flexible and simple travel insurance policies with coverage for more than 150 activities that you can buy or extend while on the road.
• SafetyWing offers travel medical insurance policies that can are an option for long term budget travellers.
• Save your money and landfill space and forgo the travel-sized toiletries for refillable bottles of your shampoo and conditioner. We love GoToobs .
• You might want to bring earplugs if you’re staying at a hostel or budget accommodation where street noise can be an issue or for your flight.
• To avoid unnecessary spills in your toiletry bag, we recommend using a bar soap rather than a shower gel, but this is really up to you
• Keep your dry skin nice and hydrated!
• Bring as little makeup as you need. Personally, I limit myself to one lipstick, one eyeliner, mascara, a small eye shadow palette, foundation and a few brushes. I also make sure I have facial cleansing wipes for makeup removal and just to wash my face at the end of the day.
• If you’re a lens wearer, you need to pack this!
• Blisters and cuts happen, best to be prepared rather than have to hunt for a pharmacy to find these things while travelling.
• While you can get ibuprofen and the other over-the-counter pretty much everywhere, it’s always nice to have it on hand should a headache threaten to put a damper in your Europe trip. Ditto with other OTC medications you take regularly.

Piecing together the Europe packing list for 2 weeks doesn’t have to be all that difficult if you take into consideration all of the things outlined above. Think minimally and pack light and you’re sure to have a fantastic time on your adventure — wherever it may be that you’re going!

Are you trying to figure out what to pack for two weeks in Europe? Was this packing list helpful for your trip? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Best VPN For Travel to Europe

The Best Backpack For Backpacking Europe in 2024

The Best Travel Jacket for Europe (Women’s & Men’s)

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

This is a great comprehensive list. It helps to prioritize what is really essential and can serve as a thorough starting point even if you want to tweak it some to meet your needs. I would add socks, belt and 1 or two costume jewelry pieces to the list.

Great list. I reviewed it against my list and they were pretty close. I have been reading your other articles and they have been most helpful. Many thanks!

This is very helpful. Thanks. I always seems to pack too much. Helen

Can most of this fit in a carry on and a personal bag?

This can be really dependent on the kind of bag, how you pack and the airline’s requirements! Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful 🙂

Thanks this was very helpful for a first time traveler 😉

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

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• Travel Packing

How to Pack for a Two Week Trip

Last Updated: August 3, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Christel Ferguson . Christel Ferguson is the owner of Space to Love, a decluttering and organization service. Christel is certified in Advanced Feng Shui for Architecture, Interior Design & Landscape and has been a member of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO) for over five years. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 208,742 times.

Packing for a two-week long trip can be daunting. It's important to remember essentials without wasting space in your luggage for items that aren't necessities. This article will help you learn methods of packing clothing and other items in order to save valuable space in your bag, while also making you realize what you may be able to live without on your next vacation or trip.

Packing List

Packing Essentials

• We all have our trusty chap stick that we absolutely can’t live without. So if you’re worried you could run out and not be able to find an essential item on your trip, pack an extra to be safe. [1] X Research source
• Back up credit or debit cards and a photocopy of your passport and visa could come in handy if you happen to misplace these items or they are stolen.
• If your allergies occasionally flair up or you tend to get migraines, make sure you’re better safe than sorry and pack appropriate medications.

• Comfortable shoes may be the single most important item you pack. Typically this includes a pair that ties and has arch support, although it varies by person.
• Bring articles of clothing that aren’t too specific and will match with multiple items you packed. This way you won’t need to worry about what’s clean and what needs washing.

• Especially if you are traveling during the warmers months, be sure to bring clothing made of lighter fabric, such as a poly blend, which is easily packable, durable, and dries quickly.
• Only choose clothing items that you can mix and match, so they can be worn with anything you brought.
• A pair of jeans or comfortable shorts is usually a safe bet as is a pair of pants that can unzip to become shorts. These will grant you even more outfit options.
• Shirts in neutral colors like white, black and tan are likely to match with almost any bottoms. Just remember that darker colors provide more sun protection.
• If you’re traveling during cold months, plan on layering, rather than packing a heavy coat. Only the piece touching your skin will need to be washed regularly, so don’t worry about spending more time doing laundry.
• Bring a small container of laundry detergent or plan to hire a laundry service.

• If the culture of the visiting country is on the conservative side, a lightweight scarf won’t add bulk to your luggage but can easily and quickly cover you up.
• If you plan to attend a formal event or service, dressier clothing is necessary to show that you respect the occasion.
• An easy and quick way to dress up your everyday clothing is with accessories. For women, a piece of jewelry or a hairpiece can make even your cotton t-shirt seem dressy.
• Men can wear ties and stylish glasses with a watch to dress up their everyday duds. And the best part is that these items hardly add any weight and don’t take up room in your suitcase.

• If you plan to have phone reception or computer access, consider downloading an application for easy communication with locals. Languages and Google Translate are considered two of the best translator apps. [5] X Research source
• Especially if you expect Internet access to be limited, make sure to bring a reliable guidebook.
• Depending on the nature of your trip, look for a one that has more sections dedicated to actual activities, excursions, and landmarks, rather than accommodations. This is assuming that you have booked a place to stay before you actually arrive at your destination, so these are essentially wasted pages.
• If you’re a foodie and hoping to experience the local cuisine, then a guidebook that is heavily focused on the restaurant scene would be of most use to you.
• All good guidebooks should include ample information about the local culture and customs. Typically they’ll highlight in-depth information about transportation options as well.
• Make sure the book is current (written no longer than two or three years ago, if not the year you plan to travel). Cities change, restaurants close, and customs adapt, so to get the best experience, you need the latest information.

• Don’t pack anything that could be considered a weapon, such as razors or scissors, in your carry-on bag.
• Put your name and address on a tag attached to your luggage.
• Leave any agricultural products, including animal products and plants, at home.

• Remember to bring your own blanket and neck pillow if you’d rather not use what’s provided by the airline.
• Pack a separate carry-on bag that you can easily place at your feet with toiletries, medicines, headphones, and anything else that will make your overseas flight more comfortable.
• Earplugs and an eye mask will be especially useful for overnight flights, ensuring you’ll arrive at your destination well rested rather than jet-lagged.

Packing Styles

• Making a check list a week in advance will ensure you don’t forget anything valuable, as you can add to the list throughout the week. Take note of the items you use on a daily basis, chances are these are what you’ll also need on your trip.
• Consider talking to friends or acquaintances who have been to the place you’re visiting and see if they have any recommendations for what to bring. An insider’s view is usually more helpful than Internet research or a guidebook. Not only is it more personalized, but they will be able to answer your specific questions.

• Think in terms of items you can get by without, rather than what would be convenient on your trip. If it would be handy to have your trusty coffee press from home, but you will have easy access to inexpensive coffee on every corner, this is probably something you should leave behind.
• Use lightweight luggage, like a backpack, so more weight can be devoted to the contents. But although luggage with wheels are usually made of heavier material, they do lighten the load on your back.
• Remember hard luggage helps protect valuables inside, while soft materials are more lightweight and easily conform to fit in the luggage bin, trunk of the car, etc.

• Carrying your bag onto the plane means it’s less prone to getting lost, broken, or stolen.
• Last minute changes in your flight itinerary will be met with less stress.
• Save on checked bag fees.
• If you’re travelling by car or train, save room in the trunk or baggage storage by keeping your bag at your feet the entire trip.

• To roll shirts, fold them in half and place the sleeves onto the body. Begin rolling.
• With pants just simply fold them in half with the back pockets touching, and roll from either end, making sure not to form any creases.
• To maximize space inside your bag even further, you can stick the rolled items into a compression bag, available at most travel stores. This saves room by eliminating the air between clothing. Make sure you don’t stuff too many items into each bag, and be careful of the weight, as it can add up before you realize.
• Place socks and rolled up t-shirts inside your shoes.
• Wear your shoes and other bulky items during travel. This will save room and weight in your bag.
• Layer shirts or sweaters if you’re really tight on space.
• To save space, you can roll ties, fold them, or pack them with your suit jacket.

Packing vs. Buying

• Part of this is also understanding that products in a foreign country might not be exactly what you’re used to, but embracing these differences is part of the fun.

• If there is a packaged food you can’t live without, remember to leave space for it while you’re packing clothing and other items. Be sure to include this in your packing list as well.
• Bring a collapsible water bottle or plan to buy one at your destination to reuse for the duration of your trip.

• Pack waterproof shoes and a rain jacket that can also double as your regular walking shoes and coat. This means you won’t have to waste any extra space for your rain gear, but will still be equipped should it start to drizzle.
• Travel size umbrellas don’t take up much space and can come in handy during a light shower.
• If the forecast is wrong and it does start to rain, you’ll most likely still find a disposable poncho to buy at your destination.

• Even the best, most comfortable sneakers are likely to cause a blister or two after extensive wear. So even if it’s just a comfortable sandal with ample support, don’t be left without an extra pair of shoes.
• This won’t be inexpensive to purchase when you arrive, especially if you’re in a touristy area.
• You won’t have planned on packing an extra pair of shoes, which can take up a lot of space on the way back.

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• ↑ https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pack-smart
• ↑ https://www.iata.org/en/publications/newsletters/iata-knowledge-hub/the-most-important-travel-documents-for-your-trip/
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/here-there-and-everywhere/200907/packing-for-a-week-long-trip-in-15-minutes
• ↑ https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/blog/the-benefit-of-immersive-language-learning-experiences-and-how-to-create-them/
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-introverts-corner/201703/the-peculiar-pleasures-traveling-alone
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/chronotherapy/201602/traveling-light
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/holiday-travel.html

About This Article

To pack for a two week trip, start by packing the things you can’t live without, such as medications and must-have toiletries. If you’re traveling by plane, makes sure to pack things like shampoo and liquid soap in airline-approved containers and zip lock bags. Next, group clothes like shirts, socks, and underwear in threes so you’ll always have 1 item to wear while the other 2 are being washed or dried. Then, fold the clothes in half and roll them up to make it easier to cram them into your luggage. For more advice, including how to pack for long flights and potential delays, keep reading. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Pack for a Two-Week Trip With One Small Suitcase

Expert advice from professional travelers on what to bring and where to put it.

By John Wogan

Ask any frequent traveler their rules for a trip, and you’ll likely hear the same advice: Never check a bag. Carry-on only. But fitting everything you need, especially for a longer stay, into one small suitcase and one handbag or backpack requires some ingenuity: The maximum dimensions for luggage going into most overhead bins are 22 by 14 by 9 inches, and though the majority of domestic flights don’t have — or at least don’t enforce — weight limits, some international and trans-Pacific flights do (certain Delta flights to Asia, for example, have a limit of 22 pounds, while Hawaiian Airlines’s maximum is 25 pounds). The payoff, if you do get it right: quicker airport experiences that don’t involve the risk of lost luggage and, upon arrival, fewer decisions about what to wear. Here, tried-and-true tips from a few experts.

Choose the Right Luggage

Though some regular travelers swear by soft bags — the New York-based stylist Ian Bradley, 38, favors the capacious extra-large L.L. Bean Adventure duffel — most are committed to hard, rolling suitcases. “They’re lighter,” says Hitha Palepu, 39, a New York-based author and entrepreneur who wrote what might be the definitive book on the topic, 2017’s “ How to Pack: Travel Smart for Any Trip .” The polycarbonate material used for hard-shell suitcases, she explains, “is about half the weight of the rugged nylon used in soft suitcases.” These are the rolling bags our experts recommended:

A roller from the German brand Rimowa is often considered the gold standard, and many people we spoke with vouched for the products’ durability. “They’re more expensive but a worthy investment,” says the New York-based artist Laila Gohar, 35. (Like the Antwerp-based architect Vincent Van Duysen, 62, she flies with the aluminum Cabin model .) For those concerned about weight limits: The brand’s lightest full-size carry-on is the Essential Lite Cabin , at 4.9 pounds.

Palepu is a fan of the hard-shell suitcases by the American brand Béis , which are considerably less expensive than Rimowa’s. “They have the best in-suitcase compression, a really solid construction and a padded handle for dragging through the airport,” she says.

The New York-based chef and author Andy Baraghani , 34, who completed a multicity book tour last year, likes the Away Bigger Carry-On: Aluminum Edition because it feels indestructible, he says. “And its glossy finish stands out from the rest of the luggage at the airport.” (Just be careful to check that its above-average dimensions are compatible with your airline’s carry-on size limit.)

Edit Your Packing List Ruthlessly

“You can’t have a ‘just in case’ mentality,” says Gohar. “If something isn’t absolutely essential, it doesn’t make the cut.” Below, some strategies for identifying the bare necessities.

“Look for clothes with viscose or Lyocell blends, or silk and wool — those fabrics are more wrinkle-resistant than most,” Palepu advises. She prioritizes “pants that can be worn multiple times before they become unattractively baggy, patterned shirtdresses (prints help disguise wrinkles) and matching sets that can be mixed and matched with other pieces.” But her real workhorses are men’s non-iron button-down shirts from Uniqlo — they rarely get creased and work with a wide range of outfits.

Suits are also a great option because of their versatility. “They can be dressed up with heels for a night out, or down during the day with a tank top and sneakers,” says the London-based creative director Alex Eagle, 40. The gallerist Mariane Ibrahim, who lives between Mexico City, Paris and Chicago, has a similar philosophy: “My bag always includes an evening and a day suit, plus a few staple items in black and white (jeans, T-shirts).”

For Gohar, the key is building an adaptable uniform. “If you have a solid base look, you can get away with bringing one coat, one or two pairs of pants and simply changing your shirt daily,” she says. “And I’m not afraid to wash my clothes, or my kid’s, in the hotel sink. I just ask housekeeping for an unscented soap and then hang them to dry.”

It’s easiest to buy travel sizes of your favorite products and refill them from larger bottles at home, which eliminates excessive waste, says Palepu (alternatively, small empty containers can be found at stores like Muji). She also suggests streamlining by finding multipurpose products: “My EltaMD tinted sunscreen is hydrating enough to be my daytime moisturizer; I use my Le Prunier oil as a hydrating serum and a finishing oil and to slick back flyaway hair.”

Flight Essentials

Palepu likes to pack a simple cross-body bag with the items she’ll need between takeoff and landing (lip balm, sanitizing wipes, an e-reader), carrying it on board inside a bigger tote, then keeping it on her lap once she’s seated. The hotelier Philomena Schurer-Merckoll, 40, who splits her time between Marrakech and London, recommends the British brand Métier’s Perriand Weekend bag in lieu of a handbag; its hidden exterior pockets make things easy to reach on the plane, she says, and “the clip-in clutch means I have an evening bag for my trip.” And the fashion designer Phillip Lim, 51, recommends bringing a Bluetooth transmitter from Airfly, which allows wireless headphones to connect to the in-flight entertainment system.

Pack as if Every Inch Counts (Because It Does)

Work from heavy to light.

As a general rule, Palepu packs the largest items first, to maximize space. She recommends rolling most — but not all — garments, to avoid wrinkles, and always packs this very compact steamer to remove the few creases that do inevitably occur (she also uses the device to steam her face after flights before applying a hydrating mask). Here’s how she recommends filling a bag, from bottom to top:

Begin by laying any bulky sweaters flat at the bottom of one half of your suitcase, with the sleeves and any extra fabric flowing over the sides.

If you’ll need a coat once you arrive, choose a versatile one and wear it on the plane. If you really need another piece of outerwear, make it a thin one and pack it with your bulky sweaters.

Fold suit pants lengthwise to preserve the crease, then roll them. For packing suit jackets, Palepu endorses this method , which involves folding the garment into a square along the seams. Lay these pieces on top of your sweaters.

Roll any other pants as well as skirts, dresses, pajamas and workout clothes and pack these next.

Fold shirts and tops along the seams, to cut down on wrinkles, and lay these on top of the rolled pieces.

Fit underwear and socks in any remaining gaps.

Once all your clothes are in your case, fold your sweater sleeves over the top of your other items.

In the other half of your bag, arrange your shoes, stored in shoe bags, around the perimeter. (To save space, wear the bulkiest pair you plan to bring on the flight.)

Pack any other accessories and your toiletries in the center of your shoes.

Consider Packing Cubes

Packing cubes, which are zippered pouches designed to compress clothing and save space, are especially useful for multistop trips, providing a more seamless way to pack and unpack quickly. Bradley likes those made by Bagsmart and also repurposes the dust bags that came with some of his accessories. “I put underwear, shoes and shirting in one and pants in another,” he says. Packing cubes are particularly helpful for young families, too, says Palepu: Her children each have a set in their favorite color, which means their clothes are easily distinguishable if they share a suitcase. Joeonna Bellardo-Samuels, 44, a senior director at New York’s Jack Shainman Gallery, says one of her secret pleasures is “snagging good hotel laundry bags” to use in place of cubes. “Each one is embellished with a gorgeous monogram that reminds me of my adventures.”

Ship Souvenirs Home

If you’re going on a shopping-focused trip, Palepu suggests packing a foldable duffel in your carry-on that you can fill and then either check in for the return flight or ship home en route to the airport. “Dirty laundry is the best padding for packing fragile items,” she says. Likewise, Eagle packs an L.L. Bean Boat & Tote for return-trip overflow including gifts and her children’s laundry (packing it separately means it’s easier to throw in the wash once you’re home). “The zip on the top makes it secure,” she says. “So you can check it — if you really need to.”

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Two week trip packing list

Handbag or Carry-On

• Get super excited for your trip
• Passport and ID cards
• Tickets or boarding passes
• Wallet/purse and cards
• Spare cash or local currency
• Glasses or contact lenses
• Watch (and charger for smartwatches)
• Headphones and charger
• Snacks or food
• Refillable water bottle
• Gum or mints
• Travel pillow
• Laptop and charger
• Phone charger (wall or USB)
• Portable power bank and cables
• Power plug adapters and international converters (multi-port ones are the winner)
• Face masks/coverings
• Antiseptic hand sanitiser
• Sleeping eye mask
• Ear plugs (to block out snorers or light sleepers)
• Cigarettes and lighter, or vape and charger
• Travel sim and sim card removal tool
• Book or Kindle
• Change of clothes
• In-flight hygiene kit
• Deck of cards or games

Tip: If you're travelling by plane, most countries around the world have limits on how much carry-on liquid you can bring with you. Check out our guide on plane liquid allowances here.

Essential Clothing

• Casual shirts
• Dress shirts
• Jeans or long pants
• Pyjamas or sleepwear
• Workout gear

Essential Accessories

• Tote or small carry bag
• Laundry kit
• Dirty laundry bag
• Spare batteries
• Camera, charger and memory card
• Portable speaker and charger
• Bag or combination lock
• Sneaky booze
• Formal shoes or heels
• Sneakers or everyday walking shoes
• Flip flops, sliders or sandals
• Walking/hiking boots
• Perfume or cologne
• Dental floss
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Shower gel or soap
• Shower loofah or scrubber
• Antihistamines
• Pain relievers (paracetamol or ibuprofen)
• Cold & flu medication and throat lozenges
• First aid strips (plasters)
• Contraception/condoms
• Night-time retainers
• Covid tests

Beauty Accessories

• Hair products/gel
• Feminine hygiene products
• Styling tools (hair straightener, blow dryer etc.)
• Razor or trimmer (plus accessories and charger)
• Shaving cream
• Moisturiser
• Nail clippers/scissors
• Makeup remover
• Cotton buds (Q-Tips)
• Face cleanser and lotions
• Tanning lotion
• After-sun lotion
• Beach towel
• Swim shorts
• Swimwear/bikini
• Casual beach outfits
• Cover-ups or sarong
• Swimming goggles
• Swimming ear plugs or aqua ear drops

Cold Weather Gear

• Jumpers, hoodies or sweaters
• Jackets or coats (including rainproof)
• Thermals (base layer tops and bottoms)
• Long sleeve shirts
• Tracksuit top and bottoms
• Winter pyjamas
• Formal shirts or outfits
• Formal trousers
• Suit (in suit bag)
• Tie or bowtie and tie clips
• Pocket square
• Formal belt
• Baby carrier or buggy
• Water bottles

Things to check before you go

• Checked in online for flights
• Check if you need a visa
• All power plugs switched off
• All kitchen items switched off
• Iron switched off
• All windows shut
• All doors locked
• One last time - Have you got the house keys?

Add your own

Pop any other items you might need in the box below.

End of the list. Woop!

Something missing? Leave your feedback here .

See more travel packing lists

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• Holiday abroad packing list
• International flight packing list
• Interrail packing list
• Long haul packing list
• Short holiday packing list
• Summer holiday packing list
• The ultimate cruise packing list
• Vacation packing list
• Winter travel packing list

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Feel rich living within your means

How to Pack for a Two Week Trip

By Eden Ashley To cover the cost of this website and the time I spend writing these posts, sometimes I link to affiliate products. If you choose to buy through these links (at no additional cost to you), thank you so much! It makes it possible for me to keep doing this. Disclosure Policy

Going on a trip or holiday involves more than just planning your daily itinerary. Packing is one of the most important steps when preparing for your vacation since a well-packed suitcase can make your travels more enjoyable.

I used to be one of those people that left my packing until the night before / morning of my trip (and sometimes I still do) but have learned my lesson and now try to plan ahead.

Depending on your destination, it may be hard to pick up items that you forgot or prices can be twice as much as back home. Making a written checklist is essential when packing your luggage and sticking to it can help ensure a smooth trip.

Here are some tips on how to pack for a two-week trip!

Table of Contents

Start with the right tools

Packing cubes – I recently invested in packing cubes and they are a game-changer! They’re an excellent way to save space in my luggage and I don’t have to worry about items getting tossed around in my bag.

Apple AirTag – If you have checked luggage for your trip, do yourself a favor and get an Apple AirTag. This is an easy way to keep track of and find your luggage (just in case it gets lost).

Toiletry bag – This can be a great way organize and pack your various toiletries safely.

It can also save space and it’s easy to transport, especially if you’re only bringing one carry-on luggage for your two-week trip.

Universal power adapter – If you’re traveling internationally , then you definitely need to pack a universal power adapter. This works all over the world, allowing you to safely use your electronics.

Portable charger – Many of us rely on our electronics to help us work, take photos, navigate our new destination, and stay in touch with our loved ones when traveling.

You don’t want to risk getting caught with a dead battery during your trip. A portable charger is a must-have to throw in your day pack when traveling.

Travel umbrella – If you’re traveling for two weeks, it’s important to pack for various types of weather. A travel umbrella can come in handy and you’ll be thankful that you packed one.

Plan your outfits in advance

I like to use this Daily Outfit Planner printable to help me get an idea of which clothes, shoes and accessories to bring.

If you know which activities you plan to do during your trip, this can help you figure out the approrioate items to bring. I also find that planning my outfits in advance can prevent me from overpacking.

Use packing cubes to schedule your outfits

If you’re trying to pack for a two-week trip in one carry-on suitcase, then using packing cubes is a MUST.

This helps make everything more compact and it prevents small items from rolling around or getting lost in your bag.

To save yourself the hassle of having to unpack and re-pack everything when you get to your travel destination, use packing cubes to schedule your outfits for the two-week period.

You can divide your packing cubes by days or separate stretches of your trip.

Check the weather at your travel destination

Plan your outfits based on what the weather will be like at your destination. Will it be hot and humid? Will it be raining or snowing? Will it be warm during the day and cool off in the evening?

Most people tend to either pack TOO much clothing or clothing that’s NOT suitable for their trip .

Knowing your destination’s weather is essential, but it’s also important to plan around your daily itinerary.

For example, when I traveled to Jasper, Alberta, I planned on doing a lot of hiking so I made sure to bring clothes that I could easily layer. I also wanted to go out for a nice dinner so I packed a dressy outfit as well.

However, if you know that you won’t be needing to dress up on your trip I suggest leaving these clothes at home. You don’t want to over pack by bringing unnecessary items that will just sit in your suitcase the entire time.

Do laundry at your travel destination

If you have the option to do laundry, this can help you pack less and re-wear your clothes. I like using this travel laundry detergent .

If there are no laundry facilities around, you can also wash clothing in the hotel sink and hang dry them in the room.

For my two week trip to Jasper and Vancouver I chose to plan my outfits for one week and do laundry to wear the same clothes again to mix and match. This allowed me to be more economical on the space in my luggage.

Pack clothes that you can easily mix and match together

The last thing you want to happen when you get to your destination is that you packed too many pants and not enough tops or clothing that’s hard to mix and match.

Ideally, you should pack enough clothes and shoes to create at least seven different outfits . This is under the assumption that you can do laundry while traveling.

PRO TIP : I also recommend bringing clothes that don’t wrinkle easily. If you need to bring dressy clothes, then consider getting a portable steamer that’s easy to pack.

This will save you a ton of time and your clothes will always look their best when traveling.

Pack around a color or color palette

I tend to stick to neutral colours (like black) and pair it with colorful accessories (scarfs, etc.).

This tends to make packing easier since I can easily mix and match outfits while I am on my trip.

You don’t want to end up packing a top or pair of pants that do not go well with your other clothes – they would just take up unnecessary room in your luggage.

How many pants do you really need to bring?!

For a two week trip, I don’t recommend bringing more than 2 pairs of pants (3 at the maximum).

This should include one pair of jeans and one pair of black (or khaki pants), so they are easy to mix and match.

I rarely wear jeans, so instead I like to bring one pair of black pants, one pair of blue jeans, and a few pairs of leggings (these take up very little room in my luggage, especially if I roll them when packing).

Pants can usually be worn a few times before they need to get washed. I recommend bringing a stain remover pen just in case you need to spot clean an item, this can come in handy when traveling.

Clothing to pack for a warm weather vacation:

• Jeans or Pants
• Light jacket or sweater for the evening
• A nice outfit for dinner or going out at night
• Workout clothes / Hiking clothes
• Underwear / Bras

Clothing to pack for a cold weather vacation:

• Light-weight sweaters
• T-shirts or Long-sleeve shirts
• Thermal leggings to keep warm (base layers)
• Scarf / Hat / Gloves
• Waterproof boots

Wear heavier items while traveling to your destination and pack lighter items in your suitcase

It’s no surprise that many people choose to wear lighter items when flying since they want to be comfortable on the plane, but packing your heavier items in your checked luggage may put you over the weight limit which means increased baggage fees!

Remember, you can always remove heavy shoes, jackets and sweaters once you get on the plane and store them in your carry-on bag.

Wearing heavier items on the plan will also free up space in your checked luggage which allows you to pack more items that may be necessary for your trip.

You don’t need to bring that many shoes!

If you’re like me, I like to wear different shoes for different outfits, but when I’m traveling it’s not practical to bring an endless supply of shoes.

Instead I plan to bring 2-3 pairs of shoes maximum – these depend on the destination. I like to use this Packing Checklist to help me organize everything I need for my trip.

For my vacation to Jasper, I brought a casual everyday shoe that went with most of my outfits, a running shoe suitable for hiking and bath slippers to wear in the shower.

If I was going on a beach trip I probably wouldn’t need a running shoe and pack a pair of sandals instead; it all depends on where you are traveling and your daily itinerary.

If you need to bring more than three pairs of shoes, make sure to wear your heaviest/biggest shoe on the plane and pack the others in your luggage or carry-on bag.

Shoes to bring for a warm weather vacation:

• Flip flops for the hotel room / shower
• Sneakers / Hiking boots

Shoes to bring for a cold weather vacation:

• Flip flops of the hotel room / shower

Try to eliminate some of your toiletries

Packing full-sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, face wash, body wash, etc.) can eat up a lot of room in your luggage.

Sometimes travel sized versions can be quite expensive, so a better alternative is to purchase travel containers and fill them up with the items you need. You can readily find these travel containers at most dollar or bargain stores.

Pack enough essential toiletries, cosmetics, and medications for the entire trip. I like to use a toiletry bag to keep everything organized.

For longer trips that span two or more weeks, another option is to purchase your basic toiletries at your destination (if needed).

Many hotels provide complimentary toiletries for their guests . This can include: toothbrush, razor, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, mouthwash, linen kit, hair dryer, etc.

Check ahead to see what your hotel provides and see if you can leave any of these items at home.

Read Next: 25 free things you can get at hotels

Toiletries to pack for a two-week trip:

• Dental floss
• Shampoo / Conditioner
• Face moisturizer
• Night cream for face
• Makeup / Makeup remover
• Contact Lenses / Contant lens solution
• Hair brush / Hair styling tools
• Shaving supplies
• Period products
• Birth control / Medication
• Vitamins / Pain relievers
• First-aid supplies
• Nail file / Nail clippers
• Hand sanitizer / Wet wipes

Take advantage of your electronics

While I will always be a big fan of reading paperback books, using an e-reader is much more convenient when traveling.

It takes up less room and you can add a number of different books on your er-eader instead of trying to cram a bunch of paperback books into your luggage.

For overnight flights, it’s convenient because you can still read easily when the plane lights go dim.

Unless you really require your laptop , I prefer to take my tablet with me when traveling instead. I use it to watch movies, TV shows, listen to music and play games which helps make long flights go by faster.

It is also much lighter than a laptop and I don’t need to worry about taking it out of my carry-on bag when going through airport security.

One of the great things about having a smart phone is the availability of apps that you can download. There are a multitude of travel apps that you can download that can assist you when traveling to a foreign city.

Language apps can help you learn a few keys phrases of the language spoken in the country you’ll be visiting. Check to see what apps are available for your destination city!

What to pack in your carry-on bag:

• Carry-on luggage / Travel duffel bag
• Passport / ID
• Cash, credit cards, debit cards in a travel wallet
• Glasses, sunglasses , contacts
• Medications / perscriptions
• Cell phone, camera , computer, travel adaptors
• Jewelry and other valuables
• Extra change of clothing (just in case of a flight delay / lost luggage)
• Reading material / magazines / e-reader
• Compression socks
• Antibacterial wipes
• Travel pillow
• Eye mask , ear plugs
• Pen for filling out international travel forms

Pack a few snacks in your carry-on bag

I’m not a big fan of airplane food so I like to pack a few snacks in my carry-on bag (enough to tie me over until I reach my destination).

For long flights, I try to eat a healthy meal before getting on the plane. If I need to order the airplane food provided, I ask for the vegetarian meal.

Snacks that I like to pack include :

• Fruit and dried fruit
• Granola bars / protein bars
• Quick oats (just ask for hot water and a cup)
• Kale chips or seaweed
• Empty bottle of water
• Fresh veggies and dip
• Wasabi peas, rice crackers, popcorn, pretzels

Lay out all your items on the floor before packing

I like to lay out all my items on the floor and sort them by category: toiletries, pants, tops, jackets, shoes, etc. Once I see what I am thinking of bringing I get a better idea of items that I don’t need.

Before putting each item in your luggage, ask yourself, “Do I really need to bring it or can you leave it at home?” This will help you prioritize your items and pack lightly.

Instead of packing for the worst case scenario, pack realistically and plan for the best. If the worst case scenario happens while on your trip, you can always buy items you need there.

Ready to book your next adventure? I like using Booking.com to find the best hotel deals.

About Eden Ashley

As a new mom (and homeowner), I know the importance of having a budget that works. I'm passionate about finding unique ways to earn more and save more money so I can reach financial freedom sooner. Starting this blog allowed me to quit my 9-5 job and build multiple six-figures in savings. Click here to learn how to start your own blog today!

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The Complete Travel Packing Checklist for 2024 & the Best Packing Tips [Printable]

Erin Miller

Content Contributor

187 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 26 U.S. States Visited: 28

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

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Table of Contents

General packing tips & tricks, apps for packing assistance, apps for itinerary management, before leaving the house.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Key Takeaways

• Essential items include travel documents, credit cards, toiletries, medications, electronics, and chargers. With these, you are ready for everything.
• Pack versatile clothing, comfortable shoes, and travel-sized versions of your favorite products to save space and stay organized.
• Utilize packing cubes and a travel checklist to ensure you remember everything and maximize your luggage space.

When it comes down to it, packing for a trip (domestic or international) can be stressful. Do you wait until the last minute? Put off researching what you’ll need for certain activities or weather at your destination? Get distracted easily, or have young kiddos that need attention? It happens to the best of us!

On the one hand, if you under-pack, you might not be prepared. But if you over-pack, you run the risk of incurring hefty baggage fees or missing out on space to bring home that lovely souvenir. If you forget an essential travel document, you could even miss your trip altogether! We get stressed just thinking about it!

That’s why Upgraded Points is bringing you a guide full of packing tips and tricks, a printable travel checklist, a list of apps to help you out, and reminders for to-do’s around the house before you leave.

Hot Tip: Don’t forget to also check out our “Carry-On Travel Essentials” guide where we’ve compiled a “His” and “Hers” list of some great products that we simply can’t do without when we travel!

📋  Click To View Our Printable Travel Packing List >>  📋

Before you even take your suitcase out of the closet

Check the weather at your destination.

This seems intuitive, but you’d be surprised how many people are stuck traveling in rainy season without a raincoat.

Note how many days/nights you will be away.

This will help you decide the number of necessary outfits. Obviously, how often you prefer to wear the same clothes plays a part in this as well.

Note any special activities/events you may partake in.

Traveling for a birthday? You don’t want to forget that heartfelt gift you bought weeks in advance. Going to a wedding? It’d be a shame if you showed up without your suit. Hiking in Hawaii? Your water-shoes won’t get much use if you leave them behind.

Make a packing list early and review it at least twice. (Yes, twice.)

You can easily find printable vacation packing lists online (like ours above), or you can write out your own. There are also a number of apps you can utilize if you prefer something more tech-based. Read about several of these below!

Timing is key here. If you jot things down or review your printed list in advance, it gives you the opportunity to take a second look with a fresh mind. All too often you’ll remember something you didn’t yesterday when your brain was thinking about pizza instead of packing.

If you’re printing a list that’s not trip specific, review it first and immediately cross off items you won’t need. Why bring a winter coat to the beach?

Take items you can grab at your destination off the list.

If you’re planning to travel with only a carry-on, this tip is especially important as it will save space (at least for your outgoing journey!).

Most times when traveling, your hotel will provide shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, etc.; why waste space packing them? If you’re a little picky about your toiletries or you’re not staying at a hotel, you’ll probably still encounter a drugstore where you can buy anything you might need.

Purchase travel-sized containers or toiletries if you plan on bringing your own.

Remember regulations for the amount of liquids you can bring in a carry-on for a flight. You’ll want travel-sized containers if you plan on carrying liquids this way.

Even if you’re flying with a checked bag and are allowed more liquids, do you really need that 16oz bottle of shampoo for a weeklong trip? Cutting it will save you room for other essential items.

Choose the right luggage.

Yes, different airlines have different restrictions on sizes for carry-ons and checked bags but stick to some general guidelines and you should be safe.

For carry-ons, you’re generally accepted at/under max linear dimensions of 155cm/45in. For checked bags, you’re generally safe under 158cm/62in max linear dimensions. However, be sure to check the airline you’re flying with prior to packing, as some can be stingy!

You also want to seriously consider the type of bag you enjoy traveling with – shoulder bag , backpack , roller bag, hard shell , soft shell, etc. There are definitely loads of options so just remember, your bag shouldn’t stress you out, it should make traveling easier.

Hot Tip:  We’ve done tons of research on this topic so don’t miss our articles on the best carry-on bags and the best checked luggage bags for any type of traveler. 

When you’ve done your prep and you’re almost ready to pack

Essentials first.

Gather your most important items first. This includes all travel documents such as your passport, ID/driver’s license, boarding passes, hotel reservations, etc. This also includes anything you’ll seriously regret forgetting and can’t purchase while traveling: wallet , credit cards , camera , cell phone, etc.

This being said, there are a number of apps that can assist with itinerary management and decrease the number of printed documents you’ll need to carry. See our list of helpful packing apps at the end of this post.

Choose an appropriately sized suitcase.

If you only have 1 suitcase, then you’re set. If you’ve got more options, attempt to use the smaller one – most people tend to overpack when their suitcase is too large for their trip. You don’t really need an extra sweater, 2 more t-shirts, and another pair of boots just because they fit! Plus, your baggage will be a lot easier to handle if it’s smaller and lighter, which will cut your stress level significantly.

Lay everything out.

Laying all of your items out allows you to plan outfits and account for your days/nights away. When everything’s laid out, you can clearly see how much you’re bringing and spot missing items easier. This also includes shoes, accessories, toiletries, etc.

Dividing items into sections based on where they’ll be packed is also helpful.

Lastly, don’t forget to lay out your plane/travel day outfit and consider it with your other pieces.

Pick simple mix-and-match pieces to prevent overpacking.

In general, choose simple tops and bottoms that can be mixed and matched to make multiple outfits. Did you know that just 3 bottoms (pants, shorts, skirt, etc.), 4 tops (tee, tank, etc.), and 2 outer layers (sweater, coat, or cardigan) can make up to 24 different outfits??

Depending on the reason for your trip, you might need to pack a special item that can only be worn once (suit, bridesmaid dress, etc.), but try to keep these to a minimum! This step is key if you’re pressed for space.

PUT STUFF BACK!

Once you’ve laid out all your items, really consider the number of days you’ll be on your trip. Chances are you could stand to put a few things back in the closet in order to pack more efficiently. Remember, no one wants to pay a fee for overweight baggage or lug around extra clothes for no reason!

Pack it up.

You never thought we’d actually get to this step, did you? There are a number of recommended packing tips when it comes to getting everything neatly in the suitcase. This can be overwhelming, but if you pick up the right habits packing will seem much less stressful.

Check, double-check, and triple-check your essentials.

Put a checkmark next to each item you’ve packed and DON’T TAKE IT OUT OF YOUR BAG. If you’re not ready to pack an item, do NOT check the box! That’s exactly how you leave your phone at home on the charger next to your bed. “But the box was checked!!!” you’ll say…

(Note: this rule actually goes for everything, not just essentials.)

If you’re notorious for leaving essentials at home, print an extra travel checklist just for those items and tape it to your front door the night before you leave. Make a promise that you can’t walk out without reviewing the list one final time.

Fold, Interfold, Bundle, or Roll?

By now you’ve probably heard that old-fashioned folding isn’t the best method to use when it comes to packing, especially in tight cases. If you have the room to spare, virtually any of these methods will do.

Interfolding involves layering clothes on top of each other in a top-to-bottom, bottom-to-top format, then interweaving them as you fold them together. If you fold the items in accordance with the size of your suitcase, you’re left with a neat little bundle that will fit right in. Additionally, this style of folding will leave your clothing virtually wrinkle-free.

Bundle packing is very similar to interfolding, but you are tightly folding or wrapping your clothing items around a soft core (like a dopp kit , stack of underwear, cloth zippered jewelry bag , etc.). Bundle packing is also said to reduce wrinkles and save space.

Many people also recommend rolling when packing your clothes – at least for softer items and jeans. Again, this method tends to save room and reduce creasing in the process.

If none of the above methods are doing the trick and you don’t have the option of a hanging garment bag , it may be beneficial to learn the proper way to fold nicer items (like a dress shirt or suit coat ) for the best results.

Pack liquids in secure bags.

Toiletries that can leak will leak. These should be placed in a plastic zippered bag or another secure bag of your choosing. Some travelers even encourage cutting small squares of plastic wrap to cover the opening between bottles and their lids in attempts to prevent further seepage.

Utilize shoe space when you can.

Rolled-up socks, belts, gloves, stocking caps, and other small items can easily fit into shoes (as long as they’re relatively clean and not smelly!). This also helps the shoe hold its shape throughout your travels. Rolled-up belts can also be used to keep a shirt collar stiff if needed.

Prevent dirty shoes from soiling clothes.

Pack them in a separate space or utilize plastic bags/shower caps to cover the bottoms and prevent dirtying the rest of your clothing. Have a delicate pair of dress shoes or heels? Pack them in their own bags if possible, or clean the bottoms and wrap with a durable garment.

Toss a dryer sheet into your suitcase to keep things smelling fresh.

While you’re at it, grab a stain pen or stain wipes for your carry-on. If you happen to spill on one of the only tops you’ve brought and don’t have laundry facilities, you’re cutting your number of outfits drastically. If you know you’ll have laundry facilities or need to wash your clothes by hand, you can purchase individual detergent packets.

Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on.

By packing a change of clothes and undergarments in your carry-on , you’re covered for at least a day if your baggage gets delayed or lost. Some travelers may want to pack an extra pair of shoes just in case.

Similarly, if you’re heading to a beach locale, pack a swimsuit and sandals . If you have to wait to check into your hotel, you can head to the pool while the concierge keeps your luggage.

Keep expensive/irreplaceable items on your person.

As a general rule of thumb, you should leave irreplaceable items at home. This includes objects such as expensive jewelry and heirlooms. If you must travel with them, these items should be kept with you at all times. Do not trust them to be safe when placed in checked baggage; if your suitcase is lost, delayed, or stolen, you’re out of luck.

Similarly, if you must travel with official documents such as birth certificates or social security cards, check to see if a certified copy will suffice. Or maybe take a photo on your phone for less hassle. Otherwise, the same rule applies to these irreplaceable documents.

Follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule for liquids in carry-on baggage.

3 – Travelers may carry liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in containers of 3.4oz (100ml) or smaller.

1 – These items must fit into 1 clear plastic quart-sized bag.

1 – Only 1 bag per passenger is allowed.

Remove this bag from your carry-on and place it separately in the screening bin. This is meant to slightly expedite passing through security .

The following apps can be ultra helpful for those who prefer a mobile device to the standard pen and paper methods.

Evernote: While Evernote isn’t technically travel-oriented, it’s all about lists and can be a big help for packing. With Evernote, you can sync your packing list across all your devices, making it easy to keep track of things no matter where you are…even out at the store buying items from your list!

Evernote also enables sharing notes with others, which is especially helpful for group trips. Need reminders? No problem, you can set alerts in Evernote to keep you on top of your game.

Packing Pro: This app is everything you ever wanted if you’re a list maker, and everything you didn’t know you needed if you’re a forgetful person. Packing Pro helps travelers get organized via packing lists. From templates and suggestions to customizable designs, Packing Pro has options for every type of traveler. Users are allowed an unlimited number of packing lists of an unlimited length, and you can even add images, alerts, and mark “need to buy” items.

It also has iCloud support and the ability to share your lists via email, AirDrop, Dropbox, etc. You can also export and edit your lists with Excel, Numbers, or Google Docs. If you’re the type that physically needs to cross things off, you can send directly to a printer too.

The Expert List-Making Assistant is a cool feature if you’re low-maintenance: it will take your parameters (number of people, destination, weather, etc.) and automatically create lists for you.

PackPoint: PackPoint’s purpose is to take the guesswork out of packing. The app pretty much tells you what to pack based on how long you’re traveling, where you’re going, the weather when you get there, and any activities you have planned (chosen from a pre-defined list in the app). With PackPoint Premium, users can connect to TripIt, share their lists across devices, and add customizable packing items/activities.

Travel List: Travel List seems to have fewer bells and whistles. You can do many of the same things as with Packing Pro and PackPoint: create customizable packing lists, sync across your devices, share with other people, and create alerts/reminders. One nice component is their calendar view, which gives a different type of visualization that some people really prefer. And this one is compatible with Apple Watch, which can be a huge organizational perk.

Lists To Do: This app keeps things simple for general to-do lists and is super easy to use. See your list’s percentage progress for a clear visual on how much you have left to do/pack before jetting off and set yourself reminders and share lists with your travel companions.

The following apps are helpful for keeping all your travel information in one place. From flight itineraries to hotel confirmation, event tickets to dinner reservations, they’ve got you covered. Plus, this means fewer printed travel documents you need to worry about carrying with you.

Google Trips: In a nutshell, Google Trips seamlessly integrates reservations (flights, hotels, rental cars, etc.) from your Gmail and creates a specific “trip” in the app. These trips are like folders of information including some basic categories like Reservations, Things to Do, Saved Places, Day Plans, Food & Drink, Getting Around, and Need to Know.

It also provides opportunities for travel inspiration, traveler reviews, dining/drink options, and encyclopedic information on several hundred top cities and attractions around the globe.

Also good to note: when you download your trip, everything is available offline in case you’re stuck without WiFi or data.

Kayak Trips: Part of Kayak’s main app includes a platform called Trips, which acts as an itinerary management app to keep all your pertinent travel information together. With Trips, you can forward your booking confirmations to [email protected] , where your itinerary is managed for you in a nice timeline format with maps and important info all on one screen.

Kayak Trips gives you the ability to send other people access to your travel plans through sharing options, link to your calendar app for planning consistency, and receive SMS and email flight alerts.

TripIt: TripIt is one of the most popular travel organization apps on the market. The app automatically imports flight, hotel, rental car, and other booking confirmations ( concert tickets from StubHub, dinner reservations from OpenTable, etc.) from your e-mail. If you don’t appreciate the e-mail scan, you can always forward your emails to [email protected] or manually input all the information into the system.

TripIt then creates an itinerary in an easy-to-read format, including space for directions between airports, rental car pickup, and hotel details. TripIt also allows for calendar syncing and makes it easy to send your travel info to family/friends by sharing via text, Evernote, LinkedIn, Slack, or WhatsApp.

With TripIt Pro, users get real-time flight alerts, help to find alternative flights, an airline seat tracker for better seats, reward program points tracking, and interactive airport maps.

In this section, we list some steps you might forget to take when you’re in a hurry to leave for vacation.

Remember to:

• Download your travel resources (guidebooks, language apps, etc.)
• Notify credit card companies of upcoming travel if required (international trips)
• Set an email auto-responder if necessary
• Take out the garbage
• Check the washing machine for wet clothes
• Check the dishwasher for dirty dishes
• Turn off all lights and electronics
• Set lighting timers
• Water the plants
• Drip taps (in cold climates where pipes could freeze)
• Close/lock all doors and windows; pull all curtains
• Set alarm system

For longer trips, don’t forget to:

• Empty the refrigerator/pantry of perishable food
• Unplug electronics
• Put a hold on your mail
• Consider having a friend check on your house from time to time

The Upgraded Points team is always jetting off somewhere and even we  still have trouble packing sometimes!

Additionally, if you’re interested in “the best of the best” travel products to up your packing game, check out these posts:

• All Our Best Travel Product Reviews – In One Place
• The Best Checked Luggage Bags For Any Traveler
• The Best Carry-on Luggage Bags for Any Traveler
• The Best Travel Duffel Bags on the Market

Lastly, if you’re looking for the top travel-related gifts, we’ve got you covered with our Best Gifts for Travelers .

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Packing List For Two Weeks: Get Ready For Your Annual Leave

Among the 365 precious days of the year, most people spend at least 250 of them shuttling between home and office or school. Another 100 days are spent entirely on the couch, watching Netflix with the mind still hovering over the week’s workload. If you are one of the millions of people in the corporate world, you probably have only two weeks available for you to travel far away. Read on to know what should be on your packing list for two weeks.

By the time the booking and planning phases are done, your feet are already off the ground, but there is still a pile of clothes and gear you will need for the next two weeks. We know, your brain is too tired to predict what to pack for two weeks when you can’t even move a finger. Lucky for you, we are here to make your life easier.

We have put down a detailed packing list for two weeks that everybody can interpret and apply to their two-week vacation packing lists. With our comprehensive guide, you won’t even tell the time difference between unzipping the empty bags and zipping them stuffed.

Packing for 2 Weeks: Clothing

How to pack light for 2 weeks.

Packing for a two-week vacation sounds intimidating, so we bet you are assuming you need twice as many clothing items as the duration of the travel. On the contrary, we are going to go ahead and tell you strategies that will help you pack the bare minimum. With the following tips, your packing list for two weeks can fit in a carry on bag, which will save you lots of time at the airport.

• With a few tops having neutral colors, and even fewer pairs of pants, you can easily come up with at least 8-10 different combinations.
• Most people over-worry about being seen in the same clothes for two days, but many forget that there are millions of other people living or traveling to the same destination. It is even less of an issue if you are traveling to a cold place, as you will be wearing your jacket on top anyway. The point is, don’t try to pack too many clothes in order to wear a different outfit every single day.
• Two weeks is a long time to carry dirty laundry, so why not wash your clothes halfway through? All you need is a hand-wash liquid and a sink, although you can also opt for dry cleaners near your hotel. That way, you can pack light without worrying about running out of clean laundry.
• If you look at photos from your previous travels, you will notice that most of them are from the waist up. That means what you wear on top is more noticeable than your pants. Following this logic, you can always keep the pairs of bottoms at a minimum compared to the tops. The ideal ratio of tops to bottoms would be 2:1.
• Follow the same strategy for shoes since they can take up a lot of space in your suitcase

Depending on the bottoms you will bring, you can pack as few as 5-6 tops. Choosing the right kind of tops is not easy if you consider different factors, but the rule of thumb is to have neutral-colored clothes that are neat and comfortable. If you want to add an element of surprise, you could accentuate your outfit with bright and fancy accessories .

Whether your tops should have long or short sleeves depends on the weather conditions. You just need to think about the time ratio between the cold and the warm days. If you are not sure about the weather, bring an equal number of long-sleeve blouses and sleeveless tops (e.g., 3:3), with a new top for specific activities, such as parties, and conferences.

The advantage of bringing both types of tops is that you can layer up by wearing a long-sleeve top on top of a lightweight sleeveless top.

Some might say wearing jeans is too mainstream, but is there another type of pants that you can mix and match with simply any type of top? With just about 2-3 pairs of jeans, you can create ten different combinations. Not only that, but you can wear them several times without having to wash them.

When it comes to color, fashion experts suggest that darker or grey jeans are easier to match. Whether you need long pants , jean shorts or skirts will depend on the weather and the customs of the destination.

Outer Layer

When it comes to your outwear packing list for 2 weeks vacation, you need even fewer items than the bottoms. For one thing, they won’t touch your skin and get sweaty so quickly, so you won’t have to wash them regularly unless you are unfortunate enough to spill a drink on it. 2-3 merino-wool cardigans or hoodies will enhance the variety of your outfits, and they are instrumental in layering up.

As for jackets, you will most likely prefer one of the three. For coastal destinations, waterproof jackets are your life-saver, while you can wear a packable down jacket to keep warm in winter. For autumn and spring, a leather jacket should suffice.

In your choice of jackets, make sure they have a sufficient number of pockets for your personal items. You can also consider a handbag or a fanny pack to put cash and credit cards.

Socks and Underwear

Now that you have saved up enough space in your suitcase, you can be more flexible while packing your underwear and socks. Although small in size, they are essential parts of the 2 weeks parking list and ones that we might have to change frequently if we are moving around all the time.

Keeping in mind that you can do your laundry halfway through, you can pack 8-10 underwear and socks to cover you for two weeks.

It can be baffling to figure out the types of shoes you need for a wide range of occasions, from hiking on dusty trails to an elegant opera night. Believe it or not, you can still keep your packing list of 2 weeks at a minimum.

Remember that you will spend the majority of your time strolling around, and we imagine you don’t like to get blisters on your feet or slip on the cobbled streets under the rain. Closed shoes with a rubber sole will get you anywhere painlessly.

Depending on the weather, a maximum of three pairs of shoes will be sufficient. It can range from a waterproof boot to tennis shoes . Slip-on shoes and sandals are more suitable for summer vacations.

Packing For Two Weeks: Toiletries

Below is a list of toiletries that you should have access to throughout the two weeks.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Toilet paper
• Hand sanitizer
• Makeup kit (specifically for women’s packing list for 2 weeks)
• Medical kit

That doesn’t mean you have to pack all of the above. All you have to do is to check what toiletries are supplied at the facilities of your accommodation. For instance, if you are staying at a guest house, you probably won’t need to bring toilet paper and soap.

Packing for Two Weeks: Gears

Packing light is not all about the number of items you snuggled in your suitcase but also about how you pack them. You need to be as organized as possible, otherwise going through your stuff can take away a pleasant hour you could have spent at a museum. With packing cubes , you can divide your packing list into categories and use them as travel drawers whenever you need a specific item.

One of the most annoying situations during travel is the leakage of toiletries all over your bag, which is hard to prevent, even with a plastic bag wrapped around. Instead, you could use waterproof toiletry bags that are foldable and have pockets for your toiletries to fit right in.

For your electronics, such as your cellphone, laptop, kindle, camera, or GoPro, it is crucial to bring the correct adapter fitting the plug type of your destination. You can check online, and also pack a universal travel adapter that fits in any plug around the world. Besides convenient charging, extra memory is necessary for the storage of the hundreds of photos you will want to take.

Packing for 2 Weeks: Documents

Below is a list of documents you might need.

• Your National ID
• Your passport if going abroad (valid for at least three more months)
• The visa of the country of visit
• Copies of your passport
• International Driver’s License for renting a car
• Car insurance and other documents when border-crossing in your car.

Packing for Two Weeks: Location-Specific

We cannot go to details for every single country, but we can assure you that the location is a significant factor, especially when deciding what to wear. The three most important factors are weather, planned activities, and customs. 

To be more precise, you have to put away your mini shorts if you are going to a religious site and a conservative area. Not only the customs but also the strictness differs from one country to another. It also wouldn’t make sense to bring smart outfits for a safari trip.

FAQs: Packing for 2 Weeks

You can pack two bottoms and four tops per week as well as 1-2 jackets and 2-3 shoes according to the weather.

Follow these three strategies. Bring less than what you initially thought you would need. Use packing tools to organize and utilize the space in your suitcase. Try to do laundry at the end of the first week.

Packing for 2 Weeks: Conclusion

Two weeks might sound like a long time, giving you the tendency to pack as heavy as a cow. With some simple tricks, you can save up a lot of space in your bag, which becomes available for lots of souvenirs to bring back. We hope that our two-week travel packing list has given you a solid foundation about how to prepare for your journey.

For country-specific packing lists, refer to our posts on Egypt , South Africa , Morocco , Botswana , and Kilimanjaro – Tanzania.

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The Ultimate Travel Packing List

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

Creating my Travel Packing List was my least favorite part of planning our Around the World Trip. When I sought out help, the general travel checklist I found was of little use. I wanted – I needed –  a detailed list of what to pack for my trip. 

With little assistance, I floundered through the process of creating my own travel packing checklist – but I succeeded! Now, I’m sharing my list of travel essentials – including very specific details about what to pack for a trip – in this Ultimate Travel Checklist. 

Best Travel Packing List

When I was determining what things to pack for my trip, I was torn between being a minimalist traveler and the fact that I was packing for a year-long adventure that would span all seasons. (Most travelers aren’t faced with this challenge, so I share important tips about how to create a packing list for a week or two throughout this post!) 

Furthermore, as a budget-conscious traveler, I was faced with creating a travel packing checklist that included essential travel items, plus several Just-In-Case items, so that I wouldn’t have to buy them on the road. It was a strenuous task, but I am now convinced that I have created the Ultimate Packing List.  

My detailed packing list includes every item I carry – as well as the bags I carry it all in – with detailed specifics of those travel items, too. 

It is, perhaps, important to note that while we are full-time travelers, what I pack does not differ greatly from what I would pack for a week-long vacation. Whether you are looking for an international travel packing list for a week in Europe or a backpacking packing list for a month-long trip to Southeast Asia, our universal packing list can help!

In this post, I talk in detail about my trip packing list – including why some items are necessary and which items can be left behind.

To help fellow travelers, we also have a printable travel checklist that we share – download our free checklist for packing, plus get other valuable travel tips!

Travel Packing Trouble

I’ve never met anyone who loves packing for a trip. In fact, I think packing for a vacation is the most daunting, upcoming-trip-buzz-killer there is. Incorporating necessities for traveling, comfort and style – and resisting the urge to pack everything you own – can be a real struggle.

I used to be an over-packer with a long packing list that went on forever. I was the traveler who checked two large suitcases for a one-week vacation…and only wore about a fifth of what was packed. However, those days of arriving at a hotel amongst a pile of suitcases are long behind me.

The more I traveled, the savvier I became. Coordinated outfits, essential toiletries and sensible shoes were the items I packed. I had a streamlined formula that destroyed my packing dilemma. I could pack for a week-long, overseas trip in about an hour; for weekend jaunts, I could pack and be out the door in 20 minutes’ time.

Travel Packing List for Year-Long Trip

When we decided to spend a year traveling the world, I contemplated what I would carry…and all of my packing angst returned. I spent weeks poring over packing checklists, agonizing over what would make the cut and fretting what would be left behind.

I read travel blogs that insisted I needed over-priced travel products on my list for packing; a farce I regrettably fell for regarding some items and good advice I carelessly dismissed regarding others. Yet, I retained enough self-awareness to know some travel items would never make my world travel packing list.

On the day we boarded that long haul flight to begin our around the world journey , my biggest source of stress was worrying over what I had packed.

Our one year of full-time travel turned into two…and two years turned into three. In that time, my packing worries diminished. Packing is no longer a source of anguish; I’m happy with my packing choices. Since we started our nomadic life in April 2014, what I carry in my backpack has barely changed – only requiring a few small adjustments and tweaks.

{For more insight to packing for long-term travel, read our post, What I Packed to Travel the World }

Packing for Vacation List

Somewhat surprisingly, creating a packing list for vacation is not that different from creating a long-term travel packing list. Travelers going on a trip to a neighboring state or on a vacation to the other side of the world can use my sample packing list as a guideline of what to bring. 

When packing for a long trip – anything over a week and definitely when packing for a two-week vacation or longer – determine if you can do laundry during your trip. This will help keep your clothing packing list to a minimum. 

Every traveler should tailor their packing checklist to the specific destination. When packing for a trip, keep in mind the weather and activities you will be participating in. Also, determine whether or not you will need to bring electronics (like laptops) and what kind of travel camera you want to bring on your trip. 

Ultimate Packing List For World Travel and Vacations

My packing list seldom varies, but if I add (or get rid of!) anything to what I pack, I update this Packing List.

I’ve provided a link to each item so you can see if it will work for your packing list for travel. I have attempted to link to the exact product (make, model and color) that I own, but some of the things I pack are no longer available. In that case, I’ve linked to a similar product.

I share my packing list information in an effort to help other travelers create their packing lists for vacation, but packing is extremely personal. Above all, my best packing advice: Pack What’s Comfortable!

Get Your FREE Packing Checklist!

TRAVEL CLOTHES

When it comes to making a travel items list, the best place to start is with clothing.

I pack clothes that can be worn in all weather; the items I carried in my backpack to Iceland in winter   are the same as when we travel to Vietnam . While my list of clothes to pack will likely work for travelers making a vacation packing list for California in the spring (when it’s warm during the day and cool at night) or to Croatia in the autumn , I think summer or winter travelers should plan clothing that is better suited for the hot or cold weather.

Likewise, if you are creating a beach vacation packing list – or are packing for a cruise to the Arctic –  then you will want to tailor your checklist to weather-appropriate gear.

Pro Tip: All clothing on your travel items list should be of the same color scheme to create a travel capsule wardrobe. This is a great hack for packing light – as you will need to pack fewer clothing items overall. Find out more about creating your capsule wardrobe and other top tips in our Packing Hacks article!

Pants, Skirts and Dresses: Vacation Packing List Tips

My trip packing checklist includes a variety of bottoms – including jeans, yoga pants, leggings, capris, a skirt and a skort – but I only pack one pair of each. Many minimalist travelers warn against packing heavy jeans, but honestly, I love wearing jeans – so they make my packing list for vacation and world travel.

One thing that I don’t travel with is zip-off, convertible pants – and here is why: I am not comfortable wearing them. I do think they are brilliant – and I would even say they are backpacking essentials if you are an adventure traveler or extreme minimalist.

However, as I mentioned earlier, you must be comfortable in the clothes you wear on your trip. I packed zip-off pants for my first trip to Europe and I hated wearing them because I didn’t think they were fashionable (I will admit, however, that the styles have come a long way since then!).

In warmer weather destinations, I love wearing dresses for long days of sightseeing…but they are also great for cool weather, when I can warm up the outfit with leggings and my thin hoodie. (This is why matching all clothing items is key!) My dresses are casual, loose-fitting and non-revealing (so that I am able to visit attractions – like churches and temples – in destinations where modesty is required).

Pack for Travel List: Pants, Skirts and Dresses 

• 1 pair jeans (or casual pants  or zip-off pants )
• 1 pair loose yoga pants with pockets
• 1 pair moisture-wicking  leggings
• 1 pair cargo  capris or shorts
• 1 thin, cotton  skirt
• 2 casual dresses
• 1 casual  skort

Long Sleeve Shirts, Short Sleeve Shirts and Tank Tops: Travel Packing List Advice

When we first left to travel the world, I didn’t pack enough shirts – I only had 1 tank top, 2 t-shirts and 3 long sleeve shirts in my bag. It was a huge mistake, as I was constantly doing laundry in both warm and cold weather climates. I have since added additional shirts without adding too much weight to my bag, which has resulted in seriously cutting down on the time I spend doing sink laundry!

That said, washable, quick-drying, non-wrinkling shirts are packing essentials. Pay close attention to the materials of the clothing you pack. If you need to wash a shirt on the road, you want to know that it will dry quickly – and that any wrinkles will shake out of clothing after taking it out of your bag.

Travel List to Pack for Shirts and Tops

• 4 long sleeve quick drying shirts
• 1 long sleeve cotton shirt
• 3  tank tops
• 1 thin  camisole  used for bottom layer or beachwear
• 3 loose fitting  t-shirts
• 1 thin, zip up  hoodie

Undergarments, Pajamas and Swimsuits: Packing Lists Tips

It seems to me that most travelers either over-pack or under-pack undergarments. Those who over-pack argue that you should have 1 (and sometimes 2!) pairs of underwear and socks for every day of the trip.

Minimalist packers contend that undergarments are the easiest to sink wash and the quickest to dry, so there is no reason to pack more than 5 pairs of each for any length trip. I pack 8 pairs of underwear and 8 pairs of socks (which is also what I recommend for anyone who is making a packing list for a week or longer).

ExOfficio underwear are all the rage for travelers – but, personally, they haven’t lived up to my expectations due to an awkward fit, color breakdown and ripped elastic. I still travel with them (mostly because of the money I shelled out to buy them), but I much more prefer wearing the breathable Fruit of the Loom bikini underwear – which cost a mere fraction of the price of ExOfficio.

Travel Packing Checklist for Undergarments

• 1 set of  pajamas
• 1 bikini swimwsuit (choose one swimsuit that fits your style)
• 4  Exofficio underwear
• 4 Fruit of the Loom underwear
• 2 sport bras
• 2 bras and 1 racerback bra
• 6 athletic socks
• 2 socks for flats or slip on shoes
• 1 fuzzy socks or travel slippers
• 1 compression socks

Travel Outerwear: Coats, Gloves, Hats, Scarves and Wraps

We travel in all seasons, so I pack a variety of caps and gloves (as I found they were necessary after we first started traveling). However, for a shorter, destination-specific trip, I would choose between thin and wool, rather than packing both. And, quite obviously, winter apparel is completely unnecessary if making a beach trip packing list. 

The most multi-function clothing item I pack is my wrap – and, in my opinion, it is an essential item for travelers. In addition to its obvious purpose, I have used mine as a beach towel, bath towel, picnic blanket, airport blanket and bus pillow. The one I carry is black, thin and cost around $10…and I use it all the time.

I have – unfortunately – gone through several pairs of sunglasses since we started traveling. I started with my favorite – and expensive – pair of  Maui Jim sunglasses , but lost them while in Ireland. After that, I went ultra-cheap…and wasn’t surprised when three consecutive pairs broke just after a few weeks of use. I currently travel with a moderately-priced pair of polarized sunglasses, which are sufficient…but not heartbreaking if they get lost or broken. (That said, I am looking forward to the day I upgrade to Maui Jim’s again!)

List of What To Pack for Outerwear 

• 1 lightweight zip up fleece (with zip pockets)
• 1 water resistant jacket (which fits over fleece)
• 2 fashion scarves (or a secret zippered pocket Travel Scarf )
• 1 versatile  wrap
• 1 baseball cap (or travel hat )
• 1 thin winter cap
• 1 warm winter cap
• 1 pair of thin winter gloves (with touchscreen functionality)
• 1 pair of wool mittens
• Sunglasses for travel

Travel Shoes: Packing Advice

When it comes to shoes, I think most travelers can get by with just 3 pairs. Shoes take up too much space to pack any more than that. Make sure the shoes you choose for your trip go with all of your outfits and – most importantly – that they are comfortable for exploring. 

For more detailed information about what shoes to pack for your trip, read our blog post, The Best Travel Shoes !

Shoes for Travel Packing Checklist

• 1 pair walking shoes for sightseeing and hiking
• 1 pair casual shoes (or casual travel flats or foldable flats )
• 1 pair flip flops

TRAVEL TOILETRIES LIST

When it comes to your toiletries packing list, it is important to strike a balance between space-saving items and short-changing yourself. Our best recommendation when packing toiletries is to consider the overall length of your trip. If you are packing for two weeks or less, it is best to pack travel-size toiletries.

That said, bathroom essentials are available all around the world, so replacing these items while traveling is not likely an issue. If you are packing for a long trip, it might be better to bring some full size toiletries (but it really depends on where you are going and how much it would cost to replace them at your destination).

Pro Tip : One more thing to consider is that the price of sunscreen and shaving cream is ridiculously inflated in some of the top destinations around the world, so it’s best to pack an ample supply.

Essential Travel Toiletries Tips

Re-fillable travel bottles are the way to go for bathroom essentials like lotions and shampoo. Many travelers swear by the GoToob brand. If you don’t have travel size bottles, however, many travel-size items are sold together in a convenient toiletry travel kit . 

I used to travel with disposable facial cloths (cut into halves or quarters to make the box last longer), but now just use regular soap to wash my face. I have also used soap or hair conditioner instead of shaving cream.

Essential Travel Toiletries List

• Toiletry bag with hanger (for bathrooms where there is a hook, but no counter space)
• Travel size Bar Soap (just in case it is not provided at our accommodations)
• Shampoo Conditioner 2-in-1 (in 3-ounce, refillable bottle )
• Travel size Shaving Cream
• Travel size Hair Brush
• Electric Toothbrush
• Travel size Toothpaste
• Retainers (with case and special brush)
• Unscented Body Lotion (in 3-ounce, refillable bottle )
• Facial Cleansing Wipes and/or Individual Makeup Remover Wipes
• Everyday Facial Moisturizer with Sunscreen
• Full or Travel size Deodorant
• Kleenex travel pack
• Toilet paper (folded in a snack-size ziplock or these handy travel rolls )
• Tweezers, Nail Clippers, Nail File Kit
• Cuticle Cream
• Quick-dry Washcloth

Makeup and Travel Essentials for Women: Advice for What To Pack

While we do include makeup on this packing list for women, I recommend keeping it simple with just a few makeup travel bag essentials.

Also, ladies, don’t forget to put feminine products on your travel essentials list! In some countries – like many in South America and several in Europe – the choice of feminine products isn’t as liberal as in other parts of the world (like the United States). If you have a preference for tampons, you should pack them, as they may not be available where you are traveling. Some female travelers like to use the Diva Cup . 

Women Travel Essentials List

• Face Powder
• Face Powder Brush and Concealer Brush
• Eyelash Curler (travel size)
• Feminine products
• Simple Fashion Jewelry

Travel First Aid Bag: Advice for Packing Lists

My first aid travel bag is one of my must-have travel items. I carry an assortment of medications (both prescription and over the counter) that are within easy reach if I need them.

Medicine bottles can take up a lot of space and it can be tempting to just mix all the medications together, which isn’t ideal. I use small, individual  jars  with screw caps to store medications – and use a marker to label each bottle. A weekly pill box could also work in a travel first aid kit.

For more of our tips, read our blog post Staying Healthy While Traveling !

First Aid Kit List of What To Pack

• Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer
• No-rinse hand cloths or Wet Ones Wipes
• Band Aids,   Antiseptic and Cortizone Cream
• Tums and Anti-diarrhea
• Dayquil and Emergen-C
• Anti-histamine
• Sea bands (for motion sickness)
• Medications

TRAVEL ODDS AND ENDS

All of our odds and ends items may not be necessary for a weekend packing list, but a few of these items are all-star travel accessories…and you might already have them around the house.

Check out our list of Everyday Items for Travel for tips on why you should pack these items!

Pack for Travel: List of Just in Case Items

• Silk Sleep Sack
• Sleeping Mask and Ear Plugs (this is one of our essentials for Long Haul Flights )
• Water Bottle (these collapsible water bottles are great for travelers!)
• Bottle Opener
• Mini Mag Light Flashlight
• Mini roll of duct tape
• Binder clips , carabiner clips and rubber bands
• Re-sealable plastic bags: sandwich and gallon size
• Combination lock
• Small Scissors , Sewing kit and extra safety pins
• Travel size laundry detergent (for machine and sink )
• Travel Umbrella
• Playing Cards
• Business cards (hey, you never know!)
• Travel Journal
• 2 pens and 1 marker

TRAVEL ELECTRONICS

As digital nomads, carrying all of these electronics are essential. It does, however, complicate travel days, so we only recommend that you pack what you will really use on your trip!

Electronics Travel Items List

• Cell phone, iPhone, iPad, iPod
• Laptop (similar to this slim Samsung Notebook ) or Tablet (like a  Kindle )
• External Hard Drive
• DSLR Camera (with slim camera case and extra battery )
• Point and Shoot Camera (with case )
• SD Card (2)
• Headphones (2)
• Cords and battery chargers
• Universal Converter
• Portable Wifi and Charger Power Bank
• Portable Speaker
• 128GB thumb drive (3)

What We Pack In For Travel

What we pack in is just as important as the items on our packing checklist. When flying to a destination, you will need to consider whether you want to deal with checked luggage or carry on only – as that can have a big impact on your list of what to pack. If you do decide to check a bag, read our tips on how to avoid your luggage getting lost .

We carry backpacks, rather than suitcases, because we think it is a more efficient way to travel. You can read more about the pros and cons of both in our article, Backpack vs Suitcase !

Either way, the actual size of your luggage is a major consideration when creating your packing list for traveling. Both your luggage size and weight can incur extra baggage fees if traveling by plane. 

Travelers attempting to avoid extra fees will likely want to stick to a Trip Essentials list – rather than including any just-in-case items that can be purchased on arrival if needed.  

• Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes are the top item on our travel accessories list (and one of our best overall packing tips)! We splurged on packing cubes and compression bags before we started traveling full-time – and it was, without a doubt, one of the very best pre-travel purchases we made.

We cannot imagine traveling without them as they help to save space and organize our travel gear. For more details, read about the benefits of Packing Cubes in our post, 5 Ways Packing Cubes Make Travel Easier !

I travel with a Messenger Bag – which doubles as my Carry-On and my Day Pack. When traveling by plane, it is essential to take a carry-on size personal item onto the plane that will fit under your seat. We feature other styles of day bags in our blog post, Which is the Best Day Pack for Travel ?

What Bags To Pack: Travelers Packing Checklist

• Lowe Alpine Walkabout 45 backpack (similar to this backpack ) &  Osprey Farpoint (for Kris)
• Messenger Bag or other Day Bag
• Compression Bags
• Passport and document organizer (for extra credit cards, plus extra copies of passports and travel documents)
• Money Belt and Bra Stash or Neck Pouch
• Wallet and Small purse
• Foldable, reusable shopping bag  

Trip Documents

I have covered the top things to pack for a trip, but don’t forget to put your trip documents on your Travel Necessity list! 

Plane tickets and boarding passes, hotel reservation information and trip insurance documentation all need to be packed in your bag. And, don’t forget your driver’s license, credit cards and cash. 

For an International Packing List, make sure you have your passport and international driver’s license (if needed). I also highly recommend including a No-International-Fee credit card for your Overseas Travel Packing List – to avoid paying extra fees. It’s also wise to make copies of important documents to pack separately from the originals – just is case. 

Also pack your Travel Planner with your trip itinerary, hotel reservations and other trip details. Don’t have a trip planner? Use our Printable Travel Planner to keep track of your trip plans!

Tips for Specific Packing Lists

My Ultimate Travel List covers the entire contents of my luggage for full-time, Around The World travel. But what if you are a traveler seeking a 2 Week Travel Packing List or need a packing list for beach vacation? No worries – using my Ultimate Packing Checklist as a base and a few of my top tips, you can create your best checklist for traveling. 

What To Pack for a Week Trip – Checklist Tips

Creating a packing checklist for vacation for a week is not that different from my worldwide travel pack list. That said, travelers creating a One Week Packing List will certainly want to swap out a few items from my list of travel essentials above. 

Rather than choosing items to pack for a trip that work in both hot and cold climates, select apparel and accessories for your One Week Travel Packing list that are in season. 

For example, if going to a cold weather destination, you likely won’t need to pack capris, shorts, a skirt or skort (but you still may want to pack one dress for an evening out). However, instead of just eliminating these items, you want to swap them out for cold weather items – like another pair of jeans and a comfy pair of sweatpants. 

Additionally, for a 1-Week Vacation Packing Checklist, determine what Odds and Ends and Electronic items are necessary for your trip. Items like a combination lock, sleep sack and a laptop might not need to be packed for your trip. 

What To Pack for a 2 Week Trip – Checklist Tips

Packing for a two week trip requires little adjustment from my detailed packing list above – but only if you have access to a washing machine. 

Travelers creating a 2 Week Packing List without access to laundry facilities at the halfway mark of their trip will be required to either pack a lot more clothing or do sink laundry. 

That said, travelers not planning on doing laundry during their two week trip do not necessarily need to pack 14 complete outfits. Pants and sweatshirts that go over another shirt could possibly be worn more than once on your trip without being washed. 

As you make your two week travel packing list, resist the temptation to pack more than you need for your trip – as heavy luggage will weigh you down! 

Beach Vacation Travel Necessities List

Beach vacations require a specific list of travel essentials that differs slightly from my outlined list above. 

For a dedicated beach vacation, I highly recommend bringing at least 2 (if not 3) swimsuits so that each suit can be rinsed and have time to dry in between beach and pool sessions. 

Additionally, your Beach Essential Travel Packing List needs to include ample sun protection. It is wise to bring plenty of sunscreen (either a large sunscreen that will need to be checked or two TSA-approved size carry on bottles of sunscreen ) – as well as a travel hat that will provide shade from the sun. Water shoes , a beach towel, a waterproof bag for your phone and snorkel gear are other travel packing essentials for the beach. 

Complete Travel Check Off List

I have listed every item that I pack for traveling in order to help you come up with your ultimate list. That said, travel packing lists are very personal – and not necessarily the same for every single trip.

To get started with your perfect Vacation Travel Packing list, it’s best to write down the items you intend to pack in your suitcase. To help, we have created an ideal Travel Packing List template. If you want our printable lists for packing, get them here .

Start planning your next big trip ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board .

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Customizable 2 Week Packing List

• Post author: Rachel Pedranti
• Post published: January 7, 2020
• Post category: Travel
• Post comments: 17 Comments

Ask and you shall receive. I talked about my packing method in stories on Instagram and mentioned my running packing checklist that I keep in a google doc. I got the overwhelming request to give you access so here it is! The one and only 2 week packing list you’ll ever need again.

Most of our big trips are two weeks long, we do not plan to do laundry and I pack everything into a standard carry-on and a backpack. This 2 week carry on packing list will do just that for you. The list is easily adjustable for a shorter trip. A good rule of thumb is that everything I pack should be able to be worn twice and pants can be worn 3-4 times before they are too dirty.

For longer trips I would advise trying to find a way to do laundry and add in one extra pair of pants and maybe a couple extra shirts. Laundry is going to be your life saver though.

This post may contain some affiliate links. This means I make a small profit from your purchase but at no increased cost to you. I only recommend products that I love and would purchase myself! Full disclaimer here .

Pin It For Later

The pin version above is condensed though. So for the downloadable and customizable version you will want to enter your email below and it will be sent directly to your inbox!

Get Your FREE Customizable Packing List

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

This 2 week packing list works for any weather because it only specifies number of items! All you have to do now is choose what shirts or sweaters you are going to bring that match your chosen destination!

When you are packing for a trip in warmer weather it is a lot easier to pack into a smaller bag. But in the winter the bulky coats and sweaters can make it hard. This is where layers can become very helpful like a thick knit cardigan that works with several different outfits rather than packing several bulky sweaters.

So this universal packing list will work whether you’re taking a summer vacation or a winter one. Plus everything in-between.

I travel by a set of guildelines that help me know when to pack heavy vs. light that will change the way you pack! Be sure to read those next.

2 Week Packing List

I start packing about a week before I leave and yet I always seem to be up late packing the night before! That last minute rush is just asking to forget something. This 2 week packing list is the only one I ever use and it guarantees I won’t forget anything essential for any trips I go on.

When I think I am done packing a quick run through of this list is like Santa double checking his naughty and nice list. I catch any last minute additions.

Are there any essentials that you always bring that I don’t have on my list?

More Travel Help:

• Customizable 1 Week Packing List (in a Carry-on)
• Beach Vacation Packing List for Peace of Mind
• Ultimate Cruise Packing List
• 9 Hacks Travelers Use to Save Money on Travel
• Travel Minimalist Tips and Hacks for Smarter Packing
• Packing Heavy VS Packing Light

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This post has 17 comments.

So good! I always create a list in my phone before a trip.

That a good place to keep it! I like having one list that I can just modify to each trip though. It helps prevent me from forgetting things.

Where has this been all my life!! I always take stuff I don’t need and never wear haha

I used to do that all the time!!! This is such a life saver when it comes to packing

So helpful! Thank you for taking the time to make this handy list.

Of course! I use it myself and I love it. My only hope is someone else finds it as useful as me!!

This is so handy! I always realize I’ve forgotten something when we arrive at our end destination so this will definitely be put to good use. 🙂

Exactly! Thats why a customizable packing list is perfect! You never forget the basics 🙂

Short and complete. So sweet!

I hope it helps you 🙂

This is great, I always feel like I forget things when I pack… and it’s usually because I do!

Before this list that is exactly how I was!! I used to purposely “forget” an item in the hopes that that would help me forget something important. lol Now I see how this is so much better!

Great post! I’m definitely pinning this for later because I always struggle with packing, haha.

Yes, I hope it helps! I know its helped me a ton.

Cannot see where to enter my address for the 2 week printable list. Thank you

Right under the pinnable picture version is a box that says ” Get Your FREE Customizable Packing List”. Then there are two boxes where you type in your Name and email. It will be sent directly to your inbox. I hope that helps!

Pads or tampons could be added 🤧

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How Much to Pack For a 2 Week Trip: A Packing List Checklist for Women

Written by Lauren Steele on June 12, 2019

These helpful tricks will prevent you from over-or-under packing as you prepare for your next trip.

Even the most masterful of travelers can always learn a thing or two when it comes to packing lighter, smarter, and more efficiently. There are many of us who are chronic over-packers who always are bringing way more clothes and “necessities” than are really necessary, while some of us are under-packers who never seem to bring enough toothpaste or socks to get through a trip.

Luckily, there is a happy medium—and it can be found in a carry on . Forget the long lines and turning carousels at the baggage claim and never be worried that your luggage might not make it to your destination. By packing everything you need in a way that keeps you from losing time (or even your possessions), you will never want to check your luggage again. Here’s what you need to know to pack everything you need for a two-week trip in a carry on.

Wondering what to pack for your trip? Check out our What to Pack for a 2-week Trip Checklist below.

Size Up Your Carry-On

Knowing how much to pack for 2 weeks is crucial, but you should avoid checking a bulky bag. When you check a bag, there's a chance that it may not arrive at your destination. Plus, it adds time to your trip, because you have to wait for it at the baggage claim, and sometimes it even costs extra. So choose a carry-on instead.

First, make sure that your carry-on meets regulations for your airline’s standards. All Eagle creek Creek carry-ons are pre-approved to fit airline sizing standards. It helps if you have a bag that can be used in multiple ways, —such as the Switchback 22 . By having a carry-on that you can roll, carry, or strap to your back, you will be able to carry it in the most comfortable way possible since it will probably be a little heavier than your average, iPad-toting carry on. Make sure that you utilize all compartments of your carry-on. Put your chargers and other small items that you will need early and often in any external pockets that are located on the straps or the side of the bag.

Pack Clothing Carefully

When it comes to packing clothes, remember that versatility and layering is key. Pack mostly neutral-colored tops and bottoms so that each item will be interchangeable and match the others. Dresses are also great for women because they are outfits that don't take up a lot of suitcase space. Roll all of your clothing as tightly as possible and put the heaviest fabrics, such as jeans and jackets, on the bottom. It’s best if you can compress your clothing to maximize space.

Stack rolled shirts on top, and tuck rolled underwear and bras along the edges of the your bag. It is best to have two pairs of bottoms (pants, shorts, or skirts) for each week that you’ll be staying. Plan on bringing four shirts per week, and two jackets to layer for warmth (if you're traveling to a cool or cold destination). For a two-week trip, you need four bottoms and eight tops. Pack one or two dresses if you plan on going anywhere fancy, and bring athletic gear if you think you'll hike or exercise. Now you will have clothes for any occasion—from a hike to a dinner out on the town. Be sure to wear your bulkiest clothing items on your travel days. That means your biggest jacket and a pair of sturdy shoes—like boots or tennis shoes—to save the space in your bag.

Add a Personal Item

Treat your carry on just like you would treat a full-sized luggage carrier. Keep it for your travel apparel only so you can get enough clothes and two pairs of shoes in there to last all 14 days. The magic of carry-ons is that besides a carry-on, you are also allowed to bring one personal item on your flight as well. Bring a tote, duffel , or backpack to carry everything that's not clothing: laptop, books, and any important documents (like a passport). It’s also smart and space-savvy to pack your toiletry kit inside your personal item to maximize room for clothing in your carry-on. Use a toiletry kit and TSA-approved travel-sized bottles to store your shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, makeup, and the like.

Having everything that you need with you while you travel is not only efficient, but comforting. Nothing feels better than no longer being the person who over-packed or under-packed—but the one who got it just right.

2-Week Women’s Travel Checklist: FAQs

What items should i include on a 2-week women’s travel checklist.

Understanding what to pack is just as important as figuring out how much to pack for 2 weeks away. A few essentials every woman should include in her packing list for vacation include:

• Clothing: Always have at least two bottoms for every week you plan to stay. So for two weeks, you should have four pairs of bottoms total. Bottoms can include jeans, skirts, and shorts, depending on where you’re going. You should also include various types of tops depending on your planned activities.
• Toiletries: Every woman needs a few toiletries to look and feel her best while away. However, you can purchase some when you land. Therefore, only pack the essentials, such as your favorite makeup, a toothbrush, and toothpaste.
• Important documents: Packing personal items is crucial regardless of where you travel. Always ensure you have your ID and passport stored safely and securely.
• Comfortable walking shoes: Everyone needs comfortable shoes, even if you plan to do more lounging than walking.
• Entertainment: Long flights can get boring, and you’ll need something to do when lounging on the beach or waiting in your hotel room. Entertainment items, such as books, magazines, and tablets, can help you pass the time.

How many outfits should I pack for a 2-week trip?

How many outfits you should pack for a 2-week trip depends on personal preference and the types of events you have planned. However, you should have an outfit for every day, plus extras for the weather. Therefore, you should include at least 14-16 outfits in your packing list. However, that doesn’t mean you must wear completely different clothing each day. For example, if you want to reduce baggage weight and the amount of stuff you have to bring, you can mix and match tops and bottoms to create more outfits with fewer pieces.

Can I bring a carry-on for a 2-week trip?

A carry-on can be large enough to fit all your essentials for a 2-week trip as long as you pack efficiently. Every airline has different carry-on size and weight requirements, so check their guidelines to help you make the right packing decisions.

Of course, there are also different types of carry-ons. If you don’t have luggage, you might wonder, “ Can I use my duffel bag as a carry-on? ” You can use any bag as a carry-on if you meet the airline's requirements. However, some are better than others, so you should look for something that allows you to organize your items and pack as much as possible.

How can I make the most of the space in my carry-on for a 2-week trip?

Packing efficiently is the best way to save space in your carry-on for a 2-week trip. A few ways to save space in your luggage include folding clothes for travel or using packing cubes . Of course, you should always make a list before packing to ensure you have everything you need. Knowing what to pack on a 2-week trip will make traveling a breeze, so all you have to do is get to your destination and relax.

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What to Pack for a Week Long Trip – Checklist Included

Packing for a week long trip? Whether you’re headed out on a road trip or on a plane, you’ll want to make sure you’ve packed efficiently and haven’t forgotten anything important behind. This checklist of things to bring with you will help you make sure you don’t forget anything before you leave.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means if you purchase through my links I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. You can read more on the  disclosure and privacy  page. 

For clothes I am a huge advocate of having a capsule wardrobe. By that I mean that you want things that are in the same color family or pair well together, that have the ability to be layered and mixed and matched, and that can be versatile for all the different activities you might be participating in while you’re on vacations.

Think through your trip and the activities you have planned. Will you need to dress up? Are you going hiking? Do you plan to get in workouts on the road?

Then check the weather. Will it snow? Rain? Be incredibly sunny? You can check the weather about 10 days out, but you’ll want to check again a few days before your trip to get a better idea of what the weather will be like when you’re there.

Typically a universal packing list looks like this for me:

2 tank tops 3-4 tops 1 dress 2 pairs of pants (one black slack or khaki, one pair of jeans) 1 sweater 1 light jacket/rain jacket 2 bras 7 pairs of underwear 7 pairs of socks

This of course doesn’t count what I wear on the plane or in the car, which is another pair of jeans, t-shirt, hoodie and associated underwear and socks. I dress to be comfortable while I’m traveling, and use it as an opportunity to bring another pair of jeans with me. If you’re a jeans lover like me, this is a good way to save weight and space in your bag while still getting to bring two pairs of jeans.

Again this will depend on any activities that you’ll be participating in. If you plan to go hiking you’ll want to have hiking boots, and if you plan to be somewhere wintery and cold you may want a pair of fleece lined boots. Always wear your heaviest pair the day you fly in order to keep as much space in your bag as possible.

Typically I wear a pair of sneakers or hiking shoes while I’m traveling then I pack a couple of pairs of smaller shoes, usually a flat and a dress shoe or sandal. If I’m really worried about space in my bag, I opt for a dressier pair of flats and skip the dress shoes altogether.

A universal shoe list for a week:

1 pair sneakers or hiking shoes 1 pair of flats 1 dress shoe

I know toiletries can be one most controversial of the “what to pack” bunch.I know lots of people prefer to depend on whatever the hotel will provide, while others with allergies or sensitivities prefer to bring their own. What to pack will vary wildly depending on your personal preferences and needs, as well as (surprise, surprise) what you’ll be doing on your trip. It is a place where you can save weight and space in your bag, though. So for this one I’m just aiming for a very generalized list that you can add on to or subtract from as needed:

Just remember, if you’re flying in a carry-on only you’ll need to make sure your liquids fit the 3-1-1 rule and stay under 3oz. Swapping out shampoo and body soap for bars can help you get around limits if you’re worried, but usually for a week 3oz is plenty! I also opt to pick a soap with a good lather when I travel to avoid having to bring shaving cream with me.

Shampoo Conditioner Body soap Lotion Sunscreen Deodorant Razor Toothpaste Toothbrush Floss Tampons/Pads

Hair & Makeup

This one is another that can get controversial. I know a lot of travel gurus will tell you to skip the makeup and let your hair go natural for your trip to lighten the load of things you need to bring with you. That’s a completely viable option, and one I’ve done myself when I’ve taken a trip where I knew doing my hair and makeup would be useless (spending lots of time outdoors in a humid climate with curly hair – well it’s just not worth it!).

However, you may want to dress up for a night out or spruce up for some of the pictures you’ll be taking on the road. So I’m giving basic set of things to take here, which you can add or detract from as you will. Another reminder though, any liquids like foundations and lipgloss will need to go in your quart-sized bag if you’re flying.

For hair, again it’s up to you. Though many modern hotels have a hairdryer standard. Your straightener can also double as a curling iron if you watch a few youtube videos and get the hang of it.

Makeup Chapstick Foundation Powder Blush Eyeshadow palette Eyeliner Brow product Mascara Makeup Brush Makeup Wipes

Hair Brush Comb Hairdryer Curler Straightener Styling product Hairspray

Medicine & First Aid

This is another important one. If you take prescription medication, it’s recommended that you take the actual bottles and a copy of the prescription with you. I still bring my weekly pill box with me to remind me what I need to take and when as I don’t want to be fumbling every morning I”m on a different time zone trying to remember if I took my pill or not.

I’d also recommend a small supply of things like tums and imodium in case you have a run in with bad food. It’s approximately zero fun to have to try to find a local pharmacy open after hours when you realize the delicious but out-of-the-ordinary food you had for dinner is doing battle with your insides.

Your mini-medical kit can also include things like tweezers, a bandaid or two, neosporin (universally helpful for small burns, bites and cuts), benadryl or another antihistamine (I’ve found it good for air sickness and seasickness in addition to potential pop-up allergies when I’m abroad), ibuprofen or tylenol, and alcohol wipes. You want to keep just enough to get you through a few hours before the pharmacy opens or you can find one, but not so much that it takes up a huge portion of your bag.

Prescriptions Vitamins Weekly pill box Tums and/or Imodium Tweezers Bandaids Neosporin Antihistamine Cold medicine Ibuprofen or tylenol Alcohol wipes Contact solution Kleenex

Electronics

How connected do you want to be on your trip? That’s probably the first question you’ll want to ask before you start thinking about what electronics you want to bring.

If you don’t plan to work on the road for instance, you probably don’t need to bring a laptop. Usually I can get away with bringing a tablet and a small foldable keyboard. It’s enough that I can easily check email, read books on the plane, play a few games while I’m in the airport, and look things up from the hotel before I head out before the day. I find it incredibly useful for saving space in my bag – I can bring all the books, magazines and guidebooks I want in digital form without any of the bulk! If you want to be extremely minimal, you can probably do all of that with your smartphone. Just be sure to bring extra batteries and chargers!

For photography, I’m also including a DSLR camera. I don’t carry it everywhere I go on my trips. My phone in many cases is more than enough for some good snapshots, especially when I’m just out to dinner with friends or family and just want to be able to capture moments as they happen. But if I’m heading to a gorgeous castle or guaranteed some scenic vistas? You better believe I’m taking my DSLR. It’s well worth the space it takes up for the photos I can get out of it. And if you can’t tell, I take a lot of photos which means I typically bring several high capacity SD cards. (Yes, I am that person in the museum taking photos of everything, and I love it!)

Kindle or iPad Foldable keyboard Laptop Chargers Back-up Battery Pocket Charger DSLR Camera Lenses Extra camera batteries SD Cards Tripod Phone Earbuds/headphones

Passport Visa(s) Physical tickets or passes Copy of your passport Copy of your travel insurance Copy of your health insurance information Copy of your reservations

Cash Credit Cards ID

Extras (that you’ll probably want):

Travel Towel Neck Pillow Travel journal Pen Water bottle Deck of cards

Luggage and Packing

Last but certainly not least, you’re going to need to be able to pack up everything and luggage can make or break your trip. For a week long trip you should be able to get by with a large carry-on and a personal item if you’re flying.

Here are my favorite carry-ons for the plane:

If you’re taking a roadtrip, you can get away with taking a standard size suitcase like the one that comes in the Cal Pak set and a smaller day-bag. Just always remember to bring a day bag as there may be day trips or hikes that you want to take at your destination that will require more than a purse and less than a massive suitcase.

Either way you’ll want to make sure your bag is organized, which you can do with a solid set of packing cubes. These are my favorite:

I’m not sure who exactly came up with the idea for packing cubes, but if not the first Eagle Creek was one of the first to bring out packing cubes and they have some of the highest quality ones out there. These are made with washable rip-stop nylon that is durable and lightweight so it doesn’t bulk up your bag. Better than your average packing cube, these compression cubes have a double zippered system that compresses the contents down and saves you even more space in your bags. These are on the pricier side though, but I’d argue that there an investment well made.

For security, if your bag doesn’t have inbuilt TSA locks, you’ll want to get a set of those. It keeps prying hands out, and the TSA has a special key to unlock it if necessary. Even if you’re flying carry-on, it’s always possible that they need you to gate-check your luggage.

Another favorite of mine if I’m checking my bag is a bright luggage tag. Like everyone else standing at the carousel, I have black luggage and no one likes to play the game of “your bag or mine?” when you’ve just spent several hours cooped up on a plane and are in a hurry to get to your hotel and get your vacation started.

Printable Travel Packing List

Last but not least, we’ve got you covered with this printable travel packing list that lets you check off everything you need for the week:

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What to Pack for 2 Weeks in Europe (Plus Checklist!)

This post has 5 comments.

dont forget a pair of pajamas too 🙂

I almost forgot those

Love your ideas thanks ?

How do I print it out

Hi Janice! The easiest way is probably to right click and open the image in a new tab and then print from that browser window. You can also save it to your desktop and print. Hope that helps!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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Lets Go Bear Travels

Family travel made easy

A Travel Mum’s very detailed (2 weeks holiday) Luggage Packing list

Hey it’s Tara here – packing for holidays is part of the fun! I absolutely LOVE to pack two (even four!) weeks before holidays. Packing luggage gets me excited leading up to the big day. I usually pack for myself and the boys. As for Alfred my husband, he prefers the express packing style – checkout his lazy Dad’s 15 minutes packing list guide.

Note before we start: A typical travelling Asian family will bring just about EVERYTHING they own for a short trip (including chilli sauce, cup noodles, nannies and extended family members!). Remember you’re going away for a few weeks, not migrating to another country. Bring only what you need.

To keep your family’s luggage weight lighter than a baby cow, checkout our BEST PACKING TIPS TO MAKE FAMILY TRAVEL EASIER.

We usually travel for around 2 weeks and for this we would bring 2 luggages. Me and the boys will use up 1 and ½ of the luggage space. And whatever remaining space is for my husband! Each of the luggage usually end up weighing around the 23kg mark.

As for hand carry, we use 2 backpacks. The backpacks we need for long haul flights from Australia. Checkout our on board flight packing list below .

Step #1: Start packing early

Most Mums will forget or overpack items because they try to remember everything right before leaving. I do my packing up to four weeks before. My husband would do his packing one week before leaving. So his stuff sits at the bottom of the 2 nd luggage, and my boys’ excess stuff will occupy the rest of his luggage.

Step #2: Go through packing list order below and bring only enough of each items

Below is my family’s packing list for a typical 2 weeks holiday.

We make sure EVERYTHING inside the luggage gets plenty of use during the family holiday. We wear the same clothes on multiple days. Picking neutral colours to make mixing and matching easy.

TIP #1 – Packing cubes

These little bags enable you to divide up your family’s clothes so they won’t be all mixed up inside and your clothes can be easily found without having to rummage through your luggage. I have one for myself and one for each child.

TIP #2 – Wash during the trip

I am not bringing 14 outfits for each person! That is just insane! So I would do a bit of washing (about halfway during the trip). I would wash especially underwear and some dirty outfits (think kids pasta stained tops and pants) and let them air dry.

WHEN TRAVELLING WITH LITTLE KIDS, I CAN NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT:

• A baby/toddler carrier. Definitely a must for long flights or when you have a long days of sightseeing. We used Ergobaby and Tula toddler carriers.
• A good travel stroller. Your day to day stroller at home might not be best suited for family travels. Use a lightweight umbrella stroller or the cabin approved models. We love our Maclaren quest stroller.

This luggage packing guide can be used for family travel up to about one month – just add more clothing items as needed. For longer holidays you will eventually run out of luggage room. For such trips, do more washing or find a good laundry service.

For other places we have visited, checkout our website’s travel  Destinations  section. We buy our travel essentials online via  Ebay

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What to Pack for a Long Trip: The Ultimate Packing List

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto : "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at [email protected] .

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There’s an undeniable allure to embarking on a long journey—a feeling of leaving everything behind for new horizons. Of course, you don’t want to abandon everything —so we’ve compiled the perfect packing list to help you strike the sweet spot between overpacking and underpacking.

Bring too much, and you’ll be weighed down by hefty bags that you have to drag between hotels. Underpack and you’ll spend your time on the road scrambling to find everyday essentials. Packing for a long-haul journey is a challenge that requires a different strategy than packing for a short vacation. 

This customizable packing list for long trips will help you prepare for your next extended vacation. 

On a long trip, you’ll likely be experiencing different climates (or even seasons), so packing versatile items that can be layered is a must. You’ll probably also be going for long stretches without access to laundry facilities, so choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics made from odor-preventing materials such as merino wool.

Pick neutral colors that can be mixed and matched to create many outfits from just a few pieces. 

The Ultimate Packing List

Depending on the weather at your destination, you’ll want to pack a mix of short-sleeved shirts, long-sleeve tops, and sweaters. Two or three of each type of item should be more than enough, and you can adjust based on the temperature (for example, three short-sleeved shirts, one long-sleeve shirt, and one lightweight sweater for a hot climate.) 

Some of our favorite tops to pack for a long trip include:

• Outerknown Blanket Shirt : This heavyweight shirt is perfect for layering, as it can be worn open or buttoned up and is super soft and cozy.
• Mott & Bow Light Ribbed Sweater : The most warmth for the lightest weight, thanks to a cashmere and cotton blend. 
• Icebreaker Cool-Lite Sphere II T-Shirt : This Merino wool t-shirt can be worn multiple times without starting to smell.

Jeans can be safely worn many times without washing, and they’re so versatile that you can wear them in most weather conditions and social situations. Wear one pair of stretchy jeans on the plane and pack a second lighter pair of pants in your suitcase for hot days.

The best pants to pack for a long trip are:

• Levi Totally Shaping Straight Leg Jean s: Ultra-stretchy jeans that move with you and don’t bag out after multiple wears.
• Tommy Bahama Wide Leg Linen Pants : Perfect for hot weather destinations where you want to be covered up. 
• Spanx Jean-ish Leggings : Feel like leggings, look like pants.

Pack at least two pairs of shoes on long trips in case one pair gets wet or starts giving you blisters. We recommend bringing one pair of casual shoes that you can wear to workout in or walk around in, a pair of waterproof boots (for cold or damp destinations), and sandals for any beach or water adventures.

The best shoes to pack for a long trip are:

• Ariat Wexford Waterproof Chelsea Boots : These boots are stylish but fully waterproof, and the slip-on design makes airport security easy.
• Danner Logger Moc 917 GTX : For long trips that involve outdoor adventures, pack Danner’s Logger Moc boots. These versatile boots will work for both rugged trails and city streets. They’re completely waterproof and can shed snow and rain.
• Cariuma Knit Sneakers : A good pair of white sneakers fits any outfit.
• Tevas Original Universal Sandals : Great for the beach or walking around your hotel room, Tevas sandals are lightweight and easy to pack. 

10 Most Comfortable Travel Shoes for 2023

Electronics

Pick chargers and electronics that serve multiple purposes to save space on a long trip.

Essential electronics to pack for a long trip are:

• Kindle Fire : The Kindle Fire can be used to read books, browse the internet, and stream entertainment.
• 3-in-1 Charge Cord : A fast charger saves time, and this one has three different cords so you can charge any type of electronic you bring.
• Anker Portable Charger: This slim backup battery can charge an iPhone to 50 percent in just 30 minutes.
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds : Noise-cancelling earbuds will be handy on planes and in hotel rooms. 

For a truly long trip, it will be best to replenish your toiletries on the road rather than carting around full-sized bottles of everything you need. To get started, pack travel-size versions of all the necessities, including:

• Flexpower Sunscreen : A scent-free sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast.
• Over-the-counter Medications : This variety pack includes travel-sized packets of Advil, Pepto, and other key medicines.
• Travel-size toothpaste : This multipack from Colgate is an economical option.

The Ultimate Toiletry Kit Packing List

Miscellaneous Items

• Tracker Tag: The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 or Apple Air Tag can help you track any luggage you must check.
• Loop Earplugs : A good night’s sleep is essential if you’re traveling for a long time. Loop’s Earplugs can help block out any noise in a hotel or hostel.

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The Ultimate Packing List for Vacation (with Printable Travel Checklist)

Africa Packing Lists , Asia Packing Lists , Central America Packing Lists , Europe Packing List , Ireland Packing List , North America Packing Lists , Oceania Packing Lists , Packing Tips , South America Packing Lists

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Looking for the ultimate packing list? You’ve found it. We’ve rounded up all the things you may (or may not) need to bring on your trip carefully organized by category. To help you plan more efficiently, we’ve also included an editable, printable travel checklist you can customize for every trip! Download the “Printable Travel Checklist” below!

The Ultimate Packing List

This packing list shows the exact things to bring on vacation or other types of travel. It’s broken down into three sections:

• Printable Travel Checklist: editable spreadsheet with summary of all items
• Packing List by Categories: see table of contents below
• General Packing Tips: how to pack efficiently

This is the Table of Contents:

Printable Travel Checklist

• Packing List For Luggage
• Packing List For Clothes
• Packing List For Toiletries
• Packing List For First Aid Kit
• Packing List For Makeup
• Packing List For Hair and Grooming
• Packing List For Electronics
• Packing List For Backpacking Gear

Travel Documents and Money

Travel safety.

• Pre-trip Checklist

General Packing Tips

The travel checklist features unique categories to help you pack for your trip efficiently including a list of things to bring on vacation and other helpful reminders. It includes all the items listed in various categories above and has spaces where you can fill in your own information:

• you can write in an item’s weight (lighter items means less overall baggage weight)
• you can note if you need to purchase something or if you already own it
• and most importantly, you can organize where you’ll pack each item

Our readers looove our checklist! Below you’ll find all the corresponding details for the complete travel packing list of things to bring on vacation!

  Packing List by Categories

Below you’ll find a list of all the items you should consider adding to your packing list based on category. Print the checklist above to follow along.

Luggage: Delsey Turenne Carry On | Carry-on Personal Item: Longchamp Le Pliage Tote Airplane Outfit: Top , Bottom , Shoes

I usually suggest you first decide everything you need to bring before choosing your luggage and other travel gear. Every trip is different and the suitcase that works for one type of adventure may not work for the next.

Best Selling Carry-on: Delsey Paris Helium Aero Luggage

Read this guide on How to Choose the Best Suitcase for details on the best sizes, wheels, materials, and more.

If you’re planning a long-term trip or are traveling to a destination where wheels won’t work well, a backpack is the ideal option. Read this guide on How to Choose the Best Backpack for Travel .

You’ll want to bring a personal item for the plane in addition to (or instead of) an in-flight purse. Read this to determine what exactly is a personal item and if you should bring one on your particular trip.

A purse for travel is a must-have for a day spent sightseeing, here are the factors you should keep in mind when choosing which day bag to join you on your next trip!

Best Packing Cubes: Compass Rose

In addition to your luggage, travel accessories such as packing organizers are highly recommended. They not only help you stay organized and less stressed while traveling, they enable you to travel carry-on only on just about any trip. We recommend these packing cubes – they’re ours!

• Packing Cubes for Clothes
• Packing Organizer for Accessories
• Packing Organizer for Electronics
• Toiletry Bag
• First Aid (if applicable)
• Document Holder
• Other Organizers (as needed)
• Daypack/Personal item

Depending on where you’re going, how you’re getting there, and what you’ll be doing, this essentials list has you covered with every little necessity to help you be prepared and enjoy your trip to the fullest! 

Watch this video to discover TFG editor’s travel capsule wardrobe must-haves, that are versatile, chic, and timeless

No matter where you travel and how long you plan to go for, start by choosing ten clothing items for your trip to act as the core of what you bring. If you could only bring ten items and no more for this particular trip, what would they be?

Shirt | Tank  |  Shorts | Sandals | Hat

These ten clothing items will act as the essentials in your travel wardrobe, also known as a capsule wardrobe . These ten items should be interchangeable so you can mix and match them to create different looks.

Versatility is key to a capsule wardrobe. Learn more in my guide !

Best Selling T-Shirt: L.L. Bean Pima Tee

In order to choose these ten core items most effectively, follow these guidelines on How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe for Travel . It includes eight examples for you to follow including options for both summer and winter.

• Dress (or other) 1
• Dress (or other) 2

Visit our  travel clothing category for product suggestions including the best travel pants , stylish travel dresses , and the best  cold weather items .

TFG Editor wearing her favorite travel jacket: Eddie Bauer Charly

Now that you’ve chosen these ten must-have clothing items, consider what other pieces you need based on other considerations such as the weather and activities such as working out or swimming.

You’ll also want to choose your underwear and bras after you’ve chosen your clothing so you know exactly which fabrics, colors, and styles to choose.

Icebreaker 175 Everyday Long Sleeve Crewe

Nude colors (or the color closest to your skin tone) are best for bras as this color can be worn underneath all other colors. Here are more tips on how to choose the best bras for travel .

For underwear , we recommend an average of ten (or one for every day of your trip up to ten days). If you’re traveling longer than one week you can hand wash them along the way. Read this post for recommended travel underwear .

• Outerwear 1
• Outerwear 2
• Sleepwear 1
• Sleepwear 2
• Underwear 1-10

Add thermal underwear for cold weather trips!

Leith Dress  ( similar) |   Naot Sabrina Flat Sandal |  Rebecca Minkoff Backpack | Sunhat

Your accessories should first and foremost offer functionality such as warmth in the winter or protection from the sun in the summer. You can incorporate style into your wardrobe through the colors, prints, and designs you choose for these items.

Best Walking Shoes For Travel: Skechers Go Walk 4 Charcoal Comfortable Sneakers

For shoes, we recommend you pack three pairs (no less than two, no more than four). Bring one for sightseeing (walking), one for any special activities you might be participating in, and an additional pair as needed. The third pair can either serve for function to account for changes in the weather or it can be a dressy option.

We have an entire category on the website dedicated to the best travel shoes including ballet flats , walking shoes , travel sandals , hiking shoes , waterproof boots , ankle boots , and more.

• Purse – Day
• Purse – Night
• Sunglasses Case
• Watch (or Travel Clock)
• Gloves (if applicable)

Read this guide for a full explanation on how to choose the best travel shoes for your specific trip.

Watch this video to learn how to downsize toiletries

Toiletries are one of the most challenging things to bring on vacation especially if you want to travel light. While they vary for each individual there are some general guidelines you can follow.

“Travel size” 3oz or 100ml products and containers are sometimes more or less than what you actually need, so use travel containers like these instead. They’ll enable you to bring only the amount you’ll use for your trip.

Best Selling Toiletry Bag: eBags Pack-it-Flat Hanging Toiletry Kit

Just like luggage, the functionality of toiletry bags differs and one may not meet the needs of every trip. Read this list of the best toiletry bags for travel so you can determine which options make the most sense for your needs. Generally speaking, hanging toiletry bags like these offer the most versatility.

• Conditioner
• Leave-In Conditioner
• Soap/Body Wash
• Deodorant/Antiperspirant
• Body Moisturizer
• Face Moisturizer

Optional Toiletries:

• Baby Powder (hot climates)
• Pumice Stone
• Hair Styling Product
• Female Urinal Device
• Menstrual Cup
• Toilet Paper

Read this guide on how to choose toiletries for your trip .

First Aid Kit (optional)

Not all travelers pack a full-size first aid kit and you can usually buy most things on the road. However, it’s a good idea to take one or two doses/packets of each of these items and create your own “mini first aid kit ”.

• Prescription Medication
• Contact Solution (if needed)
• Pain Relievers
• Travel-size Tissue Packet
• Digestion Tablets
• Upset Stomach Medication
• Allergy Pills
• Motion Sickness Tablets
• Antibacterial wipes/gel
• Bug Repellant (Deet-Free)
• Travel Size Sewing Kit

Watch this video to learn how to downsize your makeup.

Just as with clothing, create a capsule makeup collection when you travel that includes only the essentials. Use small travel containers like these to avoid taking large products such as foundation and concealer.

• Eyebrow Pencil
• Eye shadow palette
• Lipstick/lip gloss

Read this guide on how to downsize your makeup when traveling.

Hair / Grooming

Instead of bringing all your hair tools when traveling, contact your accommodation to determine if they provide items such as an iron or hair dryer.

Best Travel Hair Dryer: BaBylissPRO Travel Dryer

Instead of full size products, invest in travel size dryers or straighteners if needed. A nicely groomed mane adds the perfect finishing touch to a perfectly planned travel outfit.

• Travel Size Hair Brush
• Travel Size Mirror

Optional Hair Tools:

• Travel Size Blow Dryer
• Travel Size Hair Dryer Brush 
• Travel Size Flat Iron 
• Travel Size Curling Iron 

Read more tips on styling your hair while traveling .

A travel adapter allows TFG editor to charge her laptop, tablet, and phone all at once!

Electronics

The amount of electronics you bring will depend on whether or not you’re traveling for business or leisure.

Compass Rose International Universal Travel Adapter

If you’re traveling internationally, make sure to read this guide which explains how to protect your electronics from the different voltage abroad . Use a travel adapter like this one when visiting different countries on the same trip.

• International Travel Adapter
• Phone Charger
• Phone Cover
• Camera Charger
• Camera Battery 
• Camera Memory Card
• Camera Cover
• Memory Stick (with important info)
• e-Reader Charger
• e-Reader Cover

Optional Electronics:

• Tablet Charger
• Tablet Cover
• Laptop Charger
• Laptop Cover
• Laptop Case
• Screen Protector
• Keyboard Protector
• External Hard Drive
• External Hard Drive Cord
• Portable Power Bank
• Portable Power Bank Cord
• Music Device
• Music Device Charger

Read this post for tips on preparing your electronics before a flight .

Editor’s Favorite Backpack: Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack (similar)

Backpacking/Budget Travel Gear

(if applicable)

If you’re backpacking around the world, traveling long-term, or traveling on a budget, there are a few additional items you’ll need to bring on your trip.

Other travelers may also find some of the below items useful. Click on the item below to learn about each one and why they might be important for you to bring.

• Sleeping Bag Liner
• 2 Travel Locks
• Travel Towel
• Swiss Army Knife
• Reusable Water Bottle
• Packable Tote
• Mosquito Net
• Pillow Case
• Laundry Bag
• Laundry Line
• Travel Pillow
• Disposable Poncho
• Travel Size Umbrella
• Passport Size Photos (for visas on the go)

If you’re traveling on a budget, read this post. If you’re staying at hostels, read this post. If you’re going on a round-the-world trip, read this post.

With the exception of your passport, cash, and cards, many of the below items are available in digital form. Use this as a reference checklist.

• Passport Copy
• Passport Holder
• Boarding Pass
• Itinerary (some airlines require this printed when you have to check in in-person)
• Visas in passport (if needed)
• Immunization Records (if there are health requirements such as yellow fever)
• Emergency Cash in USD (enough for one full day)
• Credit Cards
• Drivers License / Alternate Form of ID
• Language Guide
• Notebook (to note addresses in paper, not phone)
• Pen (to fill out immigration forms)
• Emergency Contact Info
• Travel Insurance
• Copies of all travel documents (in memory card, USB stick, or stored in email)

Watch the video above for tips on how to keep your stuff safe while traveling.

Traveling is generally very safe, but the most common issue is theft. There are a few precautions you can take to protect your belongings, such as using one of these anti-theft devices.

Compass Rose RFID Secret Bra Wallet

Anti-theft products  that are worn under your clothing are particularly useful to conceal valuables in places like Spain or Nicaragua. We recommend this RFID secret bra stash to conceal your cash and cards safely and discreetly!

Best Selling Anti-theft Bag: Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Black Messenger Bag

While not necessary, some female travelers make feel more comfortable with an anti-theft purse  in places such as Paris or Thailand where purse snatchings are common.

• RFID Anti-theft Bra Wallet
• Anti-theft Travel Purse (optional)

Never carry your passport while sightseeing – this is a common mistake that leads to theft. Read these tips to learn how to keep your passport (and other belongings) safe while traveling .

Pre-Trip Checklist

These are a few essential things to do as soon as you book your trip.

• Call banks to inform of travel plans
• Immunizations
• Check weather at destination
• Check baggage restrictions
• Check visa regulations
• Check immunization requirements (i.e. yellow fever)

Read this post to see my personal pre-trip checklist featuring my complete packing routine.

Watch the packing tutorial on Youtube ! 

In order to avoid overpacking, take the time to plan and research before your trip. Find out the weather forecast, cultural considerations, and finalize your activities so you can accurately determine exactly what you will and will not need for your trip.

The biggest game changer for me was using packing cubes – they completely transformed the way I traveled and I was able to travel full-time carry-on only for several years!

The video below shows you the technique I use to travel carry-on for every trip:

Compass Rose Travel Packing Cubes

As shown in the video, I use slim size packing cubes . When I first started using them in 2013, I was finally able to downsize my luggage from a 65L Osprey Aura backpack to the 40L Osprey Farpoint .

The clothing used in the video is an example of what someone would pack for a long trip consisting of various climates, activities, and the need to be ready for anything.

Read this post where I explain everything you need to know about packing cubes including what they are, how to use them, their benefits, and the best brands. Trust me, they’re the ultimate game changer!

Destination Packing Lists

We have specific packing lists for destinations all over the world. Visit this page to find your destination!

And for every single trick in my packing book, read my full course “ Stop Overpacking “. I created the STOP OVERPACKING program to teach you my exact packing process. Every secret, every detail, nothing is spared.

Learn more about Stop Overpacking here !

What else would you add to our travel packing list of things to bring on vacation? Share and comment below!

For destinations, please read:

• Europe Packing Lists
• Asia Packing Lists
• Africa Packing Lists
• North America Packing Lists
• South America Packing Lists
• South Pacific Packing Lists

LIKED THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!

I hope you liked this travel packing list of things to bring on vacation! Please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

103 comments.

I hadn’t traveled much, really, in over 2 years…thank goodness for finding your site! Now I’ll be well prepared for my new obsession, i.e., my next trip…

I am OBSESSED with packing lists and this post is probably my favorite I’ve come across. I think when I was planning a trip to Italy, this was my go-to read for all of the international travel essentials. Thank you so much!!

I have found this info very useful. I’m so happy I found your site when I was researching for my first overseas trip. Now I use what I’ve learned for all my travels, near and far. Thank you!

These packing lists are so complete. I had my own excel spreadsheets that I used for each trip, but these leave no stone unturned. Keep up the good work!

This is very helpful information and useful too. Thanks.

Love a good checklist! Thanks v

I started with this travel packing list and updated to fit my needs. That was several trips ago and I’m still using it!

Your packing lists and tips are the best! It’s so easy to forget an important item, and your lists help avoid that. Thanks!!

Is ultimate packing list is what help me to prepare our very first 17 day trip in Europe (Italy and Spain). I’ve recently sent it to Friends to share the wealth! I absolutely love the Travel Fashion Girl site!

Love this whole blog, this entire post is very helpful all being in one post! Thank you for helping us travel!

The idea of packing cubes was not foreign to me; however, after reading all these tips and putting them into practice, my hubby and I were both able to travel 3+ weeks in Europe last Fall with only an AWAY carry-on suitcase and a backpack that I ordered specifically to fit under the seats on European inter-company smaller planes. Thanks so much for saving us, as we will likely never travel the same as we used to!

Thank you for creating these packing list. They are very helpful.

This list has been incredibly helpful!! I have always maintained a customizable packing list that I came up with years ago, but this took my list to the next level and was significantly helpful in keeping myself organized for a recent 2-week, backpack-only, trip I just took to Europe! I have traveled to 35 countries and continue to return back to TFG for fresh tips, outfit ideas, the best packing tools, and lots of other helpful information! Thank you so much to TFG and this wonderful community of women!!

Super helpful info- I added a bunch of tops and dresses to my Amazon list. I’ve already got many of the items you recommend- one of my favorites is the electronic cords organizer. I never leave home without it!

Your packing lists are fantastic! I don’t have to think so hard! Thank you!

I have used these packing lists time and time again. They have helped me pack exactly what I need and cut down on items I won’t need. I used to be an overpacker but these lists have solved that problem!

I have been traveling carry-on only for years now (whether it’s a hardside bag or my backpack), and I’m always looking for new capsule wardrobe ideas!

I printed out the packing list for Italy the beginning of this year as I prepared for my May departure. I kept it in my purse at all times so no matter where I was, I had it to refer to when I was I happened to be in a store. It was super helpful in keeping me focused. Thanks !

Thank you for publishing all of this wonderful information!

Love, love, love these checklists! I used one on my two week trip to Italy last May and it was so helpful. Planning to use one again on our girls trip to London and Paris in April. 🧳

I have always used a packing list. It helps me know that I haven’t forgotten something and not over pack. I love the Compass rose packing cubes…I bought a set for hubby and myself. We use them a lot. Thanks for all of your tips and info…now to just get a trip planned!!

I love everything about travel fashion girl, but having these already made printable packing lists are the best thing ever! They are going to come in really handy as I’m preparing to take my two teenage granddaughters to France in March and this will give them a good idea of what they need to pack and how to do it. Of course I will supervise lol!

Thanks so much for sharing this list! It was so helpful for my recent trip to Panama. The Leith dress was a great addition to my travel and everyday wardrobe!

I’ve been working with fine tuning my packing list for years. If my husband says, “do you want to go to …?” I can be fully packed for any type of trip in 20 minutes.

This is so helpful! I love the lists!

Love these tips!! Super helpful !!!

Never j ew what a packing cube was until I read your site. You are a life saver! Now I can’t live without them!

Love lists to help me feel confident that I’m ready! Your lists and advice are so helpful.

These lists are so helpful and love the packing cube video.

I love your blogs, you do amazing research have have great practical tips on how to best travel.

I went to Italy in the spring and the first thing I did before getting ready to go was read your blog to see what I should get that would help make it the best trip.

I also try to travel with only carry-on luggage, so you helpful suggestions are amazing.

I have used these packing list as the basis for my upcoming trip to England. This is the most prepared and least anxious I have ever felt about packing for a big trip. I love that the list comes with shopping links/reccomendations as well as reccomendations on where to pack it. If you’re short on time – the most helpful shopping list was the toiletry list. It provided great suggestions on how to stay within the TSA 3-1-1 guidelines even if you are planning to be away for a lengthy trip! Thank you!!

I love this blog!! These packing lists are a lifesaver!!

Thanks TFG for the best Packing Checklist! I use it everytime I go! And this year, 2022, I’ve been making up for not being able to go for the past two years. After a cruise in March and a month in Hawaii in the summer, I’m now packing for a Baltic cruise after a couple of days in London. The destination lists for London, Finland, Norway, etc. have been so very helpful, too. I’m pretty confident that I’ve packed what I’ll need. Haven’t yet tried carry-on-only and probably never will, but I’m pretty proud that I put at least 5 items back into the closet instead of in my suitcase this time!

While researching for our two-week vacation to Munich, Prague, Vienna and Budapest, I discovered your web site. I am so happy I did! Since we were traveling to so many places in a relatively short period of time, and using a carry-on and personal bag only, it was essential that I pack efficiently. Your capsule wardrobe and packing cubes were a game changer! I admit I fudged a bit and threw in a couple of extra items but never even wore them. Thank you so much for the great information!!

Love this! Very helpful for us overthinkers.

I honestly go over this packing list every time I go on a trip! So helpful. Also a side note, their subscription emails are amazing. Simply the best.

When I was finally able to travel internationally, this list was what I used to help me organize. Congratulations on 10 years and all you e accomplished- and thank you. 🙂

Love, love, 💕 the packing lists! I’ve been using them for several years. I started prepping for my 3 week trip to Peru in September. Thank you for the guidance, recommendations and inspiration!

This spreadsheet is my favourite clothing packing list, and one I recommend to everyone for carry-on only, or even just lightening the load on small checked bags. It even works for kids’ packing. Excellent, comprehensive resource, thank you for creating it, and sharing it with us all!

Thank you for these wonderful suggestions!!! Going to London in early October and the printed checklist will be very handy. Thank you!!!! Love those pants!!!! I need them!!!!

Love this resource!! Seriously has been so helpful for planning a 2 week Europe trip! Also was so helpful for my week in Montana during the winter! Highly recommend!!

I love all your travel tips! I will definitely be referring to your packing list for my upcoming trip to Spain and Portugal.

The packing cubes are a great idea, but what about wrinkles? And is a steamer able to work on an adapter only?

Hi Tammy, one of the keys to avoiding wrinkles is to choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics and to use the bundle wrapping method inside the packing cube! You can find more tips here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-pack-clothes-without-wrinkles/

I love your blog❣️ I just returned from Portugal and met a new friend who turned me onto your emails. Please subscribe me, as I’m not on Social Media. All my best, and safe travels.

Hi Linda, just gone ahead and subscribed you to our newsletters. Hope you had the most incredible time in Portugal!!!

Thank you, your information has been most helpful. Amazon.ca doesn’t seem to have any of your recommended items for sale at present, especially The Comnpass Rose Slim Cubes. I used them on our last cruise and it made packing easy before, during and after the Cruise. Would recommend this to any traveller. M. J. Sutherland

That is so amazing to hear thank you Jean!!! Unfortunately at this moment in time we are not sure when we are going to begin making our compass rose products again 😢

Hey, I’ve really enjoyed your site and recommendations on traveling lightly. I’m not sure if you’re still active on here but the link to your packing checklist seems to be broken.

Hi Sara, I am really sorry about this, we are having some problems fixing this issue on the blog.

If you would like a copy of our packing list, please email us at [email protected] and we will send you a copy straight away.

I pack one cube with everything I’ll need for the night and the next morning. This way I dion’t always need to unpack the whole bag, and can leave everything in place for the first night . Sometimes this means I don’t have to schlep a heavy bag upstairs when I’m tired–I can leave it downstairs and deal with everything once I’m rested.

Hi Laura, this sounds like a fantastic idea, thank you for sharing your packing strategy with us!! 🙂

I’m *so* with you when it comes to packing cubes. They make it super easy to find what I need, and it helps me fit more than I thought possible into my backpack. I’m also a HUGE fan of earplugs. I’ve used them on the train or bus to sleep, on the plane to drown out engine noises, and at loud concerts. I highly recommend getting custom silicon earplugs that you wash off and use again, especially if you have trouble using the foam ones (like I totally do no matter how many times I try).

Your packing lists have been a huge help for me when it comes to planning my trip to Europe. Keep the great material coming 🙂

Thank you Theresa!

Hi Alex, I”ve just discovered Travel Fashion Girl & I”m so glad I did. I”m about to travel for the 1st time to Singapore with my family, 5 kids included. Have you been there before? Can you offer me any advice? We”ll be travelling for 1-2 weeks. Desperate for your advice as a novice traveller. Thank you so much in advance . Liz xx

Hi Liz, read this: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-singapore-vacation-tips-from-local-fashion-blogger/

I love detailed lists – helped me stay organized when I travel. Thank you for this!

Great post! I will go to Sicily soon and this look like a great way to start organizing my trip.

Thanks Patrizia!

Thank you so much for this wonderful resource.

Glad you like it Michala!

As always I love reading all your post, but this one is probably my favorite!! It’s packed with really helpful tips, it’s something I always come back to, and is in many cases encouraging…. Lol but that couldn’t be any more true!!

Yay!!! Glad you enjoyed it even more than the others 🙂

This list makes me happy! Im an excel spreadhseet list make and this is perfect for a base to customize. Thanks!

Glad you like it! enjoy 🙂

So in going through the Ultimate Packing List (thank you for this by the way), I have a question about the clothes the traveler is wearing! I assume that’s included in the 10 items, but per the packing list, they are packed in something. You don’t get an extra set of clothes on top of the 10 items, right?? 🙂

For my Russia packing list (pre-UPL), I listed out all the items and then listed what was going in my suitcase, what in my backpack and then finally, what I was wearing! 😀

Great job for your trip to Russia Julie! That’s right, no extra clothes for travel – they are included in the ten items. However, ten is a good number to use as a guideline but it’s okay to go up or down a few items, too 😉

Hi, this is so helpful for me so I do not forget anything. The older I get and the more I travel, forgetting something seems to happen far too often. But not any longer!

Glad you like it Gayle!

I have been using these packing lists this Spring and Summer and they have totally changed the way I plan and pack for a trip! I love being able to customize it. The main thing this did was make me think about WHERE I wanted to put everything. I then also added a little “how many times I wore it/used it” column so I could analyze at the end as well and start planning for the next trip. Thank you so much for these organizers!

Wow that’s a great idea, good job Nadja!

So excited to use this packing list for my three big trips next year: mediterranean cruise, Machu Picchu and Cairo/Nile Cruise/Jordan!!

AMAZING destinations!

Great packing list post, we just spent 4 weeks in Alaska and now we are off to FiJi. Your packing list is a huge help.

That’s awesome David, thanks!

Great post! This is very helpful for people who need help on what to pack!

Thanks Valerie!

Please email completed packing lists! Thank you

Hi Isabelle, they are on the way towards your inbox right now!

Thank you for making this packing list editable! I’m particularly loving the “How to Pack It” column, which is missing on so many other lists. It really helps me figure out which packing cubes/organizers to use, how to place it in my bag and also to mentally include clothing I’ll wear while traveling.

Thanks Megan! Glad you liked the “How to Pack It” column 🙂

Excellent packing list!! This will be very useful for me!

Thanks Helene!

Thanks Helene! Glad you’ve found it helpful 🙂

Right now I am packing for my trip to Italy and I am using only your list. It is amazing. For the first time I feel that I do not overpack, that I have everything what I really need, and that I won’t forget any stuff. Your blog has changed completety the way I pack. Thank you 🙂 xoxoxo

Yay! That’s great to hear, thank you Justine!

Great post! One question: Do the clothing lists include items you’re wearing, or just what’s in your bag? Also, I always bring dental floss; in addition to keeping my gums healthy, it’s awesome for sewing!

They include all clothes including what you wear on a flight 😉 Dental floss is a good add!

Perfect timing for my trip to Europe next month. Thanks!

Glad you like it Kim!

Wonderful, detailed list. I recommend your site to anyone asking about travel and packing light. Especially friends who want to travel and still look fashionable!

Thank you Kim 🙂

This is so comprehensive! I plan on referencing this next time I travel. Thank you for the breakdown.

Yay! Glad you like it Heather 🙂

I am going to Italy in October and I am so excited to find this blog at travelfashiongirl.com. I have been stressing about what to pack. Now, I have a detailed list to follow and I couldn’t be more happy! Thank you TFG!

Love it! You thought of everything! Will use this on my next trip (instead of recreating a new list which I seem to always do). Thanks!

Yay!!!! Glad you like it ?

Love having all of this info in one post! Thanks for the tips!

While I enjoy all your posts, this one is SERIOUSLY the best I’ve seen on your site – or any site, for that matter! Thanks so much for gathering this all together for your readers. You’ve thought of everything!!!

Ah-maz-ing! Just what I needed!!!

There’s a lot of different types of products that need to be stored during travel, but finding those emergency items is what’s important when you’re out there all prepared! These print-out lists are exactly what I’ve been using for myself since high school, & for nostalgia sake, that original template I put together & taped over to “laminate” it, is still there slipped behind the zippered space in my overall bathroom bag. Thanks for sharing your process! It seems like a lot of work that many individuals have appreciated finding!!

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DESTINATIONS , FEATURES

What to pack for a weekend trip: a detailed list

Pack The Suitcases uses affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

Welcome to my weekend packing list, which I wanted to share because I’ve got packing down to a fine art. When you’re planning any length of trip, packing effectively is vital. But when you’re only taking a small suitcase or bag on a little weekend getaway, it becomes even more important to only pack things you’ll definitely use or wear. And of course, it’s helpful to have a list so you don’t forget anything. 

This detailed weekend packing list has all of the clothes, accessories, toiletries and other vital stuff you need to tick off. It’s also designed to help you think about how your outfits need to work over the weekend, and I’ve included lots of examples of what I pack throughout. 

Get the kettle on and let’s get stuck into this thoroughly tried-and-tested weekend packing list…

Weekend packing list

1. outfits/clothes to pack.

Obviously, you’ll need an outfit for each day. What exactly that is depends on the time of year, the weather, the destination, what activities you’ll be doing, and your personal style. I’m going to attempt to cover the most common stuff here.

Time-wise, let’s assume you’re off on this weekend trip on a Friday after work and you’re returning Sunday night.

For that kind of trip, a basic weekend packing list of outfits for me would be:

• Friday: Jeans/trousers, white trainers (I love my New Balance or Vejas ) and a comfy top to travel in. Another top to change into for when you arrive, assuming you’ll be there in time to go out for a meal. I change my socks after a flight too.
• Saturday: This is going to be the most full-on day, so I’d allocate my best outfit. Depending on weather etc, trousers/skirt and a top or just a dress (remember dresses/skirts mean tights in winter, which are something I almost forget sometimes!). Trainers again or could be sandals if hot or boots if cold. If changing for the evening, jeans and a top or another dress. The good thing about summer dresses is they roll up so small in the suitcase, so you can cram more in! Sadly not the same deal with big knitted dresses in winter.
• Sunday: Trousers/skirt/jeans that you’ve already worn, with a different top. White trainers again. Same outfit to travel home in.

And of course a bag and jacket in a colour that goes with all the above.

Here’s an example of how I’d make it all work (imagine the jeans are the same pair!):

With all that in mind, here’s a basic weekend packing checklist

• 1 x coat/jacket that goes with everything (for me, this is often a classic camel trench but it could be a more stylish waterproof jacket if needed or a cream blazer or white denim jacket in summer)
• 1 x jeans (these are my straight-leg, high-waisted jeans of choice at the mo)
• 1 x skirt or trousers
• 1 or 2 x dress depending on weather
• 2 to 5 tops depending on whether you’re going for bottoms/tops outfits all weekend or breaking it up with a dress
• 1 x white trainers (I like Vejas and New Balance )
• 1 x sandals/boots depending on weather
• 4 x knickers (make sure to pack nude/white if you’re wearing pale clothes)
• 2 x bras (as above)
• 1 to 3 x tights depending on weather and whether you’re doing skirt/dress outfits
• 2 to 4 x socks depending on weather and whether you’re in tights or barefoot in sandals at some point
• 1 or 2 x pyjamas (if it’s boiling hot, you might need 2 but as summer pyjamas are so tiny, it doesn’t matter in terms of packing space)
• 1 x bag in a colour that goes with everything; I usually pick cream; something like this would do
• 1 x scarf/hat/gloves if cold
• 1 x sunglasses/sunhat if hot
• 2 x earrings that go with everything (I normally stick with gold like this ) and any other jewellery you like; for me it’d probably be 1 x necklace in gold too and my rings are just always on (also gold!).

Weekend packing list caveats 

Before anyone screams in the comment section, I am aware that certain weekend itineraries might need specific outfits. You could be planning on using the hotel gym on Saturday morning, going clubbing on Saturday night, and doing a 6-hour walk in the hills on Sunday morning. Don’t forget any activity-based clothes! 

2. Beauty/toiletries to pack

Hair styling stuff to pack.

• Stylers/curlers/straighteners – whatever you use: for me that’s the Cloud 9 original for doing curls. This is the second most important thing for me, after contact lenses. 
• Hairdryer – this is a personal preference as many hotels have them… but they’re almost always rubbish. The last thing I want is to waste over an hour blow-drying while trying to enjoy a trip, so I always make room for my little multi-voltage travel one from Boots . This works in low-voltage countries, so is ideal for going to places like the USA and Japan. Just remember to flip the voltage back to full when you’re back in the UK/Europe!
• Brush/comb 
• Bobbles/clips 
• Hairspray – if flying, hairspray can go funny in the hold due to the pressure changes. I usually buy a mini one at the airport so it can come in the plane with me.

Eye stuff to pack

• Contact lenses and contact lens solution – out of everything I pack, contact lens stuff is most important. Being able to see is everything. I always get a mini contact lens solution from my optician before a short trip because the big bottles are SO heavy.
• Glasses, glasses case and 2 x glasses wipes – I don’t wear my glasses in public but I do wear them in the hotel room etc. I always tuck a couple of those little wipes into the glasses case for when I inevitably can’t see out of them due to hand cream getting on them or something.

Makeup/beauty stuff to pack

This is obviously very personal as everyone has different routines ranging from no makeup to full glam, so I’m just going to list what I take, and I’ll link to my favourites in case you want any new ideas:

• Bag of makeup – in my bag, I have: SPF for face, foundation , bronzer , concealer , blusher , mini eyeshadow, eyeliner , eyebrow pencil , mascara , 2 x lipsticks (I normally match these to my outfits), setting spray , eyelash curler, and makeup brushes/sponge .
• Moisturiser
• Nail file – this just lives in my makeup bag but is handy to have.
• Cleanser /makeup remover and bamboo cloth
• (Possibly) fake tan and mit – I’m a regular fake tanner. For a weekend trip, I’d probably have done a tan on the Thursday night so I’d be sorted for the full weekend. But there’s a possibility I’d not have had time and might want to do it on the Friday night when I arrive; I have a mini fake tan for this.

Toiletries to pack

Again this is personal so I’m just going to list what I take:

• Shampoo and conditioner – you couldn’t pay me to use hotel ones. They’re never big enough for long hair anyway. I always use mini bottles and decant my own shampoo/conditioner in for a weekend trip. I wash my hair every 3 days (ish) so there’s a good chance I might not need to wash it while away for only a weekend but I’d usually take them just in case. You could also take a mini dry shampoo .
• Shower cap – I don’t know how people keep their hair dry in the shower without these but apparently some people don’t use them?!
• (Possibly) shower gel if you’re going somewhere that may not provide it.
• Shower pouffe – If I have any American readers, this is a scrunchy thing we use to wash with in the UK/EU.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Sanitary pads /moon-cup etc if needed
• Small perfume – you can get those atomisers to decant your big perfume into but I find them useless and always just bring a tiny bottle ( like this , which is my current perfume).
• Razor – I’ll take this moment to say that having laser hair removal on my legs was THE best travel-related thing I have ever done. It saves so much time in life but is a real bonus when travelling anywhere hot where you’ll have bare legs a lot!
• Tweezers – I am a daily eyebrow-plucker due to having dark hair, so these bad boys always have to come on trips.
• Travel mirror – I always take a folding mirror like this , which stands up on a table. It’s wild that in 2024, hotels still think we want to do our hair and makeup peering through the steam in a bathroom.

3. Electronic stuff to pack

• Phone and charger ; I highly recommend buying an EUR phone charger just for holidays rather than taking your usual one and adding an adapter. Often, the only place in a hotel room to plug multiple things in (say, a phone charger and hair tool) has the sockets right next to each other. Multiple adapters won’t squeeze in side by side, so you end up only being able to use one at a time. A charger alone is nice and slim, so you can usually get an adapter in the next socket. Voila! Then you can sort your hair out while your phone charges. I keep my EUR charger in a bag with my passport and other travel gubbins so it’s just ready to go.
• Kindle /e-reader if you use one – I struggle to get through a flight without mine.
• Adapter (s) if you’re going abroad.
• Headphones if you use them.

4. Other stuff to pack

• Your passport , purse /wallet and house keys . I know, I know. But I’ve heard too many horror stories of people forgetting essentials.
• Travel documents like boarding passes etc if they’re not on your phone. I am not a printer, but I know some people love to.
• Clear plastic bags for your liquids if flying.
• White Tack – I always bring this for covering those LEDs on TVs/fire alarms that keep you awake in hotel rooms like Blackpool Illuminations.
• A tote bag for putting dirty washing in and making sure it doesn’t touch your clean stuff. Obviously I use one of my travel-themed tote bags from my shop .
• Any tablets you need like the Pill. I always shove a packet of paracetamol in too.
• GHIC (global health insurance card) – this is worth getting if you’re from the UK; it’s free through the NHS . It allows you to receive the same medical care as a local would in all EU countries plus Switzerland, so if it’s free/a certain price for locals then it’s the same for you (obviously this is for emergencies only; it’s not designed for medical tourism!). You still need travel insurance as it doesn’t cover private hospitals and not all treatments, but it’s well worth having.
• Plasters – I take a few out, not the whole box.
• Re-useable water bottle (I swear by my Chilly’s bottle in this lovely coral colour ).
• Teabags – if you’re going abroad from the UK, you know the pain of not having Yorkshire tea on hand. I always shove a handful of teabags in so I can remain alive every morning. 
• Earplugs – especially if you’re going on a plane.
• Cash – TBH I usually get this out when I arrive and only ever a handful because almost everywhere does contactless payments, which I use the Wise card for because the rate is unbeatable. If you’re not already using Wise to pay for everything while travelling, a) where have you been? and b) here’s my Wise referral link so you can get a fee-free transfer of up to 500 quid.
• Hand sanitiser
• Insect repellant if you’re going to Scotland (midges) or somewhere hot (mosquitoes) – the brand Smidge is unbeatable.
• Umbrella – a mini one . If you don’t, you know it’s going to rain the whole weekend.
• A couple of wire coat hangers – I often find there aren’t enough in hotel rooms even for a short trip.
• A guidebook for wherever you’re going!

Weekend packing list: a printable PDF

Now that I’ve covered everything (I think) on a weekend or long weekend packing list, you might want to start planning. 

I’ve made a printable PDF version of this weekend packing list that you can download and fill in by hand. It’s free, but you have to sign up for my monthly newsletter to get it. Sorry, I know this is bribery. But I’m quite proud of my newsletter and hopefully you’ll enjoy it. It’s just me talking about my latest travel plans, what outfits I’m packing, what books I’ll be taking to read on the plane, and any general travel tips I come across. Sign up below.

Side note: I cannot accept responsibility if your printer doesn’t work and you get so angry with it that you cancel your entire weekend trip…

Save and share: weekend packing list

If you enjoyed this detailed weekend packing list, why not pin it to your Pinterest board?

And if you’ve used one of my travel guides and enjoyed it, you can also buy me a drink . Cheers. 

Is there anything else you always take with you on a weekend away? Let me know in the comments.

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Pack The Suitcases’ 2022 travel roundup

Hi Caroline, is this list assuming that you are taking hold luggage if flying, rather than carry-on? I love the idea of only having carry-on luggage, especially for a short trip, but struggle with the (very limited) allowance for liquids… P.S. Thank you so much for your Cascais blog – just returned from a fabulous week there!

I find it almost impossible to fly with only carry on because of the liquids! I can’t even get my makeup and a deodorant into the little plastic bag. I try not to fly for only a weekend though – normally weekends would be local UK trips by train ☺️

Glad you liked Cascais!

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Men’s Packing List for Europe: 2 Weeks of Essentials in 2024

Planning a trip to Europe is both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to packing. This guide will help you put together the ultimate Men’s Packing List for Europe, making sure you have everything you need to pack for a two-week adventure. 

Whether you’re traveling through Europe for leisure or business, this comprehensive packing list will ensure you don’t forget any essentials. Let’s dive in and make your European travel stress-free!

I did cover some around Europe packing list before and the Packing Tips is another dedicated section for making your life easy for traveling to Europe. 

But then I thought, why haven’t I written anything around the Men Packing List?

Come on Sankalp, you can do better than this 😉

Why You Need a Packing List for Europe

Creating a packing list for Europe is crucial to ensure you have all the essentials without overpacking. Europe offers diverse climates , cultures, and activities, so a well-thought-out packing list can make travel more enjoyable and less stressful. A good packing list helps you stay organized, save space in your luggage, and avoid unnecessary purchases during your trip.

Well yes, and that is why you have a dedicated section about organizing your own packing list in my Notion Travel Planner Template.

What’s the Best Luggage for European Travel?

Choosing the right luggage is a key step in preparing for your trip to Europe, and it’s always a good idea to consider your travel style. For most travelers, a carry-on suitcase or a travel backpack is ideal. Brands like Osprey offer durable and comfortable options that are perfect for navigating European cities and countryside.

And this is something which I have already talked about in detail in my guide where I help you select the right items you’ll need to pack for your adventure. best travel suitcase

Factors to Consider:

• Size and Weight : Aim for lightweight luggage that meets airline carry-on requirements.
• Durability : Your luggage should withstand cobblestone streets and frequent handling.
• Accessibility : Opt for luggage with multiple compartments and easy access.

How to Pack Light for Two Weeks in Europe

Packing light is essential for a hassle-free European adventure, so it’s always a good idea to plan your essentials in advance. Here are some strategies to help you pack efficiently:

• Packing Cubes : These help organize your clothes and maximize space.
• Versatile Clothing : Choose items that can be mixed and matched.
• Limit Shoes : Bring only two pairs of versatile shoes—one pair for walking and one pair for more formal occasions. (Yeah you will not like that, I remember during my 4 days trip to Italy only I packed 2 shoes for the trip but it was only because I was traveling from Germany and not from somewhere far)

Essential Clothing Items for Men

When planning your clothing packing list, consider the activities you’ll be doing and the weather conditions. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you pack smartly:

1. T-Shirts and Long Sleeve Shirts

• T-Shirts: Opt for a mix of plain and patterned t-shirts. They’re great for casual outings and can be layered with other items.
• Long Sleeve Shirts: These are perfect for layering and provide extra warmth during cooler days.

• Moisture wicking fabric is quick-dry & ultra-soft, keeps you cool and dry anytime.4-way stretchy material for excellent flexibility enhances the range of motion.
• Athletic crew neck & short sleeves, Perfect for running, workout and training sports and even as an moisture wicking undershirt.
• Ideal for cooler days, but

• High Quality: Combed Ringspun Cotton is a smoother, more luxurious fabric
• Ultra-Soft Feel: Soft and Comfortable on skin less irriatating on sensitive skin due to smooth yarn finish
• Breathable and Moisture wicking to keep you cool and dry
• Classic Fit with Ribbed Crewneck and our Signature Polo Pony

• Classic fit for loose comfort
• A great choice for everyday or work wear
• Heavyweight tee perfect for layering or on its own
• Taped neck and shoulders for comfort and durability
• Tear away label for customizable comfort
• Screen printing, embroidery, iron-on transfers, bleaching and tie dye
• Companion style: G2000B

2. Travel Pants

• Quick-Drying Pants: Ideal for outdoor activities or unexpected rain, quick-drying pants ensure you stay comfortable.
• Wrinkle-Resistant Pants: Perfect for staying sharp without the need for ironing, especially useful during long trips, it’s a good idea to pack a versatile outfit .
• Shorts:  If I am traveling in summer then yes, I am always carrying a short, When I was in Croatia last summer during July there were heat waves and I barely wore any jeans in that trip. You can read more about that in my Dubrovnik Guide.

• Stretch, lightweight, quick drying fabric for comfort and east of movement
• Stretch fabric is quick drying, water resistant and UPF 50
• Mesh lined pockets 1 side leg pocket with zip closure zip back pockets

• CLASSIC FIT: Roomy through hip & thigh with straight leg. Sits at the waist.
• PERFORMANCE FABRIC: Train in confidence with these lightweight golf pants featuring a moisture-wicking, gentle stretch and wrinkle-resistant fabric
• GOLF STYLING: Designed for optimal performance and all day comfort on or off the course. Shirt-gripping

• Perfect Air Vents Systems & Easily Transform to Capris Pants: Designed for outdoor enthusiasts like you, these hiking pants for men feature strategically placed breathable vents on the inner thighs, ensuring ventilation and preventing heat buildup in any environment. With the innovative button design at the hem, effortlessly

3. Rain Jacket

Always pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket. It’s a lifesaver during sudden showers and can double as a windbreaker.

One thing which I have learned after staying in Europe is that you never know when it rains, So be prepared rather than buying some cheap Poncho for an overpriced cost when it trains.

• High quality special waterproof and windproof fabric offers a breathable and comfortable wear experience in any kinds of weather condition
• Classic and functional design in relaxed fit, zipper , featuring waterproof layer, adjustable drawstring hood, , classic solid color, full protecting you from the rain
• Comes with Carrying

• *SAFE & HIGH-QUALITY RAINCOAT: Made of 100% EVA, an environmentally friendly material, the rain poncho is non-toxic, no smell, and is harmless. Extremely waterproof and lightweight, the long sleeves and big drawstring hood design will keep your arms, head, and neck dry.
• *LIGHTWEIGHT COMPACT & REUSABLE： This transparent

• 【FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITY】The adult rain poncho extremely light weight and easily be folded up to carry in a purse, backpack, luggage and briefcase and take up no space! They can suitable for theme parks, rainy days, water rides, camping, riding, hiking, fishing, travelling, picnic, etc.
• 【UPDATE DESIGN】Each of

4. Light Jacket

A light jacket is perfect for cool evenings or unexpected weather changes. Look for something that’s easy to pack and versatile enough for different settings, especially if you’re planning to travel for 2 weeks.

5. One Pair of Jeans

Jeans are incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Choose a comfortable pair with a good fit, as it’s always a good idea to prioritize comfort while traveling.

Additional Recommendations

6. footwear.

• Sneakers are essential for comfort, especially if you’ll need to pack them for your travels. Comfortable for walking and suitable for casual settings. Remember Europe is all about walking so if you mess up with your shoes then you are screwed in general.
• Dress Shoes: Essential if you plan to attend formal events or dinners.
• Sandals/Flip-Flops: Great for beach days or lounging around.

7. Accessories

• Hat/Cap: Protects you from the sun and adds style to your outfit.
• Sunglasses: Essential for sunny days to protect your eyes, sunglasses are something you’ll need to pack in 2024.
• Scarf/Gloves are crucial for chilly weather, especially if you’re traveling for 2 weeks. If traveling to colder regions, these will keep you warm.

8. Undergarments and Socks

• Pack enough to last between laundry cycles. Quick-drying options are particularly useful.

9. Swimwear

• If you plan on swimming or hitting the beach, don’t forget your swimwear.
• A versatile belt that works with both casual and formal outfits can save space.

Packing Tips for Toiletries and Personal Care

While toiletries are essential , they can also be bulky and heavy. Here’s how to streamline your toiletry packing:

Essentials:

• Travel-Sized Toiletries : Use small containers to save space.
• Toiletry Bag : Keep everything organized in a compact bag.
• Quick Drying Towel : Ideal for hostels or spontaneous swims.

Must-Have Travel Gear and Accessories

Certain travel gear can make your journey through Europe much smoother.

Recommendations:

• Travel Backpack : A smaller day pack is perfect for daily excursions.
• Water Bottle : Stay hydrated with a reusable water bottle.
• Travel Adapter : European outlets vary, so an adapter is crucial. Also if you are planning to stay in Hostel throughout your trip then I would recommend you to carry and extension as well because most of the places you will only get one power slot.

Travel Insurance: Do You Need It?

Travel insurance is often overlooked but can be a lifesaver in emergencies.

• Medical Coverage : Essential if you fall ill or get injured.
• Trip Cancellation : Protects your investment if plans change.
• Lost Luggage Covers costs if your luggage is lost or delayed, which is something you’ll need to pack in 2024.

Backpacking Europe vs. Traditional Travel: What’s Right for You?

Deciding between backpacking and traditional travel depends on your preferences and travel style, but it’s always a good idea to consult the travel community for tips.

Backpacking:

• Flexible Itinerary : Great for spontaneous adventures.
• Budget-Friendly : Often cheaper with hostel stays and budget meals.
• Compact Packing : Requires packing light and smart.

Traditional Travel:

• Comfortable Accommodations Hotels and vacation rentals offer more comfort, and it’s likely that you’ll find better options in 2024.
• Structured Plans : Ideal if you prefer scheduled tours and activities.
• More Luggage : Allows for more clothing and personal items.

Packing for Different Seasons in Europe

Europe’s climate varies widely, so packing appropriately for the season is essential.

• Lightweight Clothing : Breathable fabrics like cotton.
• Sunscreen and Hat : Protect yourself from the sun.
• Warm Layers : Thermal shirts and long pants.
• Heavy Jacket : Insulated and waterproof.
• Gloves and Scarf : Essential for cold weather.

Final Packing Checklist: Don’t Forget These Essentials!

Before you close your suitcase, double-check this list to make sure you have everything you need:

• Passport and Travel Documents
• Travel Insurance
• Clothing (T-Shirts, Long Pants, Rain Jacket )
• Toiletries (Toiletry Bag, Quick Drying Towel)
• Travel Gear (Water Bottle, Adapter, Day Pack)
• Electronics (Phone Charger, Camera)
• Medications
• Snacks are a must-have for long journeys, so it’s likely that you’ll want to pack some for your trip.

Other Europe Packing List Items Not to Forget

• Travel First-Aid kit
• Facial cleansing wipes
• Toothbrush cover
• Dental floss
• Hand sanitizer
• Mini hairbrush
• Nail clippers
• Insect repellent
• Loofah glove
• Sweater Women
• Sweater Men
• Sunglasses Women
• Sunglasses Men
• Passport photos
• Headphone splitter
• Flexible Tripod
• Flash drive
• Memory card
• Kindel Cover
• Vitamins Women
• Vitamins Men
• Travel Toilet Paper
• Shoulder bag Women
• Shoulder bag Men
• Travel pillow
• Travel sheet
• Personal Item Travel Bag

Summary of Most Important Things to Remember:

• Plan your packing list according to activities and weather.
• Use packing cubes to save space.
• Bring versatile clothing that can be layered.
• Limit yourself to two pairs of shoes.
• Always pack travel insurance for peace of mind.
• Choose a travel backpack or carry-on suitcase for convenience.
• Customize your packing list based on the season you’re traveling in, which is especially important if you’ll need to pack for varying climates.

Happy travels!

Sankalp Singh is the Founder and Author of Chasing Whereabouts. He is passionate about travel, photography, and food. He has travelled across Europe extensively to experience its quirks, culture, and diversity. He is a self-taught traveller and he has been exploring the world since the age of 25. When he is not travelling, you can find him at work being a Software Engineer in 9-5 Job.

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The Ultimate Summer In Europe Packing Guide

Last Updated August 23, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Packing Lists » The Ultimate Summer In Europe Packing Guide

Summer in Europe is a dreamy blissful bucket list item for many of us. Sipping Aperol in Italian cities, eating paella in Spain, strolling along avenues of ancient tree lined streets, swimming in the Mediterranean. There are so many amazing things to do in Europe in the summer, so much so that even Europeans don’t tend to go far for their summer vacations! 

But knowing what to pack particularly if you are hopping around a few countries, can be an overwhelming challenge! We have road tested what to wear, what tech to bring, and how to juggle the liquids limit even if you don’t check a bag! 

Lets jump into the ultimate summer in Europe packing guide!

In This Article

How to keep packing within budget european airline restrictions, backpacks, suitcases, and personal bags, miscellaneous electronics, additional extras, tech gadgets, frequently asked questions, need even more packing guidance, ready to explore europe in the summer, travel resources for your next trip, what to pack for summer in europe.

What you will learn from this packing guide

• Learn how to hack the system for budget airline baggage restrictions. 
• Plan how to dress like they do in Europe
• Hack tech packing with our go to list of tech gadgets

TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO EUROPE

• Where to stay: We use Booking.com for all of our stays. Alternatively, you can always see if hotel corporate codes might work for you.
• Must pack item: Discovering packing cubes is a real game changer, we love the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube . They just make sense!
• Car rentals – If you are strictly staying in big cities then you don’t really need a car but if you are taking a road trip you are better to book your car rental in advance. Save the most money through car rental coupon codes and always start your search with Discover Cars and RentalCars so you know what the best deals are.
• Flights – International flights can get expensive so use the Skyscanner “Everywhere” feature to find the best deals from your local airport. Check how much it would be for you to get to Europe!
• Insurance – Not always required but always recommended! Make sure you’re covered with the best travel insurance .
• Hottest deals – Never be without our frequently updated travel deals page .

Not all airline baggage allowances are made equal and that has never been more true than when using European budget airlines. Dimensions are confusingly almost always different, with Ryanair generally being the default smallest carry on allowance. 

If you are flying in and out with a US or Canadian airline and not taking any intercontinental short flights then you’ll be fine. But if you are packing for a Eurotrip and country hopping you’re going to need to pack smart.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! With these handy tips you can pack light and pack smart, even if you only take carry on bags! 

• Carefully check baggage sizes – Don’t assume your bag sizes are the same for every airline, check ahead with each airline you are flying with and keep your bag within the smallest limit. Most of the time airlines will ask you to check your bag size at the gate and if it doesn’t fit you’ll be charged a hefty fee. 
• Know the difference between personal item and carry-on bag – A lot of European budget airlines allow a personal item and a carry-on bag, or you opt for the personal item plus a check in bag. A personal item is usually the size of a small backpack and NOT a wheeled suitcase. That is generally counted as a carry-on bag with a 10kg weight limit. 
• Get smart with compression packing cubes – It is impressive what you can fit into a personal item size bag if you use compression cubes. I’ve packed an entire week of clothes plus basic tech items into one of those bags with some serious cramming. 
• Remember the liquids limit – Some airports in Europe are now phasing out the 100ml liquids limit but majority still restrict your liquids. The general rule is anything that can melt, so that includes hair gels, lip balms, and any non powder make ups. These all need to be in under 100ml containers that then fit within a 1 liter bag. Just to make it extra tricky!  

Summer In Europe Packing Guide

Once you have figured out what limits you have to work with then you can prepare the bags you are packing with. If you aren’t checking in a bag then go for the option that allows a carry-on bag PLUS a personal item, then pack smart! 

Here it can go down to personal preference to a certain extent, if you don’t want to carry a few heavy bags then opt for a small wheeled suitcase and a small backpack for your personal item. The backpack then can double up as your day pack when you’re out roaming each day. 

The ‘Personal’ Bag

Think of this as the handbag of your cabin baggage, compact, functional, not meant to hold a lot. But if you pack well this can be a really handy way to grab extra packing space. 

The New Outlander is a great multifunction bag to use as your personal item. It is packable and very lightweight but still holds a decent amount of gear. The tricky part is if you are taking a lot of gear (camera, video, and laptop) you’re going to need padded compartments and they can get bulkier. In this instance work out what you can balance between the carry-on and the personal item. 

We also always bring the Victorinox Travel Organizer which is great to keep cards, travel documents, money, and pens all in one spot.  So when you’re at the airport, just pull out this organizer and you’re good to go to check-in, go through customs, and get through the gate.

The Carry-On

To balance the load, a wheeled suitcase is a good option, just be aware that if you are going through old towns you are likely to encounter uneven ground, and a lot of those cute old apartment buildings don’t have elevators.

Modern carry-on’s have nifty quick-access front compartments, power bank integration, cup-holder, and built-in TSA locks.

If you’re carrying a lot of camera gear, you should definitely take a look at Shimoda and their line of photography and adventure-driven backpacks. Currently, we’re using the Shimoda Action X V2 with a Large Mirrorless Core . For more urban pursuits, the Urban Explore is excellent. Just be careful with weight limits especially if you’re flying a low cost carrier such as Ryanair.

As an alternative, we’re also big fans of the Peak Design 30L Travel Backpack which is packed with features for camera gear. You’ll also need to pair this with a camera cube . For more space, consider the 45L variant .

The Check-In Bag

Having a good check-in is also really important for any trip to Europe but a big part of it will depend on the style of trip, how much you need to pack, and your own preferences . Of course, if you’re in the carry-on only camp, skip this part!

As we mentioned above, suitcases in Europe can be tricky especially with the amount of stairs and cobblestone road. That said, suitcases can totally still work in Europe and will be the best choice, especially if you already have a backpack as a carry-on.

The two main types of suitcases are hard-side or soft-side. The current trend is for hard shell suitcases because of their styling but the drawback is that they get scratched easily and are usually not expandable. Fabric-exterior suitcases may not look as cool but they have more give when it comes to packing more in.

The other feature to consider is how suitcase open up. Some have one top lid cover, revealing a large space. There are others that open up like a book, revealing two separate compartments that can be individually closed off or at least separated by mesh.

Our current favorite is the Db’s Ramverk check-in luggage in the medium size , a hard-sided suitcase that opens like a book. This is what you see in the photo above and we’ve used it on recent trips including throughout Hokkaido , our 7 days in Shikoku , and week in Hong Kong .

PRO TIP: Make sure you get a suitcase with 4 wheels. Also not all wheels are made equal. In this case, the bigger, the better. Hinomoto wheels are the top industry standard.

Hiking Backpack

For many trips to Europe, a hiking backpack makes a lot of sense because it gives you complete mobility which is great for when you’re making a dash to make a train, or simply moving about with local transit where you’re going up and down stairs a ton.

What if you have a day backpack and a big backpack, you ask? Well, you simply wear one in the back and the other in the front.

Your best bet for picking out a backpack will be to visit your local MEC if you’re in Canada or REI if you’re in the US . Going in-store is really helpful because the staff can offer suggestions and most importantly, figure out the right size and settings for your body frame.

The volume you’re looking for is 40L to 65L and a feature to look out for is the trampoline back panel for ventilation.

Modern duffels built for travel are a great option as well, especially if you prefer a bag that you can quickly sling onto your shoulder or back. Travel duffels have the distinct advantage of being able to store a lot more and also have a much wider opening than your standard top-loaded backpack.

The best one on the market is the Peak Design Travel Duffel which comes in 4 sizes – 35L, 50L, 65L, and 80L. The beauty of this bag is that you can hand hold it, sling it around your shoulder, or convert the straps to work as a backpack.

Some airports have plastic bags for you to put your 100ml liquids into but prepare in advance by having one of these ready with all your mini bottles and tubs . Something like this is also useful with the bottles designed to fit snugly within the liquids bag.

Make use of stuff sacks. For t-shirts we love the Eagle Creek organizer that allows you to cram SO MUCH into one nice little neat package. It’s all thanks to the technique of rolling your clothes ( see our video ). Then simply throw it into the backpack and with the handle at the top, all you have to do is pull it out.  

The stuff sack mesh bags are also critical to any backpacker. Get them set up in different colors and that way you keep your pack organized and don’t have to dig through piles of clothes inside the bag. Need PJ’s or that button up shirt? Just pull out the blue bag. Need underwear or socks? Just pull out the orange bag. It makes life so much easier.

• Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube : This packing cube was one of the best discoveries. This helps keep clothes nice and tidy.
• Color Coded Mesh Bags : Any mesh bag will do but make sure they’re color coded. 
• Compression bags : You can get pretty crafty with these and pack them tight before slipping into your personal item bag. Just still be aware of the weight, smaller doesn’t mean lighter! So if you put it into your carry-on cabin bag it likely will be weighed and you don’t want to tip over the 10kg limit when you arrive at the gate.

Depending on where in Europe you are visiting, you can play around a little with levels of stylishness. For cities such as Barcelona, Berlin, and Milan aim to look a little more groomed, Italians in particular are known for being VERY well put together so try to blend in a little. Have some fun with it! 

This is a general idea of how much you need to pack and what my go-to items tend to be. You don’t need to go wild with loads of options, stick to a theme, and then it’s easier to mix and match your outfit. 

Something to keep in mind is that it also gets very hot in Europe in the summer so you’ll want to find a nice balance between style and staying cool.

• Shirts and T-shirts: Pack a couple of good button down shirts, linen and cotton is better for heat and humidity in the summer. Then maybe 5 t-shirts, you don’t really need many more if you utilize hand washing as you go. Do one or 2 a night and you’ll never run out of clean clothes. We recommend a nice mix of dry-fit shirts like the Arc’teryx Cormac and Unbound Merino t-shirts that can be dressed up or down.
• Underwear: Similar idea, budget in 7 sets of socks/underwear for 14 days. If you plan to be in flip flops or sandals more often then just pack a couple of pairs of socks for whenever you wear sneakers. Our go-to underwear is the ExOfficio Give-N-Go , the best travel boxers hands-down.
• Pants: Jeans are a no-no, they are heavy and hard to pack when short on space. Pack a couple of pairs of shorts, cargo pants also work especially if they are those you can zip the pant legs off to turn into shorts. Then have one or 2 pairs of good Unbound Merino travel pants that you can wear to smarter places. European cities tend to be quite stylish so these clean and comfy pants will help you not stand out like a tourist everywhere.
• Swim gear: Versatility is key. We love Billabong hybrid shorts because they’re perfect for the water but they also look fantastic on land. Also pack in a quick dry towel , don’t make the mistake of buying a small one. It’s just not worth it to annoyingly dry yourself with something the size of a hand towel. This one is great because it’s large (XL in fact), packs into a small form factor, and dries quickly. While mostly used in hostels, this is the kind of thing that’s always nice to have with you because you never know.
• Waterproof layer: In most cases, we prefer having this waterproof jacket versus an umbrella. Shells like this are perfect for traveling because they’re versatile, light, and easily packable.
• Warm layer: Depending on where you are in Europe there might be some cooler evenings, pack a lightweight sweater to throw on or use your waterproof light jacket as your extra layer.
• Headgear: The Outdoor Research Radar Pocket Cap is a great travel hat because you can fold the brim and put it in your pocket when you aren’t using it. Another a great addition is Buff Headwear , you can wear on your wrist to wipe sweat away or around your neck if it’s cold or even on your head if looking for more protection from the sun. It’s a pretty sweet piece of travel gear that everyone should own. Read our full review of the Buff .
• Sunglasses: This is a summer in Europe packing guide after all, sunglasses are an essential part of your packing list! We are big fans of Maui Jim so always pack the a pair in addition with to Croakies to keep them around our neck.

With a couple of solid basics you can cover most options, hiking along cliffside paths, exploring cities, or hitting the beach. Pack smart and you are prepared for anything! 

The obvious rule also goes that it is a terrible idea to pack shoes you’ve not worn in. The last thing you want is to spend the first day in your new shoes to find they have caused terrible blisters! You’ll spend the rest of your trip uncomfortable. So get those shoes good and worn in before putting them in your packing! 

• All purpose comfortable walking shoes: The most comfy shoes we’ve found for extended walking is the Altra Lone Peak 8 . These are game-changing zero-drop trail running shoes. For a proper hiker, the Merrell Moab Ventilators Hiking Shoe are one of the best in the market.
• Sandals: I have reviewed Rainbow Sandals extensively before but we can’t go on a summer trip without Keen’s Newport H2’s (read our review ). They’re extremely comfortable and can handle being in the water, and perfect for the beach.
• Smart shoe: For the ultimate shoe that can be dressed up, casual, and also waterproof at the same time, the Vessi Everyday Classic might be able to replace all of the above shoes.

While you can pick up most things when you get to Europe, if you are hopping on and off flights between a few destinations you could be wasting a lot of liquids. So get those travel sized bottles ready and remember your essentials.

• Hair stuff: Gel, hairspray, putty – whatever is your go-to. 
• Face cleanser: We love the Cetaphil Face Cleanser , but pack whatever works for you.
• Body wash, shampoo and conditioner: Unless you have super sensitive skin or unruly hair an all in one works pretty well.
• Sunscreen: If you have sensitive skin remember one for your face and another for your body.  Our current favourite is the La Roche-Posay for face and reef-friendly Sun Bum 50 SPF for everywhere else.
• Chapstick: One with sun protection is a great idea.
• Toothpaste and toothbrush: Those toothpaste tabs can also work well if you are short on liquid space. It can be a bit overkill but a portable Sonicare toothbrush is great, just charge to full before you leave.
• Off Mosquito Repellent : Depending on the time of year and where you are in Europe, mosquitoes can be a problem. It’s always good to have one with you in case.
• Nail Clippers : I don’t know about you but hangnails are the worst. Don’t forget to pack your favorite nail clippers. These are allowed on carry-ons according to the TSA .
• Emergency medication: Have a supply of meds like bandaids, Reactine and Immodium. Better to be prepared than caught short and scrambling around looking for a pharmacy. 
• Hanging Toiletries case: Once you’ve got your liquids through security you can transfer it to a more user friendly bag. The Peak Design Small Wash Pouch is our go to. It is simply designed and has a great set up of pockets, zippers and elastic holders. The must-have feature for any toiletries organizer is the hook.  Hanging your bag is always a better option than letting it sit on the sink especially if you’re using hostel bathrooms.

If you aren’t packing a whole tech section like us (travel blogger life!), these are solid basics to keep you covered with everything you need. 

• Waterproof phone case: This soft case is great because it’s extremely easy to roll away and still provides you touch control if you put your phone inside. Only bring this if you think there’s a chance you’ll go out into the water (i.e. kayak or canoe).
• Plug Adapters for UK and EU: It is good to have a random assortment of plug adapters to hand, we have plenty we’ve collected over the years. Always do your research beforehand but in Europe you’re mostly dealing with these two types of plugs. Universal adapters are good but the problem is with all the devices you have you’ll need multiple. An individual travel adapter like this are more useful.
• Chargers and Cables: I pretty much throw all the random cables, chargers, and power bank into a Peak Design Tech Pouch and stash away in your day pack or suitcase. The organizer is really helpful to stop cables getting tangled and keep them all in one place.
• Power Bank: We have so many power-hogging devices these days so it’s critical you have a quick-charge and small battery power bank that has both USB-C and USB-A outlets.
• Shaver: There’s been a lot of advancements in portable shavers. This palm-sized and USB-chargeable shaver is a great one to have in your packing list.
• Smartphone: You’re probably not going to forget this but make sure you have this loaded up with the apps you need for the trip, offline Google maps saved, and your eSIM such as Airalo set up. We use the Peak Design Everyday Case .
• Headphones: Keep yourself entertained during plane and train rides.

Here are a few extra things you might need to add to your summer in Europe packing guide but it is entirely a personal preference. 

• Money Belt: We have a love-hate relationship with the money belt . On one hand, it was a savior when my backpack was stolen in Paris many years ago. On the other hand, it’s annoying, uncomfortable and sweaty to wear all day. As an alternative, there’s also the infinity scarf with built-in hidden pocket , bra wallet , or neck wallet .
• Student Card: If you have a student card, don’t forget to pack it. Some tickets
• Travel Wallet: If you want to switch up from the wallet you use at home so as not to confuse currency and travel cards, the Sea To Summit Travel Wallet is great because it has a zippered component for coins and has tons of slots and dividers.
• Carabiners: This is one of our secret packing hacks that’s super handy to have. For example if you have a small shopping bag, instead of holding it, you can hook the bag to the carabiner and the carabiner to your backpack. Our favorite is the S-biner , an s-shaped carabiner.
• Reusable water Bottle: Arrive at the airport with it empty and utilize the refill water fountains in most bathrooms to fill up before you get on the plane. 
• Luggage Lock: TSA-approved luggage locks are useful for your suitcase if there isn’t one built-in or you can use it to close up backpack zippers.
• OM System OM-1 Mark 2 : We’ve been a OM System (previously Olympus) photographer for over 10 years and this is their newest camera body. We love using micro four thirds because the gear is much smaller and lighter than full frame. In addition, OM System cameras are weather-proof which is key for travel. All of our photos and videos are primarily shot with this camera system.
• OM System M.Zuiko ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II : We travel with more lenses than this but this one is our best all-around lens that can shoot wide but also has some reach as well.
• Peak Design Travel Tripod : This is always a tough choice but I usually end up packing it just in case we’re photographing anything that requires long exposure or if we both need to be in a shot. We use the carbon-fiber version of the tripod which we’ve reviewed .
• Peak Design Mobile Tripod : Small and mighty, this perfectly pairs with the Everyday Case and allows us to prop our phone up for group photos and videos.
• Insta360 X4 : You’ll be surprised to hear that we no longer use GoPro anymore. The Insta360 is an awesome action camera because you don’t need to worry about framing anymore and figure it out later in post.
• DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone : Our current travel-friendly drone.
• Rocket Air Blaster : An essential part of our camera kit as a first step to remove dust from lenses.
• Lens Pen : The set of lens pens is incredibly handy to make sure your lenses are dust, water-drop, and fingerprint-free. The smaller one is also useful to clean the camera viewfinder and drone camera.
• 14″ M3 MacBook Pro : This is our powerhouse laptop that can handle all of our photo and video editing needs.

Things You Probably Didn’t Think About

• Two separate photocopies of your passport, credit cards and other important cards – After making the photocopies, just make sure they are stored in two separate bags. If you ever get one stolen, you’ll always have the other. This is a worst case scenario kind of thing where if you lost your passport and need some sort of way to prove your identity to the embassy.
• Call your credit cards – Before you head out, it takes literally 5 minutes to call each credit card company and let them know about your travel plans.
• Adjust your camera clocks beforehand – A huge pet peeve is having the wrong timestamp on photos and videos. The best way is to either adjust it beforehand or you can also set up a calendar reminder to pop up when you land.
• Format your memory cards – The worst is when you start taking photos/videos with your camera and you run out of memory really quickly because you forgot to clean out the old photos from a previous trip. At this point, you’re stuck with switching to a new memory card or deleting old photos one at a time which is extremely painful.

That should have you covered! It might seem like a lot but if you aren’t packing the extra tech like we do you’ll have plenty of space for souvenirs. Hopefully these packing tips have given you an idea of things to think about when you start throwing things in the corner as the lead up to procrastination of packing.

Absolutely yes! If you pack smart and plan your outfits so you can have multiple combinations with a select few items. Also utilise the carry on and personal item rule so you can stuff an extra smaller bag for your personal item with essential extras.

Likely no. More northern countries will be cooler so you could wear jeans but unless you travel wearing your jeans they can take up extra weight and baggage space than a more lightweight pair of trousers would.

The key is layers, mediterranean climates are generally pretty warm in summer but if you are by the coast there can be a cooler breeze at night. If you are heading to the UK or Ireland you will still need to prepare with either an umbrella or a waterproof layer, rain is always expected!

• How to Hand Wash Your Clothes When Travelling
• Video – How To Hand Wash Your Clothes On The Road
• Best SIM card to get for a trip to Europe
• Cheapest Way To Travel Europe – Getting Around On A Budget
• Santorini In 3 Days – Itinerary And Travel Guide
• What To See In London As A First Timer
• Top 10 Reasons To Visit Barcelona – Is It Worth It?
• 7 Day Ireland Itinerary – Ultimate Road Trip Guide For The South

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100% .

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card . Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature . Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300 ) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.

eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. The one we find using the most is Airalo . Save money by getting region-specific eSIMs and use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase. Ubigi is another one that we’ve had success with where they uniquely offer 5G coverage. Use code AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order. The newest eSIM we’ve tried is KnowRoaming that sneakily has great rates on unlimited plans. We’ve partnered with them to give you a custom code GAP10 to save you 10%.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts . Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key ).

Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

• HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
• RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
• SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
• Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
• InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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The Ultimate Turkey Packing List

We asked a Turkish tour guide to lay out everything you need to pack for your next trip to Turkey, from Istanbul to Bodrum.

Bags and Accessories

Frequently asked questions.

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan

It’s hard — dare I say, near impossible — to pinpoint the highlights of a trip to Turkey . I’ve been to the country nearly a dozen times and I still find something new and amazing to marvel at each time I go. Foodies will find solace in the unmatched sweet and savory world of Turkish cuisine (for me, nothing beats kahvalti, aka Turkish breakfast). History buffs can check ancient wonders of the world and archaeological excavations off their bucket list. And those who travel to let loose will find no shortage of stunning rooftop bars and clubs to sip rakı into the night.

But it’s not always easy to sort out a packing list when the country has so much to offer — especially if you’re planning to visit multiple regions or have little knowledge on how to efficiently dress for a visit to a place of worship in the morning and rooftop cocktails come sunset. In the beginning, I found it tricky to narrow down exactly what to pack, but I ultimately found my packing list for Turkey was no different from what I would bring to, say, Paris or Rome.

“People might expect Turkey to be a conservative country before coming here — probably because of our proximity to the Middle East — but the country became a secular republic in 1923,” explains Istanbul-based tour guide Ali Faik Anayurt. “Although over 95 percent of the people in Turkey identify as Muslim, the Turkish Republic respects secular values and is far from using religion as a form of governance.”

As a result, Anayurt says modern-day Turkey is a place where diversity, cultural differences, and various ethnic backgrounds coexist with respect. So, when visiting as a tourist, you can plan to dress just like you would in any European country rather than having to stock up on a conservative-leaning wardrobe.

Travel + Leisure / Kaitlyn Mcinnis

Keep in mind that the weather in Turkey varies greatly based on the specific region and time of year. I tend to bring a lot of layers when I visit Turkey in the cooler months. Istanbul is pretty temperate in the fall, for example, but once you head north, you’ll notice the weather cools off quite quickly. The weather in Turkey gets very hot in the summer months no matter where you visit, so bringing along lightweight clothing is key.

Best Lightweight Pants for Men

Patagonia men's terrebonne joggers.

The Patagonia Terrebonne Joggers are an awesome option for traveling in different climates and around cities. These comfy joggers offer a tapered fit that are relatively stylish while also offering enough give and stretch so you can comfortably wear them while doing more strenuous activities, like hiking along the Turkish Riviera or horseback riding in Cappadocia. We love these pants due to their lightweight design — but it also helps that they’re water-resistant, quick-drying, and offer UPF-40 sun protection. We also noticed these pants are surprisingly durable despite the fact that they’re ultra-thin and lightweight.

Best Lightweight Pants for Women

Calia women's truelight cargo pocket jogger.

The CALIA Women's Truelight Cargo Pocket Jogger are our top pick for the best lightweight joggers for women . These pants are incredibly comfortable and stretchy thanks to the lightweight blend of polyester and spandex. We also love that they look and feel like a more put-together version of your typical leggings, so you can easily get away with wearing these around Istanbul, while at the airport, or doing more fitness-inclined activities in the Turkish countryside. It’s also worth noting that these joggers come in 10 different colorways, so you can choose the one that best suits your style.

Best Jacket for Men

Patagonia men’s nano puff jacket.

If you’re heading to the cooler regions of Turkey or planning a trip in the fall or winter, you’ll want to make sure you pack a light jacket. The Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket is a great option you can easily pull out of your suitcase when needed or stuff into your backpack without taking up much space. The classic, quilted design and muted colorway also make this a timeless option that’ll look great in the city; you can just as easily get away with wearing this to dinner in Istanbul or to keep warm while flying over Cappadocia in a hot air balloon.

Best Jacket for Women

Columbia women's switchback iii jacket.

Turkey tends to be pretty warm compared to most places in North America — but if you’re visiting in the fall or winter, you’ll still want to bring a warm, packable jacket in case it gets chilly. The Columbia Women's Switchback III Jacket is a great option to have on hand. It’s lightweight and packable but still protects you from the elements. It even has a built-in hood, which can be a life-saver if you get caught in the wind and rain that can sometimes hit Istanbul for days on end come fall and winter. It’s also very durable and made of long-lasting materials, so you don’t have to be precious about shoving it into your backpack when you don’t need it.

If you plan on visiting any sites of worship, you’ll want to make sure you have comfortable walking shoes that are easy to slip on and slip off in a hurry. “Due to our cultural emphasis on cleanliness and to keep mosques clean in Islamic tradition, you should take off your shoes before entering any mosque,” explains Anayurt. “You can do this before entering the mosque, just before the main entrance on the clean mats. You don't need to take off your socks, but you can bring clean socks to change into if you wish.”

If you’re planning any outdoor adventures — like hopping into a hot air balloon in Cappadocia — you’ll also want to make sure you have comfortable and relatively warm closed-toe shoes. I was incredibly grateful to have warm feet once up in the sky — you really don’t realize how cold a hot air balloon ride is until you’re floating high above the clouds! Staying in the city or heading to the Turkish Riviera? Make sure to have at least one pair of dressy shoes or sandals that will work for dinner out.

Best Walking Shoes for Men

On cloud 5 men's shoe.

If there’s one pair of shoes you bring on your trip to Turkey, make it a comfortable pair of walking shoes like the On Cloud 5. You’re likely going to be walking a lot, sometimes on uneven sidewalks or cobblestones, so the zero-gravity foam sole and additional traction will be extremely welcomed. These shoes are also designed with a breathable and antimicrobial mesh upper, which allows your feet to stay fresh and comfy all day (and you won’t have to worry about any mysterious odors). The understated design also makes it easy to wear these shoes to dinner; you won’t have to change into dress shoes unless you’re going somewhere particularly swanky.

Best Walking Shoes for Women

Nike motiva women's walking shoes.

You’ll never regret packing a good pair of walking shoes, especially when navigating the streets of Istanbul. I tried to get away with wearing ballet flats and loafers but ultimately caved and bought an actual pair of sneakers for days when I knew I would be walking a lot. The Nike Motiva Road Runner Walking Shoe is a great option if you want something that is stylish and on trend but also offers arch support and cushioning. They’re flexible and comfortable to wear for hours and also come in several cool colors.

Best Sandals for Men

Mohinders woven city slipper.

Unless you’re planning to stay exclusively at resorts or in beach towns on the Turkish Riviera, you’ll want to opt for a pair of sandals that are slightly more sophisticated than your average pair of flip-flops. These woven city slippers from Mohinders will do the job just fine. They’re breathable and very comfy to walk in for long periods of time, and the leather design is sleek and totally appropriate to wear into museums, restaurants, and bars in Istanbul and beyond. We also like that this pair comes in a handful of different colored leathers, so you can pick and choose based on the rest of your travel wardrobe.

Best Sandals for Women

Sandalup elastic flat sandals.

The Sandalup Elastic Flat Sandals hold the top spot in our books as the best sandals for women for a variety of reasons. The first thing we love about them is that they’re incredibly comfortable and breathable, thanks to the padded footbed and elastic straps. They also form right to your foot and offer a secure fit without being too tight. These sandals are also incredibly budget-friendly and last a long time, even if you wear them day in and day out on your sojourns. It’s also worth noting that they’re easy to slip on and off — perfect for popping into mosques without holding up the queue.

While you don’t need to invest in a conservative wardrobe for your trip, if you want to visit a mosque or shrine, there are some conditions to keep in mind, Anayurt points out. For example, women should plan to wear a headscarf when entering a mosque. I didn’t bother purchasing a traditional hijab or anything like that but opted for a multipurpose pashmina that I ended up also using as a shawl to cover my shoulders on chilly evenings.

What’s more, although Turkey is a very safe country for travelers and tourists, it’s always important to stay vigilant wherever you are, especially in population-dense areas like Istanbul. I haven’t yet invested in slash-proof bags and other anti-theft accessories for my trips there — but that’s not to say it’s not a good idea to take precaution. At the very least, choose items that will increase your level of comfort while putting in long days of exploration.

Best Sunglasses

Raen keera sunglasses.

The Raen Keera cat-eye sunglasses are our favorite sunglasses for traveling . Not only are these sunglasses stylish and versatile enough to wear with just about any outfit or occasion, but they’re also comfortable enough to wear all day. The design is slightly oversized and doesn’t pinch near the ears or nose. They also come with a conveniently slim protective case that allows you to easily store them in your travel handbag or backpack without worrying about damaging the lenses or arms. It’s worth noting that these sunglasses aren’t polarized, but the lenses are dark enough to prevent any uncomfortable glare or brightness.

Best Backpack

Solo re:define backpack.

The Solo Re:Define Backpack  won us over  on so many levels when it comes to the best backpack for exploring on foot. It’s incredibly lightweight and small but the interior is surprisingly spacious and will easily fit everything you’ll need for a full day on the go. The exterior of the bag is water-resistant and made from an antimicrobial material which is great for schlepping through the city streets. It’s also worth noting that this bag has a built-in USB port and a pocket for a portable charger for added convenience.

Best Crossbody Purse/Belt Bag

Lululemon everywhere belt bag 1l, gerinly lightweight printed cotton scarf.

I really love visiting mosques while I’m in Turkey (I find the architecture and atmosphere to be absolutely beautiful) but I never felt the need to invest in a traditional headscarf. Instead, I use the Gerinly Lightweight Printed Cotton Scarf, which can also function as a shawl on chilly evenings or even a beach coverup at a resort. It’s lightweight so you won’t find your head getting sweaty when wearing it as a headscarf, and it packs down pretty small so you can either tie it to your handbag or throw it into your backpack when you don’t need it.

The gear I pack for Turkey is pretty much identical to what I bring when I’m heading to a European city. You’ll want to ensure you have the right tech to keep your devices working and juiced up while putting in long days exploring the city.

Turkey is also a particularly beautiful country with varying landscapes and interesting architectural styles. The magnificence of the hot air balloon spectacle at sunrise in Cappadocia, for example, will never look as good in photos as it does in real life (or at least I couldn’t capture it!), but investing in a decent digital camera might be worth it if you’re hoping to snap the memories as best as possible. And who can forget a reliable sunscreen to protect your skin while out all day.

Best Adapter

Epicka universal travel adapter.

Turkey uses the Type C and Type F plugs. So if you’re traveling with tech from North America or the U.K., you’ll need an adaptor. Traveling with a ton of different adapters is kind of a pain, which is why we love the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter. It works in over 150 different countries thanks to the toggle outlets and can charge or power up to six devices at once (including everything from smartphones to laptops) so you don’t need to worry about packing multiple adapters. This option is also very compact compared to other  travel adapters  and won’t take up all that much space in your carry-on.

Sony Alpha 7R V

The Turkish landscape is incredibly diverse and gorgeous. So if you’ve been considering investing in a camera for travel, now might be the time to finally do it. The Sony Alpha 7R V is our top pick if you’re looking for crisp, high-quality imagery. It also offers excellent 8K video footage and intelligent features that makes shooting on the go efficient. The battery life is also particularly impressive so you won’t have to fret over charging your camera every night while traveling. We also really like how compact and lightweight this camera is; it won’t weigh you down while exploring.

Best Sunscreen

Banana boat sport performance sunscreen lotion.

You’ll want to ensure you have sunscreen with you while visiting Turkey, even if you’re not going to the beach. The Mediterranean sun is strong, and while I always come back with a pretty nice tan, I make sure to bring a travel-friendly sunscreen with me to reapply throughout the day. The Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Lotion is a great option. It’s budget-friendly, can easily fit into a handbag, and doesn’t leave a sticky residue or make your skin look chalky after applying. It actually feels pretty moisturizing and leaves the skin hydrated. It also doesn’t transfer onto clothing, which is a huge bonus.

Best Portable Power Bank

Anker powercore 13000 portable battery.

If you’re spending any amount of time exploring, we always recommend bringing along a portable power bank. The Anker PowerCore 13000 Portable Battery is teeny-tiny and won’t take up any space in your day bag — but the 13,000 mAh capacity can still fully charge your phone up to three times on a single charge. We also really like that this power bank has two different USB ports, so you can actually charge two different devices at one time. Note that this charger comes with an 18-month warranty just in case.

No, Americans do not need a visa to visit Turkey. There was a visa requirement for Americans up until early 2024,  but now, Americans and Canadians are permitted to enter Turkey visa-free. You’ll just want to keep in mind that the country follows the same system as Europe — you can stay for up to 90 days within a given 180-day period.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Kaitlyn McInnis used her experience as a full-time travel writer living part-time in Istanbul to curate the best options to suit most itineraries. She drew on inspiration from her multiple trips across Turkey, including to hotspots like Cappadocia and the Turkish countryside. Kaitlyn also interviewed Ali Faik Anayurt, a senior Istanbul-based tour guide who graduated from Gazi University with a degree in tourism guidance and has lived in Turkey his whole life. Anayurt shared his insights on the do's and don’ts of packing for Turkey, along with some of the best advice he has given to his clients over his decade-long career when preparing for their trips.

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