Packing Essentials
My Packing List
Packing used to be a major challenge for me and it would stress me out. I’d always end up over packing and bringing way too much. And then I was always annoyed with all the unnecessary stuff I had to lug around.
Over the years I’ve learned what I actually need and what I’ll actually wear. And if I forget something I really need, there will always be a CVS or some other kind of store I can run into and grab whatever item I forgot, like toothpaste, which happened recently!
I never check in luggage because I’ve figured out how to pack everything I need into a carry on suitcase and backpack. Pack light and you will be a happy traveler. Here is my recommended packing list for a one week trip. If you are gone longer than one week, you can do laundry and shouldn’t need to bring much more than this.
Clothing
- 7 t-shirts (short or long sleeved depending on the climate)
- 1 dress, blouse or dress shirt for going out to a nice place
- 1 sweatshirt or sweater
- 1 pair of jeans
- 7 pairs of socks
- 7 pairs of boxers/underwear
- 1 pair of comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes
- 1 pair of comfortable sandals or dress shoes
- Something comfortable to sleep in
- Optional: 1 bathing suit
- Optional: 1 pair of shorts
- Optional: 1 pair of leggings to wear under a dress or jeans if it’s cold
Toiletries
- 1 toothbrush
- 1 travel size toothpaste tube
- 1 razor
- 1 package of dental floss
- 1 comb/brush
- 1 stick of deodorant
- 1 pack of face cleansing towelettes
- 1 bottle of face lotion with at least SPF 15
- 1 bottle of hand sanitizer
- 1 pair of ear plugs
- 5 band-aids
- 7 Q-tips
- Optional: hairbands and clips
- Optional: feminine hygiene products
- Optional: travel size shampoo, conditioner and shower gel
- Optional: make-up (keep it simple though. I usually just pack mascara, and eyebrow pencil)
Miscellaneous
- Chargers/adapters
- Laptop/tablet
- Camera
- Tripod/selfie stick (especially for solo travelers)
- A book (or some other activity like a sudoku book or knitting)
- Sunglasses
- Sunblock
- Baseball cap
Pro tip: Use carry on luggage with wheels. My carry on bags alway have wheels. It’s much easier for me, especially when I have to walk a few blocks to a train station or through a huge airport.
Be sure to think through the climate of your destination. Do you need rainboots and an umbrella? Maybe you don’t need sandals. Perhaps you’re going on a camping trip, then bring your camping gear!
You may look at this list and think I forgot something or have unnecessary items. Everyone has a different list, this is a suggested list of my go-to items. Be sure to personalize this list to meet your needs. And always remember to pack light!
Happy travels!