Staying Healthy While Traveling in Winter

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!