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What is it about packing for a trip that can suddenly make you feel like you have a million other things to do instead? In this guide we will cover how to pack for any trip and make it less stressful with our tried and true packing strategies for female travelers!
How to Pack for Any Trip: To Pack Light or Not?
Now, this won’t be your typical “pack light” guide. I personally think that the idea of packing light is an overplayed cliche. My advice? Pack what you need (within reason). I personally am a chronic over packer (my sister Allison can tell you all about it). However, to-date there have been no trips where I get to my destination and just decide I don’t “need” or won’t use something I’ve packed so I don’t feel like I’ve gone THAT overboard. I typically use everything I’ve packed, and I like to be prepared so I certainly do not subscribe to the advice to “bring less than you think you’ll need”. On the flip side there have been trips where I tried this “pack light” idea and ended up spending a lot of time and money running around my destination looking for something that I actually did need and just left it out in a pursuit to “pack light.” Other times there have been certain items I couldn’t find in another country or city so for me it’s just easier to plan ahead and bring these items with me.
The idea of packing “light” really only comes into play if you cannot physically carry what you’ve packed or you will be over the weight limit for your luggage. I like to do a little dance on the wild side to get in everything I might possibly need while staying under the weight limit for a trip. I almost never run out of room in my luggage so my bag is not stuffed. My dance with danger is usually always a weight issue rather than a space issue. Weight capacities for one suitcase is usually 50 pounds for domestic flights. But, as long as you can lift and carry your 50 pounds of stuff (no matter what it is) I think you should feel comfortable traveling with what you deem necessary, not what most recommend as “traveling light” (unless this is your thing).
How to Manage Luggage Weight/Tipping the Scale
One great way to avoid paying baggage overage fees at the airport is investing in a luggage scale. My friend from Alaska introduced me to luggage scales back in 2011 and I’ve never looked back! These are very small hand held digital scales that you attach to your luggage to see how much your bag weighs. This comes in handy even for gate check if you happen to fly an airline that checks your carry-on bag weight (I’ve only seen this on International flights to-date).
The scale itself is very small and yes it is something extra to carry but I keep my scale on me in my carry-on bag and it hasn’t been a problem. The model I use is very accurate and user friendly. You will lift your luggage and hold it up off the ground to get your luggage weight while suspended in the air. Keep in mind most airport scales are all calibrated a bit differently so you’ll need to guesstimate going just a few ounces to a pound under what your luggage scale says to be on the safe side. I find that the airport scales are always in their favor to record your luggage a bit heavier.
I’ve been using this scale now for 10 years and only once have I been one pound over at the airport since switching to this method. I usually come in comfortably under the 50 pound mark and even the luggage check employees have been impressed! The great news is, if you use the packing cubes I suggest below, you will be prepared to remove exactly a pound to balance your luggage if you happen to go over. Grab the one I use here.
How to Pack for Any Trip Efficiently but for Comfort
I use my mantra “bring what you want” with a caveat that I do think packing efficiently is important! If you want to get a couple of “extras” into your bag to make you feel more comfortable on your trip that’s okay in my book.
Comfort while traveling IS very important! Especially if you plan to be gone for an extended period of time. I’m a big advocate of bringing at least one comfort item on any trip. Let’s admit it! Traveling can be very uncomfortable, stressful, and awkward at times so you want to feel as relaxed and at home as you can. If that one extra item (or hey two) does that for you then you won’t break the scale at the airport by keeping that item in your bag.
Packing Considerations While Packing for Any Trip
When packing for any trip you will want to consider a few points to get you started:
- What is the climate/weather at your final destination?
- How long will you be staying (days and nights)?
- Will you have access to laundry services?
- What activities will you be doing on your trip?
The first question really will set the tone for your entire packing list strategy. If you are going to a destination with one climate that makes it a lot easier. If you are traveling through multiple climates your list becomes a bit more complex. You’ll also want to consider temperature changes, rain, snow, and heat.
The second question widdles down how much you need to pack! Back to my “pack what you want” trope, this is what keeps your packing list within reason. This question will help you to understand that you might need 4 pairs of one item and 3 pairs of another for a 5 day trip for example. Or for a warmer destination that you might need to do a wardrobe change after a shower therefore you might need to pack an extra outfit for some days.
The third question can also help you to widdle down your packing list. Will you have access to laundry services? If you like staying in rental properties like Airbnb and Vrbo this could cut down on what you bring as you will plan to wash your clothes in an effort to carry less with you. We’ve found that most international destinations have more affordable laundry service through hotels and laundromats nearby for washing clothes on extended trips so this is another consideration for how to pack for any trip.
The last question is my favorite. What are you doing on this trip? Are you planning to do a lot of outdoor activities? Then you’ll want to plan your clothes around outdoor gear, perhaps athleisure, hiking shoes, accessories, etc. If you plan to have a lot of fancy dinners don’t neglect having some rompers, dresses, accessories, and shoes on your list. Or your trip might be something very relaxing like a tropical destination so you just plan to wear a swimsuit 24/7 with shorts and a tank top. Your trip might be to a cold weather destination and your entire list might be long johns, sweaters, and coats. All valid and all part of your packing adventure.
How to Create your Packing List
After answering the four questions above you are ready to start creating your packing list. For the purpose of this post I’m going to use a 7-day vacation to a warm destination. For activities there will be a mixture of fancy dinners, hiking, shopping and sightseeing. That gives us a great basis to start our packing list.
To create a packing list we like to start by using the following categories:
- Clothes
- Shoes
- Accessories
- Jewelry
- Makeup
- Outdoor Care
- Rain Gear
- Swim Gear
- Snow Gear
- Grooming
- Toiletries
- Hair Tools
- Oral Hygiene
- Eye Care
- Electronics
- Entertainment
- Medication
This is a great outline to get you started to build out your packing list. From here you will build out your day and night requirements. For a 7 day trip that is 7 days, and 6 nights. For activities, I’m planning 2 hikes and 2 fancy dinners. The rest of my clothes will be what I just consider “casual” or “vacation casual.” Since this is a foodie travel blog, we always make sure to have some considerations for days we will be trying local cuisine to keep our pants comfy.
Off the bat I can eliminate my snow gear category since this will be a warm destination. The rest of the categories I’ll still check if I need anything from them.
Let’s start with the first two categories:
- Clothes
- Shoes
Under Clothes for this trip I’d want to pack:
- 5 bottoms
- 5 tops or shirts
- 1 dress
- 1 romper
- 2 hiking bottoms
- 2 hiking shirts
- 1 travel day outfit (more on this later)
- 4 pairs of PJs
- 1 sweater
- 1 hoodie
- 7 pairs of underwear
- 4 bras
- 4 pairs of socks
Under Shoes, I’d want to pack:
- 1 pair hiking shoes
- 1 pair of sandals
- 1 pair walking shoes or sneakers
- 1 pair of “hotel” shoes (a pair of shoes to use around a hotel room)
How to Pack for Any Trip: Travel Day Outfits
My sister and I like to designate what we consider “travel day outfits” which basically encompasses a comfortable outfit we will wear on longer “travel days” through the airport. It can include something like leggings or workout pants, a t-shirt, and a light jacket/hoodie. We typically will wear this outfit to the airport for the trip (usually a full travel day or more) and pack one for the return flight. I’d almost consider this a comfort item consideration because flying can be very uncomfortable and stressful and we want to have something “fresh” to wear that we didn’t already wear or dirty on the trip previously so that we can relax. This has come in handy for international flights when we are traveling for more than 12+ hours.
For our shoe consideration we typically will wear our heavier shoe selection on the flight to save space in our luggage. In this case that might be the hiking shoes or the sneakers. I mentioned “hotel shoes” above as another consideration. We both don’t like walking on hotel floors with bare feet so we bring a particular pair of shoes just to wear inside hotel rooms (or gross showers). They are typically sandals or slippers. When we took our trip to Thailand every hotel provided us with a disposable pair of slippers which was great for our purposes since it’s something we used when we were walking around our hotel room.
Using this quick example you can see how knowing your travel plans can greatly assist with narrowing down your packing list. It also will help you to choose what vessel to pack in. We will cover that in the next section. Some examples of a great travel day outfit are below:
How to Select the Right Carry-On and Check-In Bag
In terms of luggage essentials we suggest keeping 2-4 key pieces on hand for all trips to be able to mix and match:
- A carry-on bag (roller suitcase)
- A larger bag (your check-in suitcase or duffel bag)
- A medium sized bag (your check-in suitcase or duffel bag)
- A backpack
Depending on the length of your trip you might only travel with your medium bag and backpack. For longer trips you might travel with your larger bag, your carry-on roller suitcase, and your backpack. In this scenario you’ll want to check your larger bag, keep your smaller roller suitcase as your carry-on bag, and use your backpack as your personal item.
Luggage seems to get very beat up by airlines these days so you’ll want to pick and invest in a piece of luggage that is middle of the road (not too cheaply made but not overly expensive either). Some more expensive pieces of luggage do come with longer warranties but in my experience the filing process isn’t really worth the hassle with what luggage companies will replace or won’t replace. Allison and I typically always purchase suitcases that are moderately priced for personal travel knowing that they will last a bit longer since we are taking 3-4 trips a year with them. For work travel we expect the bag to last under 2 years due to frequent trips so we don’t invest as much into these pieces.
You’ll want to consider both the design and weight of your luggage before you make your selection. You’ll want to go for something that is durable, yet light. You’ll also want to consider luggage that has inside pockets designed for your needs (for example, secret compartments or nooks to store certain items).
Suitcase Wheels: Two vs. Four Wheels?
Back in the day the only suitcases you could find were those on two wheels where you would have to drag your suitcase behind you. I always found those suitcases awkward and hard to maneuver.
Luckily suitcases have come a long way since even the early 2000s and a four wheel suitcase (or a spinner suitcase) is the way to go.
Pros:
- You can rotate these bags 360 degrees
- They are very easy to maneuver
- They can be wheeled on the side next to you, spun, and even dragged behind you (if needed)
Cons:
- The design can make it easier for these wheels to break in transport.
Note: I personally have never had an issue in the 10 years of owning a spinner suitcase that the wheels have broken. However, Allison travels a lot for work and has had one or two wheels broken in transport. Luckily it’s never been so dire that the suitcase cannot make it through the rest of the trip but it does make the wheels more difficult to roll. Something to keep in mind, but in my opinion it’s still worth the risk.
Types of Suitcases: Soft vs. Hard-Shell Suitcases
There are benefits to both soft and hard-sided suitcases and it’s completely up to personal preference. Up until recently I only traveled with soft-sided suitcases.
Pros:
- The look and design of soft-sided suitcases is appealing
- They often seem more durable.
Note: Soft-sided suitcases were also what I was used to for many years while traveling.
Cons:
- They are hard to clean and keep sanitized between trips
- They seem to get rips and snags in them more easily
My use of soft-sided luggage changed in 2018. Allison and I took a vacation to Thailand for two weeks and I decided I wanted something different for this trip and invested in a hard-sided suitcase. It was so easy to use and now this is what I recommend! This suitcase held up so well all over Thailand through six airport transfers, to being delayed on the plane, to arriving at our hotel, it did not fail me in any way.
Pros:
- Hard-sided suitcases are easy to use and they glide on almost any floor surface
- They are much harder to ding, rip, and stain than soft-shell suitcases
- They are easy to wipe down the exterior of the suitcase and disinfect as you travel.
Note: I like the idea of being more confident that we don’t have any bed bugs coming along with us from destination to destination like could happen on a soft-shell suitcase. I go through an entire ritual of disinfecting my suitcase when I return from a trip so these have been great to just disinfect when I get home and store without worrying about cleanliness.
- Hard shelled bags tend to offer slightly more protection for your items than soft-shelled bags
- Many of the hard shell bags have expanders so if you are a chronic over packer or just like to fill out your suitcase like me these still work and are not a trade off for functionality
Packing Tip: Sometimes expanding your bag and packing strategically can also protect some of your more fragile items in the middle of the bag.
Cons:
- Depending on the bag you pick the hard-shell suitcases can limit what you pack.
Note: However, I have never had this issue and think it’s dependent on the design and brand of the suitcase.
Which type of suitcase should I use?
It really comes down to personal preference and the type of trip you are going on. The only time I’ll use a soft-shell bag now is for a road trip, visiting friends or family, or a location where I’m more in control of my luggage. For all international trips I like traveling with my hard shell suitcase and almost all domestic flights as well.
Some of our top picked tried and true suitcase brands are:
- Amazon Basics
- IT Luggage
- Ricardo Beverly Hills
- Heys
- Olympia
Our suitcase suggestions for soft-sided and hard-sided suitcases are below.
Duffel Bag vs. Suitcase
Using a duffel bag vs. a rolling suitcase will be completely dependent on the nature of your trip. If you are planning a trip to Thailand for example and want to go island hopping through the Phi Phi Islands I would definitely pack in a duffel bag (or backpack) so that you can easily pick up and move your bag on boats and other forms of transportation. If your trips are more what I would consider “slow travel” or a place where you can store your luggage without having to constantly move it, the flexibility of a suitcase is the better option here.
Carry-On Spinner vs. Backpack
Allison and I always travel with backpacks for most trips as our “personal item” on an airplane. We always keep our bags on us at all times (with our personal items) and will slide them under the seat in front of us for easy access. Allison came up with this hack for us and we will typically bring an empty carry-on bag for trips and keep this bag in the overhead compartment (or checked if the flight is too full). Our strategy here is to keep it empty on the way there so that we can use it to bring back souvenirs/gifts or anything we want to buy for ourselves throughout the trip on the way back. It’s also really good to use for overflow or a way to separate heavier items from your checked bag and split the difference.
In terms of which to use? We say both depending on the length of your trip. For shorter trips you could definitely get away with just using the backpack and not using a carry-on. I think this again goes to personal preference. We like the functionality of keeping the backpack on us at all times. It also doubles as a day bag if we need it at our final destination for sightseeing. But if you don’t like to carry heavy items on your back I would go with the spinner carry-on bag and perhaps use a lighter day pack for sightseeing or a shoulder bag.
Rolling Clothes vs. Folding Clothes
The ultimate battle: to roll or to fold? Honestly, I like using both methods and they both have their benefits. Rolling your clothes can certainly save space in your luggage but if that’s not a concern for you then folding might be a better option if you have clothing that’s wrinkle prone.
I tend to use a combination of these methods and will roll things like t-shirts and shorts, but fold things like jeans, pants, and dresses.
For all dirty clothes I roll everything inside out just so it’s easier when I unpack returning from a trip. I can throw everything into my washing machine ready to wash.
Packing for Any Trip Using Packing Cubes
A lot of people have very strong opinions about packing cubes. You either love them or hate them. Some travelers feel they just take up too much room and make your bag heavier. For us? We are fans. I personally live and die by using packing cubes and really wish they had been invented earlier in my travel career since they make packing so much easier in my opinion. If you like to compartmentalize your packing list, like having come compression to your packing bag, and live out of your suitcase then you’ll love the concept of packing cubes!
This is how I use them: I usually work with a set of different colors to keep myself organized. I use the different sizes to pack different elements of my wardrobe and then I bring the pieces together to make outfits on the trip.
For the 7 day trip we are planning in this post I would bring 2 large packing cubes, 2 medium packing cubes, and 2 small packing cubes. I’d use the first large cube to pack all of my bottoms and dresses. I’d use the other large cube to pack all of my tops. I’d use 1 medium cube for all of my PJs, the other medium cube for my hiking clothes. 1 small cube for my underwear and the other small cube for bras.
This method might not work for everyone but I like knowing that if I pull out my green small cube for example that I can find my entire inventory of underwear without searching through my entire bag for them. Having packing cubes on a trip also allows me to not have to unpack my suitcase since I’m able to keep everything organized within my packing cubes inside my bag. For me it’s a real game changer!
There are also packing cubes for your shoes which is the best invention! I really hate having the bottom of shoes touch other things in my luggage so giving each pair of shoes their own travel container keeps everything very organized on-the-go and hygienic.
My favorite packing cubes to use are by eBags and Amazon Basics.
I’ve used both brands and they are really high quality. I’ve had all of my eBag packing cubes for over a decade now and I still use them on every trip and wash them after each use and there has been no wear and tear.
My favorite toiletry bag is by eBags (the Classic Pack-it-Flat Toiletry Kit) and is great because it packs flat in your luggage for secure transport.
What to Always Pack in your Carry-On Bag
Depending on the length of your flight and if you have a connection you will always want to plan to strategically pack your carry-on bag in case your checked luggage is lost or delayed. Top items you want to include in your carry-on bag when packing for any trip include:
- Identification
- Passport (if applicable)
- Cash
- Credit Cards/Debit Cards
- Keys
- Medications
- Camera
- Phone
- Laptop
- Tablet
- Chargers
- Headphones
- Book & Book Cover
- Notebook
- Pens
- Glasses & Glasses Case
- Valuables (jewelry etc.)
- Copy of your travel plans
- Hand Lotion
- Lip Balm
- Hand Sanitizer
- Snacks (See our blog post on our favorite travel snacks for ideas)
- Gum
For longer flights and connections you’ll want to include:
- Change of clothes
- Mini Toiletry Kit:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Face wash and face moisturizer
- Sanitary Pads/Tampons/Cup
- Compression Socks
- Body Wipes
- Entertainment for flight (apps, downloaded movies, music, games)
- Travel pillow (find a brand that is washable)
- Travel blanket
If you want to travel with a carry-on only and no checked luggage. Check out our guide and packing list for tips on how to execute this.
Our favorite Carry On-Bags and Backpacks are:
- North Face
- Hays
- Thule
- Amazon Basics
Our favorite carry-on items/accessories and bags are linked below:
Packing for COVID-19 Safety
The COVID-19 pandemic, and future diseases will forever impact the way we travel moving forward. This also directly changes what we should bring for each trip. Different countries have different regulations regarding travel in the time of COVID-19 but at minimum make sure always carry:
- A supply of face masks (I like the K-94 style for disposable masks)
- Sanitizing wipes (for surfaces)
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wipes (for hand and body)
- Electronic Cleaning Wipes (iCloth is the best brand I have found to date for phones and laptops!)
- Paper Soap (this is soap in “sheet of paper” form, we like carrying this item with us for places where liquid soap isn’t available)
Make it a habit to wipe high touch surfaces while traveling on airplanes and trains where you are sitting and at your travel hotel or Airbnb. Make sure all of your items follow TSA liquid rules.
Some destinations might require a vaccine passport and/or a series of negative Covid-19 test results. Check with the local authorities to confirm the rules before booking any trip.
The End of your Packing Adventure
This is the end of your packing adventure of how to pack for any trip! How do you like to pack for travel? Did we miss anything you consider essential gear for your travels?
This is such a useful post!! I have been looking for a new suitcase and love the idea of packing cubes! Thanks for the awesome tips and products! ????
https://whereintheworldismaria.com
I’m so glad you found it helpful!
-Monica