Packing Please
Packing is one of those tasks in travel planning that people either love or dread. Me? I’m a planner—it’s actually one of my favorite parts of the trip. I usually have everything ready a good two months ahead of time.
Whether you’re the type who packs weeks in advance or the kind who throws things together the morning of your flight, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are a few tips (and some of my personal must-haves) to make packing easier—and to help you avoid the dreaded suitcase shuffle at the airport when your bag tips over 50 pounds.
We’ve all been there: you’ve booked your dream vacation, you’re counting down the days, and now it’s time to gather everything you’ll need. No matter if you’re headed somewhere warm or cold, we all have our staples. I recently saw a meme that said, “Why can I wear the same leggings and sweatshirt for three days straight at home, but on vacation I need three outfit changes a day?” So true!
Along with clothing, I always add a few non-clothing essentials I can’t travel without. And while everyone has their own favorite way to fold and pack, here’s mine: I like to keep things as wrinkle-free and fuss-free as possible. For my dresses, I stack them neatly, fold them in half, and tuck them into the zipped side of the suitcase. For my husband’s things, I stack and fold his shorts the same way. Simple, tidy, and less wrinkles when we arrive.
Happy packing—and may your vacation be just as smooth as your suitcase zips!
Packing List Warmer weather
Clothing
- 5-7 T-shirts
- 1-Sweatshirt
- 1-Jackets or Cardigans
- 2- Pants/jeans casual
- 3-4 Shorts
- 3 Dinner shorts
- 5 Button down shirts
- 5 Sundresses Dinner
- 1-2 Long dresses for formal night
- 3-4 Casual dresses
- 3- Swimsuit
- 3- Swim covers or UV Tops
- Undergarments
- Socks
- Sleepwear
- Comfortable shoes
- Sandals/flip-flops Water
- Dinner shoes
- Hat/cap
- Belt
- Raincoat/umbrella
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Headphones/earbuds
- Small Extension cord with USB or Mini C port
- Small rechargeable fan
Travel Essentials
- Passport/ID
- Travel tickets/boarding passes
- Travel itinerary
- Wallet
- Emergency contacts
Miscellaneous
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Empty cup for frozen drinks
- Book/e-reader
- Small backpack/day bag
- Sunblock
- Burn to Brown After sun lotion
- Poo~pouri - cus tight quarters
- Wrinkle release
Packing List Cooler weather
Clothing
- 5-7 T-shirts
- 2-Sweatshirt
- 1-Jackets
- 3- Cardigans
- 2- Pants/jeans casual
- 3-4 Pants / Cargo
- 3 Dinner slacks
- 5 Button down shirts
- 5 Sundresses Dinner
- 1-2 Long dresses for formal night
- 2-3 Leggings
- Undergarments
- Socks
- Sleepwear
- Comfortable shoes
- Dinner shoes
- Hat/cap
- Belt
- Raincoat/umbrella
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Headphones/earbuds
- Small Extension cord with USB or Mini C port
- Small rechargeable fan
Travel Essentials
- Passport/ID
- Travel tickets/boarding passes
- Travel itinerary
- Wallet
- Emergency contacts
Miscellaneous
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Empty cup for bar drinks
- Book/e-reader
- Small backpack/day bag
- Sunblock
- Burn to Brown After sun lotion
- Poo~pouri - cus tight quarters
- Wrinkle release
