Packing for a vacation can be stressful, especially on top of everything else you need to keep in mind when taking a trip away. Depending on the length of your stay, the nature of the journey and the kind of vacation you’re taking, you’ll need to pack accordingly. Whether it’s an overnight stay at a relative’s, or an international flight for your summer vacation, we’ve gathered the best tips for making sure you’re all packed and ready to go.
Table of Contents
- Weekend Vacation
- Domestic Vacation
- International Travel
- Beach Vacation
- City Vacation
- Staycation
- Best Friends Trip
- Family Trip
- Solo Trip
- Stay Organized
- Bon Voyage!
Weekend Vacation
An overnight stay or weekend trip may not require a ton of baggage, but it’s still a good idea to give your packing some thought.
You’ll be surprised how many little things you use on a daily basis that you won’t want to wake up without.
Some things you’ll almost definitely want to include:
- Toothbrush (and other toiletries like toothpaste and soap)
- Pajamas
- Clean set of clothes (especially underwear!)
- Contact lens case & solution
- Glasses case
- Any medication / vitamins you might be taking
- Cosmetics (makeup and makeup remover both)
- Mini mirror
- Phone charger
- Slippers
Even when packing for a casual, short term stay, it’s surprising how many you can end up needing to bring along with you.
With so many individual bits needed, stay organized and use a simple and sophisticated mini makeup train case to store those odds and ends safely, during your journey and your stay.
Domestic Vacation
If you’re traveling for a long-term vacation within the US (whether it’s by car, train or plane), you’ll need to make sure you’re well-prepared.
Of course, you’ll be able to buy things you’ve forgotten if you have to, but ideally you should have everything you need packed with you. Not worrying about what you might need means you can get on with enjoying your vacation.
Some extras to include for your domestic trip are:
- Motion sickness tablets
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat or visor
- Jewelry
- Comfortable shoes for walking
- Feminine hygiene products
- Prescription medication
- Razors & shaving kit
- Hair dryer
It’s likely that if you’re away from home for a longer period of time, you may have more valuable or fragile items with you. Make sure to use a discreet, sturdy bag like an elegant jewelry and makeup bag to keep all those important extras in one place.
If you’re flying domestic, spend the time making a packing list – it’s annoying to realize too late that you’ve left your swimsuit at home when you’re already on the plane!
Check your airline’s rules regarding baggage thoroughly. While domestic flights tend to be less strict about baggage restrictions, you don’t want to face the extra charges when you could have simply packed a little less.
We know girls love to be prepared when it comes to cosmetics. Who knows when you’ll need a quick glam-up?
For vacations of a week or more, keep all your makeup in one place with a useful large cosmetic organizer, available in three sophisticated shades; cream, grey and black.
International Travel
When it comes to traveling internationally, you really don’t want to be forgetting to pack anything major. When going abroad, make sure you include:
- Passport & any other travel documents
- Gadgets for entertainment (or a good old-fashioned book)
- Adapters and converters for foreign plugs
- Medical insurance documents (it’s a good idea to have paper copies of important docs in case you can’t access a screen or printer abroad) and travel insurance
- Travel accessories (pillows, travel-sized toiletries, eye masks etc.)
Your passport is one of the most valuable things you own, so make sure you always keep it on you while traveling.
An accessible travel passport keeper is a stylish way to make sure your passport stays safe.
Beach Vacation
The best time of the year is right around the corner – well, at least in some countries there is summer all year round.
If you decided to go on a short or extended beach vacation, you don’t need to worry about forgetting anything.
Here is a short must-have list of items for your luggage:
- Bathing suit
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sandals
- Sun hat
- Tank tops or summery clothing
- Shorts
You might want to check with your hotel and see what necessities they also offer, such as beach towels, goggles and snorkel if you plan to be adventurous.
Keep your luggage lightweight and well-organized for the best experience.
We recommend a toiletries organizer which allows you to pack all you need (soaps, sunscreens, shampoos, and conditioners) without compromising anything.
The multiple pockets and holders will allow you to include all your cosmetic products and many more, easy and quick to find at any time.
City Vacation
If you’re more of a city person, here’s the ultimate luggage list that ensures you’ll enjoy your experience.
Whether you go domestically or internationally, check out the following list which is a must-have for a city break:
- Comfortable shoes
- Hand sanitizer (or wet wipes)
- Comfortable and stylish backpack
- Safety measures – pepper spray or a whistle
If you have a long travel to your destination, you can also go for a blanket, pillow and eyeshade to help you rest during the trip.
As a sightseeing enthusiast, we recommend that you pack some medication such as painkillers and some bandages in case you get blisters.
We also want to include some reminders for both comfortable clothing (for daily walks around the city) and also some fancy stylish ones (in case you decide to check out some local restaurants).
This comes with the necessary inclusion of makeup, which you can store in this tall cosmetic bag; it is perfect for standing bottles, and it is fully equipped with all you need, from brush holders to zipper pockets and other pouches.
Staycation
What if you want the perfect trip … in your own hometown?
A staycation is an ideal method of relaxing from daily life and stress.
Here is how to organize perfectly and make the best out of your holiday.
- Set a theme for your staycation (beer tour? checking out local tourist spots?)
- Plan your budget
- Book a hotel
Whether you decide to stay at home or be a tourist in your own city, make sure you do all the planning beforehand. Set a budget, plan visits and sightseeing and get ready to discover your home place from another light.
A true staycation should be away from social ties – keep it away from friends and family, turn your phone work off and make sure you buy a few souvenirs to mark the beautiful holiday, either souvenirs or some home accessories.
Best Friends Trip
If you and your friends or your best friend finally decided to go on that trip you kept planning for so long, you need to take a few necessities with you to ensure you make the best out of it:
- Clothing (don’t overindulge in clothing, keep it simple)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
- Hairbrush
- Makeup
- Accessories
- Travel Documents and insurance
Some of us get overexcited at the thought of spending quality time with our best friends. Keep in mind to get a lightweight suitcase with only the essentials.
While you might still be able to buy anything if you forget it, one crucial piece of luggage is your documents, such as ID or passport if you travel abroad.
Pack them in a separate bag, or a special wallet such as this passport keeper and keep this on you at all times.
Family Trip
Packing for a family trip can be mentally exhausting, especially when you have kids and you need to ensure all their necessities are with you.
Whether you go abroad or stay within the country, headed to the beach or to the mountains, here is what you need to have:
- Carrier
- Diapers and ointment
- Wipes
- Sufficient clothes
- Food/snacks
- Stroller
- Blankets
- Toilet seat
- Pacifiers
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Documents
If your kids are older, some of these might not apply to you, in which case you can refer to our previous lists above.
Also, make sure you have a well-thought-out first aid kit, which includes medication for colds, coughing, allergies, fevers, but also motion sickness and tummy pains.
Vitamins and a thermometer are also an excellent additions.
This great universal train case will help you keep all our items organized and easy to find in any situation. It also includes a removable zip pouch for on-the-go products!
Solo Trip
In case you decided to take a solo trip, most of us know that things can go from bad to worse in a moment when we are alone. You need to smartly pack all the things which shout safety, comfort, and convenience:
- Whistle or pepper spray for protection
- Comfortable clothing
- Backpack
Stay Organized
For greater safety, you can choose to keep your money in different places: in your luggage and your purse. Don’t take all of it with you in one go in case you get pick-pocketed. To avoid 21st century “contactless pick-pocketing”, otherwise known as card skimming, be sure to use an RFID Blocking card holder too!
Do not take any fancy ‘one-time’ clothing, unless you need to attend a special event while you are on vacation.
You can also include a portable charger (battery) for your phone, in case you run out of juice for it.
After you pack, you should try to carry your luggage on your own and see if you can handle the weight. It is crucial to keep things light, as there is no one else with you to give you a helping hand.
Bon Voyage!
Pack things quickly and efficiently, be organized, and you will have the best time on your vacation.
We hope these tips and reminders have been helpful when packing for your next big adventure!
Thanks so much Lauren!
Wow this was super useful! I love how you’ve covered every type of trip.
You’re most welcome!
We’re all often so busy juggling aspects of life that we can’t help but forget a few things! We just need some reminders here and there to make sure we’re on top of things.
Happy to hear you find our tips useful!
Thank you for sharing! I’m so bad at packing its unbelievable haha – I’m always forgetting things!
These tips are going to be a life saver for me when we can travel again.
Blog of Sunshine <3
Thank you Jill, and fingers crossed things look up soon!
I am the worst packer and love these helpful tips! Hoping we’ll be able to travel again one day soon!
Jill – Doused in Pink