What to pack for a trip: 7 steps and 9 checklists for a perfect journey

1. Suitcase choice

Any type of travel requires a proper bag, suitcase, or luggage. You are surely scared by the airline policy, but before thinking about that, focus on your needs. You have to consider that it is important to travel light, to use a versatile bag, and to have enough space for the essential. These are your goals. Why? Because you have to move with your luggage, to face transfers, and so on. So a heavy suitcase will make it harder. To have more than what you need will give you just difficulties to manage the items.

What to pack for a trip? I know, you want to have the list, but go step by step and you will pack properly. If you have a lot of bags at home you have to choose the right one for your trip. If you have to buy one, think about your traveling habits. Let me give you some tips that help you with your choice. The suitcase features are very important even more than the content.

1. Carry-On it is a good solution for a short trip, as hand luggage or if you don’t have many things inside. You save time at the airport and as well on the fees required by the airline for the check-in. If it is in the cabin with you, you won’t have risks that the company loses your bag.
2. The backpack is perfect for the adventure but also to move into the city. Why? Because you put it on your back and the hands will be free. It is necessary not to make it too heavy. But this is a good item because of its versatility.
3. The wheeled backpack is another option, you can carry it on your back but also use it as a bag with wheels. Inside the airport or on the flat terrains you can decide to pull it with a hand. If it is heavy it is better.
4. Duffel bags are perfect for a break. There are different sizes, but they are good as cabin luggage and you can carry on your shoulder to keep hands free.
5. Rolling luggage is suggested as the check-in suitcase. Even if it is heavy you won’t have difficulties handling it. But this is good if you move into the city, inside the airport, otherwise, it is hard if you are going on an adventure trip. 
6. 4-wheels suitcase is just a better option to move. Less heavy than the previous one and comfortable especially for long distances. You need a flat terrain.

What to pack for a journey? Now you have some directions for the luggage choice. This is the first step. And it is not finished. When you buy one check the features. It is not only a matter of shape and wheels. You have to verify the material. It is better to spend a few dollars more but uses it for a longer time. So, the ideal suitcase is durable, resistant, waterproof, and lightweight. You shouldn’t renounce these elements. Then you can focus on colors and design. But remember the practicality.

2. Packing method

What to pack for a trip? Now we are going to the list you are searching for. Focus on the activities that you will do at your destination. This helps you to select all that you need. To save space and to keep everything in order you have to organize the stuff inside the bag. It is quite hard to do. I tell you it because of my experience. If you have a lot of stuff it is good to divide it. Separate different clothes, shoes, and so on. The best way to do it is with packing organizers.

This way is useful also to know where each item is. All the stuff will be compressed to fit more in the bag. Instead to pack and unpack during all your trip you can easily pick what you need at the moment, without touching the other things. Keep also some empty organizers for the dirty clothes. You won’t have to rearrange the luggage each time you have to take something.

Clothing and the other stuff will be separated properly in compartments according to outfits or the type of wear into the packing cubes. Using them will allow you to reduce the clothes volume by up to 80%. Access to the items is direct and fast. But what is even more important concerns the ability of folders to keep dress clothing nice, neat, and folded? There won’t be any sign of the journey on your clothes.

What to pack for travel? Yes, my dear, now the list is starting and you will have more details for the answer you are searching for.

Let’s start with clothes because they need more space.

Basic items:

• Long-sleeved shirts
• T-shirts and tank tops (according to the season and to the respect of places you are visiting)
• Sweaters or fleece jacket
• Pants and/or shorts
• Dresses and/or skirts
• Socks/wool socks (for hiking)
• Belt
• Shoes (have at least one comfortable pair)
• Rain jacket
• Umbrella
• Pajamas/sleepwear
• Underwear
• Sunglasses and glasses case
• Jewelry (if you need)
• Hat or sun visor
• Scarf or bandana
• Swimsuit
• Cell phone and charger (plus speakers if you need)
• Electric converters and adapters
• Travel pillow, eye mask, and earplugs
• Voice translator

Keep in mind to have lightweight clothing that can be layered, so it will be easier to face weather changes.

What to pack for a trip? This was your question and surely you still have it because you need more information. There are other steps to follow and in the end, you will know how to pack properly.

It depends on your activities and the number of days you will spend out, but in any case, you don’t need to over-pack. Your objective is to pack smart. It will be easier to handle the luggage and as well as your travel items. It doesn’t matter if you are going to have an adventure in nature or elegant meetings. Focus on the strictly necessary things. Choose colors and designs to be easily combined. So you will have fewer clothes. In the end, keep in mind that you won’t have to change everything each day of the trip.

Surely you have other questions. What to pack for a trip for one night?

What should I pack for one night?

What should I pack for one night? This is what you ask yourself when you need to prepare a bag to spend a night far from home. Well, I have experience in that. So I can share some tips.  It can happen to go out of home for one night, a very short trip. In this case, the reason should be related more to a business or family. That’s why you need to be light with your suitcase. Even if you will not need many items, there are some things not to forget when traveling. What to put in the hand luggage or bag? Let’s see my list, very short. Packing list for one night: a pair of comfortable shoes for all the travel; one pair of jeans or chinos; one top (shirts, T-shirt, or tank); one dress for ladies in alternative to pants and top; universal travel adapter; microfiber travel towel in case you are not sleeping in the hotel; one set of underwear; one bra; one pajama; Kindle or books (it is better the digital version to save space); passport and any other travel documents; wallet, credit card, and cash; battery pack for phone; camera; headphones for the transfer; toiletries: non-liquids (razor, comb, contacts case, glasses, and toothbrush) and liquids (shampoo, body wash if there isn’t in the hotel, conditioner, toothpaste, face wash, deodorant, lotion, contact solution, conditioner, deodorant, hairbrush, lipstick). If you want to get inspired to take the right travel items, visit My Anasa on Amazon or check out AliExpress gadgets. Read my posts about destinations and travel tips to find some ideas about the places to visit and to get support in planning your trips. And don’t forget the most important thing: enjoy the holiday!

Or what to pack for a trip for a long weekend away?

What should I pack for a long weekend away?

What should I pack for a long weekend away? The first rule you should follow, especially for the weekend is to travel light. Don’t use a big bag and don’t put it inside all the wardrobe. You will be away for two or three nights, it doesn’t make sense to take a lot of clothes. Then if you travel by plane pay attention to the airline policies for the cabin suitcase. I suggest you prefer hand luggage and nothing more. Keep in mind the size and weight allowed by the company. Packing List for the weekend: a pair of comfortable shoes for all the travel; one pair of jeans or chinos; two tops (shirts, T-shirt, or tank); one dress for ladies; universal travel adapter; microfiber travel towel in case you are not sleeping in the hotel; three sets of underwear; one bra; one pajama; Kindle or books (it is better the digital version to save space); passport and any other travel documents; wallet, credit card, and cash; battery pack for phone; camera; headphones; toiletries: non-liquids (razor, comb, contacts case, glasses, and toothbrush) and liquids (shampoo, body wash if there isn’t in the hotel, conditioner, toothpaste, face wash, deodorant, lotion, contact solution, conditioner, tinted moisturizer, hair smoother, deodorant, hairbrush, lipstick). If you want to get inspired to take the right travel items, visit My Anasa on Amazon or check out AliExpress gadgets. Read my posts about destinations and travel tips to find some ideas about the places to visit and to get support in planning your trips. Then you can personalize the packing list.

Each question has an answer, so you find the lists you need for any type of trip. Like the following ones. What to pack for a trip for a 3-day trip?

What should I pack for a 3-day trip?

Pack for 3 days is harder than preparing the suitcase for 10 days. Because you have to select carefully clothes and think about all the options with less space. Travel lighter is anyway better. In the beginning, I was trying to carry on all the wardrobe to be ready for any occasion, then I learned how to select and use small luggage. It doesn’t matter if you use a bag, a suitcase, or a backpack. Principles are the same. There are things not to forget when traveling. You should start with them because when you put on clothes you forget the other stuff. From time to time, you have to use a scale to measure the weight of the suitcase. If you want to be prepared keep in mind that you can find sun and rain too. To keep ordered the clothes use some cubes to separate them. If you read the following answers to questions in the post you will find more tips on how to roll clothes to save space. Step by step you can choose what to pack. The outfit. Focus on the journey, you will be seated on a plane, moving inside airports. So you will need something comfortable to stay around for hours before to arrive at your destination. Even if it is summer get a light jacket, it may help you to face air-conditioned airports and hot sun outside. Prefer jeans, zipper pockets, and something where to store wallet, mobile, documents, boarding pass, and the accessories you need during the transfer. Layers can be useful, so it will be easier to combine colors and to be ready for any weather change. Anyway, take only what you need. Even if you want to be fashionable, don’t exaggerate. The best solution for shoes is to have one pair for the whole trip, but if you need something elegant, keep a comfortable one for the journey and the other one for the holiday. Don’t forget to take flip flops if your hotel doesn’t provide them. About devices, take the ones you need. Smartphone and kindle should be enough. Keep them in a pocket of your bag or backpack where you can easily take them out. Of course, if you need as well a tablet or a laptop you will put them in the suitcase, but consider that you will be out only for three days. So if your trip is for leisure, use it for this purpose. In general, avoid unnecessary things. Let’s go to see the list you should follow to pack: 2 pairs of pants (one for the plane and one to use at your destination); 3 tops (one to wear during the transfer from home to destinations and two for the time spent there); 1 sweater or light jacket (if it is not winter or cold, it is better to have with you something in case the weather change. You can use it at the airport to protect you from too much air condition); 1 pajama; 1 scarf (especially in Autumn and Winter); 3 pair of underwear; 3 pair of socks; toiletries: non-liquids (razor, comb, contacts case, glasses, and toothbrush) and liquids (shampoo, body wash if there isn’t in the hotel, conditioner, toothpaste, face wash, deodorant, lotion, contact solution, conditioner, tinted moisturizer, hair smoother, deodorant, hairbrush, lipstick); personal items: phone, tablet, camera, kindle, books, umbrella, laptop plus their chargers, Universal travel adapter, home keys, boarding pass, documents, reservations receipts, cash, credit cards. The things not to forget when traveling isn’t so many. Anyway, if you want to save some space for souvenirs, separate the clothes. Yes, put some in the suitcase and prepare hand luggage to be sure in case the checked one will be lost. Put in the bag that will you take a pair of pants, a top, the pajama, underwear, and socks. I suggest you prefer multitasking items so you will pack less. This is the goal, not only for airline policies but for your comfort.

What to pack for a trip for 4 nights away?

What should I pack for 4 nights away?

You are going to have a short trip, so you can’t carry too much, but be ready for all the situation. It is always good to mix clothes for adventure and something elegant. Mostly depends on the holiday you organized, but even a relaxed weekend on a beach can be added to romantic dinners in special places. Anyway, let’s see what you should put in your luggage. The following ones are the things not to forget when traveling. In the luggage you have to store: A pair of jeans for the journey to be comfortable on the plane and a pair of elegant trousers. It is good to have a skirt, shorts, it depends on you; four T-shirts, tops, or shirts coordinated with the bottom clothes; a rain jacket or a heavy one in case you are going to a cold place; two or a maximum of three pairs of shoes. Among them you can include flip flops to use in your hotel room; two or three pairs of socks and undergarments; a pajama or a nightgown; a gym suit to be comfortable for adventure and excursions or some morning running; toiletries: non-liquids (razor, comb, contacts case, glasses, and toothbrush) and liquids (shampoo, body wash if there isn’t in the hotel, deodorant, conditioner, toothpaste, face wash, deodorant, lotion, contact solution, conditioner, tinted moisturizer, hair smoother, hairbrush, lipstick); personal items: phone, tablet, kindle, books, umbrella, laptop plus their chargers, camera, Universal travel adapter, home keys, boarding pass, documents, reservations receipts, cash, credit cards. These are things not to forget when traveling for four days. With this list, you are ready for your trip. To find out the items you may need I suggest you check out my shopping advice, my Amazon Store with my selection of travel products, and AliExpress.

What to pack for a trip for a 5-day trip?

What should I pack for a 5-day trip?

Traveling around the world so often I had to learn to pack. Especially, my goal was to list things to not forget. My memory was sometimes failing. Then, practicing, I became good at prepare luggage according to the type of trip and the number of days spent out.  So I am sharing my experience to help you and I am sure you will find it useful. Prepare your suitcase properly and your holiday will be better, believe me.  Before to go check the weather forecast and you will know more or less what to put in the luggage. Don’t trust too much the news about the weather and be prepared for some changes. Take always something for rain and if you are going to a warm place something for wind or cold. Do also the opposite. I mean that the climate is not completely reliable and it can be different in a while. Then focus on the planned activities or on what you want to do there. If you are going to the beach swimsuit will be necessary. Five days are not so many, so if you are not going in the snow or where to is so cold and you need to attend important meetings, don’t carry too much. Choose a jacket that you can easily wear with all the clothes that you will put in the luggage. Coordinate the colors. Let’s see the list of the things not to forget when traveling. A pair of jeans for the journey to be comfortable on the plane and two pairs of trousers. It is good to have a skirt, shorts, it depends on you; four T-shirts, tops, or shirts coordinated with the bottom clothes; a rain jacket or a heavy one in case you are going to a cold place; two or a maximum of three pairs of shoes. Among them you can include flip flops to use in your hotel room; four or five pairs of socks and undergarments plus a swimsuit if the case; a pajama or a nightgown; a gym suit to be comfortable for adventure and excursions or some morning running; toiletries: non-liquids (razor, comb, contacts case, glasses, and toothbrush) and liquids (shampoo, body wash if there isn’t in the hotel, conditioner, toothpaste, face wash, deodorant, lotion, contact solution, conditioner, tinted moisturizer, deodorant, hair smoother, hairbrush, lipstick); personal items: phone, tablet, kindle, books, umbrella, laptop plus their chargers, camera,  universal travel adapter, home keys, boarding pass, documents, reservations receipts, cash, credit cards. Don’t forget the first aid kit. I suggest you read the tips I gave at the beginning of the post. Then you can start to prepare the luggage. How to pack? This is a question that you should ask yourself to save space. Even if the discussion on this topic is open you should roll your clothes. You prevent wrinkles and save a lot of space in the suitcase. Lay the item of clothing flat. Fold the bottom around 5 cm (about 2 inches). Starting from the opposite end of the fold, roll the item until you get the pocket. In the end, fold one side of the pocket over the roll to secure it. Following carefully these steps you will put more things in your bag and everything will be ordered. If you need more tips and step by step instructions to prepare the perfect suitcase, I suggest reading this guide. Put on the bottom of the bag shoes, toiletries, and all the heavy items, to not damage anything. To save space you can think about details and take care of them. For instance, download the electronic version of books and magazines, you can read them with a kindle or tablet. And take small hand luggage with you to put essentials and valuable objects. Put inside some clothes for the first day in case the luggage will be lost. You never know.

What to pack for a trip for a week away?

What should I pack for a week away?

Spend a few days out especially for a holiday is nothing. A week allows you to see more and to do more. Anyway, if you will spend 7 days out you need to prepare properly your luggage. You should follow the same rule: travel light. This has to be your goal for every travel. More time you will be far from home and more things you will carry. According to the number of days, I suggest you use a hand suitcase too. Put inside what you need for a couple of days, it is helpful if your luggage will be lost at the airport. Be careful to choose the appropriate cabin baggage. Because each airline has different policies for weight and size. Check out the recommendations that the company gives you when you buy your ticket. Otherwise, you will spend more money during boarding and maybe they will oblige you to put your cabin bag in the aircraft hold. My advice then is to roll clothes and to use packing cubes to save space, so there won’t be many problems with the luggage size. Let me keep the list separated for a better understanding. Clothes for a week: 8 tops (shirts, T-shirts, tanks…); 1 cardigan or 1 hoodie, even both, but it depends on the season; 4 pairs of pants or shorts, or skirts, for a woman is good also to have a dress; 7 pairs of socks and 7 underwear (bras included). it is good to calculate one per day; 1 pajama; 1 jacket, if winter or cold season it can be a heavy coat or a blazer. Shoes for a week: 1 pair for the travel on the plane, so comfortable shoes to survive keeping them hours; 1 pair for excursions at your destination; 1 pair for an elegant evening out, for ladies high heels can be suggested; 1 pair of flip flops if the hotel doesn’t provide them; 1 pair of boots for ladies. Jewelry and cosmetics: you should know what to take, but do not exaggerate. In the week around the world, it is not necessary to have all the items and products with you. Save space and take the essentials. Toiletries: razor; comb or hairbrush; contacts case; glasses; toothbrush; shampoo, body wash; conditioner;  deodorant; toothpaste; face wash; lotion; contact solution; conditioner; tinted moisturizer; hair smoother; hairbrush; lipstick; loofah; eye cream; hand cream; antiperspirant; monthly “lady” items; curling iron or flat iron; heat protectant; hairspray; hair elastics/bobby pins; nail disposable file (don’t use the metal and glass ones for airport security reasons); Don’t forget to put liquids in small bottles and to respect the limit: 100ml. Regarding the necessary for shower maybe you find all that you need in the hotel. As you saw there are items for men, ladies, and both. You will decide for yourself, among those objects, the things not to forget when traveling. Personal items: phone; tablet; headphones; kindle; books; camera umbrella; laptop plus their chargers; Universal travel adapter; home keys; boarding pass; documents; reservations receipts; cash; credit cards/debit cards.

3. Packing toiletries

Before going into the list concerning toiletries, it is important to remind you of the TSA’s rules. For security reasons, you have to put in a transparent small bag of transparent plastic bottles. Inside you can put liquids, creams, gels, and pastes. The limit is 100ml (3.4 ounces). So you need to have a toiletry bag. It is not necessary the transparency, but it will be helpful for the authorities to check. If you don’t respect the rules, they will throw away the items. So be careful.

Here you can find the list of the main items to carry-on.

Basic toiletry

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash
• Hairbrush or/and comb, hair ties, barrettes/bobby pins
• Deodorant
• Shampoo and conditioner (just in case the hotel doesn’t provide them or you need specific products)
• Haircare, face wash
• Laundry detergent plus a Clothesline (only in case you have to wash clothes and the accommodation is not equipped)
• Sunscreen and face lotion
• Makeup and makeup remover
• Nighttime Moisturizer/Lotion
• Lip balm and lipstick or lip gloss
• Personal hygiene items
• Feminine hygiene products
• Contacts (enough for all the trip), solution, and contact case
• Sunglasses and prescription glasses
• Razor and shave foam
• Medications (first aid kit plus medicines you need with the doctor’s prescription, this is mandatory for TSA rules).

Now I list something that you can add to your toiletry bag. I suggest you take these items only if you need it. It is not necessary, or at least not for all types of trips. They keep space, so think about it.

Extra toiletries

• Hair products: hairspray, hair gel, and beard oil
• Cologne/perfume
• Personal mini mirror
• Shaving kit and extra razors
• Sewing kit/clothing care kit, stain remover
• Facial tissues
• Toilet paper (just if not provided at your accommodation)
• Travel Towel (just if not provided at your accommodation)
• Scissors, nail clippers, and tweezers (TSA rules don’t allow these items in the hand luggage, so you have to put them in checked luggage)

What to pack for travel? List after list I am answering your question. But go ahead and this complete guide will be more helpful. 

Health items

Traveling you can always some risks for health. In certain countries, there are not common illnesses and you have to do a vaccine. Then eating something different you might have gastrointestinal problems. I suggest you check the prevention pages created by the foreign affairs and health ministries of your country. They provide a list of the risks and the prevention solution. Anyway, it is good to be prepared. So you should add to your suitcase, together with a first aid kit, some other medicines. Keep in mind that vaccinations require administration 2 months before travel begins.

Here the list:

• The prescriptions of the doctor for specific medicines
• Pain and fever relievers (also for children if you are traveling with them)
• Thermometer
• Cold medicines and throat lozenges
• Diarrhea/laxative medicines
• Allergy medicines
• Hydrocortisone cream/antibacterial ointment
• Multivitamins
• Sunburn relief
• Insect repellent/mosquito net/sting reliever
• Motion sickness pills or bands
• Altitude sickness pills (in case of trips to the mountains)
• Eye drops
• Moleskin
• Medicines and vaccinations specific to the region/activity
• Hand sanitizer or wet wipes
• Sleeping medicines

What else? You are going forward list after lists, but I am sure you have still some questions. Read them and find inside the answers. There are some small specific items’ lists that you need to add according to the season, the occasion, or the destination.  

What to pack for a trip to go to the beach?

What should I pack to go to the beach?

If you are going to the seaside and you will spend time on the beach, you will need: a pair of a flip flops; a pair of sunglasses;  sunscreen; swimsuit; beach towel; pareo.

What to pack for a trip for a winter trip?

What should I pack for a winter trip?

The things not to forget when traveling are different, at least in part, according to the type of trip or the period. For instance, if you travel in winter, you need to protect yourself from the cold. Packing in winter: winter coat; thick socks; scarf of wool; winter gloves.

What to pack for a trip for a romantic trip?

What should I pack for a romantic trip?

In case your trip is a romantic time with your partner you have to use a bit of your creativity. Everything must be perfect on this holiday, also how you will be dressed out and in the room. So you know what to do. I can just help you with some things not to forget when traveling for this occasion. Romantic packing: special lingerie; perfume; elegant shoes, with high heels for ladies; jewelry; accessories.

4. Personal travel gadget

Now it’s time to prepare the hand luggage. If you have the check-in one and you are staying for a few days, put in the bag for the cabin a shirt, a pair of pants, and underwear. In case the checked luggage will be lost, you will be ready to change your clothes. All the valuables need to be in the bag with you for their security. Then you can pack in a carry-on suitcase also some other personal items like electronics. The same if you use other means of transport. These things are safer if they are with you all the time. Regarding the toiletries don’t forget the restrictions.

Tech items:

• Mobile device and charger
• Laptop, iPad, or Kindle and their chargers
• Headphones (to not disturb others with sounds and/or keep your ears safe from noise)
• Camera and Go Pro/video camera, memory card, and chargers
• Electrical converters and adapters

To keep them ordered and protected, you should use a travel organizer for tech devices and accessories.

• Travel journal and pen (pen and paper are always necessary for any trip)
• Books and magazines
• Water bottle (bought in the airport according to TSA rules)
• Snacks (prepared at home are healthier and tastier than the ones onboard)
• Deck of cards and games
• Chapstick 
• Travel guides, maps, language guides (you can also find some at your arrival)

5. Travel documents

Before to leave double-check always to be sure to have all the documents you need for the trip. Imagine being at the airport with the passport expired or to be at your destination without the name and the address of the hotel. You can avoid these situations by just using the following list. Cash, cards, and documents have to be in your pocket all the time, ready to support you during the travel. If you want you can put the things in the travel organizer. 

Here the list:

• Passport with visa (if applicable in your case)
• Personal Identity Card
• Driver license (if you rent a car)
• The student ID card (if you are a student showing it you can benefit from dedicated discounts visiting the attractions or buying transport tickets)
• Frequent flyer cards and other loyalty program card numbers for hotels and other services to have discounts and collect or redeem points. If you have airport cards to access VIP lounges or fast tracks, put them in the wallet
• Cash and credit cards (remember to call the bank or the credit card company to notify you that you are traveling. So they will be ready to prevent frauds and not suspend the cards because of transactions abroad). You can use also the prepaid ViaBuy.
• Health insurance cards and documents (for Europeans there is, for example, the chance to use their national card in all EU countries)
• Travel insurance information
• Reservations and itineraries to proceed easily (save them in the device and print a copy to be faster in showing the booking documents)
• All the contacts you need about the hotel, tour guide, and so on
• Plane tickets (or train, bus, car reservation)
• Emergency contacts and important addresses
• Copies of all these things in case you lose your wallet
• Guide books and maps

6. Safety