Are you packing for a trip and don’t know where to begin? No worries, I’ve got you.
In this post you can download my free, ultimate travel packing list covering pretty much everything you’ll need for a vacation that ranges from a few days to several weeks!
Better still, it’s printable. You can just click on it and it will (should!) open in a new window for you to print off and check the boxes as you get your items together, or use the little boxes to write in quantities as required and cross out the things you don’t need.
How to pack light!
I pretty much pack the same amount of things whether I’m travelling for two weeks or six weeks.
I figure I’ll do laundry about every five or six days – I also pack a little laundry powder if I’m on the go so I can easily wash smalls in the hotel basin.
And here’s a washing tip: wring your clothes out in the bathtub or basin, then grab a towel (or the bathmat so you can use a dry towel later for your own body!), lay it on the floor and place your clothes on it, roll the sides in a little and then roll the whole thing up into a tight roll and finally, stand on it to wring the last little bit of moisture out of it before unravelling it all.
Then simply hang them in your room and leave the air conditioning on (if you can!) and they’ll be dry within the day – or certainly over night.
My best tip for packing is to take less than you think you need!
From years of over packing I have learned that I usually return with a few items unworn as I will wear everything at least twice and I also forget that I usually buy a couple of new things too!
So I’ve written this travel items list for you to print off and add the quantities of what you’ll take in the little boxes, cross off the things you don’t need, then when it comes to actually packing your bag you can run down the list and simply tick them off.
You might also like my post with 9 excellent tips for how to pack light!
This list below covers all types of vacations, but I also have a specific Cruise Packing List as there are some things you’ll want to have with you on the ship, what type of luggage works best, tips for what to take for formal nights and so on.
Read more: Air New Zealand has launched direct flights from NYC to Auckland – but it’s 16 hours heading to the US and 17.5 hours to New Zealand! If you plan to take this flight, here are 17 things to do on a 17-hour long haul flight!
Here is your free packing check list:
Download check list to print
Keep scrolling for links to my curated selection of great travel accessories and luggage you might want to grab before your next trip.
*If you make a purchase I will earn a commission at no cost to you.
Start with great luggage
Whether you need a weekend bag, or a full set. If you like hard-shell or soft luggage, a great set of luggage will last years. I also like a top opening suitcase for those small hotel rooms or cruise cabins where space is scarce.
You might also like my post of Clever Travel Hacks which covers all aspects of travel from saving money to just helpful tips to know for a stress-free holiday!
Its version of the 5-4-3-2-1 method includes "five tops, four bottoms, three accessories, two shoes (a practical pair and a nice pair), and one swimsuit," though like the Times this formula allows the wiggle room to swap out accessories based on your destination and type of travel.
The 333 method is simple: Pack three tops, three bottoms, and three pairs of shoes, then mix and match for at least nine different outfits or 27 different looks if you're counting the various shoe options, too.
One general guideline is to pack one hat, two pairs of shoes, three bottoms, four tops (short or long-sleeve or outer layer), five pairs of socks, six pairs of underwear. This should be enough to last you for two weeks.
PackPoint is free but a $3 one-time purchase has additional features such as integration with your Tripit account. There are free ways to do all of this of course. But for frequent travelers who frequently forget, the app can save you money by lowering the chances you'll have to buy something you left at home.
Packaging lists itemize the details of what is included in a shipment. These lists usually include the date, shipper contact details, origin address, the number of parcels within the shipment, and a detailed description of the packages, including contents and weight.
Do the clothing countdown: If you need a mantra to help streamline your wardrobe, use the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rule for a weeklong trip: Limit yourself to no more than five sets of socks and underwear, four tops, three bottoms, two pairs of shoes and one hat.
What is a Packing List (Shipping)? A document providing a detailed description of a shipment's contents, but that does not include any information about pricing or value. A packing list contains information about the shipment like size, weight, and packaging information.
You can pack more efficiently by either rolling your clothes individually or packing everything into a bundle. Rewear your clothing more than once, use travel-sized toiletries, and avoid packing a suitcase. Take a rollaboard or carry-on bag instead.
Rolling. This is the military's chosen packing technique of choice for a reason - it's highly efficient. Wrapping your garments up in neat little rolls dramatically reduces how much space they take up and makes it easy to find the perfect spot for them in your suitcase, minimizing wasted space.
We believe the secret to becoming a light packer is the 54321 method. For a weeklong holiday, that means you'll need: five shirts and/or T-shirts, four pairs of trousers, three accessories (think hats, belts and sunglasses), two pairs of shoes and one pair of swimming trunks.
Implement the 54321 packing method, which outlines the ideal way to pack light and is especially helpful when packing for cold weather. This viral hack contends that all one needs to pack on any given trip are five tops, four bottoms, three pairs of shoes, two (dresses or handbags), and one each of small accessories.
The concept of this packing rule is that you choose three tops, three bottoms, and three pairs of shoes to create more than a dozen outfit looks that fit easily into your carry-on.
For a long weekend, Jen Rubio of Away Travel goes by the “54321” rule: “You can always get at least five great outfits from four tops, three bottoms, two pairs of shoes, and [if you're a woman] one dress.” For a longer trip (one to two weeks), add a few tops and maybe another dress or pair of shoes if there's a fancier ...
Introduction: My name is Dean Jakubowski Ret, I am a enthusiastic, friendly, homely, handsome, zealous, brainy, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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