My Packing List
The last thing I want to do when I’m traveling is lug around a ton of luggage. My trips don’t normally have me staying in one place for too long. This constant movement means I want to be able to pack up quickly and with minimum effort.
There’s been a LOT of trial and error, but I think I’m finally streamlining my process. I tested this fully for my last trip to Spain and Portugal. I was traveling for a total of 3 weeks and I only packed a carry-on and personal item.
WHAT.
I both didn’t want to be bogged down with bags and I knew that my checked bag was going to be my wine suitcase. When in Spain, ya know?
Read along and I’ll break down all my tips and tricks. I’ll also provide a lot of recommendations for my personal travel essentials.
I’ve created a simple Packing Checklist based on this article for you to use while packing for your own travels. Click the image to download the file now!
Things to Keep in Mind
Quick heads up. This packing list is what I use for a multi-week trip. However, it relies on needing access to laundry services while traveling. I find this is completely doable when staying in Airbnbs. I just make sure to choose a property that includes a washer and dryer. I try to have at least 6 days of clothing and when planning my route, I make sure to have access to laundry facilities within that 6 day period. I’ve also used laundry services at hotels (EXPENSIVE) but you can almost always find a local laundromat when needed. I’ll pack these super awesome laundry detergent strips when I know I’ll need to do laundry while traveling.
Also, this list is mostly geared towards women, because, you know…I am one haha. However, I do think there are some tips in here that can appeal to men, as well! Just skip the makeup section if you aren’t interested in that 😉
And with that… On to the list!
Toiletries & Beauty Products
I am a pretty low-maintenance kind of girl. I don’t use a ton of beauty products in my daily life, so I certainly don’t need to travel with a ton. However, good skin care is essential. When your skin is well taken care of, you can get away with far less makeup!
Quick TSA review for carry-ons: all liquids and/or creams need to be in bottles of 100mL or less and all need to fit in a 1-qt resealable, clear bag. I use these bags and I love them. They come in multiple sizes, have a sturdy zipper, and pack really well.
Let me break down what’s in each bag.
The biggest bag will have all my liquids and creams. As I mentioned, I put a heavy focus on skincare. I’m currently using the Canadian company Medikate’s line and it’s wonderful. All of the bottles are small enough for my carry-on, except for the face wash. In this case, I would just put some of the liquid into a smaller bottle that I could pack.
I also never leave home without a good sunscreen for my face. I try to stick to something that’s at least 50 SPF. Finally, in my skincare routine, are my evening products. I love this night cream and this eye cream.
For my hair and shower use, I’m not ashamed to admit I take the toiletries from nice hotel stays to use in my carry-on later! My current L’Occitane shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and shower gel all came from a lovely stay at Manoir Hovey. These small quantities are usually enough for me, since they only need to supplement when the hotel or Airbnb I’m staying in don’t have these products already stocked. I’ll also throw in my favorite hairspray, my favorite leave-in conditioner/detangler, some contact solution, travel sized deodorant and toothpaste, and of course my chapstick!
Quick note: The bag I use for my toiletries is technically more than a quart in size. 99% of the time, no one says a single word about it. I just throw it in the bucket at security and we’re good to go. However, ONE TIME flying through Toronto, they made me move everything into one of their bags. I had to throw away some stuff and it was super annoying…but like I said, the vast majority of the time, in airports all over the world, I never have problems.
However, if you are worried about the amount of liquids you’re packing and don’t want to risk it, shampoo and conditioner bars are a great option. They will pack perfectly into a carry-on bag without taking up space in your liquids bag.
The second largest bag is going to have my makeup. This is my personal list of essentials, both in travel and in my daily life! (Also, keep in mind, any liquids will be going into the first bag!)
Last year I revamped my makeup collection with a lot of products from the Bare Minerals line. I find if I have good, quality items that last a while, the price is worth it. I’m 100% a quality over quantity person! Two other product lines I love are MAC and Benefit. Here’s what I always pack:
Bare Minerals Foundation Stick – I like this one a lot, because it’s lightweight and also has some added SPF.
Bare Minerals Highlighter and Bronzer – I use the highlighter always, but I’ll add in some contour with the bronzer if I’m dressing up for a nicer evening.
Bare Minerals Blush – Another daily use.
Bare Minerals Powder Concealer and Mineral Veil – I don’t use these everyday, but will for those nice dinners. The veil helps everything set and stay in place. Like all the Bare Minerals line, everything is very lightweight and natural looking.
All of my brushes are also from Bare Minerals. I love how soft they are. If I had to pick one, my favorite would be the buffing brush I use for my foundation application.
From the Benefit line, I couldn’t leave home without my foundation primer, eyebrow cream, and mascara.
Now, for the color! I usually stick to a pretty neutral palette, but I do like to bring some good lipstick to punch things up a bit when necessary! I love the MAC eyeshadow palette, lipstick, and eye liner. I also really love this eyeliner marker and Stila lip colors.
And of course, a beauty blender!
The third and fourth bags are all the extra things I need. My glasses, my toothbrush, hair ties, this mini hairbrush, etc. One bag I’ll keep entirely for medication. I won’t leave home without ibuprofen, cold medicine, vitamin C tablets, and a sleep aid. Even before COVID-19, I also always bring some antibacterial wipes for wiping down my area in the plane.
Finally, if I’m flying for a long time especially, I will bring a couple face masks for hydrating my skin. I’m obsessed with these from Trader Joe’s. I also make sure to bring a fresh pack of make-up removing wipes, for those nights I know I’m going to just pass out and not go through my entire skincare routine. These biodegradable wipes from Klorane are one of my favorites.
Luggage & Electronics
I’m going to clue you in on one of the greatest travel hacks: PACKING CUBES. If you aren’t using them yet, get you some! I love these ones from Paravel. They are well made and have a see-through corner so I can easily see what’s packed inside. These will change the game for your carry-on packing.
For this example, I’ve packed all my tops in the bottom cube, my jeans and workout clothes in the middle, and my underwear, socks, bras, and swimsuit in the top cube.
There’s a big debate in the travel world concerning packing: lie-flat or rolling. I’m here to say I’ve tried both…and I’m convinced rolling is better! You can see in the photos that all of my shirts are rolled into the biggest cube, though I will lie flat any nicer clothes, like the dress pictured here.
And of course the big question…which luggage?? I say this next part knowing that just about every millennial you see at the airport these days has an Away suitcase.
But. You guys. THEY ARE INCREDIBLE.
I use the Away Bigger Carry-On for all of my plane travel. The key component of this suitcase that allows me to pack SO MUCH is the compression side of the case. I am able to put all of my packing cubes on one side of the suitcase, allowing the other side to stay free for my clear bags, shoes, and other items I need to bring.
This suitcase is an absolute game-changer if you’re interested in the carry-on game.
As a side note, this suitcase won’t fit in the overhead compartment of some smaller planes. However, I’ve never had any issues with gate-side checking the bag for free when flying on a smaller aircraft.
The Away Everywhere Bag completes my luggage needs. This bag stacks beautifully on top of my suitcase and packs quite a bit! In this bag, I’ll pack my purse/wallet, these headphones (recommended by my audio-engineering husband haha!), my passport, and a book. I’ll also put my liquid bag in here, so it’s easier to remove for security.
Finally, the electronics. If one of your travel priorities is photography, I highly recommend the Fuji XT-2 camera. This is a mirrorless digital camera, which makes it significantly lighter than your typical DSLR. Before my Fuji, I was traveling with a Nikon D7000, and I found that more often than not, I was leaving the camera in my hotel room because I just did not want to deal with lugging it around. Now, I sometimes forget I even have a camera strapped around me because the Fuji is so dang lightweight. I also prefer prime lenses when I travel, as they are also more lightweight. This Fujinon XF 23mm f-2 lens is my go-to for travel (and everyday use).
In addition to my camera, I’m not leaving home without my MacBook Air or my iPhone.
My last recommendation in the luggage department is to stock yourself up on some small zipper bags. I rely on these for all the extra organization. I like to use them for all my charging cords, electrical converters, snacks, and even jewelry if I want to add in a few extra pieces aside from what I’m already wearing. I really love these handmade bags from The Crafty Corner on Etsy.
Clothing
And finally, the clothing! This is the way I pack for a multiple-week trip in spring, fall, or winter. Since I don’t love extreme heat, these are the seasons I most often travel.
One of my friends who is much more fashionable than I am clued me in on a great packing tip that I now live by: pick a color palette for the trip. This allows you to mix and match the entire time, and you’ll know every item will go with everything else. My color palette is typically gray, white, black, and navy blue.
This color palette means that with six tops, two pairs of jeans, a pair of leggings, and a hoodie…I have endless outfit potential! I’ll also throw in one dress for nice dinners out. Here are my most recommended options:
Pants – I absolutely love these jeans from White House Black Market. I originally bought one pair…and then went back and bought two more. I don’t know what magic this company possesses, but these are the most comfortable fitting jeans I’ve ever found. Particularly for a lady with some curves! When packing, I like to bring one dark pair and one lighter pair.
Tops – I like to bring items that can be worn during the day and can easily be dressed up a bit for evening outings. I love this bodysuit from Everlane. Easy to wear during the day, then add some jewelry at night and you’re ready to party! I also find a lot of great tops at Banana Republic. I like them because the material is higher quality and they are very comfortable. They are also lightweight, which makes packing a breeze. I’ll also throw in a sweater or two. The one pictured is from Anthropologie. Just make sure you’re packing clothes without any special washing instructions! There’s nothing worse than trying to find a good dry cleaner when you’re traveling.
Speaking of clothing care while traveling, get yourself a handheld steamer! I use this SO MUCH when I’m on the go. No matter how carefully you pack your clothes, they’re going to get wrinkly (especially if you’re trying to opt for lighter weight clothing that pack easier!). I love this steamer and it packs easily into my carry-on.
Outerwear – I like to bring a nice, heavier coat for colder days. I also will always pack a rain jacket. I love my Columbia rain jacket. It packs well and I can also wear it on cooler days that aren’t quite cold enough for a heavier coat.
Shoes – I cannot recommend these Everlane Chelsea boots enough. These are the shoes I bring that easily transition from daytime to evening. They are 100% Italian leather, so they’ll mold perfectly to your feet for a super comfortable fit. I’ll walk all day in these without any problems. They go great with leggings, jeans, and dresses.
For sneakers, I am loyal to the Allbirds Tree Runners. I’ve gone through multiple pairs because I wear them SO. MUCH. I can walk all day long in these shoes (and I do put many, many miles on them!). They are stylish and comfortable and super lightweight, so they pack great. The only downside is they are not weather resistant, so they are not good for wet days.
If I’m heading to a location where I am expecting some inclement weather, I’ll pack these Sperry boots. They are great for snow or rain and are also comfortable enough to walk around in all day. I did actually bring these on our Spain trip in January and they were perfect for the days and evenings I needed a little more warmth for my feet.
Finally, I like to bring a pair of flats. While I haven’t traveled with them yet, I recently bought the Allbirds Tree Breezers and I absolutely love them. They fit so well! I’ve already walked around in them quite a bit, and the backs don’t move around at all. This is a problem I have with a lot of flats, which lead to blisters and aren’t ideal footwear for lots of walking (something I definitely want to do a lot of while traveling!). These would also make a great airport shoe that slips on and off easily.
And with that, we’re brought to what I wear to the airport!
I’ll be wearing heavier clothes that I don’t want to try to fit in my suitcase, like a sweater and my heavier coat (if needed). I’ll wear some black leggings for comfort on the plane, and a simple white t-shirt underneath the sweater in case I get too hot on the plane. This look is completed with the Allbirds flats, but I’ve also worn the Sperry boots to the airport. They have a side zipper, so they also slip on and off easily.
And that, my friends, is how I packed for a three week trip around Spain and Portugal in January 2020 using only a carry-on and personal item!
Questions or comments? Drop them below! Or you can send me a message here. I would love to know if you found this helpful!
And finally, some photos of me during said trip, wearing said items 🙂
6 Comments
Sable
Awesome article! Even after being a flight attendant for over 8 years I’m still learning! That handheld steamer is on my to buy list now! As well as some Away luggage!!! Loved this!!!
Carolyn | Wander. Ramble. Roam.
Thanks so much, Sable! I’m really happy that a “travel professional” such as yourself still found some handy information in here 🙂 Both the steamer and Away luggage are essential for me! What an amazing thing to be able to get dressed out of a suitcase and not be all wrinkly haha!
Samantha
I love it!!! These shoes I am going to have to look into they look amazing! I will be pulling out your list for my next trip. 🙂
Carolyn | Wander. Ramble. Roam.
Thanks, Samantha! I love all of these shoes SO. MUCH. A quality product that you know is going to last a while that is both stylish AND comfortable is what I try to pack my suitcase with! Nothing better than comfort when you’re walking around all day, but you want to look good, too! 🙂 Thanks so much for reading!
Kathryn
W O W is all I can say! I’ve been traveling my whole life, and 12 years professionally, and these tips, tricks, and items you recommend are incredible. I never even knew a handheld steamer existed! Thank you for putting this all together!
Carolyn | Wander. Ramble. Roam.
It’s such a game changer!! I’m so thrilled that you’ve found some handy information in this article. After being a terrible last minute packer for far too long, I finally sat down last year and made a full list. And now I’m so happy to be able to share it to help others, too!