What To Consider When Packing For A Trip – Luggage Checklist
Packing for travel can seem overwhelming even for a compulsive traveler like myself. There are many factors to consider. Such as the length of time, activities, weather, accommodations, if you’re traveling alone, in a group, etc. Even factors such as if you are traveling with someone shapes your #Lifeinabag. (These are all the factors I consider when creating my luggage checklist)
Notice the pictures above:
- Left side picture – My backpack for a 10 day trip through Thailand and Hong Kong in 2015.
- Right side picture – My luggage for a 3 day weekend in Austin.
As you can tell, consider all factors of your trip. It is important to remember length of time does not translate into size of your #Lifeinabag.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, we receive a small commission on purchases made through these links. By making a purchase using these links, you are directly supporting and allowing me to continue providing you with free high-quality travel guides. Thank you!
Use This Easy Luggage Checklist
What To Pack
This guide is for you if you are the type:
- That dreads packing
- Leaves packing for the last minute
- Think you have mastered packing.
Below is my Luggage Checklist with the must have’s, regardless if I’m taking a backpack, carry-on or a luggage. Include items in your own #LIFEINABAG
Luggage organizers
My secret weapon to organizing my clothes. Not only will they compress your clothes, allowing for more space but they help me know where everything is. Compression bad kits usually come in different sizes.
Clothes
Bring things that are light and you can mix and match with other items you are bringing. (My rule is if you can’t wear it with something else you are bringing, then it probably shouldn’t be brought. I only break my rule with a light nice dress or 2. You never know if a going out opportunity will come up. You can also typically wear a dress on another night in another city.) The above picture of me in a dress shows you what I mean with “light” aka clothes that won’t take up space.
Sweater and nice scarf
You never know when the temp will drop. A light sweater can help and you can always use a nice scarf to dress up any outfit. Additionally, most planes get cold, having a sweater or nice scarf can keep you cozy and warm on your flight.
3 shoes
1 flipflop, 1 gym shoe & 1 nice shoe. The nice shoe should not be high heels as they take up a lot of space. Heels will hurt your feet based on the type of streets your walking on. During my last trips I’ve been taking either neutral color booties or wedges based on the weather. Mixing length of shoe and type helps your feet from wearing the same shoe during your travels. It’s how I manage walking 28 miles in Vienna and still go out at night.
Toiletry bag
Include only essentials. Instead of body wash, I do a small bar of soap. It is more compact than a bottle of body wash. I keep this in a sandwich baggie and throw out at the last day of my trip. For females, take only the makeup items you really think you need. For me, its foundation, bronzer, eyeliner, 2 lipsticks; (light pink and red), waterproof mascara and a small eye pallet.
No accessories
Accessories take up a lot of space and add up quickly when you are trying to make outfits. Also God forbid someone think that your H&M necklace is expensive and tries to steal it from you. I save myself the drama and leave even jewelry I tend to wear daily at home. The most I will take is sunglasses, cheap earring studs and a cheap watch.
Sim Card
Staying connected while traveling is crucial for all, whether you’re a female solo traveler like myself or not. AIRALO enables easy and affordable access to eSIMs, allowing connectivity in any country as soon as you arrive, eliminating high roaming bills.
Small inexpensive towel
I use this at hostels as they sometimes charge you. This towel also doubles as a beach towel. Why inexpensive you ask? I always leave this towel behind. This frees up space for gifts and souvenirs in my bag so paying for that Egyptian cotton isn’t needed.
Passport Holder
This keeps my passport from bending in my luggage and I can easily locate given its print.
Umbrella
You never know when rain will strike, so having a good umbrella has proven game changer on trips.
Universal adaptor
It’s a no brainier when traveling abroad.
Powerbank
Mobile phones tend to drain battery far quicker on vacation. Having an additional power source can be really helpful. Especially when you want to continue to visit a city and are running low on battery.
Lock
To use if staying in a hostel to store your #LIFEINABAG in the lockers most hostels provide.
Foldable tote bag
This helps for carrying items to the beach. It also doubles as an extra bag to bring things back home should your #Lifeinabag get packed.
Bubble wrap
Not much, but you have no idea how many times I buy something that I fear would break. I simply wrap in my bubble wrap. It also helps with dividing your clothes and shoes in your bag.
Small shoulder bag (or compact bag)
Easiest way to walk around and have things close, while still freeing your hands.
Small grocery bag
I keep my used undergarments in this bag. I hate mixing with clean clothes and typically will wash these when I shower. Remember that depending on the climate of where you travel, it may be hot and you may be sweating.
BONUS TRAVEL RESOURCE
A properly packed luggage is important for traveling. Once your luggage is checked-in or stored under a bus, your carry-on bag become your next best friend.
Use my Carry-on Bag Checklist to pack all those must have essentials while traveling. See my 6 must have travel accessories for a stress free trip.
Final Luggage Packing Tip
The secret is to find what is best for you and your travel style. Decide early, what are your must have’s based on your personal style and get packing. Your trip awaits!
Have travel packing tips of your own? Share them in the comments section.
NEED MORE HELP PLANNING YOUR NEXT VACATION/HOLIDAY?
Disclaimer: This luggage checklist article may contain affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, we receive a small commission on purchases made through these links. By making a purchase using these links, you are directly supporting and allowing me, a Latina travel blogger to continue providing you with free high-quality travel guides. Thank you!
6 thoughts on “Ultimate Luggage Checklist & Packing Planner”