The Packing List that will turn you into a suitcase champ!
The Essential Packing List So You Can Carry On Your Suitcase
This essential packing list is for the ladies (but guys might learn something too). What follows is a travel-tested list for warm weather destinations. I also cover a lot of in the video below, so why not watch that, and then you can recap and copy and paste the list for reference later (and by all mean let me know if you like me to send it to you as a pdf when you sign up for our newsletter.)
Elaine’s Proven Packing List for One Month on the Road!
Obviously, if you’re planning cold weather travel, you’ll lose the short sleeve tops and shorts, and add some turtlenecks and sweaters. Of course, you’ll carry your winter jacket/coat with you on the plane.
Whenever possible (as in shorts, capris, the dress, undies, tops) choose lightweight fabrics you know will dry overnight. Now, I love natural fabrics as much as the next person, but when travelling, opt for the no-iron quick-dry choices.
ELAINE’S TOP TIP OF ALL
I ALWAYS do my initial pack one week ahead of time. This allows me to ensure everything I want to take is freshly laundered and in good repair (no loose buttons or dropping hemline). And, it takes the pressure off the 101 details you have to arrange before an extended trip (like alerting credit card companies it’s really you using your AMEX in Zanzibar.) The night before the trip, I take everything out of my suitcase, re-assess and leave behind non-crucial items.
ON TOP
5 short sleeve tops
4 long sleeve tops
1 button down long sleeve shirt (can also be worn over short sleeve shirts, if necessary)
1 turtleneck jersey (wear it on the plane or whenever the temperature dips)
1 warm sweater
1 “shrug,” bolero or light dressier sweater for evening
1 dress
ON BOTTOM
2 pairs of jeans (1 blue/1 black)
1 pair of khaki pants
1 pair black or navy blue trousers
1-2 pairs of “wear around town” shorts or capris
1 skirt
INTIMATES
6 pairs of undies
3 bras (1 white, 1 tan, 1 black)
2 nighties
SOCKS
4 pairs of athletic socks
3 pairs of peds to wear in closed-toed shoes
Compression socks for the plane
WORKOUT WEAR
(This is if you plan to visit the hotel gym, go hiking, etc.)
1 quick dry T-shirt
1 pair athletic shorts or leggings
1 pair elastic waist workout pants (Great for wearing on an overnight flight. Can also pull on with nightgown if nights are cool.)
1 bathing suit
SHOES
1 pair sneakers or hiking boots (wear these on the plane)
1 pair walking sandals
1 pair closed-toed shoes appropriate for days around town and evenings out
OUTERWEAR
1 rain jacket
1 hat or baseball cap
ACCESSORIES
3 scarves (wear one on the plane)
1 purse for evening
1 belt
Costume jewelry (Leave the good stuff at home!!!)
MISCELLANEOUS
Folding umbrella
Foldable day pack
Flashlight
Headlamp (Even if you are in a hotel room with bedside lamps. Why? If you’re travelling with a partner, this allows you to read, but NOT disturb the other person.)
Electrician’s or duct tape (A myriad of uses. Your travel group will think you are a star for having this.)
Packable baggage scale (Eliminates nasty surprises at the check-in counter)
Spare pair of reading glasses
Plastic cutlery
10 clean plastic bags, various sizes
3 oz. bottle of Woolite
