What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)
Here are some essential tips to help you pack smarter, travel lighter, and still feel fully prepared.
🧳 1. Choose the Right Luggage for Your Trip
Start with choosing between:
Carry-on only – Great for short trips or light packers.
Checked luggage – Better for longer vacations or events like weddings or cruises.
Tip: Use packing cubes to organize clothes by type or outfit. They save space and reduce unpacking stress!
👕 2. Pack Versatile Clothing You Can Mix and Match
Stick to a color palette so you can easily create different outfits with fewer items. Bring pieces you can layer, especially if the weather might vary.
A sample clothing checklist:
3–4 tops (including at least one dressy option)
2–3 bottoms (pants, shorts, or skirts)
1–2 dresses or jumpsuits
Lightweight sweater or jacket
Swimsuit (even if there’s only a chance you’ll use it)
Undergarments and socks for each day
Pajamas or sleepwear
👟 3. Shoes: Less is More
Shoes take up space—pack wisely.
Most people only need 2–3 pairs:
One comfortable walking shoe (sneakers or flats)
One dressier option (sandals, loafers, or heels)
One destination-specific pair (like flip-flops for the beach or hiking boots for the Highlands)
Tip: Wear your bulkiest pair on the plane to save space.
🧴 4. Toiletries: Travel Size is Your Best Friend
You don’t need full-sized bottles unless you're checking a bag and staying long-term. Most daily essentials come in TSA-friendly travel sizes (under 100ml/3.4oz).
Essentials to pack:
Toothbrush + toothpaste
Mini shampoo + conditioner
Travel-size facial cleanser + moisturizer
Sunscreen
Razor
Deodorant
Travel-size body wash or soap
Makeup (only your essentials)
Lip balm & hand cream (especially for flights)
Pro tip: Leave the hotel shampoo and body wash space open—many hotels already provide them!
⚕️ 5. Don’t Forget Medications & Health Essentials
These should go in your carry-on, not checked luggage.
Prescription medications (with enough for your full trip)
Pain relievers, allergy meds, or motion sickness pills
Band-aids, insect repellent, or anti-itch cream (depending on the destination)
Hand sanitizer & disinfecting wipes
📱 6. Tech Must-Haves
Phone + charger
Portable power bank
Headphones or earbuds
Travel adapter (for international trips)
Camera (if you're not using your phone)
E-reader or tablet for flights and downtime
Bonus tip: Pack all electronics in your carry-on to avoid damage or loss.
🗂️ 7. Travel Documents & Essentials
Keep these together and easily accessible:
Passport or ID
Boarding passes (paper or app-based)
Travel insurance info
Credit cards + some local currency
Copy of your itinerary or confirmation emails
Emergency contact list
👒 8. Destination-Specific Extras
Think about where you're going and what you’ll do:
Beach trip: Hat, sunscreen, cover-up, quick-dry towel
City tour: Day bag or backpack, water bottle, guidebook
Adventure travel: Bug spray, waterproof gear, hiking socks
Weddings: Formal attire, extra accessories, wrinkle-release spray
🧼 9. Laundry Options = Less to Pack
If you’ll have access to laundry (hotel service or Airbnb), pack fewer clothes and do a quick wash mid-trip. Bring a small bag for dirty laundry and a travel-sized detergent if you want to hand wash.
✈️ 10. Leave Room for Souvenirs!
Always leave a little space in your suitcase for gifts, keepsakes, or unexpected purchases. A collapsible tote bag is great for overflow or carrying extras on your return flight.
💡 Final Thoughts
Packing doesn’t have to be a puzzle. With a bit of planning, you can travel comfortably without overpacking. Remember—most destinations have stores if you forget something, and less clutter = more peace of mind.
✨ Ready to Travel Smarter?
If you’re booking a destination wedding, family getaway, or a group tour and want help planning your itinerary, accommodations, or flights, I’ve got you covered.
📧 Email: sharon.mckee@onvigo.com
📞 Phone: 1-866-341-5475 EXT 8299
🌐 Website: sharon.mckee.onvigo.com
Let’s make your next vacation your best one yet!
