Packing for a week-long holiday can be exciting yet nerve-wracking. As a seasoned traveller, I’ve learned that having a solid travel items checklist makes all the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one. The good news is that a bit of planning and the right packing strategy will ensure you have everything you need without lugging around your entire wardrobe. So here’s what to pack for a week-long trip – it’s my personal checklist covering essentials, clothing, gadgets, and handy tips.
I’ve used this list multiple times, and it makes sure I never leave any important stuff out. Go ahead and use this as well – just go down the list and check things off as you pack!
Travel documents
Nothing derails a trip faster than missing documents or essentials, so double-check these first. Keep these important items in your carry-on bag or on your person at all times – they’re difficult to replace if lost.
Clothing
When it comes to clothes, the goal is to pack enough for a week without bringing your entire closet. The secret is to mix and match outfits and plan your travel wardrobe wisely. Aim for versatile pieces that you can rewear in different combinations.
Shoes and accessories
Be mindful not to go overboard! Accessories may be small but the more you bring abroad, the more you’ll have to worry about whether you’ve brought them home with you.
Toiletries and personal care (travel sizes only!)
Overpacking toiletries is a common pitfall – those bottles add up quickly. Instead, pack only your essential personal care items and keep them travel-sized. Use a dedicated toiletry bag (preferably a hanging organiser) to keep things neat and prevent spills.
Makeup and skincare essentials
You’ll only need the first 5 items on this list if you’re a bare-faced girlie. But there’s nothing wrong with a my face but better look. After all, you’re on holiday!
Health and mini first aid
Medication largely depends on whether you need them at all. But for myself, I typically bring these for the occasional headaches, onset of flu symptoms and for those tummy problems.
Tech and travel gadgets
For gadgets, you’ll just have to think about whether you’ll need your camera and/or laptop. The rest typically cover themselves, especially since most gadgets can be recharged with a USB-C cable.
In-flight and transit essentials (to carry on)
I usually go without the travel pillow if it’s a short-haul flight. And most planes don’t really allow the use of portable chargers these days, so it’s best to pack the phone charger with its plug in your carry-on.
Is it better to roll or lay clothes flat when packing?
Seasoned travellers almost unanimously recommend rolling your clothes instead of laying them flat (folded in stacks) when packing. Rolling pieces tightly helps to save space and minimise wrinkles. By rolling, you fill every little corner of your suitcase or backpack, utilising the space more efficiently than flat folding, where air gaps occur between stacked clothes.
Rolled clothes also tend to emerge less creased – there are no hard fold lines, and any wrinkles are usually softer. T-shirts, jeans, shorts, and casual dresses are perfect for rolling. For example, to roll a t-shirt: lay it flat, fold in the sleeves, then roll from the bottom up into a tight tube. You can line up these clothing “rolls” in your luggage like puzzle pieces and easily see every item at a glance!
That said, not everything has to be rolled. Bulkier items like structured jackets or thick sweaters might be better folded once or left flat on top of your rolled items. You can also use the bundle method (wrapping clothes around a central core) for delicate clothing to reduce creases, but this takes more effort.
Pro Tip: Packing your rolled clothes in compression packing cubes can save even more space and keep your bag ultra-organised. Roll items by outfit or type and pop them into cubes – it’s like Tetris for your suitcase!
What are the 5 biggest packing mistakes to avoid?
Packing mistakes can range from minor inconveniences to trip-ruining mishaps. Here are five of the biggest packing mistakes and how you can avoid them:
1. Overpacking and not planning outfits
Cramming your bag with “options” is a common mistake. Bringing a huge variety of clothes without a plan often means you carry heavy luggage and still have nothing suitable to wear. Avoid this by planning a capsule wardrobe for your trip. Stick to mix-and-match basics and a coherent colour scheme. Every item you pack should be something you know you’ll wear. If you’re thinking “maybe I’ll use this” – leave it out!.
2. Not using proper organisers
Stuffing everything loosely into your suitcase is a recipe for chaos. Not only will you struggle to find things, but you’ll likely waste space. Packing cubes help compartmentalise your clothing and can even constrain how much you pack. If it doesn’t fit in the cube, you probably don’t need it. Also, remember to separate shoes (use shoe bags or old shower caps to cover soles) and keep dirty laundry separate on the return leg.
3. Choosing the wrong luggage
A common packing mistake is using luggage that’s too large, too small, or of poor quality. Oversized bags tempt you to overpack, whereas bags that are too small obviously can’t fit what you need. Always use a bag that’s carry-on size if possible and suited to the length of your trip. Also, consider durability and ease of transport – e.g. wheels for airports or a comfy backpack for rougher terrain. Using a bag that doesn’t meet airline size rules can result in hefty fees at the gate, so check dimensions if you plan to carry on.
4. Packing important items in the wrong place
Never pack your vital items in checked luggage – that’s a serious mistake. Things like your passport, IDs, money, electronics, medications, and jewellery should always be in your carry-on (or on you). If your checked bag is delayed or lost, those important items might be gone for good.
Similarly, don’t pack anything fragile or perishable in hold luggage. Use your personal item (like a backpack or purse) wisely: it’s essentially bonus storage. Many travellers forget that airlines allow a carry-on and a personal item – use that allowance! For example, keep your laptop, a change of clothes, and any must-haves in your personal item bag under the seat. Not taking advantage of this can mean an overstuffed main bag and no essentials within reach.
5. Neglecting toiletry precautions
We’ve all seen a shampoo explosion or lotion leak ruin someone’s clothes. To avoid this, transfer liquids into travel-size containers or buy travel-sized products at the outset, and always put liquids in a sealed plastic bag. Plan your liquids ahead of time and pack them in the checked bag if they’re over the limit.
Another related mistake is packing things like a multitool or large scissors in your carry-on – they will get flagged. Know the rules (no sharp objects or large liquids in cabin bags) to avoid losing items. A bit of foresight with your toiletries and other restricted items will save you from headaches and messy accidents.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for outfits?
The 3-3-3 rule for outfits is a minimalist packing strategy that helps travellers create a versatile travel wardrobe with very few items. The rule goes like this: pack 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 pairs of shoes – all of which coordinate with each other. With these 9 pieces (3+3+3), you can mix and match to get up to 27 different outfit combinations (since any top can pair with any bottom, and you have a few shoe options to alter the look).
For example, you might pack three tops (t-shirt, blouse, and a light sweater), three bottoms ( jeans, shorts, and a skirt), and three pairs of shoes (comfortable trainers, sandals, and ankle boots). Ensure the colours and styles are complementary. Using the 3-3-3 capsule, you could dress the t-shirt with jeans and trainers for a casual day, or swap the blouse with the jeans and sandals for a smarter look, and so on. It encourages you to reuse each item in multiple outfits by keeping the selection limited but flexible.
Of course, you can always adjust this rule based on your needs – e.g., if you know you’ll need a dress or a suit for a special occasion, pack that in addition. The idea is to use the 3-3-3 framework as a foundation for efficient packing.
What is the golden rule of packing?
The golden rule of packing is often quoted as: “Take half the clothes you think you need, and twice the money”. This timeless travel adage brilliantly sums up how most of us tend to overestimate how much clothing we’ll require and underestimate expenses.
In practice, the golden rule means you should lay out all the garments you plan to bring for your week-long trip, then challenge yourself to remove about half of them. We usually pack far more outfits than necessary – but remember, you can re-wear items, do a quick laundry, or mix pieces to create new looks. By packing fewer clothes, you lighten your load and make travelling easier. Plus, you’ll leave some room in your bag for any souvenirs or shopping.
“Twice the money” doesn’t mean you literally need to double your budget, but rather to have a financial cushion. Trips often come with unexpected costs – a taxi here, a convenience item there, or an activity you hadn’t planned. Having extra funds ensures that forgetting something or an unforeseen expense doesn’t turn into a crisis. It also might allow you to buy an item at your destination instead of packing it “just in case.”
What to pack smartly for a week-long, stress-free trip checklist
Packing for a week-long adventure is all about finding the right balance – bringing what you truly need, while leaving behind the unnecessary bulk. By using this week-long trip packing checklist and smart packing strategies, you’ll be prepared for anything your holiday throws at you. Remember to keep essentials like travel documents, money, and gadgets in your carry-on, and use a packing checklist (like this one) every time so nothing gets left behind. With a bit of practice, packing will feel like a breeze rather than a chore. Now you’re ready to zip up that bag, embark on your trip, and focus on making memories! And before you go, make sure your carry-on luggage travel essentials are sorted – and maybe invest in one of the best travel pillows for a comfy journey.
