You know The Importance of Packing Light for Flights but how do you pack light? When I pack for a trip I want to be comfortable. I want to feel like I look my best. I don’t want to stand out too much from the locals when I travel. For me, these details are less known but important ways to have a less stressful trip.
Comfort on a trip starts with good shoes. Unless you are on a beach vacation or have mobility issues, you will probably be walking a lot. I love walking in cities because you can see and experience so much more. Even when packing extremely light, I feel it is important to always have two pairs of shoes. When walking a lot a change in shoes is a good idea so you don’t develop blisters. It also seems to be easier on your feet. I have found these Altra shoes to be the most comfortable all day shoes. I have hiked in them, walked on cobblestone streets, and gone 10 miles in a day without any foot fatigue or pain. My toe base is super wide so that might be part of what works for me (these might not work well for a very narrow foot).
Next to comfort I want to feel attractive and I plan my clothes around what goes with the shoes. If where I am traveling to a location that regularly falls below 60 degrees, I always bring a pair of boots. I wear them on the plane because they take up too much room for packing (and I always take off my shoes on an airplane and put on slippers).
If it is ever going to be above 60 degrees, I bring this pair of Keen Astoria West sandals. They are closed toe, rugged enough for hiking, enough support for working out, and they can get wet. Additionally, I will often bring a comfy pair of tennis shoes if it is going to be both above and below 60 degrees on my trip. If it is going to be too warm for boots, I also like to bring a nicer pair of leather sandals – sometimes with a low heel and sometimes a flat. These can be dressed up or down and don’t take up much room.
List of Clothes I Pack for a Week Long Trip Based on Temperature
Below 60 degrees the whole time:
- Warm Winter Coat
- Rain coat
- Gloves (if it’s getting down to freezing)
- Wool hat (if it gets below 40 degrees)
- 3 pairs of wool blend socks
- A pair of underwear for each day unless I know I can do laundry
- Comfortable dress that doesn’t wrinkle
- Pair of jeans
- Black leggings that can be worn as pants with a long shirt or layered
- Sometimes another pair of jeans or gray pants
- Sports bra
- Regular bra
- Cardigan for layering and great for airplane
- A large scarf that can be used as a blanket on the plane, a picnic blanket, a shawl, or another layer
- Two or 3 necklaces (typically nothing too expensive)
- Depending on the trip, I might bring workout pants and shirt – if i’ll be in a hotel I can workout in or if I’m going to do any cycling or hiking on the trip.
- PJ pants
- 1 t-shirt
- 1 long sleeved t-shirt
- 1 nicer long sleeved shirt
- 1 sweater
Night time temps down to 40’s with daytime temps up to 70 degrees:
This is the hardest to pack light for. Thinking in layers is the best way to go. Typically you can get away with not having a winter coat and make your good rain coat and cardigan or sweater keep you warm. I would still recommend you bringing a hat but gloves shouldn’t be necessary. The list is pretty much the same as above minus the gloves, winter coat, and second pair of jeans/pants. I might swap the PJ pants for sleep shorts, add another t-shirt, and maybe add a second dress or a nicer dresser shirt.
Never below 60 degrees:
- If rain is at all in the forecast, bring your good rain coat
- 1 pair of socks (you’ll be wearing sandals most of the time)
- A pair of underwear for each day unless I know I can do laundry (these don’t take up too much room)
- Pair of jeans
- Pair of shorts
- Workout clothes – leggings, sports bra, shirt
- Cardigan
- A large scarf that can be used as a blanket on the plane, a picnic blanket, a shawl, or another layer
- Two or 3 necklaces (typically nothing too expensive)
- Sleep shorts
- 2 t-shirts
- Tank top
- One nicer short sleeved shirt (you can always layer the scarf or cardigan)
- 2 dresses – one long that I wear on the plane
I have found that if I pack more than this, I end up not wearing something and I leave little room in my suitcase for what I end up buying on my trip.
For kids or men, I would recommend similar quantities but without the dresses. I do think that on every trip you should have one outfit that isn’t completely casual. I personally love dresses and find them easy and comfortable, but if you don’t then just substitute another bottom and top for each dress. For most week long trips, you don’t need more than 4 bottoms and 5 tops and a few things to layer on them. Bring a stain stick to deal with small spills and you can rinse things out in the hotel sink if you don’t have laundry access. Some people may need to bring a fresh pair of socks every day. Fortunately, they don’t take a lot of room.
Also, consider packing a swim suit. Even in the winter, you may stay at a hotel that has a heated pool or hot tub. It’s worth the space for that relaxing evening in the hot tub.
For a Long Weekend on a Budget Airline
If I am flying a budget airline that charges for a carry-on, I usually pack for a long weekend using just in my personal item aka backpack (fits under the seat). I have a large wallet with a strap that fits my phone that I can use as my purse throughout the trip and I can easily slide it into my backpack before boarding the plane.
If I’m going to be gone 3 nights/4 days, I plan on wearing the same outfit on my departure and return day. Typically this is a long dress in the spring/summer/fall with sandals and a cardigan or jeans or leggings with my winter coat and boots in the winter. In my backpack I keep everything I typically pack in my back pack for any trip see What to Pack in Your Personal Item, plus a pair of shorts/jeans; a shirt or two; sleep shorts; undies; workout outfit; swimsuit; and an extra pair of shoes. I have found for me though, that unless it is a really short trip, I will spend the extra money to have my rolling carry on.
The important thing is to spend the time to make sure you just pack what you need. With a little planning, it will help make your trip about what you are seeing and doing and not about all the stuff you have to drag around.