“If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness, and fears.”
ceseare pavese
We have all been there. Last-minute packing. Staying up all night before an early morning flight. Getting ready to leave for your dream trip, exhausted. Realizing you don’t have the right clothes or they don’t fit results in panic buying and rushed runs to the store. We know we have that must-have item, but we can’t find it anywhere. Purchase new shoes, then forget to break them in. Discover the suitcase you were planning to use was damaged or too heavy. Then, when you get to your destination, you realize you have forgotten an essential item. If this is you, then we have some packing hacks for you.
The list of last-minute craziness includes situations we can all identify with. We can guarantee we have done all of them and even more.
After all our traveling, we have seen everything. Last-minute purchases and rushed shipping can be quite a hit on your budget. That credit card statement arriving after your trip can be jaw-dropping. Shopping at your destination for items takes away from your fun and can be expensive, too. It can be almost impossible if you are over 6 feet like Joelle. One time in Spain, Joelle spent 4 hours out of her first full day finding a missing part of her camera. It goes on and on.
Things happen no matter how much we prepare
Part of this is inevitable and adds to travel’s craziness and funny stories. That said, much can be avoided. It is all about early preparation and having detailed packing lists. We will share what has worked for us, how to reduce your packing stress before a trip, and how to bring all those essential items and keep them organized.
The first step in packing for traveling abroad is to have a list. This not only keeps you organized but also prevents you from overpacking and forgetting something important. We have put together two lists to help you get ready for your next adventure. The first is your comprehensive packing list of all the items you will bring on your trip. The second one details which items need to be in your carry-on luggage.
We will take you through each list, sharing our packing hacks and hard-earned lessons to take the stress out of packing for you.
A Tribute First
Before packing, we want to pay tribute to the people who have inspired us to see the world.
Joelle is a first-generation American born to French Immigrants. Her parents came here with a dream, leaving everything they knew behind to start a new life. This was the very luggage on that ship with them that Spring day in 1959 as it pulled into New York Harbor. It serves as a poignant reminder of the magnificent world for all of us to wander if we reach for the stars.
Their spirit for adventure lives on in their daughter, and we are forever grateful.
Take the stress out of packing with these packing hacks
1. Use a list. We suggest one overall master list and a carry-on list. Review all items and cross off all you won’t need during your travels. Traveling abroad is very different from traveling back east in the United States. A successful and healthy trip needs to be organized and thoughtful in your packing.
2. Start early. Joelle starts laying out her packing 3-4 weeks before. Do you have a guest room bed or a room in the house that is rarely used? Take advantage of that space!! This gives you time to determine what you need and don’t need. Approaching it this way will help you decide early on what you must shop for without expensive last-minute panic buying.
The main packing list below is all the items you may need to bring on your trip. It is a list of all trips abroad, whether for one week or two months. This is not a list for backpackers, as their needs are unique, especially if they stay at hostels or are camping. This is for your average traveler, who will likely have one checked bag, a carry-on, and a purse or backpack.
Packing your carry-on
There is a second list for carry-on luggage. All items are on the master list, but provide details of what you need in your carry-on. Checked baggage can get lost, or you can be held up at a connecting airport for a long time due to weather or mechanical problems. Or when the person sitting next to Joelle in the first hour of the flight accidentally spilled their whole glass of red wine on her.
This has helped Joelle reduce her overpacking issue. Those last-minute packing events often brought many unneeded clothes along that didn’t match anything or fit right. It helps with mixing and matching outfits. Sort out what weighs too much or is bulky. It is incredible how quickly that original pile shrinks in those weeks.
3. Look for travel-size items. This is also an ideal time to sort out the nonclothing items. You can also buy small containers to avoid bringing bulky products such as facial care jars, big tubes of face scrub, or bottles of astringent.
4. Note your daily routine. After assessing your daily routine, truly only bring what you need and leave what you don’t need behind.
5. Prepare for what-ifs. Packing for trips abroad also means preparing for the what-ifs. Ensure you do not bring more than you need, leaving room for medical supplies.
6. Lay out your belongings so you can then determine how you may want to sort them. We use packing cubes for smaller items that tend to get lost in a suitcase, such as undergarments, socks, nightwear, swimsuits, and summer wear. However, we have found packing cubes useless for oversized items such as pants, sweaters, etc. They seem to take up too much room and are bulky.
Keep items packaged
7. Packaging those smaller items. All miscellaneous items should be ideally packaged in some container. Whether you use Ziploc baggies, mesh bags, or cosmetic containers, it doesn’t matter. Follow the rule: Everything goes into some kind of pouch. This will make it easier to find things during your travels—you know, the “it has to be somewhere” moments.
8. Fill out your packing list. Keep your packing list with your pre-trip layout. Once an item is there and can stay, check it off.
In 2014 while traveling in Cinque Terra with her sister-in-law Joelle had her wallet stolen on
the Milk train. For some ridiculous reason she had all her credit cards in there. Not wanting
to take away from the precious time they had in Cinque Terra she called her husband to
help.
9. The right suitcase. Once your list is complete, you can assess the suitcase you need if you have not already chosen one. Do a mock packing so you know what the suitcase’s weight will be. If your suitcase is heavy and empty, you will be limited in what you can bring.
10. Documents should be organized and prepared early. Find a water-resistant folder, binder, or sleeve.
Put together a detailed itinerary. Have both paper and electronic copies. Copy all your important documents such as passports, credit cards, medical insurance, travel insurance, etc. Make two sets of copies to hide in separate suitcases. Leave one with a family or friend back home. It is important to have paper copies. People often say I have it saved on my phone, but that will do you no good if your phone is lost or stolen. See the story in the sidebar about how important leaving copies at home is.
Last tips
11. Leave valuables at home if you can. No one will remember or care if your pearls are fake or worth thousands. Or if your designer purse is an authentic Louis Vuitton? Do you need that massive diamond ring or earrings? No one cares if your husband got you a big diamond; the thief might. It only draws attention to you and makes you a target for theft. It can also be seen as ostentatious. You are there to experience their culture, not to show off to people you will never see again. As a whole, in Europe, they live a much simpler, less materialistic life.
11. A portable luggage scale is a must. We can not encourage you to get a digital hand scale for all your travels. It weighs your luggage before going to the airport. They are dead-on accurate, small, and lightweight. We now permanently carry one in our carry-ons; we never travel without one. It is especially handy coming home if you buy lots of souvenirs and gifts. You will find it on our Travel Gear and Accessories page. They are inexpensive, around $12, and invaluable.
12. Leaving space for those purchases. Remember that you will need space if you plan to bring items home from your travels. Ensure you leave the room and are not at the weight limit before leaving. Plan for this ahead of time, or take a small duffle to check an extra bag coming home. You can often pay for this in advance to save costs.
Check out Ryan’s Travel Tips on how to make travel smoother
Our Master Packing List
Click on the image to view our printable PDF of our Packing list
Let’s start packing for our trip. It is the beginning of what will be a fantastic adventure abroad. This list is for a trip of any size, from a week to months. It involves washing clothes for longer trips.
We will review the packing list categories in the order they appear on the list. Our list is a PDF that can easily be printed in color or black and white. Many items may not be needed. Simply cross off unneeded items. Click on the image to the left to open the packing list.
Keep in mind the weather at your destination. There is no reason to pack shorts if you are in Switzerland in November. Take the time to learn what people tend to wear so you can blend in better.
Clothes
Think light and layers. Darker colors and mix and match. Easy to wash and fast to dry. Pick comfortable clothes to wander in all day and nice enough to go to almost any restaurant if you can’t make it back to your room to change. Keep in mind that no one but you and your travel companions will know that the dress you wore in Milan is the same dress you wore in Rome. That sundress you wore during the day with a light black-sleeved sweater can become evening wear. Men who are more comfortable in jeans choose darker ones, and with a darker light jacket, they can quickly become more dressy; most places are casual. If you want that one special place, maybe a Michelin Star, research the dress ahead of time and keep it as simple as possible.
Undergarments are about comfort, easy washing, and fast drying. Socks are important, especially if a lot of walking is planned. Research a bit and try some out before the trip. Joelle has been getting socks from REI for a while due to having problematic feet. One recent pairing was a success. Using silk under good quality exterior Merlino wool socks. There are many choices; research what is best for you.
Washing on the Road
We wash our clothes in the sink in any hotel we are in for two nights or more. The reason to choose fast-drying clothes is that hand washing makes it hard to squeeze the amount of water a washing machine does. You need to plan for a longer drying time. Travel-size liquid laundry packets are included on the packing list. Washing your clothes with hotel soaps and shampoos is not a good idea. They are getting very sudsy and may be difficult to rinse out. After carrying a sink stopper and clothesline with us for years, we never once used them. Leave those items behind.
Footwear
With or without feet issues, changing out shoes every 1-2 days works best. It is ideal to bring two pairs of walking shoes. Joelle wears her OOcloog clogs during the flights and packs a couple of other shoes. On days with less walking and evenings for dinner out, she brings her lightweight slip-ons. In colder weather, Ugg boots would be added to the collection when packing light, breathable, and sturdy shoes.
Ryan historically brings one pair of slip-on leather loafers meant for extensive walking. During our trip to Portugal and Spain, we walked like no other. For the first time, Ryan was hurting a lot. Those one pair of shoes wore his feet out as they were a few years old. He got another pair and interchanged his shoes every other day. It made a huge difference. He brought two pairs to future trips after that.
The lesson is that if you plan to walk a lot, bring two pairs of good walking shoes and a good pair of hiking boots.
Check out our favorite items on the travel essentials list here.
Accessories
This is simple. This is the one area women may need more of. Most items, such as a belt, hat, and coat, can be worn during travels. We suggest packing sunglasses, no matter the season. We traveled off-season but ended up buying some at our destination. Although it may have been cooler, it was still very sunny.
Toiletries and Hygiene
Review your routine and the volumes you use during the time frame of your trip. Seek travel size or transfer your products to smaller containers. If you stay in hotels, you can avoid packing soap and shampoo but always bring conditioner, which is often not provided. We use mesh bags, clear toiletry bags, or Ziplocs to hold our toiletries. Most everyone has had some product leak out over all their clothes. The key is always to put it in some kind of leakproof container. (Check some out here on our Travel Essentials list) Clear containers make it easier to see, and you don’t waste digging looking for your lip balm.
Electronics
Electronic supplies should be minimal. Avoid a laptop if you can. Today’s modern smartphones are just smaller versions. A tablet works as well. If you are like us, we need to bring at least one. Streamline these items as best you can. Keep them packaged and organized. For a laptop, put it in a thinly padded sleeve.
We tend to bring many international adapters as we lose a lot along the way. It is important to keep all these smaller, easily lost items well packaged. This great electronic case holds everything we need and keeps everything well organized. You can find it on our Travel Essentials list. We haul a bigger SLR camera around, but that is the price for being a photographer.
Additional Supplies
This is a mishmash of essential items that we bring all of. It seems like a long list, but most of these items are small. We only carry one of most of the items needed by the whole travel group. It is about being prepared. Look for miniature versions of these items: small, durable flashlights, lightweight tote bags, mini sewing kits, travel first aid kits, etc.
We never leave for an international trip without travel insurance. Check out why – Travel Insurance – Learn how to be a Savvy Consumer
Medical Supplies
We have a nurse on this team who is always about being prepared. This is not only for our travel group but also for people who may need help with our travels. Covid made some of these items even more critical. This was not new for us to bring but became a must-have moving forward. They don’t take up that much space, and all can go into a Ziploc bag. Joelle also brings a stethoscope. See our more detailed post on Medical Travel Supplies.
Documents
The bottom line is that you need all of these documents and copies of what you bring. Make three sets of copies. Take two with you and leave one with your family at home. You can also make an electronic copy. We always advise going with some local currency on hand. We get some at our local Chase Bank before we leave. Airport exchanges are pricey, and you will get a better rate at your local bank, so plan.
Part of the list speaks to putting together a Travel Emergency Contact Info. It is of paramount importance to carry with you a card that holds all this important info. If you become ill or get injured away from your belongings and documents, you must have all the information that may be needed in an emergency on your person. This includes your nationality, passport number, medications, medical conditions, emergency contact, health, travel insurance numbers, contact info, embassy info, local 911 numbers, calling code, and how to call in or out of your country. Time is of the essence in emergencies. We will deal with this in more detail in our travel health posts.
Over the Counter Meds
Finally, we have a list of over-the-counter meds that we suggest everyone has packed. Being prepared helps you stay healthy during a trip. Do not expect to be able to buy these meds there if you get sick overseas. If you get ill on a Saturday evening, you will not find open stores anywhere, and most stores, even pharmacies, may not be available on Sunday.
Joelle learned on vacation with her husband in Norway that some countries require a prescription for Sudafed or Benadryl. They both had terrible colds and were going through their supply. She wanted to restock, but it was not possible in Norway.
Now, in some countries, you can get medications that are prescriptions in the U.S. right off the shelf but don’t count on it. Be prepared. Check out our post on what over-the-counter medications to bring to be here.
What are the must-have meds for a long flight? Check out Essential Medications for a Long Flight: A Nurses Guide
Our Carry-on Packing List
Click on the image to view our printable PDF of our Carry-on Packing List
All the items on the carry-on packing list are on the main list above. It provides a detailed list of which of the above items stay with you versus going into your checked luggage. These essentials are the things you can not risk not having when arriving at your destination or are of high value. Let’s be honest; luggage can be lost or delayed.
In all of our combined decades of travel, it has occurred about two dozen times, usually on the trip home. It is not too bad, considering we have flown over 1.6 million miles. You never forget, though, that feeling of dread that sets in as you stare at the baggage carousel, praying your suitcase will suddenly pop out, but it never does. Your heart sinks. The biggest hassle is the often long wait to complete the forms to get the luggage to you, most often the next day.
A Lesson
The good news is that all luggage that was recovered and lost during trips has been returned to us. Ryan, though, when he returned home from his 15-month Afghanistan deployment, sent a chest home, via the Army, of all his belongings. He had a lot in there. That was the year I “adopted” Ryan through Soldiers Angels. I sent him many care packages full of goodies: books, DVDs, magazines, tools, video games, clothes, photos, art projects, gifts, etc. The chest arrived empty. He was heartbroken. Luckily, those stories are rare. But anything that would break your heart to lose keep with you.
So, what do you put in your carry-on? Most are obvious, such as all your documents, prescription meds, electronics, medical supplies, valuables, and a change of clothes. However, there are also some significant heads-up to be aware of when it comes to carry-on. Avoid learning the hard way, as we have at times.
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Carry-on Heads Up
Flying Air France from Charles de Gaulle to Italy Joelle had two checked bags. She had barely ten kilos in one bag. The gate agent was so friendly when she checked in. They took her bags. No one said one word about weighing her carry-on items. Joelle went to security and as she approached the head of the long line an Air France person was there weighing economy passengers carry-on.
Why do we prefer to have carry-on rollers? Hauling things on your back and shoulders is not healthy or wise. If you have long layovers, it could seriously hinder your movements. Joelle has had multiple shoulder surgeries, so trust us, this comes from personal knowledge. A roller can take all items, even your backpack, off your body. You can drape your jacket and neck pillow off of it. It also provides nice leg rest for long layovers. And if you do some after-security shopping, it comes in quite handy to avoid carrying shopping bags with you.
If you are flying economy, many international airlines have a weight limit for carry-on. This will not be easy for you if you have laptops and heavy camera equipment. All of a sudden, all those essential items you should not separate from you will be forced to.
If there is more than one in your group, spread the weight before heading to the airport. Don’t have one person carry the laptop, camera, and all the paperwork. The airlines can make quite a bit of extra income this way, too. Joelle’s Air France story still leaves a bad taste in her mouth. Check out the sidebar story. Also, carry a hand scale with you so you know what your carry-on weighs.
A Warning
If you are coming from Europe and have a layover in the U.S. on the way home, be very conscious of what you buy after security. We love buying liquor or gifts duty-free. We save room in our carry-on just for that reason. But if you fly through Newark Airport to make your connection, you must leave security and go through TSA. If you buy liquor or olive oil, they could confiscate it. Once we had enough time to check the bag at the counter and make it through TSA on time, this was not a problem in most places. Some airport TSAs, as long as they are well sealed in the duty-free bag, will allow it, but it will not always. Know your airports.
To Those Who Pack Light
We commend those who can pack for a whole trip in a carry-on. Congratulations, you have our awe and respect.
That will likely never be us; well, it is mostly Joelle. As a nurse, she must be prepared for anything, and that has served her well over the years. There are stories to tell.
We hope these packing hacks and lists still serve you well in the little you bring.
Interested in the Best Travel Cards in the industry? It is how we get most of our hotels for FREE! Check out our post on Travel credit cards.
Final Thoughts
Packing doesn’t have to be chaotic. Using a list and staying organized is all it takes. Use our packing hacks above, and you may even find it fun. What we have found is our greatest tool is starting early. That has dramatically reduced packing stress.
Have that suitcase zipped up at the front door days before your trip. Your heart will smile each time you see it. You will also leave more rested and ready to hit the road the second you arrive.
The printable PDFs of both packing lists are in the promo boxes below. They can be printed in black and white color or downloaded to your computer.
You are packed and ready to go. We wish you safe and exciting adventures. May all your travel dreams become a beautiful reality.
Bon Voyage
Share your stories and packing hacks
As always, we would love to hear your packing stories. Do you have any packing tips that worked for you? Or do you have any painful or funny stories about packing from your travels? We learn from each other as we share our tales.
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