3 night trip packing list

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[2023] What To Pack For A 3-Day Trip Checklist: The Ultimate Guide

• July 24, 2023
• Weekend Getaway Checklists

Are you planning a short getaway and wondering what to pack for a 3-day trip? Look no further! Our team at Travel Checklist™ has put together the ultimate packing guide to help you prepare for your adventure. Whether you're heading to the beach, exploring a new city, or going on a hiking trip, we've got you covered. From clothing essentials to travel accessories, we'll ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and stress-free vacation. So, let's dive in and start packing!

Table of Contents

Quick answer, quick tips and facts, electronics, travel accessories, entertainment, miscellaneous, useful links, reference links.

When preparing for a 3-day trip, consider the activities, weather, and destination. Pack versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched. Don't forget essentials like toiletries, electronics, travel accessories, entertainment, documents, and medication. Use our comprehensive checklist below to ensure you don't miss a thing!

Before we delve into the details, here are some quick tips and facts to keep in mind while packing for your 3-day trip:

• Check the weather forecast for your destination to pack appropriate clothing.
• Pack lightweight and wrinkle-resistant clothing to save space in your luggage.
• Roll your clothes instead of folding them to maximize space and minimize wrinkles.
• Use packing cubes or compression bags to organize and compress your clothes.
• Opt for travel-sized toiletries to save space in your toiletry bag.
• Pack a portable charger for your electronics to ensure you stay powered up throughout your trip.
• Keep important documents, such as your ID, passport, and travel insurance, in a secure and easily accessible place.
• Don't forget to pack any necessary medication and a small first aid kit for emergencies.

Now that you're armed with these tips, let's jump into the nitty-gritty of what to pack for a 3-day trip!

When it comes to packing clothing for a 3-day trip, the key is versatility. Choose items that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits. Here's a checklist to help you pack the essentials:

• ✅ Blouses or shirts
• ✅ Sweaters or cardigans
• ✅ Lightweight jacket or hoodie
• ✅ Pants or jeans
• ✅ Shorts or skirts
• ✅ Leggings or joggers
• ✅ Casual dresses
• ✅ Formal dresses (if needed)

Undergarments

• ✅ Underwear
• ✅ Beach cover-up
• ✅ Flip-flops or sandals
• ✅ Comfortable walking shoes
• ✅ Dress shoes (if needed)

Accessories

• ✅ Hat or cap
• ✅ Sunglasses
• ✅ Scarf or shawl

Remember to pack enough underwear and socks for each day of your trip. If you're unsure about the weather, consider layering your clothing to accommodate temperature changes. Pack a lightweight jacket or hoodie in case it gets chilly in the evenings. And don't forget your swimwear if you'll be near a pool or beach!

Toiletries are essential for any trip, whether it's a short weekend getaway or a longer vacation. Here's a checklist of toiletries to pack for your 3-day trip:

Personal Care

• ✅ Toothbrush and toothpaste
• ✅ Shampoo and conditioner
• ✅ Body wash or soap
• ✅ Deodorant
• ✅ Razor or electric shaver
• ✅ Hairbrush or comb
• ✅ Hair styling products (if needed)
• ✅ Makeup and cosmetics (if needed)
• ✅ Face cleanser
• ✅ Moisturizer
• ✅ Sunscreen
• ✅ Lip balm with SPF
• ✅ Personal medications
• ✅ Contact lenses or glasses
• ✅ Contact lens solution
• ✅ Feminine hygiene products (if needed)
• ✅ Hand sanitizer
• ✅ Wet wipes

Remember to pack travel-sized toiletries to save space in your luggage. You can also purchase travel-sized containers and fill them with your favorite products. Don't forget any personal medications you may need during your trip.

In today's digital age, electronics are essential for staying connected and capturing memories. Here's a checklist of electronics to pack for your 3-day trip:

• ✅ Charger and cables
• ✅ Portable charger or power bank
• ✅ Headphones or earphones
• ✅ GoPro or action camera
• ✅ Laptop or tablet

Remember to pack all necessary chargers and cables for your devices. A portable charger or power bank is a lifesaver when you're on the go and need to recharge your phone. If you plan on capturing photos or videos, don't forget your camera or GoPro!

Travel accessories can make your trip more convenient and enjoyable. Here's a checklist of travel accessories to consider packing:

Luggage and Bags

• ✅ Suitcase or backpack
• ✅ Carry-on bag or personal item
• ✅ Travel organizer or packing cubes
• ✅ Toiletry bag
• ✅ Daypack or tote bag

Comfort and Security

• ✅ Neck pillow
• ✅ TSA-approved locks
• ✅ Travel wallet or money belt
• ✅ Travel adapter
• ✅ Travel-sized laundry detergent (if needed)
• ✅ Travel-sized sewing kit
• ✅ Luggage tags
• ✅ Travel guide or maps

Packing cubes or travel organizers can help keep your belongings neat and organized. A neck pillow, eye mask, and earplugs are essential for comfortable travel, especially on long flights or train rides. Don't forget a travel adapter if you're traveling to a country with different electrical outlets!

Whether you're relaxing on the beach or waiting at the airport, having some entertainment options can make the time fly by. Here's a checklist of entertainment items to consider packing:

• ✅ Fiction or non-fiction books
• ✅ E-reader or tablet for digital books

Music and Podcasts

• ✅ MP3 player or smartphone

Games and Activities

• ✅ Deck of cards
• ✅ Travel-sized board games
• ✅ Crossword puzzles or Sudoku books

Having a book or e-reader handy is perfect for some downtime during your trip. Load up your smartphone or MP3 player with your favorite music or podcasts. If you enjoy playing games, a deck of cards or travel-sized board games can provide hours of entertainment.

Don't forget to pack all the necessary documents for your trip. Here's a checklist of documents to bring:

• ✅ ID (such as a driver's license or passport)
• ✅ Travel itinerary or tickets
• ✅ Hotel reservations
• ✅ Travel insurance documents
• ✅ Credit cards and cash
• ✅ Emergency contact information
• ✅ Copies of important documents (stored digitally or printed)

Keep your important documents in a secure and easily accessible place, such as a travel wallet or money belt. It's also a good idea to have digital copies of your important documents stored on your phone or in the cloud.

If you take any medication, make sure to pack enough for the duration of your trip. Here's a checklist to help you remember:

• ✅ Prescription medication (in original packaging)
• ✅ Over-the-counter medications (pain relievers, antihistamines, etc.)
• ✅ First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic ointment, etc.)

If you have any specific medical conditions, it's important to pack any necessary medication or medical supplies. Consider carrying a small first aid kit with basic supplies for minor injuries or ailments.

Lastly, here are a few miscellaneous items that can come in handy during your 3-day trip:

• ✅ Snacks (granola bars, nuts, etc.)
• ✅ Reusable water bottle
• ✅ Travel-sized umbrella
• ✅ Ziplock bags (for storing snacks, wet clothes, etc.)
• ✅ Portable stain remover pen
• ✅ Spare batteries or portable phone charger

These items may seem small, but they can make a big difference during your trip. Having snacks and a reusable water bottle can save you money and keep you energized. A travel-sized umbrella can come in handy if you encounter unexpected rain. And don't forget a portable stain remover pen for any spills or stains!

How much should I pack for a 3-day vacation?

The amount of clothing and other items you should pack for a 3-day vacation depends on factors such as the weather, activities planned, and personal preference. As a general guideline, aim for a few versatile outfits that can be mixed and matched. Pack enough underwear and socks for each day, and don't forget essentials like toiletries and electronics. Use our checklist above to ensure you have everything you need!

How do you pack for a 3 night trip?

When packing for a 3-night trip, it's important to consider the weather and activities you'll be participating in. Choose clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits. Pack travel-sized toiletries and only bring what you need. Consider any electronics or entertainment items you'll want to have with you. Don't forget important documents and any necessary medication. Use our checklist above as a guide to help you pack efficiently!

What should I pack for 3 days in summer?

When packing for a 3-day trip in the summer, it's important to pack light and breathable clothing. Opt for lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen to stay cool in the heat. Pack shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and swimsuits for daytime activities. Don't forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection. In the evenings, bring a lightweight jacket or cardigan for any temperature drops. Use our clothing checklist above to ensure you have everything you need for a summer getaway!

How do you pack everything in 3 days?

Packing everything you need for a 3-day trip can be a challenge, but with some strategic planning, it's possible. Start by making a list of essentials and checking the weather forecast for your destination. Pack versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched. Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space and minimize wrinkles. Use packing cubes or compression bags to organize and compress your clothes. Pack travel-sized toiletries and only bring what you need. Remember to pack any necessary electronics, entertainment items, documents, and medication. Lastly, use our checklist above to ensure you don't forget anything!

Packing for a 3-day trip doesn't have to be a daunting task. With our comprehensive checklist, you'll have everything you need to enjoy your getaway to the fullest. Remember to pack versatile clothing, travel-sized toiletries, necessary electronics, and important documents. Consider any specific activities or weather conditions at your destination. And most importantly, don't forget to have fun and make lasting memories!

Happy travels from the Travel Checklist™ team!

• Shop Luggage on Amazon
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• https://www.tripsavvy.com/what-to-pack-for-a-weekend-trip-4684466
• https://www.smartertravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/The-Ultimate-Packing-List_Interactive-FINAL.pdf
• https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/packing-tips

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• Packing Lists

Weekend Trip Packing List: What to Bring for a 3-Day Getaway

Published September 16, 2023

Written by:

Fred Perrotta

Co-founder, tortuga.

Fred Perrotta is the co-founder and CEO of Tortuga. His first backpacking trip to Europe inspired him to start the...

Jeremy Michael Cohen

Jeremy Michael Cohen is a co-founder of Tortuga. He also works as a screenwriter and director. Aside from travel and...

The Tortuga Promise

At Tortuga, our mission is to make travel easier. Our advice and recommendations are based on years of travel experience. We only recommend products that we use on our own travels.

Table of Contents

Weekend trips seem like they should be the easiest ones to pack for. But they always end up being the hardest.

Weekends should be simple. The trip is short, the weather won’t vary much, and you probably know what you’ll be doing.

But packing light for a weekend trip can pose a challenge. We all tend to pack as much as we can fit, not just what we need. Whether you’re traveling for a weekend or a month, you’ll probably fill your backpack or suitcase. When you have the space, you start adding stuff you’ll never need, like an extra pair of shoes or a just-in-case outfit.

Your stuff will expand to fill your bag.

To combat this tendency, stick to a short weekend trip packing list and pack a small bag.

3-Day Weekend Packing List

Let’s start off with a quick checklist for a three-day, two-night weekend trip. The packing list below assumes that you leave on Friday, stay Friday and Saturday nights, then return home on Sunday.

For clothing, we’ve included your travel day (or in-flight) clothing in the packing list.

• 1 pair of shoes
• 3 sets of underwear
• 3 pairs of socks (1-2 pairs if wearing merino wool socks )
• 1 set of pajamas
• Toiletry bag
• Water bottle
• Phone, charger , and earbuds or headphones
• Book or Kindle

Consider at least one “nice” outfit depending on your plans. Dressing up—especially if you don’t have to—can make a nice dinner feel like a special occasion when you’re traveling.

Optional Add-Ons

• Eye mask and ear plugs
• Hat, scarf, and/or gloves for winter trips

Pack for trips of one week or more without checking a bag.

• Thick comfortable straps
• Easy to organize
• Durable, waterproof fabric
• Backed by our Worldwide Warranty

Travel Day Outfit

The outfit you wear to travel should be the bulkiest outfit of the trip, especially if you’re flying. Wear your biggest, heaviest clothes—jeans, sweater, boots, jacket—so that you can save space in your bag. If you’re too warm, you can always remove a layer after takeoff and store it in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

If you’re flying, your travel outfit should include a  light jacket with zippered pockets. The pockets will provide extra space for packing things like your wallet, phone, chapstick, boarding pass, and other travel day essentials . The zippers will keep your stuff secured when you go through airport security.

Shoes are always a challenge when packing. It’s easy to convince yourself that you need a second pair, even for a three-day trip. Resist this temptation. Instead, pack one pair of shoes  you can wear all weekend. Your shoes must be comfortable enough for walking all day but nice enough to wear out to dinner.

In the winter, choose warm, comfortable boots. Sandals or sneakers work well in nicer weather. You can always add flip flops for the beach or pool if needed. Most will fit in your backpack’s water bottle pocket.

Electronics

Be careful not to overpack electronics. For such a short trip, you can leave your work computer at home. Since you’ll either be driving or taking a short flight, skip the tablet too. Your flight might be too short to watch a movie anyway.

A Kindle is my favorite in-flight entertainment for short trips. You’ll also have your phone and earbuds if you prefer to listen to music or a podcast.

When it comes to toiletries, take only the essentials. If you can live without it or survive with a different brand for a day or two, leave it at home.

Choose a hotel or an Airbnb that provides basics so that you don’t have to bring soap or shampoo.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Contact solution, if needed
• Basic makeup, if needed
• Soap, shampoo, and conditioner (only if not provided by your accommodation)

Consider if you can pool resources and share the packing burden with your travel companions. Do you each need to bring your own bottle of sunscreen or can one person bring a bottle for everyone to share?

If you forget anything, just grab a cheap option at your destination. You can bring home any leftovers so that you aren’t being wasteful.

Long Weekend Packing List

If you’re staying over Sunday night and heading home on Monday, use this list instead.

• 4 sets of underwear
• 4 pairs of socks (2 pairs if wearing merino wool socks )
• Phone, charger, and earbuds or headphones

Wedding Weekend Packing List

Weddings may require packing a bit more.

You’ll need an extra pair of shoes and one or two extra outfits so that you’re always dressed appropriately. In addition to dress clothes for the wedding, consider what you’ll need for the rehearsal dinner or Sunday morning activities if either will be part of the festivities.

• 2 pairs of shoes (1 pair for the wedding, 1 pair for everything else)
• 5 outfits (1 casual outfit for each day plus the wedding and rehearsal dinner)
• 4 pairs of socks (3 casual, 1 dress)

Best Weekend Backpack

We recommend packing a bag that’s made for travel—not just the old duffel at the back of your closet—especially if you’re flying. You’ll need a bag that’s optimized for packing , getting through security, and being accessible in-flight. Depending on how and what you’re packing, we recommend two options.

Why You Should Pack Last Minute

Packing last minute sounds sacrilegious, especially for Type A travelers. But hear me out.

You don’t need to bring much for a weekend getaway, so you won’t need much planning or packing time.

If you wait until the night before your trip to pack, you can be even more efficient. Check the weather last minute so that you know it won’t change (much). By then, you’ll also know your weekend plans and can pack and dress accordingly.

No need to worry about any “just in case” stuff.

Pack a small backpack and limit yourself to one outfit (or less) per day.

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Fred Perrotta is the co-founder and CEO of Tortuga. His first backpacking trip to Europe inspired him to start the company. For over a decade, he’s traveled the world from his home base in the Bay Area while working remotely. When he’s on the road, Fred enjoys both walking and eating as much as possible.

Read more from Fred

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Tips & Tricks · March 29, 2022

What to Pack for a 3 Day Trip: Ultimate Weekend Packing List

Your short trip is booked and you are ready to rock! Except when it comes to packing. Knowing what to pack for 3 day trip can be stressful when you have so much on your mind! But you are in the right place because this post will make sure you pack everything you need and includes a list, while also motivating you to PACK LIGHT.

No matter what type of trip you are going on—a short business trip, a fun weekend getaway, or a little bit of both, reviewing the lists below are a good idea! First, let’s get started with some tips.

5 Tips for Your Weekend Trip Packing List

Here are a few things to have in mind in order to keep packing as simple as possible.

1. Start Early

Make a list and start laying clothes out that you’re interested in bringing the week before your trip begins. This will give you a chance to weigh options and make decisions on what you really need vs. doing it in a panic and taking your entire closet with you.

I prefer to set up my list by day. For instance, in an iPhone Note I will list out Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday. Underneath each day I’ll type out everything I’ll need to wear that day. TIPS:

• Include EVERYTHING down to pairs of underwear and socks. I put my pairs of shoes as well.
• It does not mean you need to wear it that specific day, but this will help you not overpack and help you feel confident that you will have enough clothes.

This brings us to our next tip…

2. Pack in Outfits

Do not, I repeat do not,  pack clothes by individual item. You want to bring your best-fitting jeans? Great, what are you going to wear with them? Your favorite leggings? Grab them and figure out what top(s) are your best option.

Envision your days away and imagine which types of clothes you will need. From there, make individual piles for each outfit/day.

And don’t forget to check the weather forecast. Warm weather or cold will obviously be a huge indicator for what you need to bring.

In the photo below, you’ll see three “columns” with each day’s outfit. And remember, there is actually no law stating that you can’t wear something more than once—especially things like cardigans and jeans. This brings us to…

3. Mix and Match is Key

Can you bring interchangeable outfits? Triple points for you. Pack a cute, comfortable, black dress with a cardigan that will be perfect for exploring the city. The next night, replace the cardigan with a scarf and you’re ready for the bar. That’s three pieces of clothing for two outfits instead of a day-time outfit plus three night-time outfits because you might want to wear the green dress, maybe the pink one and this yellow one is cute too .

If you are only gone for a weekend, your bag can be small—cheaper and easier to manage. That said, you need to be smart with your space…

4. Roll Into More Space

Tightly rolled clothes will go much farther in your backpack, carry-on suitcase, or duffel bag than folding and they will actually be less wrinkly. Roll everything, place the largest items on the bottom like jeans and jackets and work your way up from there. When you don’t have much space, this goes a long way!

5. Your Travel Outfit

Think layers. Wear your jacket, your biggest top, and bulkiest shoes in order to avoid all of this going into your small bag. You might get a little toasty but you can de-layer once you are at the airport gate. PRO TIP: I’ve never been told I couldn’t have a jacket (or two) in my arms when boarding.

What to Pack for 3 Day Trip: Bonus Tips

Here are a few extra things to keep in mind when you are packing for a weekend trip.

• Packing Cubes : These is the BEST WAY to utilize more space in a small bag.
• Use. Your. Pockets.:  Jacket pockets, jeans pockets, personal item pockets, use them all! These are the perfect place for smaller items (makeup, lip balm, phone chargers, sunglasses, etc.) when you can’t fit one more thing in your carry-on bag.
• Dryer Sheets: Throw a few between layers of clothes to keep everything smelling fresh!
• Backpack = Purse:  Invest in a cute backpack and not only do you have luggage but a purse to walk around the city with—hands-free, mind you.
• Plastic Bag or large Ziploc Bag : Bring one with you to store dirty underwear, socks, wet swimsuits, etc.
• Cold Weather Travel Tip : If you are going somewhere cold, think more in extra layers vs. bulky items. A base layer, light fleece, and water-repellent outer layer will pack better than one oversize sweater – and you will have more items as options throughout your trip.

What to Pack for 3 Day Trip—Checklist!

Let’s get an actual what to pack for 3 day trip checklist going. Use this as a guide when you are creating your packing list in your phone or on a sheet of paper. Remember, START WITH THE ESSENTIALS. From there, you can add in a couple of extra items or outfits you “might” want to wear—IF there is space.

One pair of bottoms for number of days. For three, you will have a pair of jeans (or jean shorts), one pair of leggings, and a pair to wear while traveling. Remember, if you have room at the end, you can easily get another pair of pants in.

One top for number of days that you matched with a pair or bottoms. Wear the bulkiest top when you travel and put the rest in your bag. Neutral, everyday tops are the way to go for convenience and being happy with what you decided to bring.

Bonus: Dresses. No pants = more space!

Cardigan/Sweater

One total. It’s best if you wear it but you should have room to pack. The best option is a black or neutral color sweater that works well with all of your top options and can be worn more than once, if needed.

Jacket (Optional)

If a jacket is necessary, make sure you wear it on travel day (even a rain jacket!) so you don’t take up a ton of space in your bag!

Bathing Suit + Cover Up (Optional)

One of each for the weekend. If you happen to have space and want to bring an extra, go for it. These items can be rolled up and made small.

One pair. A sleep shirt and a pair of light sweats or shorts. If you have space, throw in an extra. Remember, a top that you bring might work just fine, too.

Socks/Underwear/Bras

One set of each for number of days. Keep in mind that this will give you one extra just in case since you are wearing a set on travel day.

T he biggest pair on your feet + 1 extra. Comfort is key. You do not want to be walking around in uncomfortable shoes. Pro Tips when it comes to your shoes:

• Store your socks in your shoes for extra space —and to keep your shoes in form.
• If your backpack has a spot for a water bottle, think of it as a spot for flip flops.
• Tie your shoes to the top of your backpack. Remember, this is efficiency—not fashion 🙂

Extras + Bathroom Essentials

Fit what you can. Don’t forget: Hotels are going to have towels, shampoos, lotions, hair dryers, etc. so don’t waste space with these items. The rest is for a book, phone charger, jewelry, small makeup bag, workout shirt, wallet, etc.

Overall Rule of Thumb: If you question it, leave it at home.

Lastly, Why You Will LOVE to Pack Light

Even if you think you won’t or proclaim yourself to be an “over packer,” you will be hooked to packing light after the first time. And here are the added bonuses:

You have fewer options. You eliminate the  hmmm, what am I going to wear today? Or the ew I hate this, I’m changing.  It’s simple and efficient with no time lost. Instead of bringing 10 outfits you like, focus on 4 that you love. And before you hit me with I just like options , stop.

You’re not going to worry about more options if you don’t have them. Quit wasting precious vacation time wishing you had the off-the-shoulder striped shirt when you have the cute, v-neck blue one. You look great! And should spend less time in your hotel room and more having a good time on your trip.

Saves Energy

Post-vacation laundry. I know you’ve been in the situation where you open your suitcase to unpack, realize you have no idea what’s clean and what’s dirty so you do a monster load of laundry that’s likely half full of clean clothes. Double the loading, double the switching, double the folding, and double the dreaded putting away. No thanks. Pack only what you know you will wear and come home with one, small size load of laundry.

Saves Money

We know how a lot of the airines charge for bags now! What a joke. But you should not have to incur an additional cost just for your clothes! Keep things in a small personal item bag for an even more afforadble trip!

Reduces Stress

Traveling is a breeze when you are doing it lightly.  Everything you have is on your back! It’s easier to get around, store and there are fewer moments of  oh my gosh, where’s my [insert super important thing here]?!”

What to Pack for 3 Day Trip: Weekend Packing List

There you have it. You are now a 3 Day Trip Packing Pro! Or at least on your way to packing a little bit less…baby steps. And if this What to Pack for a 3 Day Trip post inspired you to start planning your next trip, check out a few of my city reviews as recommendations and all of the great things you can do!

• How to Spend a Weekend in Dallas, Texas
• How to Spend Two Days at Zion National Park
• Things to Do in Sedona, Arizona

Did this post help you out? Support the work and pass along $5 for a Coors Light 😉 VENMO: @Amber-LBB or PAYPAL: [email protected]. THANK YOU.

You’ll Also Love

November 16, 2018 at 9:43 am

Great job, I’m just sorry it took me this long to learn how to pack. I just did 2 weeks with a carry on and lg. Purse. Keep up your wonderful blog Merv

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How to Pack Light for an Incredible 3-Night City Break

By: Author Angela Price

Posted on Last updated: October 22, 2023

You are going away for a three-night city break to explore the sights and sounds of a new country, and you need to know how to pack light items in your carry-on luggage for your flight, drive or sail. The first piece of advice – forget the suitcase, you don’t need all the stuff you think you will!

I take a material holdall or travel backpack with me rather than a hard carry-on case. The limitation of overhead locker space on most flights means that if bags need to be put in the plane’s hold, the ground staff will choose the more sturdily constructed ones over fabric holdalls and backpacks.

If yours goes into the hold, you will spend time waiting at the luggage collection belts for it to be reunited with you while your fellow “3-nighters” casually stroll through customs, giving you that knowing glance.

In this post, I have comprised a simple checklist to show you how to pack light and have a carefree time away without the hassle of overpacking.

This travel guide may contain affiliate links – please read my  disclaimer and privacy policy for more information.

Do you need to arrange travel insurance, car hire or accommodation? Please check out my  resources page  to help you plan your trip.

Table of Contents

Helpful Packing List: How to Pack Light for a 3-night trip

Don’t pack liquids of more than 100ml in your hand luggage on a flight, even if the bottle is half full. The restriction is on the bottle size regardless of its weight and how much it contains.

Liquids must fit in a small clear pouch 20cm by 20cm (you can get these at the airport) to be scanned separately from your hand luggage. All items listed below should be in travel-size packs.

• Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and body cream all in travel sizes, or decant your everyday brands into travel bottles .
• toothpaste and toothbrush.
• Deodorant, roll-on or compressed.
• makeup, try to take the minimum.
• Make-up wipes.
• feminine hygiene items, if required.
• Perfume. It a good idea is to decant your favourite into a travel atomiser .
• Plasters and antiseptic lotion in case of blisters.
• Small first-aid travel kit
• Insect repellant if travelling to a country that will have biting insects.
• Hand sanitiser gel
• Cotton earbuds if you use them.
• Any medication that you are prescribed (remember to check that you can take it into the country you are visiting as a few places have restrictions on medicines that contain certain substances, and you may need to get a letter from your doctor beforehand explaining why you have them)
• regular over the counter pain relief ie ibuprofen/paracetamol, ditto above.
• Contact lenses and solution, if required.

From November 2023, travel to Europe from previous non-EU visa-exempt countries (that includes the UK) requires an ETIAS visa waiver .

Electrical/tech appliances.

• A camera, if you have a separate one.
• A charger, because you will be taking lots of photos.
• Portable charger , so you don’t run out of juice while out and about.
• Universal travel adaptor
• Hair-straighteners (only if you have the most frizzy hair and can’t do without them) and a comb/brush.
• Earphone buds for listening to music on the go.
• Portable mini speaker for music in your room.
• Fitbit, Apple or similar smartwatch and a charger, because who doesn’t enjoy seeing how many steps they’ve done during a 3-night stay?
• A kindle for that light holiday reading.

Clothes to pack for a mini break

Unless you plan on going to a posh restaurant, party or wedding during your trip, then dress casually. Loose-fitting, breathable clothing and comfortable footwear are essential packing items.

Tracksuit bottoms or jeans, t-shirts, one light sweatshirt, and trainers are perfect for a travel outfit.

• 1 x chinos and 1 x shorts, then you are ready for the sun or cooler weather.
• A casual summer dress that can be worn during the day and glammed up in the evening.
• Pashmina shawl for cooler evenings.
• Pac-a-Mac , in case of rain.
• 3 x t-shirts, one each day.
• Flip-flops are versatile and can be used on the beach or around your room.
• Swimsuit, If required.
• Flat, comfortable sandals for walking around during the day.  Do not take brand new shoes that haven’t been worn in.
• Pair of wedge sandals to go with your dress in the evening.
• A straw hat or baseball cap.
• 3 x knickers.
• 3 x socks for your trainers.

I also take a quick-absorbing travel towel beach days and a fold-away fabric day pack , so I don’t need to bring my main packing holdall out during the day.

Final essentials to pack for a 3-night break

Oh, and don’t forget your passport, tickets, sunglasses, reading glasses, money and a currency debit card (you load your money onto it and use it while abroad, usually resulting in no transaction charges or visa exchange fees).

I use the Caxton card , which I have found very reliable. The app lets you load funds on the move and easily check your balance. Any unspent foreign currency on the card can be converted back to your home currency and spent as you would with a debit card.

You can find more top tips on how to pack light here and recommendations for travel backpacks . Remember, packing light minimizes your physical and mental burden.

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Are you looking for further travel tips? Please check out the following posts:

How To Shop Tax-Free in Europe as a UK Resident

19 Most Essential Travel Tips You Need To Know Before You Visit Europe

World Travel Packing List: The Most Important Travel Products To Include

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Thursday 12th of March 2020

Thank you for writing this really informative post. I like the way you have broken this up into the absolute essentials. I always tend to over pack thinking what if...but I rarely use the extras. I guess I just need to learn to stick with the original plan :)

WhereAngieWanders

Friday 13th of March 2020

After many 3 night stays myself I manage to travel with essentials only now and I’m glad to say I have never not packed something I then found I needed. I’m glad you found the post informative

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Plan Your Trip

What To Pack For A 3-Night Trip

Published: December 4, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Annis Jenkins

• Family Travel
• Travel Tips

Introduction

Planning for a 3-night trip can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re going on a short weekend getaway or exploring a new city, it’s important to pack strategically to ensure you have everything you need without overpacking. In this article, we will guide you on what essentials to pack for a 3-night trip, helping you streamline your packing process and make the most of your travel experience.

In order to pack efficiently, it’s important to consider the weather and activities you have planned for your trip. Research the climate of your destination during your travel dates and pack accordingly. Additionally, think about the type of activities you’ll be engaging in and pack appropriate clothing and gear. By preparing in advance, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip without the hassle of carrying unnecessary items.

To make your packing process even easier, we’ve divided the essentials into different categories. We’ll discuss clothing options, toiletries, electronics, entertainment, medications, accessories, and miscellaneous items that can come in handy during your trip. Let’s dive into each category and discover what items you should consider packing for your 3-night adventure.

When it comes to packing clothing for a 3-night trip, it’s all about versatility and practicality. Focus on selecting pieces that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits, allowing you to pack light while still having plenty of options. Here are some essential clothing items to consider:

• Basics: Start by packing a few basic tops and bottoms that can be easily paired together. Opt for neutral colors like black, white, or gray, as they can be easily dressed up or down.
• Layers: Packing layers is crucial, especially if you’re traveling to a destination with fluctuating temperatures. Remember to include a lightweight jacket, a cardigan, or a sweater that you can easily throw on when needed.
• Comfortable Shoes: Walking and exploring are often part of the travel experience, so make sure to pack a comfortable pair of shoes. Choose a pair of sneakers or sandals that are versatile and appropriate for the activities you have planned.
• Sleepwear: Don’t forget to include sleepwear for your trip. A comfortable set of pajamas or a sleeping shirt will ensure a good night’s rest while away from home.
• Swimwear: If your destination includes a swimming pool, beach, or hot tub, packing a swimsuit is a must. Even if you don’t anticipate using it, it’s always better to be prepared.
• Undergarments: Pack enough underwear and socks to last the duration of your trip. Consider bringing extras in case of emergencies or unexpected circumstances.

Remember to consider the specific activities you have planned and pack accordingly. For example, if you’re planning to go for a hike or engage in outdoor activities, include appropriate attire such as hiking boots, athletic wear, or a rain jacket. By packing smartly and considering the specific needs of your trip, you can ensure that you’re prepared for any occasion while minimizing the amount of clothing you need to bring.

Packing the right toiletries can make a significant difference in your travel experience. It’s important to bring essential items that will help you stay fresh and comfortable throughout your 3-night trip. Here are some toiletries you should consider packing:

• Travel-sized toiletries: Instead of lugging around full-sized products, opt for travel-sized versions of your favorite toiletries. This includes items such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, and moisturizer. Check if your hotel provides basic toiletries to avoid unnecessary duplicates.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste: Don’t forget to pack your toothbrush and toothpaste. Having good dental hygiene is essential, especially when you’re away from home.
• Deodorant: Stay fresh throughout your trip by packing a travel-sized deodorant. Opt for your preferred brand and ensure it complies with airline regulations if you’re traveling by plane.
• Haircare essentials: Depending on your hair type and preferences, pack your essential haircare products such as a brush or comb, hair ties, and any styling products you may need. Consider using travel-sized containers or bottles to minimize space.
• Skincare and makeup: Bring along your skincare routine essentials, including cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. If you wear makeup, pack your daily essentials to freshen up your look during the trip.
• Contact lenses and solution: If you wear contact lenses, don’t forget to pack your lenses, a lens case, and solution to keep them clean during your trip.
• Medications: If you take any prescription medications, be sure to pack a sufficient supply for the duration of your trip. It’s also a good idea to bring along any over-the-counter medications you may need, such as pain relievers or allergy medications.
• First aid essentials: Pack a small first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic ointment, and any other basic medical supplies you may need. It’s better to be prepared for minor injuries or emergencies.

Remember to pack these toiletries in a clear toiletry bag to comply with airline regulations. Also, consider the size and weight restrictions for your mode of transportation, especially if you’re traveling with carry-on luggage only. By packing the essential toiletries and personal care items, you’ll be able to maintain your daily routine and feel comfortable during your 3-night trip.

Electronics

In today’s digitally connected world, electronics have become an essential part of our travel experience. From staying connected with loved ones to capturing special moments, packing the right electronics can enhance your trip in many ways. Here are some electronic items you should consider bringing on your 3-night trip:

• Smartphone: Your smartphone is likely to be your most important electronic device during your trip. It serves multiple purposes such as communication, navigation, camera, and entertainment. Don’t forget to pack your charger or portable power bank to ensure your phone stays charged.
• Camera: If you’re a photography enthusiast or simply want to capture high-quality memories, consider packing a digital camera. It offers better image quality and versatility compared to smartphone cameras. Also, don’t forget to bring extra memory cards and your camera charger.
• Laptop or tablet: If you need to work or stay connected with work during your trip, consider bringing a laptop or tablet. It can also serve as a source of entertainment during your downtime. Just make sure to pack the necessary chargers and accessories.
• Headphones: Whether you want to enjoy your favorite music, watch movies, or listen to podcasts during your flights or downtime, a good pair of headphones is essential for an immersive audio experience.
• Adapters and converters: If you’re traveling to a different country, check the socket type and voltage requirements to determine if you need to bring a power adapter or voltage converter for your electronics.
• E-readers: If you’re an avid reader, consider packing an e-reader like a Kindle. It allows you to carry multiple books in one device, saving space and weight in your luggage.
• Portable speakers: If you enjoy listening to music with friends or want to create a cozy atmosphere in your accommodation, portable speakers can come in handy.

It’s important to be mindful of the weight and space restrictions when packing electronics. Only bring the devices that you will actually use during your trip to avoid unnecessary bulk. Remember to secure and organize your electronics in a protective travel case or bag to prevent damage. By having the right electronic essentials, you can stay connected, capture memories, and enjoy entertainment throughout your 3-night trip.

Entertainment

While traveling, it’s essential to have some form of entertainment to keep you entertained and occupied during downtime or long journeys. Here are some entertainment options to consider packing for your 3-night trip:

• Books or e-books: If you’re a book lover, pack a couple of your favorite books or load up your e-reader with e-books. Reading can be a great way to relax and immerse yourself in a different world while traveling.
• Portable gaming device: If you enjoy gaming, a portable gaming device such as a Nintendo Switch or a handheld console can provide endless fun during your trip.
• Playing cards or travel board games: Card games or compact travel-sized board games can bring entertainment during long flights or cozy evenings in your accommodation.
• Music or podcast downloads: Before your trip, download your favorite music playlists or podcast episodes to your phone or music player. Listening to music or podcasts can be a great way to pass the time and enjoy your journey.
• Portable DVD player or laptop: If you prefer watching movies or TV shows, consider bringing a portable DVD player or a laptop with your favorite films or TV series loaded. Don’t forget to pack headphones for a more immersive experience.
• Art supplies: If you’re artistically inclined, pack a sketchbook, pencils, or watercolors to unleash your creativity during your trip.
• Outdoor gear: If your trip involves outdoor activities such as hiking or birdwatching, bring binoculars, a guidebook, or a nature identification app to enhance your experience.

Having entertainment options on hand ensures that you’ll have something enjoyable to do during downtime or when you need a break from sightseeing. Choose the forms of entertainment that align with your interests and preferences, and don’t forget to pack any necessary accessories or supplies. By bringing along these entertainment items, you can make your 3-night trip even more enjoyable and memorable.

Medications

When packing for a 3-night trip, it’s important to consider any medications you may need. Whether you have chronic health conditions or simply want to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances, having the necessary medications on hand is crucial. Here are some tips on packing medications for your trip:

• Prescription medications: If you take any prescription medications, ensure that you have an adequate supply to last the duration of your trip. Check the expiration dates and refill your prescriptions if needed. Keep the medications in their original labeled containers to avoid any confusion.
• Over-the-counter medications: It’s a good idea to pack some over-the-counter medications for common issues such as headaches, allergies, or upset stomachs. Include pain relievers, antihistamines, and antacids, among others, based on your personal needs.
• Travel-sized first aid kit: Consider packing a small first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic ointment, and any other basic medical supplies you may need. This way, you can address minor injuries or illnesses during your trip.
• Medical documents: It’s wise to carry a copy of your prescriptions, as well as any relevant medical documents, such as doctor’s notes or health insurance information. This can be helpful in case of emergencies or if you need to seek medical assistance while traveling.
• Personal health items: Don’t forget to pack any personal health items you may need, such as contact lenses, glasses, or hearing aids, along with their necessary supplies.

When packing medications, it’s important to keep them easily accessible and in a safe place. If you’re traveling by plane, carry your medications in your carry-on bag to ensure they’re not lost or damaged. If you are traveling to a different country, research their regulations on bringing medications and any additional documentation you may need.

Lastly, if you have any specific health concerns or conditions, consult with your healthcare provider before traveling to get their advice and guidance on managing your health during the trip. By packing the necessary medications and being prepared, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable 3-night trip.

Accessories

When planning for a 3-night trip, it’s important not to overlook the importance of accessories. These small but essential items can enhance your overall travel experience and make your trip more comfortable and convenient. Here are some must-have accessories to consider packing:

• Travel adapter: If you’re traveling to a country with different plug types, a travel adapter is essential to ensure you can charge your electronic devices without any issues.
• Travel wallet or organizer: Keep your important documents such as passports, boarding passes, and credit cards organized and easily accessible with a dedicated travel wallet or organizer.
• Travel pillow and blanket: Make long journeys more comfortable by bringing a travel pillow and a lightweight blanket. This will help you get some rest and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed.
• Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated during your trip by packing a reusable water bottle. This not only reduces plastic waste but also saves you money by refilling it with tap water.
• Travel-sized umbrella: Be prepared for unexpected rain showers or intense sun by packing a compact and lightweight travel umbrella.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen: Protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays by packing sunglasses and sunscreen. These accessories are essential for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
• Travel-sized laundry detergent: If you’re planning to do laundry during your trip, pack a small container of travel-sized laundry detergent to wash your clothes easily.
• Locks for luggage: Keep your belongings secure by using locks on your luggage. Look for TSA-approved locks if you’re traveling to or within the United States.
• Portable travel charger: To ensure your devices stay charged on the go, consider packing a portable travel charger. This is especially useful when you’re out exploring all day.

These accessories will not only make your trip more convenient but also help you stay organized and prepared for any situation. Remember to prioritize the accessories that align with your specific needs and the activities you have planned.

Before your trip, make a checklist of the accessories you plan to bring to ensure you don’t forget anything important. By incorporating these accessories into your packing list, you can enhance your 3-night trip and have a hassle-free travel experience.

Miscellaneous Items

When it comes to packing for a 3-night trip, there are always a few miscellaneous items that can come in handy during your travels. These items may not fit into specific categories but are worth considering to make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. Here are some miscellaneous items to consider packing:

• Reusable shopping bag: A compact foldable reusable shopping bag can be useful for carrying groceries or souvenirs during your trip.
• Basic sewing kit: Include a small sewing kit with needles, thread, and safety pins. This can be handy for repairing any clothing or accessories during your trip.
• Travel-size laundry detergent: If you plan on doing laundry while traveling, pack a small container of travel-size laundry detergent to keep your clothes fresh and clean.
• Mini flashlight or headlamp: Whether you’re exploring a dark alley or looking for something in your luggage at night, a mini flashlight or headlamp can be a lifesaver.
• Travel-sized umbrella: Be prepared for unexpected rain showers by packing a compact and lightweight travel-sized umbrella.
• Quick-dry towel: A quick-dry towel takes up less space and dries faster than a regular towel, making it convenient for beach trips or hostel stays.
• Travel journal and pen: Capture your thoughts, experiences, and memories in a travel journal. Writing can be a therapeutic way to reflect on your journey.
• Snacks: Pack some lightweight and non-perishable snacks for when hunger strikes during transit or between meals. This can save you money and keep your energy levels up.
• Earplugs and eye mask: Create a peaceful environment for restful sleep by packing earplugs and an eye mask. These can be especially useful in noisy or brightly lit accommodations.
• Travel locks or zip ties: Ensure the security of your luggage by using travel locks or zip ties. They provide an extra layer of protection against tampering.

These miscellaneous items may seem small, but they can greatly enhance your comfort, convenience, and overall travel experience. While not essential, they can be invaluable in certain situations. Consider which items align with your specific needs and destination before packing them.

Remember to pack these miscellaneous items in a convenient and organized manner, keeping them easily accessible when needed. By incorporating these items into your packing checklist, you’ll be well-prepared for any situation that arises during your 3-night trip.

Planning and packing for a 3-night trip can be both exciting and challenging. By carefully considering your needs and prioritizing essential items, you can optimize your packing process and ensure a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.

When it comes to clothing, focus on versatility and practicality. Select items that can be mixed and matched to create various outfits, allowing you to pack light without sacrificing style. Pack appropriate layers for fluctuating temperatures and comfortable shoes for walking and exploring.

In terms of toiletries, opt for travel-sized versions of your favorite products to save space and comply with airline regulations. Remember to include personal care items, such as toothbrush and toothpaste, and any necessary medication or first aid supplies for your health and well-being.

Electronics play a significant role in our lives, so don’t forget to pack your smartphone, camera, and headphones for communication, entertainment, and capturing memories. Also, consider bringing a portable charger or adapter for convenience.

Entertainment options can make long journeys or downtime more enjoyable. Consider packing books, a portable gaming device, or music downloads to keep yourself entertained. Don’t forget to bring any necessary accessories, such as a travel pillow or reusable water bottle, to enhance your comfort during the trip.

Lastly, remember to pack any miscellaneous items that can come in handy during your travels, such as a reusable shopping bag, mini flashlight, or travel journal.

By following these guidelines and personalizing your packing list, you’ll be well-prepared for your 3-night trip. Remember to strike a balance between packing efficiently and ensuring you have everything you need for a memorable and stress-free journey.

Now, go ahead and start packing for your adventure. Have a fantastic trip!

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What to Pack for a Weekend Away: 3-Night Packing List

Deciding what to pack for a weekend away is often a struggle. With only a few nights away, packing light is often important, so knowing what to take and what to leave is a useful skill!

Weekend breaks are always fun, no matter where you decide to go. But, your weekend packing list will depend on various factors including destination, weather, and of course personal preference.

You can use this blog as a guide of what to pack for a weekend away, so feel free to take the different items as suggestions rather than strict necessities. The activities you have planned, as well as personal preferences with outfits, will determine how you might chop and change this list.

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17 Top 3-Day Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

Travel-planning always feels like a balancing act, especially for a short trip. Every decision–from where to go, what to pack, and what to do–carries extra importance. Whether you’re visiting friends over a long weekend, venturing to a secluded cabin, or hitting famous big-city sights, it’s important to prepare so you can make the most of your limited time.

We’ve assembled the ultimate guide to help you master every 3-day getaway, replete with an essential 3-day trip packing list, what to wear on a 3-day trip , what NOT to bring and an FAQ that covers everything from travel methods to destination.

What to Pack for a 3-day Trip – 17 Essentials

1. 2 piece luggage set.

When you’re heading out on a short trip, it’s crucial to get off on the right foot with functional luggage. This 2-piece set is ideal for a 3-day trip! If you opt for flying, the spinner suitcase makes a lightweight carry-on, and you can bring the matching tote as your personal item. The interior of both the suitcase and tote are outfitted with plenty of pockets for organized packing.

View on Amazon.com ➜

2. Packing Cubes

No matter how many compartments your luggage has, you’ll significantly up your organization when you invest in packing cubes. This stackable set is our favorite, coming with a set of five assorted-size cubes and two laundry bags. There’s even a slot where you can label the contents of each cube!

3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Security is crucial, even over a 3-day trip! When you invest in a good VPN, you can dodge the pitfalls of cyber corruption and ensure that all your information is protected. Since having sensitive information stolen during our travels, we always secure our network with a VPN . NordVPN is our trusted provider, and you’ll be able to connect to wifi without worry.

View NordVPN.com Options ➜

4. Neck Wallet

Whether you’re navigating an airport or wandering a new city, it’s important to have a secure way to carry your essential cards, identification, and other documents. This adjustable neck wallet is the perfect solution; not only is it outfitted with RFID protection, but it includes multiple zippered pockets for easy organization.

5. Noise Cancelling Headphones

Wireless, comfortable, and noise-cancelling–what more could you want in a set of headphones? We find it essential to bring a good pair on any trip, whether you’ll be utilizing them during a car ride or tuning out passengers on a long flight. This model is one of our favorites, featuring ear-cushioning, a built-in microphone, and an easy-fold design.

6. Windproof Travel Umbrella

No matter your destination, you can never be totally sure when inclement weather will strike, but this travel umbrella provides assurance; this is our go-to choice for the road and home. It folds up small to fit unobtrusively in your car or luggage, unfurls with the click of a button, and is wind-resistant, providing more coverage than similar models.

Once you’ve reached your destination, it can be burdensome to bring a purse or bag around with you. This daypack is a perfect solution for both men and women! This bag folds into itself for simple storage, and features multiple zippered pockets to organize everything you need–then slip it over your shoulders!

8. Travel Towel

Regardless of the nature of your 3-day trip, it’s wise to equip yourself with a towel. This versatile quick-dry option comes in multiple sizes: use it while camping, after swimming, at your accommodation, or even on the beach. It packs easily in your luggage or daypack to carry around any destination!

9. Sleeping Bag

If your trip involves camping, a cabin, or even sleeping on a friend’s floor, you’ll probably want to bring a sleeping bag! This 3-season option is waterproof, folds and compresses for easy packing, and features a zippered bottom to release your feet, as well as a drawstring top to keep your head warm in cold weather.

10. Waterproof Phone Case

There’s nothing more inconvenient while traveling than phone damage, particularly on a short trip. Whether you’re navigating in a drizzle, spending some time near the water, or clumsy-fingered, this waterproof phone case should eliminate any concerns (and save you the headache of trying to track down a phone repair service). The case also guards against snow and dirt, ensuring protection in any activity!

11. Unisex Windbreaker

We’ve all made the mistake of neglecting to pack a good jacket while traveling, and sometimes utility is more important than style! On a 3-day trip, it’s worth bringing a windbreaker to guard against this weather. This pullover model is hooded, water-resistant, and has both a zippered and open front pocket. Tuck this in your luggage, and rest assured that you’ll be prepared for all types of weather!

12. Instant Coffee

Caffeine-lovers will understand the pain of not having access to coffee. On a 3-day trip, getting your daily brew can be a bit of a gamble; unless you build it into your plans, stopping for a coffee can cut into valuable time, and it’s not worth purchasing a whole bag of grounds for such a short trip. If you’re someone who needs caffeine, bring instant packets along! They’re convenient, plus you’ll save both time and money.

13. Portable Speaker

Although a portable speaker may not seem like an obvious choice, having the option can enhance your trip! This wireless, outdoor-friendly option has simple controls and a long battery life. A good portable speaker can give any accommodation a homey touch; if you’re planning to make your own meals, it’s great for playing your preferred soundtrack, and you can also connect it to your laptop to decompress with a movie.

14. Easy Pack Travel Pillow

Much like a sleeping bag, it’s always a good idea to bring your own pillow while traveling–especially if you’ll be spending your nights on a floor or in a campground. This easy-pack, memory-foam pillow is designed for traveling; it compresses into a small bag and offers ample neck support.

15. Sleeping Mask

When you’re going away for a short spell, it’s important that you get good sleep. Otherwise, you risk wandering around your destination in a fog! This adjustable sleeping mask solves any potential problems. It’s made of memory foam for cloudlike comfort and is contoured to fit snugly and block out light.

16. White Noise Machine

A white noise machine may also increase your chances of getting some shuteye! Whether you’re drowning out background noise in a hostel or adding auditory texture in a secluded accommodation, it’s worth the investment! This portable model features 26 sounds with multiple volume levels, comes with a headphone jack, and is charged through USB. It also includes a programmable auto-shutoff so you don’t run down the battery!

17. Instant Camera

Although it’s a bit more frivolous than some other items, we’ve found that an instant camera is a great way to document your travels! Although smartphones take effortless photos, there’s something so special about holding a printed image. This model is small, easy to bring along, and takes aesthetically-pleasing, pocket-size photos so you can bring back more tangible relics from your trip!

Other 3-day packing list items not to forget

• Lifestraw Water Bottle
• Sunglasses Women
• Sunglasses Men
• Sunglasses Case
• Travel-size sunscreen
• Travel Size Lotion
• Travel Toothbrush Kit
• Sanitizing Wipes
• Small Makeup Bag
• First-Aid Kit
• Facial Wipes
• Travel Size Deodorant
• Swimsuit Women
• Swimsuit Men
• Travel Lamp
• Travel Shoes Bags
• Keychain Bottle Opener
• Pepper Spray
• Kindle Paperwhite
• Kindle Case
• Natural Travel Size Bug Spray
• Waterproof Smart Watch
• Travel-Size Hand Sanitizer
• Heel Cushion Inserts
• Lipstick-sized Portable Charger
• RFID Blocking Wallet

What to wear on your 3-day trip

On a three-day trip, women should supplement activity-appropriate outfits with neutral, comfortable staple pieces: plain tops with detail, a casual dress, solid-color bottoms (whether you’re a pant, skirt, or shorts person), and complementary accessories. By prioritizing a staple outfit and choosing mix-and-match pieces, you’ll have plenty of outfits for a variety of scenarios. If, for instance, you’re whisked off for a bachelorette weekend, it’s essential to have an outfit for your big night out, which will take up valuable luggage real estate; you’ll want to make sure all the other clothing you pack can be combined as needed.

Like women, men also need to make sure they have the appropriate clothing for the occasion of their travel. After all the essentials have been packed, you can then turn your attention to other articles of clothing: button-down shirts with adaptable prints, neutral pants to pair with tops, and shoes that complement a range of colors. A short trip might not be the time to pack your favorite loudly-patterned shirt, but you can certainly dress an outfit up with smaller, easy-to-pack accessories.

What NOT to bring on your 3-day trip

1. don't bring unnecessary extras or multiples:.

When preparing for travel, it’s tempting to pack multiples of an item, or things that you think you might use. This just adds to clutter, though, which is especially excessive on a short trip. When you’re packing for a 3-day getaway, skip the duplicates and nonessentials; you’ll be glad you did.

2. DON'T PACK Full-size toiletries:

When you’re going away for such a short time, there’s no need to burden your luggage with full-size toiletries. Purchase travel-size toiletries or–if you’re a fan of sustainability and committed to brands–invest in small toiletry containers and fill them yourself. It’ll save you time, space, and hassle!

3. DON'T TAKE Books, magazines, etc:

An e-Reader is a great investment, especially if you travel frequently! You can load a digital device with all your favorite entertainment and leave more room in your luggage for essentials.

4. DON'T BRING Multiple pairs of shoes:

When you’re traveling for a short spell, it’s best to avoid lugging around multiple pairs of shoes–you likely won’t get to wear them all! Instead, choose two or three pairs that can be worn with all of the clothing you pack.

5. DON'T PACK Non-prescription medication:

For a 3-day trip, you don’t need non-prescription medication by the bottle. If you want to cover your bases with over-the-counter medicines, invest in some travel-size pill containers and pack just what you need.

• When you’re taking a short trip, you’ll save yourself a lot of time choosing outfits, rifling through your suitcase, or schlepping around luggage when you streamline your wardrobe. Stay away from bold or clashing prints and patterns and select pieces that can be paired easily.
• Jewelry-enthusiasts, beware: simplicity is key. It’s overkill to bring a bunch of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, or rings on a short trip. Stick to a few items or frequent favorites that will allow you to jazz up an outfit. It’s also worth noting that, depending on your plans, jewelry may not be necessary at all.
• Unless your destination includes a wedding or black-tie event, stay away from packing an overly formal outfit. You’ll likely never wear it, and it’s far simpler to choose reliable, diverse clothing that you can dress up with accessoires.

FAQs for a 3-day trip

1. if i’m taking a 3-day trip, how should i get there.

a.) Whether you drive, fly, or take public transportation depends on your preferences, budget, and the amount of time you’re willing to devote to distance traveling.

b.) If you opt for driving, it’s easy to build some road-trip fun into your destination; do some research for landmark stop-offs or delicious eateries to hit up along the way! It will cut into your time to get to your destination, but it’ll be worth it.

c.) Flying, while usually more expensive than gas, offers the benefit of convenience and less time. You’ll reach your destination without having to worry about following directions, and you’ll get there significantly faster.

d.) Public transportation, like busses and trains, tend to take longer than other options but also run significantly cheaper, making them a great choice for those who need to keep their 3-day trip budget-friendly. As a bonus, taking public transportation will free up time for any last-minute tasks to cross off your list, so you can fully enjoy your time once you arrive.

2. Where should I go on a 3-day trip?

If you have a window of time to take a short trip but no destination, you have far more choices than you realize! If you’re wanting a whirlwind 72 hours, visit a large U.S. city like New York, Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, or Seattle–to name a few–and see the sights!

If you’re looking to escape the drone and din of packed places, spend a few days reenergizing in the mountains, on a lake, or even on a farm. Northern Michigan, Maine, Vermont, Tennessee, or Kentucky are a handful of many great states for secluded getaways.

3. Where can I find a reputable place to stay?

Although Airbnb seems as popular as ever, we’re wary of the company after having some bad experiences. In fact, we analyzed over 1,000 AirBnB horror stories and concluded that there’s no way to guarantee an AirBnb is safe. So, what to do when you need a reputable place to stay?

If you’d rather not turn to Airbnb but want the same cozy comfort, look into established, well-reviewed bed and breakfasts. Locally-owned and operated accommodations have a reputation to maintain, and they offer a marriage of professionalism and comfort. Otherwise, you can opt for simplicity, and book a hotel.

4. What should I do?

The most important thing for a short trip–whether you’re striking out on your own, visiting friends, or seeing family–is to plan well. If you don’t have at least some idea of what you’ll be doing before you arrive, you’ll waste unnecessary time debating your options instead of getting out to see things. Not every minute of your day needs to be planned, but it’s prudent to have a general idea of what you’ll do. Moreover, don’t give in to temptation and search out the same activities for every destination. Do your research to figure out what makes your destination unique, and structure at least a few of your activities around that to get a genuine feel for the place.

5. How much should I pack for such a short trip?

The most important thing to remember: pack light, and pack simple. You don’t need to be lugging heavy suitcases around your destination; stick to a maximum of two bags that are easy to tote. Organize your suitcase with packing cubes, which will save you time grabbing what you need.

6. If I travel by plane, how should I adjust my packing?

If you’re going to be traveling by plane for your 3-day trip, don’t pack anything more than a carry-on–a checked bag shouldn’t be necessary. At the airport, make sure that you follow TSA carry-on guidelines. Don’t bring liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces, make sure all containers fit inside a clear, quart-size Ziploc bag, and pack your electronics so they can be easily removed while going through security.

7. How can I make my trip budget-friendly?

Traveling on a budget isn’t always straightforward, but it’s very possible! The most important thing is to research ahead of time to find free or low-cost alternatives for your favorite activities.

a.) Eating Out: when you’re eating out, opt for local food trucks at least a few times–you’ll support small businesses and get great meals with options that tend to run cheaper than dine-in. You’ll also be able to enjoy the fresh air while people-watching, which is always fun in a new locale!

b.) Recreation: If you have the right mindset, you’re guaranteed to find hidden gems anywhere! When visiting a rural area, take advantage of the free nature; go for walks and hikes, picnic, and–if you have the right setup–enjoy evening campfires and games. When you’re in the city, do some research on the locals’ favorite parks and tour the urban greenery. There are plenty more options as well: if you’re interested in museums but don’t want to shell out the full price, see if they offer discounts or designated free hours; make a list of unique stores to visit and do some window-shopping; or wander the downtown to get a feel for the place.

c.) Events: Whether a parade, carnival, festival, or special market, there are often free events that you can check out! Do some research, and turn to social media to see if events are scheduled around your destination at the time of your visit.

3-Day Backpacking Checklist (with Printable Packing List)

This complete backpacking checklist includes all the lightweight gear you’ll need when packing for an overnight trip in the backcountry.

Are you planning a backpacking trip and feeling overwhelmed with figuring out what gear and supplies you need to bring? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place.

In this post, we’ll share our ultimate 3-day backpacking checklist (tailored for women) to help ensure you have everything you need for a successful and enjoyable trip.

From essentials like shelter and a comfortable sleep system to practical clothing choices, we’ve thought of all the basic essentials you’ll need to be comfortable on a weekend-long backpacking trip – nothing more, nothing less.

While this is a comprehensive list, I encourage you to adjust your checklist based on your own needs. That being said, I also encourage you to try and stick to the essentials. You may be surprised at how little you need!

The Big Gear Items

These are the essential pieces of gear that should always be on your backpacking checklist for every single trip you plan.

Backpacking Pack

I’ve tried many backpacking backpacks, and funny enough, the least expensive one I’ve owned has also been my favorite.

At 4 lbs. 8.7 oz., the Deuter Aircontact Core 60 + 10 SL Women’s Pack isn’t super lightweight, but it still weighs nearly 2 pounds less than my old Gregory backpack and it seamlessly molds to my body.

Deuter’s Aircontact series packs can adjust for a variety of torso lengths and also comes in a  men’s model .

The 60 +10 SL pack is plenty big for a multi-day trip. In fact, this is the pack I took on my 22-day John Muir Trail hike, a 10-day backpacking trip in Alaska, and my Trans Catalina Trail backpacking trip .

For a shorter backpacking trip or if you’re splitting carrying gear with a partner, check out the smaller 45 + 10 SL version . This version is what BFT Director Linda uses on backpacking trips.

Shop Deuter Aircontact Core 60 at:

Backpacking Tent

Your tent choice can make the biggest difference in weight out of all the big gear items. However, the lighter your tent, the more money you’ll spend.

If you know you’ll be doing a lot of backpacking, I recommend investing in a good-quality, ultralight tent like the Zpacks Duplex . At just over 1 lb 5 oz, it’s one of the lightest tents on the market yet still roomy enough so you don’t feel like you’re sleeping on top of your partner.

It’s important to note that this Zpacks Duplex is a semi-freestanding tent. It does require two trekking poles (or the Duplex Flex Kit ) and guy lines (included) to set up.

Shop The Zpacks Duplex Tent at:

If you would like more room or backpack with a pooch, the Zpacks Triplex is just a half-ounce heavier and gives a bit extra space. My partner Ryan and I use the Triplex for backpacking trips which fits us and our 2 dogs, Charlie and Gumbo.

Read next: Interested in the Zpacks Duplex, but want to learn more? Head over to our detailed review to see if it’s the tent for you.

If $600+ is too much to spend on a tent (we don’t blame you!) or you want a freestanding tent, the REI Half Dome SL 2+ is a more budget-friendly option. It is a few pounds heavier at 3 lbs 15 oz, but still a great lightweight option.

Shop REI Half Dome SL 2+ at:

Sleeping Pad

I currently use the women’s Sea to Summit Comfort Light Sleeping Pad and love it. It’s lightweight, packs up small, and still manages to be warm and comfortable.

It’s also easy to inflate and comes with a pump integrated into the stuff sack, and it’s made out of durable ripstop nylon.

There’s a unisex version too in case you want something a little bigger.

Shop The Sea to Summit Comfort Light at:

Sleeping Bag

More and more backpackers are opting for quilts over sleeping bags because they are more lightweight and versatile yet still keep you nice and cozy at night.

The Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt is our pick for a backpacking quilt. It’s incredibly lightweight at 1 lb 3 oz (850-fill, 30-degree) and we also love that you can customize it to your needs and preferences.

When ordering, you can choose between 850 and 950 fill power, select a temperature rating between 0 to 50-degree, and even customize your quilt length.

The Revelation Quilt is truly a revelation and one piece of gear I don’t leave at home when I’m heading out on a multi-day trip.

If you’re backpacking with your partner and prefer to cuddle, check out our post on the best double sleeping bags for backpacking .

Shop The Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt at:

More Big Gear Items

Backpacking accessories.

There are tons of backpacking accessories you can choose to pack, but here we list the most important ones that will keep you safe and comfortable on the trail.

Trekking Poles

On those uphill climbs, trekking poles help take some of the weight off your hips and legs by utilizing your arm strength. On the downhill, they help ease the pressure on your knees. And on those stream crossings, these puppies have saved me more times than I can count by helping me balance.

The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles are Black Diamond’s lightest foldable poles made of carbon fiber and come in 4 sizes to meet your height.

Shop The Black Diamond Carbon Z Trekking Poles at:

The BioLite Headlamp 325 is my new go-to headlamp for backpacking. It’s ultralight, low profile, and very bright with four lighting modes including red light so you won’t blind your basecamp buddies or compromise your night vision.

I also love that it is battery-free and USB-chargeable (just be sure to fully charge it before you head out!).

Shop The BioLite 325 Headlamp at:

Emergency Communication Device

I like to carry a tracking device with me that I can use to send a help signal in case of an emergency. 

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 allows for two-way custom texting and also has GPS that you can use for navigating.

The Mini is much smaller and lighter than the regular Garmin inReach so I prefer it for hiking and backpacking when every ounce matters.

Shop the Garmin inReach Mini at:

First Aid Kit

You should always have a first aid kit when you are hiking in the backcountry. This ultralight, waterproof medical kit comes with the minimum supplies that you will need to address minor wounds, as well as travel-sized packs of some handy medications. I

In addition to what comes in this kit, you should supplement it with some extra blister band-aids and any medications that are specific to the hikers in your group .

Shop the Adventure Medical Kit at:

Read next: Prefer to put together your own medical kit? Read our guide on How to Build Your Own First Aid Kit .

Backpacking Chair

Packing a lightweight chair is definitely not essential for a backpacking trip, but it’s a nice-to-have item if you plan to spend a lot of time relaxing at camp. The Helinox Chair Zero packs down to roughly the size of 2 Nalgene water bottles and weighs only 1 pound, making it the perfect luxury item.

Shop the Helinox Chair Zero at:

Camping Accessories

Backpacking kitchen gear.

Next on our backpacking checklist is your camp kitchen gear. I tend to keep my cooking setup simple when backpacking. I mainly boil water for coffee or tea and oats in the morning and for backpacking meals in the evening.

Backpacking Stove & Fuel

The  Jetboil Flash Cooking System is the most efficient backpacking stove I’ve found, especially if you are only boiling water.

Together, the stove and pot only weigh 13.1 oz. For a 3-day trip, one 230-gram fuel canister ( sold separately ) should be enough if you are using your stove for coffee, breakfast, and dinner.

Shop the Jetboil Flash at:

Water Bottles or Hydration Reservoir

I like to pack a few of these lightweight Platypus Soft Bottles that can be rolled up when they are empty. Compared to a hard water bottle like a Nalgene, these are much lighter and take up less space when backpacking.

Depending on water availability, I’ll bring up to three of these on my backpacking trips.

I also tend to use these instead of a hydration pack since a reservoir can be a pain to pull out of my backpacking pack each time it needs to be refilled.

But if you like to backpack with a hydration reservoir for easy water access while you hike, the Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir is a great option.

Shop the Platypus Soft Water Bottles at:

Backpacking Water Filter

The Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter System is absolutely the easiest way to filter your water in the backcountry, in my opinion.

This system relies on gravity to push water through, eliminating the need to pump by hand or manually squeeze water through a filter – meaning you can save your energy for the hike.

At 11.5 ounces you will barely notice this thing in your bag, and what’s really cool is you can connect the hose directly to your water bottle or any standard hydration reservoir.

I’ll also mention that it’s always good to carry a backup in case your water filter fails. These Katadyn Micropur Purification Tablets are great because they are super small and you can just throw a few in your first aid kit.

Shop the Platypus GravityWorks Filter at:

Lightweight Camping Mug

You’ll need something for that morning coffee and evening tea. The GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug is lightweight and will keep your beverage warm in the coldest of conditions with its insulated wrap and sip lid. It even has a lightweight fabric strap as a handle.

Shop the GSI Outdoors Camp Mug at:

Eating Utensil

A girl’s gotta eat! Ramen, backpacker meals, oatmeal. This TOAKS Long-Handled Spoon is the only utensil you need, and it weighs shockingly little at 0.65 ounces!

It also has a long handle and can easily reach the bottom of that Mountain House bag.

Shop the TOAKS Long-Handled Spoon at:

Some people like to carry a multi-tool, but personally, I’ve always been able to get by with a simple, small knife.

This Gerber Mini Paraframe Knife can cut paracord or be used to prepare food and only weighs 1.4 ounces.

Shop the Gerber Mini Knife at:

Bear Canister

You may or may not need a bear canister depending on where you are hiking. They are required by law in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, spots in Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, and more.

In some places, they may be available for rent but be sure to check before heading out.

If you are on a short trip and only carrying food for yourself, the Bear Vault 450  is a good inexpensive option. Or for a duo or longer trips, go for the larger version .

Shop the Bear Vault 450 at:

Backpacking Kitchen

Backpacking toiletries.

My beauty routine while backpacking is pretty limited and is focused purely on hygiene. That is what I’ve reflected in this backpacking checklist. No deodorant, no makeup, no hairbrush, etc.

The mountains can suck the moisture right out of those beautiful lips leaving them cracked and dry. Plus, your lips are just as vulnerable to sunburn as your face, so SPF is key.

Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 has natural, organic ingredients and will keep your lips hydrated and protected.

Shop the Sun Bum Lip Balm at:

At high elevations, you can burn way quicker than you think, and all those hours hiking in the sun add up.

This Sun Bum sunscreen comes in a small tube, is water-resistant , and provides SPF 50. 

Shop the Sun Bum Sunscreen at:

Toothpaste & Toothbrush

It’s all about those travel-size toiletries when backpacking. This Dr. Bronner’s Travel Toothpaste comes in a 1 oz size and is all-natural, fair trade certified, and the packaging is completely recyclable.

Shop the Dr. Bronner’s Toothpaste at:

Poop Kit – Trowel, Toilet Paper, & Ziploc Bag

In order to comply with the 7 Leave No Trace Principles , you need to dig a cathole that is at least 6-8 inches deep when you go #2.

You may think “I don’t need a shovel… I’ll just use a rock or stick.” I’ve made that mistake myself only to find that sometimes the dirt is so hard, you can’t dig a hole. And then panic ensues.

Make life easier for yourself by grabbing a BoglerCo Ultralight Trowel . It’s super lightweight and there’s really is no excuse to not bring it with you.

Also, when you go #2, you need to pack out your dirty toilet paper in order to maintain campsite and trail conditions for future campers.

There’s nothing grosser than finding a bunch of used dirty TP when you’re camping. I like to bring a Ziploc bag for my TP and then I store that in a small (not-see-through) stuff sack that I can rinse out later.

Shop Ultralight Trowel at:

While this might sound strange to you at first, bringing a pee rag on your backpacking trip, like this specially made, antimicrobial Kula Cloth , is super helpful.

Instead of having to wipe with TP each time and pack it into your zip lock bag, and instead of not wiping at all which can result in odors and discomfort, just wipe with this reusable cloth!

When going to the bathroom, I drip dry and then pat myself off with this in order to keep my lady parts clean.

Then, I use my water bottle to rinse off the towel 200 feet from any water sources (as recommended by Leave No Trace) and hang it from my pack to dry.

Shop the Kula Cloth at:

Quick Dry Towel

A lightweight quick-dry towel is always handy, whether it’s for drying your hands and face, doing dishes, or going for a swim and doing some sunbathing.

They come in a variety of sizes so you can pack what you need and nothing more.

Shop the REI Multi Towel at:

Hand Sanitizer

A travel-size hand sanitizer is a must before eating and after going to the bathroom while in the backcountry.

I prefer hand sanitizer to soap because it’s easier to follow Leave No Trace. If you do choose a biodegradable soap, like this one by Dr. Bronner’s , be sure to abide by Leave No Trace and rinse 200 feet away from water sources.

Shop Dr. Bronner’s Hand Sanitizer at:

For shorter trips, you might be able to get away without wet wipes, especially if you’re using the pee rag method and you want to save weight in your pack.

However, if you want a little refresh, these Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes are soft and gentle on both your skin and the environment. They’re unscented (better for not attracting wildlife) and even come in an extra-large size in case you want to wipe your whole body down after a hot sweaty day on the trail. Be sure to pack them out in your ziplock trash baggie to dispose of them properly.

Shop Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes at:

Backpacking Clothing

How much clothing should you bring on a 3-day backpacking trip? The absolute minimum you need to be comfortable.

You’ll appreciate it when you start to feel the weight of your pack after a couple of hours of hiking.

You really only need 1 hiking outfit and 1 set of dry, warm clothes to change into when you get to camp and for sleeping.

The only thing I bring extra of is underwear and socks and maybe an extra shirt I can swap out depending on how many days I’m backpacking.

Helpful Tip

Avoid cotton.

When backpacking, you want to avoid cotton because it retains moisture, takes a long time to dry, and tends to harbor smells. Instead, opt for quick-dry materials that wick sweat and resist odors.

Insulated Jacket

A lightweight, packable, insulated (down or synthetic) jacket is key for when the temps drop in the evenings.

I prefer something with a hood so I can keep my head warm when it’s windy or extra cold, so I pack my Arc’teryx Atom Hoody .

Shop the Arc’teryx Atom Hoodie at:

Rain Jacket

Always check the weather before you set out. Even if it’s looking like nothing but sun, I like to bring a lightweight rain jacket and the Arc’teryx Beta AR Rain Jacket is my top pick. It is definitely pricey (catch it on sale!) but once you invest in a piece like this, you’ll have it forever. It’s the rain jacket I wore on a backpacking trip in Alaska where it rained nearly every day.

For a more budget-friendly option, check out the REI Co-op Ranier Rain Jacket – it’s what Linda, BFT’s Director of Operations, currently uses and loves.

Also, if there is any chance of showers, I throw in a pair of rain pants too.

Shop the Arc’teryx Beta AR Rain Jacket at:

Base Layer Top

A warm, wool base layer is handy for changing into when you’re ready to get out of your sweaty hiking clothes and get warm at camp. It can be cozy to sleep in too.

I like the Icebreaker 200 Oasis Half Zip because it’s super soft and odor-resistant. I also opt for Icebreaker over other Merino wood brands because they have strong animal welfare standards.

Shop the Icebreaker 200 Oasis Top at:

Hiking Pants

I prefer to backpack in leggings (if it’s too cool for shorts that is). The REI Flash Hybrid Tights are a Bearfoot Theory team favorite because they’re designed specifically for hiking with thoughtful details such as snag-resistant fabric, a zippered pocket for keys, and a comfortable high-rise waist that won’t dig in or roll down while you’re hiking.

Shop the REI Co-op Flash Hybrid Tights at:

Moisture Wicking T-Shirt

I always hike in a non-cotton, quick-dry, moisture-wicking t-shirt, and most often it’s the Patagonia Cool Capilene T-Shirt .

As I get older, though, I’m preferring the long-sleeve version because it provides more protection from the sun. These shirts are lightweight, so even with the long sleeves, I stay nice and cool.

Shop Patagonia Capilene Tees at:

Hiking Shorts

I like to backpack in spandex shorts when the weather’s nice, but lately, I’ve been liking these REI Co-op Active Pursuits Shorts .

They’re comfortable and stretchy and offer a little more breathability than spandex.

Shop the REI Active Pursuit Shorts at:

Sports bras are my go-to even when I’m not hiking, and these days I’m personally loving the lululemon Run Times Bra .

It’s perfect for backpacking because it doesn’t shift around, my breasts are fully supported, and don’t bounce around AT ALL. I also love the thick straps becuase they don’t dig into my shoulders.

Shop the lululemon Run Times Bra at:

Quick Dry Undies

The lululemon InvisiWear Mid-Rise Boyshorts are lightweight and have a barely-there feel, making them great for backpacking.

I’ve tried two other cuts of these InvisiWear underwear, and the boyshorts stay in place the best out of all of them.

Shop the lululemon InvisiWear Boyshorts at:

Hiking Socks

I alternated between 2 pairs of Darn Tough Hiking Socks on my John Muir Trail hike. That was years ago, and I still wear these socks hiking.

They are extremely durable and stay put while you’re hiking so you don’t end up with nasty blisters. Plus, Darn Tough offers a lifetime warranty. Free socks for life!

Shop Darn Tough Socks at:

Hiking Boots

I’ve always been a big fan of Oboz and recently upgraded to a new pair of Bridger BDry Hiking Boots after wearing my last pair out through years of hiking and backpacking.

The mid-height helps support your ankles, plus they are waterproof and have a stiff sole, so you get plenty of support on those steeper, rockier slopes.

Shop the Oboz Bridger BDry Boots at:

Camp Sandals

It’s always nice to take those hiking boots off when you get to camp to let your feet breathe, and for that reason, a pair of camp sandals are a must on my backpacking checklist.

These Teva Universal Trail Sandals are lightweight (1 pound for the pair) and provide structure and grip for walking around camp.

They have padding around the ankle and anywhere there is a buckle to prevent rubbing, and they are one of the most comfortable pair of sandals I’ve ever owned.

Plus, they are made from recycled water bottles, so it’s a win-win! See my full review here .

Shop the Teva Universal Sandals at:

Even if you’ll be hiking in the woods or the forecast looks cloudy, you’ll want to bring a sun hat to protect your face, neck, and shoulders from harmful UV rays. Not only do hats ward off sunburns, but keeping your skin shaded can also help prevent dehydration and heatstroke.

The Wallaroo Sedona Hat has been my favorite for years. I love the wide brim, stylish look, and that it can pack down without losing its shape.

Shop the Wallaroo Sun Hat at: (Use the code BEARFOOT20 for 20% off)

Don’t forget your shades at home! You probably already own a pair of sunglasses, but if you’re in the market for some new backpacking sunglasses, Goodr makes fun, affordable options. We also love that they are a member of 1% For The Planet.

Shop Goodr Sunglasses at:

I also highly recommend packing a buff – a versatile piece that you can wear around your neck for sun protection, around your face and ears if it’s windy, and even as a headband soaked in water to help keep you cool.

Shop Buffs at:

If it’s going to be cold, you’ll also want to bring a pair of gloves. I like these lightweight Smartwool liners . They’re touchscreen compatible and not bulking, so they work well with trekking poles.

Shop the Smartwool Liner Gloves at:

It’s a good idea to pack a lightweight, quick-drying beanie to wear at night or if temps drop during the day. The REI Ribbed Beanie is a simple hat that does the trick.

Shop the REI Ribbed Beanie at:

Backpacking Clothes

Need help planning or preparing for your trip? Check out these helpful backpacking how-to guides:

• How to Train for Hiking & Backpacking
• How to Pack a Backpacking Pack for a Multi-Day Trip
• How to Plan a Backpacking Trip in 12 Simple Steps
• Backpacking for Beginners: Wilderness 101 Tips
• Beginner Backpacking Mistakes to Avoid
• Tips for Backpacking With a Dog

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What’s on your backpacking checklist that we missed? Is there anything you’d add or subtract? Do you have any questions about what to bring backpacking? Let us know in the comments below.

With two decades of hiking and seven years of van life under her belt, Kristen has dedicated her life to helping people experience the positive effects of nature. As a pioneer in the outdoor blogging space, she founded Bearfoot Theory in 2014 and has since authored more than 350 blog posts about outdoor travel, hiking, camping, and van life. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Outside Magazine, and Backpacker, and when she’s not on the road, she lives in Park City, Utah with her partner Ryan, their son, and two adventure pups.

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59 Comments

Pretty nice list! I need to have a look at the Nemo sleeping pad, my Thermarest is annoying me so much recently.. Need something light and rectangular.

I’m totally with you re: trying to find a comfortable and convenient way to carry photography gear. Have you tried the Peak Design capture clip? I’ve used it for day hikes and have liked it so far but am not sure how it will work for weekend backpacking trips. Of course, even with the clip you’d need some decent bag for protection if you’re going through rough terrain or if the elements don’t cooperate. I like your approach with the sling though. 🙂

I have tried the Peak Design clip. They are pretty cool and I might be taking one with me on my upcoming trip to Nepal.

Check out Cotton Carrier’s Strapshot camera holster for your DSLR. It wraps around your backpack shoulder strap and provides a secure place to hang your camera with a 1/4 turn quick release and safety tether. I use it and have the full chest harness. (I’m not at all associated with them, just find their gear really convenient.) Thanks for the good read.

I also use the cotton carrier system – a disc screws into the tripod attachment of my camera (I pack in a Sony a6000 with an 18-200mm lens) and then there’s a holster that clips/velcros on to my backpack strap on my shoulder. You keep the strap around your neck for safety (more than twice I’ve been over, the camera unhooked from the carrier and I would have dropped it without the neck strap!) and then the camera is easily accessible when you want to shoot something. The downside is no protection from dust/moisture, so on dusty trails I’m brushing off the lens a lot. But it went with me to Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro and numerous 2-7 day backpacking trips with a large ziplock in my bag for water protection if needed. Love this setup.

I love my cotton carrier. I carry a full sized Nikon on it..have for 3 years… zero accidental disconnects… its tough for a piece of plastic too….

Great list Kristen, these checklists are so handy for people that are new to doing these kind of hikes. Have a great holidays! Stephen – Uncharted Backpacker

This is an awesome and very specific list! It’s very helpful you listed brands that you specifically like to use!

Just got the Montrail hiking boots. Loving it so far. Great list.

I THINK I obtained permits for Havasu Falls for this spring (I received confirmation emails, but still have a fear something may go wrong, but I’m hoping for the best). Starting to plan and struggle with what camera equipment to bring. I have a Nikon d7100 that I love, but would like to get by with just my 35 mm/1.8 lens. Think that’s wide enough to get good waterfall shots?

Hey Des, I’d highly recommend a wide angle lens. I brought a 16-35mm last time and it worked out perfectly. Have fun!

Amazing list! Seems to be the go-to stuff when comparing to other lists. That said, I\’d strongly suggest bringing a compass and map! On a longer trip would you change change the gear or simply bring a few more items of clothes?

Thanks Sean for the added recommendation of a compass and map! For a longer trip I would just recommend having at least one change of clothes in case of weather or for added layering. I backpacked the entire PCT for 5 months with only 2 shirts and 2 pairs of bottoms, so you definitely don’t need to expand on bringing more items necessarily.

A great list and this is going to be so useful to me. I go on treks very frequently and usually don’t get much time for backpacking. Thanks a lot for posting!

You literally just saved my life. Thank you for making this list!

Its always good to have a small extra knife just to be sure and ready for everything. A roadeavour knife wont add that much. only a size of a credit card. but very reliable.

Also a good thing to have is a collapsible water bottle like the one in roadeavour

n NZ if I went hiking with an umbrella, I would be laughed out of the hills. It would be really good to see exactly what you take in all the small bags, as this is wear weight accumulates and my pack gets heavy. Thanks for sharing.

Hey man, this is a very specific and a great list. Thanks for sharing with us such a awesome list.

Great list Kristen. Thanks for taking the time to put this stuff together. Your site is full of great info. I do the same stuff on a much less professional level on my youtube channel. Your site always has a few gems that even experienced hikers can find useful. Keep up the good work!

Thanks good stuff

Wow you hit the lottery? Most hikers couldn’t afford have your list. Anyone can go into a REI and buy the best available but a true backpacker can use whats handy and go on a trip. I am an assistant scout master for a Boy Scout troop and do trips including gas for a 3 hour trip, food for 12 and snacks for around 12 bucks each using basic gear for 3 days on the trail. Contact me and I can teach you how to hike on a tight budget.

I am so grateful to have stumble across your website. I am a beach bum. I have only done one day hikes. But, I have been invited to a three day hike in Korea. I will be doing the Jirisan Nature Reserve over three days. I have a bag and sleeping bag. That’s it. What elae do I need to prepare for this three day trek? It will be in September. Your help would be appreciated. I am an Expat teaching in Korea. I am exploring Korea through Hikes and wone tasting. I am open to suggestion.

Hi Gabriela, we are so glad you found us! Will you need a tent for your trek or will they be provided? We would recommend a sleeping pad as well. If you’d like to reach out and email us at [email protected] we can provide you with additional links to great articles and packing lists on our site to help you prepare for your trip. Sounds like an incredible adventure you have ahead of you!

Just what I was going to say. This is nice list of gear for anyone who has, say, a couple of thousand dollars to drop on a three-day (two-night?) backpacking trip.

What is your total weight of your pack?

Hi Rolando, that really depends on how long you are going to be backpacking. For a 3-day backpacking trip, we recommend trying to keep your pack weight as minimal as possible, depending on if you need to carry water or not. A good rule of thumb is not having your pack weight more than 20% of your body weight.

It is interesting that trekking poles can help manage the weight on your hips and legs by using your arms. My wife and I are going on our first backpacking trip in three months and we are trying to get everything together. We may consider going to a few camping stores near us to see what they recommend we bring too.

Hi James, So exciting to hear you and your wife are getting into backpacking! Trekking poles are a game-changer on the trail. We have a ton of comprehensive blog posts here about backpacking that you’ll probably find helpful. I suggest you start here: https://bearfoottheory.com/backpacking-101/ Let us know where you go and if you have any questions!

On my must pack list is a brightly colored bandana or two. So many uses; shade, neck warmer/cooler, dishrag, splint maker, wash rag, hunter safety gear (thus, brightly colored), and on and on. Thanks for great list, Kristen!

My thoughts, exactly…Black Diamond everything! If I’m going to spend $1000, might as well be in a hotel. There are countless other, just as good, options out there. Off-Brand does not always mean that you are compromising durability and/or performance. Do yourself a favor and think logically–don’t always believe sites like this. Some great info in here, I’ll agree, but focus on being “prepared,” and not showing off at the trailhead as you unload from your Volvo.

Ho! these are some really good checklist, thanks for sharing 🙂

Thank you. I will try everything on my first hike this fall.

Thanks for reading, happy hiking!

What are your thoughts on a woman hiking solo? Safe?

We thinking hiking solo as women can be done safely. In fact, it can be fun and empowering. Check out this blog post for more on this topic as well as safety tips for solo hiking: https://bearfoottheory.com/hiking-alone/

Thanks for this list, I’m planning out my first backpacking trip for myself and my husband and struggling to find a minimalist approach! I don’t want to pack everything and the kitchen sink but every blog seems to have twenty million things that are unnecessary. I’m looking forward to following your list! Any tips on seating? My husband is struggling with not being able to pack his giant camping chair.

Hi Claire – we know what you mean! Taking only what you need to be safe and comfortable will help you have a better experience. If you’re suffering under the weight of your pack it’s hard to have a good time. The Helinox Chair Zero in the blog post below is a good option. It’s super lightweight and packs down small making it great for backpacking. The REI Trail Chair in the same blog post is a good option as well if you don’t mind sitting on the ground. Another option is a lightweight, folding stool (just search “camp stool” online and you should be able to find a few options). Happy hiking!

https://bearfoottheory.com/best-camp-chairs/

Look up thermarest trekker chair. It converts/folds your sleeping pad into a sitting position.

That’s a great suggestion, thank you!

I will definitely keep this in mind in my next travels. thank you!

Thanks for reading!

What is your total weight including pack for 3 days? Also check out Lume deodorant on line. Some folks can go 72 hours with out stink. Safe for any body part. And no I don’t work for Lume, just having great results.

It varies depending on a few factors including the weather (how much warmth, rain gear, and shelter we have to pack for example) and whether a bear canister is needed which adds a little weight as well. I’d say our standard pack weight is anywhere from 15-30 lbs depending on how lightweight we’re going. And thanks for that deodorant recommendation!

Hi, thanks for taking the time to write these articles and share them, much appreciated. I have shared them on my own webpage/blog with my own followers as well – spreading the love.

Thanks Tania!

I was meant to find this post. I am a woman about to go on my first 3 day hiking/backpacking trip. I can’t tell you how helpful this info is. Thank you so much!

You’re welcome – happy trails!

The point is that if you’re looking to list existing products – it pays to ensure that you’re using the most effective techniques to instill trust, desire, and confidence in your buyers.

I love the mansplainers out there shaming her for touting nice gear. We all like to spend on different things. Some of us might go to REI to pick up a fun toy or two, and the rest of us probably have the brains to know how to substitute a cheaper item or repurpose something we have. First timers can also borrow gear from friends or neighbors before they commit to more frequent backpackers. It’s a great way to figure out what you like. This list was very helpful, Kim. Thanks.

Where’s your straw hat from though?? So cute!

It’s a Wallaroo Sedona Hat . My favorite wide-brimmed hat!

As others have said…THANK YOU. I have not backpacked in 8+ years and this was a great reminder and check list. I actually cannot believe some of the folks who harassed you about buying quality gear…guess their Momma never told them that “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything”…you would think they would have learned that on the trail. Their packs must get heavy carrying all that hate around…lose the weight! Franklly, I am always looking for ways to time weight and cost, but that is part of the fun and the process. Thanks again for a great list/refresher as I plan a 3 day in the Smokey’s!

So glad to hear you found this helpful! Enjoy your trip to the Smokey’s, and welcome back to backpacking! We actually have a fall travel guide for the park here in case you need help planning: https://bearfoottheory.com/smoky-mountains-fall-guide/

This is a very nice list, but if you put all these things together, the weight is not going to be ideal. The tent and sleeping bag is just about 6 lbs for start. All these are good products, but for the weight conscious, I would definitely be going for lighter items, if you don’t mind the weight, great list.

Hi Nikki, thanks for the input! These are the gear items we’ve personally carried when backpacking, even though they might not be the lightest on the market. For someone just starting out, buying gear can be really expensive so we’ve tried to strike a good balance between cost and weight in our recommendations. However, we’re working on an ultralight backpacking gear guide at the moment which will focus more on lightweight items.

Do you have an article on what you pack for food for a three day hike? I have always day hiked, and know my go to list for snacks, but haven’t ever done overnights, so not sure what to bring for calorie packed real meals. Thanks.

Hi Melanie, this blog post gives tips for what to pack for backpacking food, how much to bring, and our personal favorites: https://bearfoottheory.com/backpacking-food-ideas/

Thanks since I’ve become an old man I haven’t backpacked in a few years. So this was a good reminder. Appreciate you taking the time to post this. All the best for a safe and healthy season. Dave H Fort kent, Maine

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Weekend Trip Packing List: What To Bring On A 3-Day Trip

Weekend trips seem like they should be the easiest ones to pack for. But they always end up being the hardest. Your weekend trip packing list should be simple. The trip is short, the weather won’t vary much, and you probably know what you’ll do.

However, packing small for a weekend vacation might be difficult. We all tend to pack as much as we can rather than just what we require for a weekend trip. You’ll load your bag or suitcase whether you’re going for a weekend or a month. When you have enough room, you begin to accumulate items you’ll never use, such as an extra pair of shoes or a “just in case” outfit. Your belongings will grow to fill your bag. Stick to a brief weekend trip packing list and a tiny bag to fight this urge.

What should I pack for a 3 day 2 night trip?

Let’s start with a 3-day trip packing checklist for a three-day, two-night trip. The weekend trip packing list below implies.

Choose wisely and pack light.

Today, there are a plethora of excellent travel bags available. It’s essentially a question of personal choice, and the brand’s durability set them apart from the competition. Make sure the one you choose is appropriate for what you’ll be carrying for a weekend trip. We’ve included your travel day (or in-flight) attire in the packing list for clothing.

• 1 pair of shoes
• 3 sets of underwear
• 3 pairs of socks (1-2 pairs if wearing merino wool socks)
• 1 set of pyjamas
• Toiletry bag
• Water bottle
• Phone, charger, and earbuds or headphones
• Book or Kindle

Depending on your plans, at least one “nice” outfit should be considered on a packing list for vacation. When you’re travelling, dressing up—especially if you don’t have to—can make a lovely dinner feel like a special event.

Outfit for a Day of Travel

Especially if you’re flying, the clothes you wear to travel should be the bulkiest of the vacation. Wear your heaviest, bulkiest clothing (trench coat, leather boots) to conserve room in your backpack. If you get too hot during the flight, you may always take off a layer and place it in the overhead bin or beneath the seat in front of you.

The pockets will give additional storage space for your wallet, phone, chapstick, boarding card, and other travel day necessities. The zippers will keep your belongings safe when you go through airport security.

When it comes to packing, shoes are always a challenge. Even on a three-day trip, it’s easy to convince yourself that you need a second pair of shoes. This is a temptation you should avoid. Instead, bring one pair of shoes that you can wear for the entire weekend. Your shoes should be comfy enough to wear all day while looking handsome enough to wear out to dinner. Choose warm, comfortable footwear in the cold. In the summer, sandals or sneakers are ideal. You may always add flip flops for the beach or pool if desired.

Electronics

Avoid overpacking electrical devices. You may leave your work PC at home for such a short excursion. You may also forgo the tablet because you’ll either be driving or taking a short flight. In any case, your flight may be too quick to watch a movie.

For short flights, we suggest using a Kindle as in-flight entertainment. If you want to listen to music or a podcast, you’ll also have your phone and earbuds.

Take only the necessities when it comes to toiletries. Leave it at home if you can live without it or get by with a different brand for a day or two. Choose a hotel or Airbnb that includes basic amenities, such as soap and shampoo, so you don’t have to carry your own.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Déodorant, cologne
• Soap, shampoo, and conditioner
• Medicine / Prescription Drugs, if needed
• Contact solution

Importance of Documents

Don’t forget to carry your passport, printed copies of any tickets and reservations you might need, and at least two credit cards with you on your trip.

Undergarments and other essentials

Always bring a pair of underwear with you for each day.

Meet the essentials. Cubes for packing

Packing cubes are the only hack you’ll ever need for the rest of your life if you want to keep your essentials organised.

Consider pooling your resources and sharing the strain of packing with your vacation partners. Is it necessary for you to bring your own sunscreen bottle, or may one person bring a bottle for everyone to share?

If you forget something, simply make an affordable choice when you get to your location. You can bring home leftovers food so that you aren’t being wasteful.

If you are looking for a good weekend backpack to keep all your essentials.

Check out Krimcode’s website and buy yours now. Here are some recommendations:

Krimcode’s smart casual backpack.

For a man with a more personal style, the Krimcode smart casual backpack demonstrates a more formal and sophisticated attitude for your weekend trips. It is ideal for any man who maintains a certain attitude and demeanour without talking about his abilities and unique features. The Krimcode smart casual backpack is ideal for a 3-day trip checklist and for those who never compromise by faithfully maintaining its straightforward and direct-to-the-point style.

Krimcode’s Business Attire Duffel Bag in Blue

Krimcode’s Business Attire Duffel Bag in Blue effortlessly hits the right notes for the gentleman who knows how to create a strong balance between being comfortable and outstandingly formal. It provides a nicer atmosphere, allowing the guy to conclude his presentation on time, pack his suit in this blue duffel, grab his swimming trunks, and head straight to the beach. Its formal style is lightened by the variety of colours, making it appropriate for more informal settings.

A weekender bag will provide you with both room and comfort and can hold your all weekend trip packing list. A weekender bag or duffle bag may assist you in carrying all of your belongings when going for a 3day trip. Your weekender bag will easily contain gadgets, clothing, shoes, laptops, and vital documents. So what are you waiting for visit our website Krimcode.com now….!!!

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Minimalist packing list: how to pack light for a long weekend

For those of us with full-time jobs (but probably for anyone), a city-break is the best way to recharge. Travelling for a long weekend allows to discover a new place, rest and relax, and come back home with fresh energies. Our minimalist packing list for a long weekend will make your trip even more pleasant.

During all these years traveling in Europe, we honed our art of packing light . Minimalist packing helps us save time, money and energies! So we obviously want to help you, dear reader, improve the way you travel with our motivational, quick and easy packing checklist for a city-break .

Help me run my blog! This post contains some affiliate links: the small commission I may earn if you click through and make a purchase/booking (at no extra cost to you) will go towards supporting the site and our travels. That means more posts and useful info for you! We only recommend products we use ourselves and believe in. Thank you for supporting Travelling Sunglasses! Click here to read our full disclosure .

Some good reasons to pack light

What can you achieve by packing light for your weekend away? You will feel safer, more comfortable and confident, lighter and cosmopolitan.

Imagine yourself dragging a noisy and clunky suitcase on a romantic cobblestone street, or sweating up the stairs of the metro. Think about the time you waste choosing your clothes in the morning, instead of discovering a new and exciting city. Isn’t that a shame?

Now, instead, picture yourself swooping past airport security, strolling comfortably in the subway, lifting easily your small carry-on with barely 10 kg inside it. You put on quickly a fashionable outfit in the morning and then set off to urban adventures. These are the reasons to embrace minimalist packing for a city break!

• Save time packing at home: no need to experiment with rolling your clothes or using vacuum bags to fit everything in your carry-on. They are so few, they don’t need squeezing!
• Save money on luggage: no extra fees for checked-in bags
• Save time at the airport: with a carry-on you don’t have to check in, you can go straight to security. Life is too short to wait at the baggage claim! 
• Save energy in the city: walk easily with your carry-on on public transport and taxis, and then avoid back and shoulder pain by having just essential items with you when sightseeing
• Save time in the morning: with your chosen outfit, you’ll be ready in no time
• And last but not least, you have space for souvenirs 🙂

Packing light tip : if you’re freaking out because this is your first attempt at minimalist packing, take a breath and close your eyes. Picturing yourself at the destination, light and comfortable with your beloved chosen items, will motivate you to keep going.

Important factors for essential packing

When you consider these factors, you will realize that you don’t actually need to pack a mountain of stuff for just a few days. It’s all about planning!

• How long your city-break is : this determines what outfits to bring (3-4 days/nights). Yes, outfits or clothes that you can mix and match: plan them in advance.
• What you plan to do : urban activities, walking, sightseeing, museums, dinners, or also wellness, hiking?
• What accommodation you chose for your city break: I recommend a hotel or serviced apartment, so you can leave at home a lot of toiletries and towels!
• The climate of your destination : this packing list is valid for any season, but consider the generic climate when you start planning and booking
• The actual weather : start checking 1-2 weeks before departure and plan for the actual sun/rain/wind you will encounter, and then finalize a couple of days before departure when the forecast is more accurate
• Your luggage : packing light means everything will fit in a 10-kg carry-on/backpack and a handbag/daypack. However, each airline has slightly different regulations and some may actually charge to bring the carry-on on board. Write down the size of your carry-on and keep it handy when you browse plane tickets.

Consider these factors together with the minimalist packing list for your city-break.

Packing light tip: practice makes perfect! If your wardrobe is already quite minimalist, packing light will be easier. Likewise, if you enjoy your minimalist wardrobe for a few days, maybe your home wardrobe can also be revised.

How to pack light for a weekend in the city ?

Be honest, realistic and ruthless!

These are our best tips to travel light for a city break , tried and tested over the years, and successfully applied on multiple occasions: we travelled to Oslo in Norway for 3 days , to Krakow and Zakopane in Poland for 4 days, to Sicily in Italy for 5 days , to Trieste in Italy for 3 days , to Mantova and Bologna in Italy for 5 days, to Lisbon in Portugal for 4 days . Check our itineraries!

We used to pack clothes for all occasions, and then say “I didn’t even wear this t-shirt” with a sense of defeat when unpacking at home. We carried pointless weight and wasted space! Trial and error is how we developed our method to pack light!

Pack outfits and layers, not clothes

Visualize yourself during your trip: what will you do and what will you wear?

Check the weather, decide the outfits, and pack only those in your carry-on.

No extra shoes if it won’t rain. No fancy top if you’ll eat street food. No heavy book or laptop for evening relaxation if you’ll walk all day and fall asleep when your head hits the pillow.

If you need to play it safe because of the weather or your planned activities, try to pack layers: the same pair of jeans can go hiking with a t-shirt and a hoodie, and then they can go to dinner with a nice top.

Pack clothes that you know and love

Don’t pack clothes that you have never worn.

You don’t know how they will fit, if they will rub and hurt, make you sweat or freeze. New shoes will most probably give you blisters.

Pack and wear trusted and comfortable clothes.

Pack the most important things and leave the “just in case” items

It’s very easy to pack as much as your suitcase or backpack allows. Your stuff seems to expand! Well, guess what, all that stuff will expand even more on the way back, you’ll get nervous and you won’t have any space left for souvenirs. More reasons to pack just the important things.

And anyway, if you are really honest with yourself, you know deep down if you will use all that stuff or not. Will you really play a board game on the plane? Won’t you survive without all your beauty products for just a couple of nights? You are travelling to visit a city for a weekend, after all.

In case you really urgently absolutely need something, you can buy it there.

C ity break essential packing list

Let’s imagine that you are travelling for 4 days and 3 nights. Here is how to pack light for a long weekend!

Minimalist outfits for a city-break

Prepare your outfits on your bed: this is my proven method for how to decide what to pack for a long weekend.

DAY 1 + 4 = wear the same clothes when you travel, on the first and last day! Make sure it’s a comfortable outfit, with layers for a cold plane or a hot bus. Needless to say, try and wear the bulkier items when you travel.

• Shirt/top/T-shirt/blouse #1
• Trousers/Pants/Skirt #1 (Belt)
• Sweater/Pullover/Jumper/Hoodie #1
• Socks and underwear #1
• Jacket/Coat
• (Scarf/hat if necessary)

DAY 2: sightseeing = pack according to what you are going to do during your city-break, and read up about your destination. Does the museum blast cold air? Will you burn your shoulders on the castle hill? Is it windy on the night cruise? Plan and pack accordingly. Use layers to your advantage.

• Trousers/skirt #2
• Sweater/cardigan/hoodie #2
• Socks and underwear #2
• Same shoes, jacket, accessories of day 1 (unless it’s a totally different climate)

DAY 3: sightseeing = if you will do similar things to day 2, then wear the same clothes! Pack more stuff only for different activities, e.g. a day at the spa or a day hike, or if you know you will sweat a lot during day 2.

• Shirt/top #3 if necessary
• Socks and underwear #3
• Same #2 trousers and sweater
• Same shoes, jacket, accessories of day 1

Carry-on clothes checklist

Ta-daaa! Minimalist packing list for a long week: done! These are the only essential clothes you have to pack in the carry-on!

• 1 pair of trousers
• 1 or 2 tops
• 1 sweater/cardigan/hoodie
• 2 socks, 2 underwear (3 if you have a late flight back)

Isn’t it wonderful? It will take you 5 minutes to get dressed in the morning, because you already made your choices. That means more time in bed or at breakfast!

Extra clothes and miscellaneous

I can hear your brain screaming “what if we decide to go dancing, what if we have dinner at a fancy restaurant, what if I spill wine on myself, what if it’s too hot/too cold, what if we meet the president, aaaaaaaaaaah!”

Well, tell your brain to calm down. You’ve got this. You can allow yourself exceptions :

• A nice top for special dinner (only one! It must match the pants/skirt of another outfit. And be critical about your shoes: you know you will hate those heels after walking all day around the city. So don’t pack them!)
• Swimsuit and flip flops, if planned or extremely likely, stored in a plastic bag (does your hotel have a pool?)
• Extra layer for low temperatures, even though you can always buy a pullover on spot
• Pajamas… or maybe not 🙂

Other useful minimalist travel items and gadgets :

• Umbrella, a tiny one that fits in your purse/daypack
• Small purse to leave at your accommodation with items you don’t use during trip, e.g. home keys, currency, cards and ID. No reason to carry them along all day.
• A combination lock for your suitcase
• A plug adapter or multiple plug
• A bag for dirty clothes, if your luggage doesn’t have a separate compartment

What about tech? Well, I think most minimalist travel tech is important enough to fit in your purse, so you’ll find it below.

Minimalist toiletries for travel

Now, how to pack a light toiletry bag? Simple:

• Don’t bring anything that you will find at your accommodation
• Do some maintenance grooming before you travel

Shower gel, shampoo, body lotion, towels: part of the excitement of travel is to try on new products, smell a different fragrance on your skin… and perhaps, bring those cute bottles home with you! How can you do it if your toiletries bag is already exploding with your stuff?

Also, make sure you cut your nails, shape your eyebrows, shave anything that needs shaving, and all other maintenance in advance, so you can leave a bunch of tools at home.

Pack only these items and in travel size (max 100 ml bottles! Don’t be that person at security):

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Contact lenses stuff
• Necessary medication: hormones, pill, heart medication, etc.
• Very likely medication: allergy pills for hay fever/pollens, headache, diarrhea, etc. (BUT bring a couple of pills, not the whole box or bottle!)
• Jewelry and accessories: only if planned with your outfits (dangling earrings and big scarf don’t match, neither does your pearl necklace and street food!)
• Make-up (just the essentials) or beard razor
• Foldable hairbrush
• Sunscreen/bug spray (a tiny bottle and only if necessary)
• Earplugs and sleeping mask

Packing light tip : don’t even use a toiletry bag! Just put the few items into a plastic transparent ziplock bag!

What to pack in your minimalist travel handbag

Now, visualize yourself at the airport, and out and about in the city for those 2-3 days.

What do you have in your handbag or daypack for a city-break? What is absolutely necessary?

• Phone and charger (all tickets and confirmations are neatly stored in your phone, right?)
• Power bank and charger
• Wallet with cash and a selection of strictly necessary cards and ID (like our favourite travel card, the Wise multi-currency card ! Instead, leave at home the Ikea card)
• Home keys with a selection of necessary ones (leave the keychain at home)
• Paper tissues
• Hand sanitiser and face mask
• Important medication and plasters (don’t let blisters stop you!)
• Emergency snacks (just a couple for the trip, so you can discover new ones in the supermarkets at your destination)
• Glasses/sunglasses
• Water bottle (be honest: will you really drink from it? Or can you wait for lunchtime and drink then?)

Packing light tip : use purses and pouches to organize chargers, medication and small items, like in my picture below!

Want to use this CUSTOMIZABLE DIGITAL minimalist packing list?

Sign up and I’ll send it to you by email!

One more thing!

Check your inbox (and your spam folder) and reconfirm the e-mail address is correct !

Otherwise, you won’t receive the freebie.

See? It’s easy to pack light! You don’t need an emergency change of clothes in your handbag, because your carry-on is with you at all times. You will leave the home items (keys, home currency, etc.) at your accommodation. You have only the most essential items with you.

Excellent job! You packed a light carry-on suitcase, and your handbag contains only the strictly necessary items.

Do-not-bring list

How do you feel? Are you still struggling with your brain? Remember, your brain is trying to protect you, to keep you on safe and comfortable routines. Instead, you are stepping outside of your comfort zone and practicing a new skill!

If your brain needs more convincing about not packing your whole house, these are the reasons not to bring all this stuff :

• A book: you’ll be too tired after sightseeing
• A giant heavy guidebook: look for the digital version or take pictures of the pages you need
• Your laptop: you won’t get any work done (maybe bring a tablet)
• Common drugs and medication: you can buy them on spot
• Make-up and jewellery: deep down you know you won’t use it
• Another pair of shoes “just in case”: there are no “cases” because you planned well
• Work-out clothes: sightseeing is your work-out
• Multiple bras: one is enough for 3 days
• A bottle of water: you know you will hate carrying the weight/it doesn’t fit in your handbag
• Anything “just in case”: for real emergencies, you will buy what you need on spot.

Final thoughts on minimalist packing for a city break

Congratulations, you are ready to go! Thanks to the minimalist packing list for a long weekend, you learned in just a few minutes what took us years of trial and error to achieve 🙂

Seriously now. I can confidently say, after multiple city breaks and long weekends in European cities, that packing light dramatically improved our mindset and approach to the trip, let alone the actual practicality of travel. Just like the suitcase feels light, our souls feel lighter too! Packing for a million possibilities, instead, becomes overwhelming and exhausting.

Were these tips useful? What else do you do to pack light? Let us know in the comments!

10 thoughts on “ Minimalist packing list: how to pack light for a long weekend ”

What a fantastic blog ! I would happily pay you to pack for me I find it SOOO hard to travel light. I’m only going to a UK city for three days ( 2 nights and I’ve packed a small suitcase , a vanity case and my handbag ! Help my friend is freaking out but I’m going to follow you online. Thank you for all the advice !Sue.

Hi Sue! I’m proud of you, keep at it and you’ll be great at packing light! Enjoy your trips 🙂

Great down to earth advice,makes travelling a Dream now, ,havent used a suit case in a very long time, , best wishes Joseph

Hi Joseph, thank you for your comment! I’m happy we share the same happy suitcase-free lifestyle 🙂 Best wishes and happy travels!

Thanks for your inspiration! I am going to try it now for my weekend away! Happy travels! 💜

Hi Sarah! I’m glad this was useful to you 🙂 enjoy your weekend trip!

I need to master packing light! These are some great ideas. Thanks for the tips 🙂

Hi Laura! So glad these were helpful. You can do it! 🙂

SO many helpful tips. I am THAT packer who struggles with packing light. Thanks for this.

Hi Nisha, I’m so glad this is helpful! Make sure you get the downloadable packing list by signing up to the email list 🙂

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The Ultimate Packing List

Christine Sarkis

Ashley Rossi

There's a 95 percent chance Senior Editor Christine Sarkis is thinking about travel right now. Follow her on Instagram @postcartography and Twitter @ChristineSarkis .

Christine Sarkis is an SATW-award-winning journalist and executive editor at SmarterTravel. Her stories have also appeared on USA Today, Conde Nast Traveler, Huffington Post, and Business Insider. Her advice has been featured in dozens of print and online publications including The New York Times , Conde Nast Traveler , and People magazine. She has also shared travel tips on television and radio shows including Good Morning America, Marketplace, and Here & Now. Her work has been published in the anthologies Spain from a Backpack and The Best Women's Travel Writing 2008 . She is currently working on a travel memoir.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : The Trtl Pillow . It's easy to pack and comfortable, and makes it so I can actually sleep on flights.

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Seeing the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of somewhere warm, like a glass igloo or hot spring.

Travel Motto : Curiosity is an amazing compass.

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : Aisle all the way.

Email Christine Sarkis at [email protected] .

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

Ashley's stories have been featured online on USA Today, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Jetsetter, and Yahoo! Travel, as well as other publications.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "A reusable filtered water bottle—it saves you money, keeps you hydrated, and eliminates waste—win-win."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : "A week in a bamboo beach hut on India's Andaman Islands."

Travel Motto : "Travel light, often, and in good company."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Window—best view in the house."

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Packing mishaps range from inconvenient (heading to the Caribbean without a swimsuit) to disastrous (discovering you left the country without your wallet), but most are preventable. We’ve created this ultimate packing list to help you pack well every time.

The Ultimate Packing Checklist

To see the ultimate packing list, scroll down the page or click here for an editable PDF version that you can save or print out. To customize the list, simply download or print it, then edit for your specific needs. You can also download the editable, mobile-friendly checklist here .

Clothes to Pack

• Dress Shirts
• Casual Shirts
• Sweatshirts
• Laundry Kit
• Leisure Shoes
• Hiking Boots
• Dress Shoes
• Collapsible Tote

Shop Our Clothing Packing List

Toiletries to Pack

• Dental Floss
• Conditioner
• Styling Tools
• Facial Cleanser
• Face Lotion
• Moisturizer
• Contact Lenses
• Contact Solution
• Shaving Supplies
• Makeup Remover
• Menstrual Products
• Birth Control/Medication
• Nail Clippers
• Hand Sanitizer
• First-Aid Ointment
• Insect Repellent
• Pain Relievers

Shop Our Toiletries Packing List

Miscellaneous Items

• Laptop/Tablet
• Film/Memory Card
• List of Medications
• Banking Contacts/Information
• Electronic Chargers
• Emergency Contacts
• Copy of Passport
• Plug Adapter

Shop Our Miscellaneous Items List

What to Pack in Your Carry-on

• Books or E-Books
• Travel Blanket
• Travel Pillow
• Disinfecting Wipes
• Change of Clothes
• Empty Water Bottle
• In-Flight Medications
• Passport/Visa/ID
• Credit/ATM cards
• Insurance Cards
• Maps/Directions

Shop Our Carry-On Essentials List

Packing Tips for Clothes and Other Items

When packing for a vacation the most important things to keep in mind are the length of your trip, the weather, and any non-standard clothing or gear you might need.

Your first step when packing is to decide if you’ll be checking a bag or only taking a carry-on and then curate the amount of clothing you’ll need based on that decision. Typically, you should avoid checking a bag in situations where you have a layover since the likelihood of your bag going missing goes up with every connection . You might also want to avoid checking a bag if you absolutely need items in your bag on arrival—for example, if you’re going on a cruise.

If you’re packing more minimally, focus on packing layering clothes in more neutral colors. That’s not because we don’t like fun colors and patterns; it just means that neutral-colored clothing is more versatile, so you can wear these items more than once when you’re tight on space.

How to Pack in Just a Personal Item Sized Bag

Also invest in clothing that does double duty, like multi-use wraps , crushable hats , self-cooling and heating fabrics like merino wool layers , bug-repellent clothing , wrinkle-resistant shirts, quick-drying activewear and undergarments, casual sneakers, UPF-proof clothing , and compressible jackets … just to name a few. Look toward popular athleisure brands like Lululemon , prAna , and Athleta for comfortable yet stylish travel clothing.

When curating your packing list, you should keep in mind the length of your trip and decide on quantities from there. For a shorter trip (three to five days), you can probably manage with the following: one pair of underwear and socks per day, one pair of pajamas, one to two dressier outfits, one to two activewear or athleisure outfits, one to two casual outfits, and one to two pairs of shoes. For a longer trip (over a week), you can manage with one pair of underwear and socks per day, two pairs of pajamas, three dressier outfits, three to four casual outfits, two pairs of shoes, and two activewear or athleisure outfits.

And if you’re able to do laundry on your vacation, you can probably manage with even fewer items. Just don’t forget to pack a travel laundry kit .

Scrubba Untouched Review

Also make sure to bring along accessories like a money belt, scarf or sarong (can be used for things like an airplane blanket , coverup at the beach, or to throw over your dress on a cool evening), and a collapsible tote or day bag for any extra items you might acquire on your travels. If traveling to a city or destination that is prone to pickpocketing, make sure to pack some pickpocket-proof clothing and gear .

Depending on the type of trip you’re going on, you may need to invest in some special travel gear. We’ve tested out everything from waterproof baby carriers to interchangeable heels , so you can trust our recommendations. If you’re headed out on an organized group tour , you’ll most likely get a packing list from the tour provider, which should make your trip planning easier. If not, do your research online (one tip is to look at locations on Instagram and see what people are wearing) and consult this story for other handy lists of tips.

For more active trips, make sure you have a sturdy pair of hiking boots, quick-drying clothing, a day pack, snacks, and any necessary equipment. Check out our specific packing lists for hiking trips and camping trips .

The 5 Most Crowded National Parks (and Where to Go Instead)

Another type of trip that you may need to pack slightly specific items for is a cruise . Make sure you pack non-standard items like seasickness remedies, formal wear, dress shoes, and your bathing suit. Beach vacations also require different items like water shoes, towels, sunscreen, and maybe even snorkel gear. Luckily for you, we also have a specific cruise packing list and a beach vacation packing list .

Lastly, you need to consider the weather. For warm-weather destinations like jungles and Caribbean islands, you can obviously skip the coats and gloves, but if you’re headed out on a ski vacation then you’ll need a whole slew of things like goggles, a neck gaiter, snow boots, and more. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a specific Caribbean vacation packing list , a Mexico vacation packing list , and even a ski trip packing list .

The Best Ski Hotels in the US

To help keep things organized, we love using packing cubes and/or compression sacks. They’re especially useful for when you’re traveling to multiple destinations in one trip.

Wondering how to pack all of your items? Enter the great debate of the rolling vs. folding method! While this is definitely a personal preference, we put two editors to the test to find out which method is in fact, more space-saving. Watch the video below to see the answer.

How to Pack Toiletries and Medications

Whether it’s important medication or your favorite lipstick, forgetting any type of toiletry can range from being mildly inconvenient to becoming a serious problem. For toiletries, make sure to pack your essentials, like medication, contacts, and any other items that you might not be able to purchase or replace during your travels. (Put them in your carry-on bag, not your checked suitcase.) However, if you forget items like a toothbrush or razor, you can typically call the front desk at the hotel for a spare.

We also recommend traveling with some type of a travel first-aid kit , which includes items like tweezers, first-aid ointment, bandages, travel-sized hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Make sure to check TSA guidelines if you’re traveling with medication , as well as the policies and regulations at your destination.

Packing Tips for Everything Else …

Traveling without tech items like your phone, laptop, tablet, or camera can be a major bummer. For those traveling abroad, you’ll also want to remember to pack electronic adapters and converters . Other tech-related items for photographers to pack are a sturdy camera bag , backup batteries, and memory cards, as well as lens cleaner. And don’t forget smartphone essentials like a backup charger, waterproof case if you’re headed out on the water, and a phone stand or tripod for photos.

A travel packing tip we’ve learned the hard way? Travel with a copy of your passport, credit card, and bank contacts, as well as a list of medications and your emergency contacts.

If you are traveling abroad, we have an entire checklist for you, but the most important thing to note here is your passport and visas . Make sure that your passport is up to date, has as least six months of validity, and has enough blank pages for any stamps. Another tip for international travel? Give yourself plenty of time to apply for any visas that you might need and to arrange for a visit to a travel clinic if any special medications or vaccines are needed. You should also familiarize yourself with any remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions at your destination.

There are also some items that you may not think to pack, but should, like an electronic tracker , duct tape , toilet paper, a decoy wallet, or a whistle.

The 10 Best Expandable Suitcases

What to Always Pack in Your Carry-on Bag

In case you’re separated from your checked bag or other items, you should always make sure that you have your ID, wallet, house keys, medications, valuables, camera, phone, laptop, tablet, pen, cash and cards, glasses, and copy of your itinerary with you on the plane.

Other items that you might want to have handy with you include entertainment for your flight, comfort-promoting items like a blanket or pillow, as well as an empty water bottle to fill up post-security (here is a list of our favorites ), a change of clothes (just in case your luggage is lost or delayed), snacks, and gum.

If you’re looking to pack carry-on only, you guessed it: We also have a separate packing list and tips for that, as well as the best bags to use for carry-on only .

What to Pack to Stay Healthy While Traveling

The pandemic has significantly changed the way we travel and, by extension, the items we prioritize in our luggage. While many destinations have loosened or entirely lifted COVID-19 restrictions, some venues and events may still require a mask or proof of vaccination/negative COVID test to enter. Plan ahead to see if any activities on your itinerary have restrictions in place.

Sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer , while always a good idea to have on hand at the airport , have become absolute carry-on musts. Wiping down areas like your tray table, airplane seat armrest, and hotel television remote can spare you from a variety of common travel bugs.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2013. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Ashley Rossi contributed to this story.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

You Might Also Like:

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Essential Overnight Trip Packing List

It’s far too easy to overpack for short trips. That is why you need an  overnight trip packing list.  With a solid overnight bag list, you’ll be able to keep organized and not forget anything important. 

With just an overnight trip, the temptation to overpack can really strong. Let’s avoid that if we can. Ready for the list? Just keep reading! 

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  See disclaimer.  

Need help planning your overnight trip? Check out our list of essential travel planning resources .   

Packing list for your overnight trip 

Use this overnight trip packing list as the basis for creating your own list for each of your trips. Of course, you don’t need to follow this list exactly. It’s designed to be customized. Use it as a starting place. 

The key thing is to keep it simple.

Tip : use an editable digital packing list to easily make changes to your list as you pack.

Clothing 

You only need to pack two outfits at the most : 

• One outfit that’s appropriate for whatever activity or occasion you have during the one evening of your trip. 
• One outfit for anything you have planned for the second day.  

For overnight trips,  my preference is to pack only one pair of pants  and then wear home the next day the same pants or even the same outfit that I wore for travel the day before. 

Pajamas —a simple lightweight set of pajama bottoms paired with a T-shirt like this works.  I love my Amazon Essentials pajamas.

One pair of shoes  for whatever you have planned for your trip. Make sure they work with whatever outfits you are taking. 

• I usually just take one bra with me for overnight trips…the one I wear to travel to my destination.
• 2 pairs of underpants. I always pack a spare pair. 
• Optional: camisole 

Socks —to work without whatever shoes you have packed. 

• Ultra low-cut liner socks  like these you can buy on Amazon  are great to wear with flats or even slip-on casual shoes like Vans or TOMS. 
• I love to wear these liners with athletic shoes. 
• Wool socks like these are perfect for outdoor activities in cold weather. 

Jacket or cardigan  to keep warm in case of sudden weather changes, cold event venues or restaurants, etc. 

Optional clothing you could pack for an overnight trip 

If your hotel has a gym and you enjoy working out when you travel make sure to take your  workout clothes  with you. Or if you want to check out your hotel’s pool, add a  swimsuit and coverup  to your packing list. 

If you have room in your bag, consider packing a pair of flip-flops or slippers for wearing around your hotel room or in case you need to make a quick run down the hall for ice. 

• These are my favorite flip-flops . I almost never travel without them…unless it’s the dead of winter. 
• These are my absolute favorite slippers .   

Toiletries 

For a trip of just one night, keep skincare, haircare, and makeup products to a minimum. I always recommend that you just  use your hotel bathroom product amenities  when possible. That means you won’t need to pack shampoo, conditioner, soap, or perhaps even a facial cleanser or body lotion. 

Pack a basic toiletries bag with only the essentials. Here are some examples of what you might pack (all are products I actually pack for trips and have used for many years): 

• Foundation —get one with SPF in it like this . 
• Concealer — I love this one because it lasts. All. Day. Or try a “foundcealer” like this to save even more space since it’s a foundation and concealer in one. 
• Makeup sponge — this one is a great affordable option . 
• Powder — this talc-free powder travels well. 
• Eyeliner — this retractable pencil makes a great travel companion. 
• Eyebrow pencil — this affordable version of more expensive pencils is one of my favorites. 
• Eyebrow gel —a good brow gel will help you look made up even when you only have a few minutes to get ready. This one is my favorite . 
• Mascara —a tubing mascara like this one is great for travel since it doesn’t smudge. 
• Lip gloss or lipstick —or both. They’re small. 
• Disposable razor  
• Daytime moisturizer with sunscreen — this one is SPF 50 , works well under makeup, and doesn’t leave a white cast. 
• Night cream — this one is my favorite . 
• Toner —I enjoy traveling with a hydrating toner like this one . 
• Cotton rounds — these are perfect for applying toner and whatever else you need. 
• Travel size toothpaste

Miscellaneous essentials 

There are a few other things you might want or need to pack to make sure you have a good trip. 

• Charger for phone and other electronics 
• Umbrella 
• Prescription medications 
• Essential dietary supplements or over-the-counter medications 
• A few first-aid items. You can bring a small selection of things from home or purchase a compact first-aid kit designed for travel . 

Things you can leave at home 

• Multiple outfit options for every possible scenario 
• Extra shoes 
• Large makeup bags 
• Extra electronics (e.g., you don’t need to pack a laptop AND a tablet) 
• Hair dryer. Use the one provided by the hotel. 
• Shampoo, conditioner, and soap. Use the hotel amenities. 
• Multiple jewelry options 

Minimize your overnight bag 

I find that  the danger of overpacking is strongest with short trips . And overnights are no exception. Because it’s so easy to overpack for overnight trips, I recommend you  use the smallest bag you can  but still have room to pack the things you genuinely need. 

Using a small bag will help you avoid the temptation to overpack because you simply won’t have the room. 

A small rolling carry-on bag like this one from Amazon makes a great overnight bag. 

A large tote bag like this popular weekender would also be great for a short one-night trip. 

Get your overnight bag list organized 

Why do you need to get organized for your overnight trip? All you have to do is toss a few things in a bag, right? But when heading out on an overnight,  it’s so easy to simultaneously overpack and yet forget important items . 

So, pause for a few minutes to  think about what you really need . What plans have you made for your trip? 

• A nice dinner out? 
• A special event like a concert? 
• Outdoor activities like hiking? 
• Do the accommodations you booked include pool or gym facilities you want to use? 

Final thoughts on the overnight bag list 

When traveling for just an overnight getaway, try to resist the temptation to overpack. You don’t need multiple outfit options “just in case.”

But you don’t want to go to the opposite extreme either and not give any thought to what you need to take with you. That’s how you forget to pack essentials in your overnight bag. 

The packing list in this post is all you need to make sure that you pack well for your short trip. 

More articles related to packing for overnight trips 

• Essential travel planning resources  
• Romantic getaways in the South you need to consider  
• Travel essentials for women  

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Darcy Vierow is a busy professional and travel planning expert with years of experience maximizing travel with limited time and on a less-than-average salary. Her tips have been published by Forbes, MSN.com, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, Aol, Newsbreak and GOBankingRates. Read more about Darcy Vierow .

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You made a good point that it’s important to have a thorough plan first when planning to stay in a vacation home rental. I want to look for a good vacation home rental soon because I want to start planning for my honeymoon. I think that a simple staycation in a villa would be a good option.

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Backpacking Checklist 3 Day (Printable PDF & Editable)

You want to head off on your first weekend backpacking trip where you live off the items you can carry for a couple of days. What a great adventure to be planning!

If you’ve done a bit of car camping, then the transition won’t be too hard, it’s a case of cutting down on gear and equipment that you won’t need or can’t carry. Which brings us to the point, what do I actually need and what can I live without for a weekend?

That’s where we come in. We’ve compiled a list of items that you will need for a long weekend away backpacking so that you can look over your current gear list and see what you have already and what you might need to get or replace.

A backpacking trip requires a lot less stuff than a car camping trip and the entertainment is all about getting from point A to Point B and setting up camp each day. It’s totally doable, you just need to be prepared. Really prepared.

Here’s our backpacking checklist 3 day packing list of things we think you’ll need for a weekend’s backpacking along with hints, tips & hacks for the first-timer who might need a bit of guidance as they ask for the first time – “Do I really need that?” in their quest to lighten their load and maximize the fun!

Backpacking Shelter

Are you facing analysis paralysis in choosing your tent and just want a fun few days of camping? Check our our guide to the best small two person tents.

Backpacking Sleeping Gear

Walking gear, cooking & eating backpacker checklist, wet weather protection, hiking clothing.

Take three pairs of socks – one for camp, two for walking and maybe an additional thick pair for cold nights.

Backpacking Toiletries Checklist

Backpacking first aid kit, personal protection checklist, luxury backpacking gear, other useful backpacking gear.

Hints, Hack, and Tips for the first-time 3 day backpacker!

General backpacking tips for 3 day trips.

• Plan the trip. Know you can do the miles each day and build in a lot of rest stops. You don’t want to be miserable, in pain, or get into camp in the dark on your first trip.
• If you’ll be out of phone range and you’re by yourself. Consider a GPS device so that you and your family know where you are at all times.
• Take a First Aid Kit and a water sterilizing system. Don’t skimp on your health.
• Some places have mandatory rules about bear canisters. Make sure you know if you need one or not BEFORE the bear comes to visit!

Tips for picking backpacking gear for the checklist

• Your four heaviest items will be your tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad, and the backpack you will have to carry. Make sure these are the lightest ones you can find and afford. There can be a 10-pound difference on your back when you lighten up these pieces of essential equipment.
• Make sure the pack you use is comfortable. It’s going to ruin the trip if you are in pain or uncomfortable all day. Borrow one if you don’t want to buy one and test it out full of gear well before you leave.
• A hammock with a rain fly and bug net or a Bivy or Tarp setup are all viable and light alternatives to a tent.
• If you are needing to save weight, a lighter footprint under your tent is an option, or maybe forgo it entirely if you think the ground will be ok on your trip.
• Take moleskin or its equivalent for the blisters that you are very likely to get even in your favorite shoes. The weight of the backpack can make even old shoes rub in new places.
• Even if you are by yourself, get a two-person tent. You can store all your gear inside with you and there’s more room if it rains or you need to spend more time than planned inside it.
• Use a trekking pole. It helps with balance, weight distribution and takes the pressure off knees and ankles, especially if you aren’t used to walking with a load.
• Take a headlamp instead of a torch. You’ll appreciate being able to use both hands all the time.

Wrapping up our three day backpacking packing list

Getting out into the bush for the night or the weekend hiking and camping is a fantastic experience, especially when you are living off just the items you bought with you. It’s fun, exhilarating, and probably the beginning of a lifetime adventure!

Make sure you are prepared and have thought carefully about each item you have bought and aren’t skimping on the essentials. It can take a while to pare things down to a minimum and to be comfortable with only bringing the things on this list.

You won’t start out as a super mega ultralight backpacker but given enough time, it can quickly become addictive to spend a week, a month, or more out in the great outdoors. You just need to keep asking “Do I really need this?” and soon enough you will have a kit that’s light enough and has enough essential gear for you to feel comfortable in the backcountry for longer periods of time than you thought possible.

Practice makes perfect and weekend backpacking trips are the perfect place to practice your backpacking skills on.

Stay safe. Happy backpacking! 😊

Back one: Going backpacking but don’t know how many days you’ll be away yet? Check out our backpacking checklist .

Next up: Fancy a longer trip? Check out our 7 day backpacking checklist .

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Complete Beach Trip Packing List for the Perfect Vacation

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy or book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission .

Trying to simplify the packing process for your next beach vacation, but fear forgetting something important?  I’ve definitely been there too, which is why I’ve created an intensely thorough beach trip packing list. The below packing guide will ensure you remember all the necessities, so you can focus on planning and enjoying your getaway.

For beach trips, I like to keep my packing fairly minimal, since the main objective is to relax in beautiful surroundings. After lots of trial and error, I’ve basically got my list of beach essentials down pat. My list below includes things I always use on beach trips, whether it’s an absolute necessity or something I just like to have on hand.

This list should help you stay organized, and help your mind stay clear so your don’t miss anything. My hubby and I have had a couple instances where someone forgot something major, like swimwear or a passport. It’s easier to forget these items than you would think when running last minute errands before departure.

With that, here is the complete beach trip packing list, which lists every item you won’t want to leave home without. That way you can do less scrambling, and more lounging among the palm trees!

The Ultimate Beach Trip Packing List

Beach packing list: the essentials.

These are the very important items you literally cannot travel without, especially if you are flying. Keep these necessities with you in your personal item on the plane for easy access, rather than in a checked bag. That way, if checked luggage gets lost you’ll at least be able to enter your destination and make new purchases, if necessary.

• Driver’s license (if flying, you’ll need REAL ID beginning May 3, 2023)
• Passport if traveling internationally
• Boarding Pass (be sure it reflects TSA PreCheck if you have it)
• Masks if traveling by plane (TSA mandate)
• Credit Cards (I like to bring one Visa and one Mastercard if traveling internationally)
• Cash if traveling somewhere remote, like an island ($100 to $200)
• Proof of vaccine/test results where required. For some destinations you cannot even board the plane without these items.
• Check your destination for any other required paperwork, such as passenger locator forms

Beach Trip Clothing

Beach clothes are usually easy to fit into a carry-on, since t-shirts and shorts don’t take up much space. Also, as many beach destinations keep things casual, there is less of a need for outfit changes or dressing up for dinner.

For nicer outfits, consider how many times you’ll actually need to dress up. Will you eat at a fancy restaurant more than once or twice?

The weather forecast will also affect what you’ll need to bring. If there will be some cooler rainy days or chilly nights, you may want a light sweatshirt to stay warm. Alternatively, for hot sticky weather, it’s likely you’ll want to change out of sweaty day time clothes before heading out for the evening.

With that, here is the approximate amount of clothing I recommend bringing for a 7-day beach trip.

• 2-3 swimsuits
• Sun shirt (I love these lightweight tops for when my shoulders have gotten enough sun for the day)
• Swimsuit Cover-up (females)
• 2 pairs of athletic shorts, in case you get around to working out or hiking
• 8-10 pairs of socks
• 8-10 pairs of underwear
• Clothes to sleep in for seven nights. I personally bring 1-2 pairs of pajama shorts and 7 ribbed tank tops.
• Light sweatshirt for cooler night temperatures
• 2 bralettes (females)
• 2 sports bras (females)
• 1 regular bra (females)
• 8 tops (mixture of casual and dressy)
• 2 pairs of casual shorts (I bring one denim and one white pair)
• 1-2 nicer outfits
• Jewelry (I like to bring one or two necklaces.  Just be careful with any valuables you choose to bring)

If you are staying somewhere with a washer and dryer, you can bring less clothing and save even more carry-on space. For a one week stay, I’d cut socks and underwear down to 5 pairs, pajamas for 4 nights, and 6-7 casual tops.

Footwear for Your Beach Trip

Usually footwear needed at the beach is pretty minimal. However, if you plan to do a lot of walking or hiking, you’ll want to be prepared. Nothing like blisters or arch pain to ruin an otherwise perfect vacation.

• Sandals/flip-flops

The next three items are for people like me who get foot pain:

• Shoe inserts (I bring custom orthotics)
• Foot Braces (for nighttime)
• Golf ball for rolling foot (sometimes my arches get tight and grumpy if I do a lot of walking)

Why Carry-On Only?

This packing list is geared towards travelers doing carry-on only, i.e. no checked bags. I prefer this method when traveling to harder to reach places, like the Caribbean islands. For example, it can be difficult to lug a bunch of baggage from the airport to a taxi, then to a ferry, and finally onto another taxi or rental car.

Keeping your belongings to one suitcase helps the experience stay much less stressful and laborious. Plus, if you bring less, that’s less items you could potentially lose.

That said, if you are road-tripping or checking a bag, there are definitely perks. You’ll be able to fit more of the below in your luggage and won’t need to purchase as much at your destination.

Personal Care Items for Every Beach Trip Packing List

Below are all the essentials you’ll need for personal care throughout your trip. If flying, you will be limited to a 1-quart bag with up to 3.4 oz. of each liquid, gel, or aerosol you want to bring.

To comply with this, I use small reusable containers for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. However, if you aren’t picky, a lot of hotels and vacation rentals provide these items for free. For things like face wash and shave gel, I try to find tiny samples for purchase from stores like Target and Sephora.

If you are driving or checking a bag, you can basically pack whatever you want, but I still recommend minimizing what you carry. After all, baggage can get pretty heavy with a bunch of full containers from home. That said, you can largely disregard my below categorizations since you’ll be able to pack whatever amounts you please.

Pack in Your Carry-on:

• Comb (I prefer wide-toothed )
• Cotton Balls
• Chapstick ( preferably with spf )
• Pads/tampons (females)
• Makeup remover wipes (if bringing makeup)

Pack in a Separate 1-Quart Liquids Bag:

• Moisturizer
• Conditioner
• Hand sanitizer
• Shave gel (I find a squeeze tube like this one fits more easily into a liquids bag)

If it is difficult to squeeze all this into a small 1-quart bag, see if you can share some items with people you are traveling with. If this is not possible, I’d leave behind the hairspray and hand sanitizer, and simply style my hair less and wash my hands more often.

Buy at Your Destination:

• Sunscreen for face and body (some places require reef-safe varieties )
• Aloe vera in case of sunburn
• Anti-itch cream for potential mosquito bites if you’re prone like me

Remember any Medications

Remember to include any medications you take daily on your packing list in order to stay well during your beach trip. I’ve also listed a few preventative items you’ll want to bring, just in case. I know I’ve had my fair share of headaches, blisters, and cuts pop up while on vacation.

• Prescription meds
• Advil or other pain reliever
• Vitamins to keep your immunity high while traveling

Electronics You’ll Want at the Beach

Even though a beach vacation is all about unplugging, chances are there are a few electronics you’ll want to have on hand. Below are the ones I always have on my beach trip packing list.

• Cell phone/charger
• Hair wand for beachy waves.  However, leave the hair straightener at home. In humid tropical climates your hair will frizz as soon as you step outside.
• Hair dryer (only if the place you’re staying at doesn’t have one, and they often do)
• Camera bag (camera, lenses, chargers).  I use the Sony a6000 and love it.
• Kindle /charger
• Ipad/charger + download shows for trip
• GoPro /charger – these are fun for active trips, especially for underwater pictures and videos
• Bluetooth speaker for music. Here’s my beach playlist to get you started!
• Portable charger – Amazing to have on hand in case your phone dies while out and about. My husband and I use these all the time.

Other Beach Packing List Necessities

This catch-all category features other miscellaneous items you may find useful for a beach trip. These are definitely things we are always glad to have!

• Global Entry Card – This comes in handy when traveling internationally for avoiding long customs lines.
• Beach Bag – I resisted purchasing a beach bag for years, instead carrying my belongings in my arms, and shoving what I could into my husband’s bookbag. I finally made the investment, and it makes the biggest difference!
• Consider pre-downloading offline Google Maps. That way if you lose cell service, you can still easily navigate around your destination.
• Paper printout or phone screenshot of instructions for accessing your vacation rental or hotel
• Paper printout or phone screenshot of tickets for any tours or excursions
• Books if you don’t have a Kindle
• Sanitizing wipes if traveling by plane. It’s gross how infrequently they actually clean those seats.
• Copy of passport. If you are traveling overseas, it’s good to have a backup in case your passport gets lost or stolen.
• Pen – you never know when you may need one!
• Nail clippers – it is incredibly annoying to have a hang nail on vacation with no way of fixing it.
• Tissues – handy to have in a plane, rental car, or other public transportation.
• Tervis cups/lids for having drinks at the beach

Travel Savvy Tip

If you are a lady traveling alone, you may want to consider bringing a small purse to carry your money, keys, phone, etc.

I learned this the hard way in Charleston . After a beautiful morning at the Isle of Palms, I was exploring downtown with my mom and lost my wallet! Unfortunately, my small wallet sleeve had fallen out of the flimsy pockets of my stylish, but not so functional shorts.

My mom bought me a cute tiny purse with a shoulder strap after this experience, which I used every day on my first solo trip .

Items to Leave Off Your Beach Packing List

It’s always best to avoid packing extra items you don’t need.  Many hotels and vacation rentals provide certain necessities that you shouldn’t have to worry about packing.

• Beach towels – Towels can be very bulky, so be sure they are absolutely necessary before claiming that precious luggage space.
• Snorkel Gear – If you don’t already have your own, there is no need to run out and buy snorkel gear.  Many places provide these items either for free or to rent.
• Cooler – I’d only bring your own cooler if you’re driving to your beach destination.

That should cover every single item you’ll need on your beach trip packing list. Now, your mind can be freed up for more awesome things, like planning a super fun day trip for your vacation.

I believe I’ve covered it all, but let me know in the comments if I’ve missed anything!

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August 26, 2018 By Michelle Maraj 35 Comments

The Ultimate Packing List for Work Trips

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that we will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase. All opinions are those of the author.

As you start to travel almost every week, your business trip packing list will become routine. You might find yourself packing for your corporate trip in less than fifteen minutes! When trying to create my packing list for a work trip, I consider what items I will pack for personal travel as well. My work trip packing list is similar to my regular travel packing list, just the types of clothes that I bring will change. If you travel frequently enough, you might find it helpful to keep some items permanently in your suitcase, and only repack your clothing every week.

Building a Packing List for a Work Trip

Since I travel on a weekly basis, this Ultimate Business Trip Packing List is broken up by the following:

• Essentials left in my suitcase each week
• Items refreshed each week
• What’s in my laptop bag
• What I expect at the hotel

Packing Essentials for a Business Trip

If you travel for work frequently enough, it may make sense to have “doubles” of your toiletries, so you do not have to include them on your business trip packing list and pack them every single week. I keep the following items in my suitcase at all times:

Umbrella  // It is a good habit to check the weather before you start packing, but I have a small travel umbrella that I leave in my suitcase at all times, just in case. If you have an outer pocket on your bag, I would recommend leaving the umbrella in that pocket for easy access.

Toiletries // I keep travel-sized bottles of all of my usual toiletries in my suitcase at all times. This includes small bottles of: shampoo, conditioner, face wash, make-up remover, lotion. I then refill these every few weeks as needed. In addition I will keep a double of my toothbrush, toothpaste, cotton balls, deodorant, hairbrush and hair ties, and razor so that I do not need to repack these each week. As a woman, I also keep tampons and pads in my suitcase at all times.

Spare phone charger // I have a habit of leaving my phone chargers behind at home or at the office, and I have accidentally traveled without a phone charger before! Now, I always leave an extra phone charger in my bag, just in case.

Laundry Bag // My  Away Bigger Carry-On  suitcase came with a laundry bag inside, and I use this to keep my dirty clothes separate from the clean clothes I have not worn yet. I would recommend bringing some type of reusable bag to use as a laundry bag in your suitcase, so you can keep dirty underwear and socks at minimum separate from your work clothes.

All of my toiletries on my business trip packing list are travel sized, so that I do not have to worry about checking a bag. I keep shower items (shampoo, conditioner, face wash) in a separate plastic bag from my remaining items, so that when I am fast to unpack after arriving at the hotel. I use this TSA-approved clear toiletry bag to keep my items organized.

Refreshed Each Week While Traveling for Work

When I am traveling for work, I always bring enough clothes for the number of days that I am traveling, plus one extra day. You never know when you will spill something on your shirt, or you get stranded somewhere overnight! If I was traveling for work Monday through Thursday (3 nights), and I dressed business professional and wore a suit on the plane there, then I would pack in my suitcase:

4 Button-Up Tops // I primarily wear Express Portofino Shirts to work. I like these tops because you can wear them with a blazer, without a jacket, and even out to dinner in the evening. They are very versatile, and a staple in my work uniform. I always pack one extra shirt than days I am traveling – if I am staying 3 nights, I will pack 4 shirts to have one as a back-up.

2 Work Bottoms (Pants or Skirt) // If you include the dress pants that I wear on the plane, I would typically pack two additional bottoms to rotate between. I will bring additional bottoms that coordinate with my blazers for the week. For example, if I am wearing a black blazer, I would choose black bottoms. Navy blazer, navy bottoms.

1 Additional Blazer // Some people can get away with only bringing one blazer (worn on the plane) with them during the week, especially if you only wear your blazer while traveling but then take it off during the day while working. I personally like to bring a blazer to rotate between, and as a back-up in case I spill something on my other blazer.

1 Pair of Jeans, No Holes // It is a good idea to bring a pair of casual pants for when you are going to a team dinner or running errands after work. Occasionally I will wear my work pants to dinner as well, so I do not feel a need to bring more than one pair of casual pants. I opt for no holes or tears, to remain slightly more professional.

1 Pair of Heels // Assuming I already wore a pair of heels on my travel day to the client, I will bring an additional pair of heels to rotate between. I find that if I try to wear the same pair of heels everyday for a week, that they will start to smell.

1 Pair of Casual Shoes (Sandals or Flats) // It’s a good idea to bring a pair of casual shoes, for both team dinners or walking around the hotel. If you need to run down to the front desk, it’s a bit awkward to do so in pajamas and heels.

4 Pairs of Underwear // Always bring an extra pair, just in case!

4 Pairs of No-Show Socks // Whether you need no-shoe socks for your heels or dress socks for your shoes, don’t forget to pack your socks in your suitcase.

1 Set of Pajamas // You will not want to sleep in your dress clothes at night; don’t forget to pack a set of pajamas in your suitcase. My pajamas are usually a free firm shirt and a pair of shorts!

Work-out Clothes // I don’t typically work out during the week while I am traveling, but I threw this on the list so that you do not forget. It is a good idea to work out on the road, but you will need to find extra space to fit your work-out shoes and clothes. It’s possible, though!

Make-up Case //  My make-up case contains all of my daily-wear make-up, and since I use the same make-up on the weekends I will repack this each week. Depending on your routine, it may make sense to have doubles of your make-up on your business trip packing list as well

Hair Dryer  // You may be fine with the hotel hair dryer, however I have been working on improving my hair maintenance. I recently invested in the T3 Featherweight Compact hair dryer – it is so fast at drying my hair, and it is great for traveling. This hair dryer came with a dust bag and the hair dryer folds in half, for easier packing.

Jewelry // Depending on the level of formality, I might bring my jewelry case while traveling . I prefer studs or small hoops for a professional look, and might bring a few necklaces and bracelets to rotate between.

I also have developed a wardrobe that will work for both the work day and the evening. The shirts or blouses that I bring are usually convertible and fine for dinner in the evening. However, if you are wearing nicer shirts or dresses during the day, you may also want to consider packing casual tops for the evening as well.

My Laptop Bag Necessities

My biggest fear is leaving my laptop charger at home. Most of these items are always in my work bag and travel with me even to the office, but I wanted to go ahead and include on the packing list for work trips here. 

Work Laptop & Charger // Make sure that you bring your work computer! It’s difficult to get anything done without your laptop and you do not want to waste time waiting on it to be shipped. The single most important thing for you to bring is your computer.

Wireless Mouse // You can order a cheap mouse off Amazon  for less than $10, and you can bring it on the road to increase your efficiency. I always opt for colors other than black, so that it does not get mixed up with anyone else’s belongings.

Headphones // I love my AirPods as they are great for taking calls, but any type of headphones are a good idea to keep in your work bag. You may have to take phone calls or watch videos in a conference room with your colleagues, and it is much easier to take these calls hands-free.

Phone Charger // I leave a phone charger in my work bag as well, so that I can charge my phone on the go. Especially if you are wasting time at the airport, it is important to keep your phone charger so you can contact coworkers when you land, or call an Uber if necessary.

Office/Client Access Badge // If you have been traveling to a client for a while, you likely received some sort of access badge to get into their building. You do not want to have to bother your client to get another badge assigned to you, or go through the hassle of speaking to security each time. If you have an access badge, make sure to leave it in your work bag so you do not forget it.

Pens & a Notepad // Even though we primarily use our computers these days, you may need to jot down client notes while your computer is loading, or draw out a sketch to explain an idea. It is a good idea to leave pens and a notepad in your bag at all times, so you never have to worry about asking your coworker to borrow one.

Gum  // Especially after a long flight or lunch, you will want fresh breath over the course of your work trip. Make sure to pack some gum in your laptop bag, so that you always feel fresh.

These items are always in my bag, so I will usually have them on my work trip as well. You never realize how badly you miss your wireless mouse until the day that you accidentally leave it at home!

Packing for a conference? Check out our post on What to Pack for a Business Conference . 

Hotel Expectations During a Business Trip

There are a few items that I do not have on my packing list for work trips, because I expect my hotel to have them. If you are not picky about your toiletries like shampoo or conditioner, it would be much easier to just use the hotel versions rather than worrying about leaks in your suitcase. These items include:

Hand Lotion // I am picky for my face, but not for the rest of my body when it comes to lotion. It’s one less bottle that I have to pack, so I do expect to be able to use the hand lotion available in the hotel room.

Water Bottles // You typically get free water bottles with Marriott Platinum! It is greener to bring your own reusable water bottle, however I will admit I do not usually remember to. I do expect that there will be water in my hotel room, or at least easily accessible in the hotel, when I arrive.

Iron // One day, I do hope to invest in a portable steamer. For now however, I do expect an iron in the hotel room so that I can iron my clothes. I like to unpack the night that I arrive at the hotel, and I iron all of my clothes for the week at once. It can be difficult to iron all of your clothes the first night since you are likely tired from traveling, but you will thank yourself later in the week.

Towels // I know some consultants are particular and prefer to bring their own towels, rather than using those available at the hotel.  I, however, expect towels in the hotel and will gladly use those.

The single most important thing to bring on your business trip, honestly, is your work laptop. If you need toiletries that aren’t found in your hotel room, you can often call the front desk and they can bring additional toiletries to you. I ran out of toothpaste and forgot to re-pack it, and fortunately the hotel always has toothpaste packets to offer. Everything else, you can buy on the road.

Packing Your Suitcase for a Business Trip

When packing my suitcase for a work trip, 50% of my suitcase will be clothing. I use three packing cubes that fit in the compression compartment of my suitcase – one cube for my blazers and pants, one cube for shirts, and one cube for underwear.

If you liked the Ultimate Business Trip Packing List, you can download a free pdf checklist below. If there’s anything missing from this packing list, let us know in the comments below.

Learn more about traveling for work

• 10 Work Trip Instagram Captions
• Why a Trolley Strap is a Requirement for Your Next Work Bag
• 5 Challenges of Managing Remote Employees
• Matt’s Flights Custom Search – Here’s Our Review of What He Found
• Jey&em ONE Suitcase Review

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Cruise packing list: the essentials chosen by experts.

This cruise packing list includes all of the essentials – plus items you didn't know you needed.

Essentials to Pack for a Cruise

Packing for any trip takes some planning, but cruise vacations present a unique challenge – particularly due to limited stateroom storage space and sparse (or overpriced) options for purchasing accidentally forgotten items.

To help you decide what to pack for a cruise, we've curated a list of essentials recommended by cruise experts who regularly sail the high seas. Download the U.S. News Cruise Packing List pictured above to reference while you pack, and read on to learn more about the recommended items and where you can purchase them if needed.

• For packing and planning
• For travel and embarkation day
• For the cabin
• For the ship and shore excursions

Find your perfect cruise

Carry-on bag

Regardless of whether you bring checked luggage, you'll need some type of carry-on bag . Since checked bags need to go through security as they do at airports – and because you may need to wait for your stateroom to be ready, just like at a hotel – you'll want to be able to access any necessities pre-cruise. These might include a swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for the pools; medications; a bottle of water; and your smartphone, of course. You'll also want to keep your credit card , passport, and any other important documentation or valuables close by. A carry-on backpack works especially well since it can double as a day bag for shore excursions.

Checked bag

While you'll likely want to bring a checked bag, consider sharing one with your ship mate(s) to maximize stateroom storage space. Or, consider bringing medium-sized luggage, such as the The Medium by Away , for checking in.

Read: The Best Checked Luggage Options

Garment bag

Courtesy of Halfday

While many cruises are less formal these days, a garment bag can still be handy for keeping select garments wrinkle-free (since clothing irons are prohibited on cruise ships). Top-rated options include the The Garment Duffel by Halfday and the Briggs and Riley Baseline 22" Carry-On 2-Wheel Garment Bag , both of which double as traditional luggage. If you pack your luggage right, you can make this your only suitcase, in addition to a carry-on bag.

Packing cubes or vacuum-sealed bags

Packing cubes are one of the best ways to organize your belongings for travel – especially in a tight cruise ship cabin. Top-rated options include the Veken packing cubes on Amazon (usually priced around $20) and all of the Pack-It Sets by Eagle Creek. The Pack-It Starter Set is especially ideal for cruising since it includes a garment folder designed to minimize wrinkles in clothing. Some cruisers also swear by vacuum-sealed bags , even though they can be a bit more tedious to pack.

Carry-on caddy

Ashley Kosciolek, senior cruise writer at The Points Guy, recommends a carry-on caddy , particularly if you're flying to your embarkation point. "I have a fabric sleeve that slides down over the telescoping handle on my carry-on to provide pockets for my passport, phone, coffee – all the things I used to have to juggle during check-in."

Digital luggage scale

The compact Etekcity scale – approximately $10 on Amazon – can weigh bags up to 110 pounds and help you avoid overweight baggage fees.

Bungee cord

"Especially for travelling with the family, I use a bright-green bungee cord to strap multiple pieces of luggage together," says Aaron Saunders, senior editor at Cruise Critic. "It's a lifesaver when boarding trains or disembarking ships, particularly when you ' re maneuvering a stroller and a little one around, too."

Luggage tracker

Courtesy of Apple

A luggage tracker isn't just useful for air travel. Attach one to your checked cruise luggage to see when it has arrived in your stateroom (or if it's stalled at security). Chris Gray Faust, executive editor at Cruise Critic, doesn't go anywhere without her Apple AirTag after her luggage got stuck in Vancouver for over a week last June. "My AirTag use has expanded beyond my checked luggage, too. I also have AirTags in my handbag, my carry-on, my keychain and my wallet."

Cruise insurance

Due to the unpredictable nature of travel, cruise insurance can be a wise purchase ahead of your voyage. Travel policies can cover unforeseen expenses such as trip interruptions and medical emergencies.

While a passport is often required for cruising, rules can vary depending where you're traveling. Determine whether you need a passport for your upcoming cruise ; if you do, triple-check that you have it packed the day of departure.

Credit cards and local currency

When cruising internationally, consider getting small amounts of each country's currency to have on hand in port. Depending where you go, some local markets may only accept their own country's currency, not U.S. dollars or credit cards. It's also nice to leave cash gratuities for cab drivers, tour guides or servers; in the European Union, 1- and 2-euro coins are convenient and appropriate tips. In ports with vendors that do accept credit cards, be sure to carry a Visa or Mastercard , as some shops and restaurants do not take American Express .

RFID wallet

It's important to protect your travel documents with an RFID wallet like the TIGARI Passport Holder or the ZOPPEN RFID Travel Passport Wallet , the latter of which can hold multiple passports for a family. "Thieves and hackers can steal your credit card information just by using skimming devices," explains Jill Schildhouse, a cruise expert and U.S. News contributor who always travels with her RFID wallet. "And because your wallet wasn't even touched, you won't know it happened until you see your credit card statement."

Medications

Pack more than enough of your prescription medications as well as any over-the-counter medicines you'll need, just in case you encounter an itinerary change or travel delay. While some travelers find it easiest to bring personal medicines in their prescription bottles, others find travel pill boxes to be especially helpful for organization. The Sukuos Weekly Pill Organizer is a well-rated option, with detachable boxes for each day as well as compartments for morning and evening medications.

Sheet masks

Since flying can be so drying for the skin, Faust likes to use sheet masks. "My first step the night before I board (because you should always fly in a day early) is to hydrate with a sheet mask (usually from a Korean brand like Ballon Blanc or FaceTory )," she says. "If I'm meeting up with a friend, I bring an extra sheet mask so our trip starts out feeling a bit like a spa day!"

Magnetic hooks

A surprising fact: Cruise ship cabin walls are made of metal, which means you can optimize your storage space by hanging some of your belongings on magnetic wall hooks. The hooks are perfect for holding bulky coats or boots if you're traveling to a colder climate. You can also use them for wet gear on expedition ships and adventure cruises, or for drying out bathing suits after days at the beach or pool. Purchase a set of magnetic hooks for less than $10 on Amazon .

Like hotels, cruise ships can only provide so many hangers. Bring a few extras from home or pick up a pack from your local dollar store. You might also try packable hangers .

Wrinkle release spray

Whether or not you bring a garment bag, a travel-size bottle of wrinkle release spray, such as Downy Wrinkle Releaser spray , is useful to have on board. If you combine a spritz or two with the steam from your shower, you should be able to smooth out some of the wrinkles in your clothing.

Laundry detergent

"If you don't want to pay for laundry service or spend precious time in the self-service laundry room, bring a small bottle of laundry detergent like Woolite to wash key items in the sink: underwear, bras, quick-dry hiking shorts, bathing suits, etc.," recommends Schildhouse. "Every cruise ship shower has a retractable clothesline you can extend to drape the clothes over while they dry. This can also help cut down on the number of items you need to pack."

Over-the-door organizers

Over-the-door organizers with clear or mesh pockets allow you to find your feminine hygiene products, makeup, jewelry and other small items quickly – without having to hunt through multiple drawers or a tight stateroom closet. It's a good idea to purchase a two-pack like this option by Simple Houseware Store (available on Amazon), since you can also use one to store shoes and maximize floor space.

Courtesy of Poo-Pourri

It goes without saying, but to say it anyway: A toilet spray like Poo-Pourri is a must for your cruise packing list. Any smell – pleasant or not – will travel quickly in small staterooms with small bathrooms. Buy a travel-size bottle to keep in your cabin.

Shampoo and conditioner

Cruise experts agree it's best to bring your own shampoo and conditioner in travel-size bottles, as most cruise ships don't provide separate shampoo and conditioner anymore; instead, they offer all-in-one dispensers. Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief at Cruise Critic, likes to pack her shampoo and conditioner in the popular Cadence Capsules , noting she also uses them for another essential: sunscreen. "These capsules are easy to fill, never leak and have clear labels, which you can customize," she says.

Wine or Champagne

Most major cruise lines allow each guest to bring one to two bottles of wine or Champagne on board, while some luxury cruise lines allow even more than that. Disney Cruise Line also gives guests the option to bring a six-pack of beer instead of wine or Champagne. Be sure to consult your cruise line's policies when packing for your trip.

If you plan to bring wine or Champagne, you'll likely need a corkscrew . While some cruise lines may prohibit corkscrews, others allow them onboard; check your cruise line's policy before sailing. Bringing wine with a twistable cap may be a good alternative.

Portable humidifier

Cruise ship cabins can feel dry – especially in the colder months. A portable humidifier like the GENIANI Erie (around $25 on Amazon) can provide some relief. At about half a pound, this USB-powered device will fit neatly into your checked bag or carry-on luggage. The travel humidifier features two mist settings and has an automatic shut-off option, plus a night light to help you see around your cabin in the dark.

International travel adapter or converter

You'll likely need a travel adapter, since cruise lines homeported in international locales may have different electrical sockets and voltage strengths than you're used to in the U.S.

McDaniel recommends the OneWorld65 Travel Adapter . "I've used a lot of different travel adapters over the years, but this is my favorite. It charges up to six devices at once, has USB and mini-USB options, and works in over 200 countries," she says. "While many cruise ships have U.S. outlets, most usually also have European outlets. This adapter lets me take advantage of that outlet I'd otherwise ignore." She also notes that while cruise lines are getting better about having more outlets on their ships, it never feels like enough to keep your phone, camera battery, tablet, watch, headphones/earbuds and laptop charged (times two or more if you're traveling with others).

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Sound machine

Cruise experts agree a sound machine can be helpful for blocking out the sound of late-night partiers returning to their staterooms (or your snoring spouse). Schildhouse likes the LectroFan Micro 2 for cruising. "It plays non-looping white noise and doubles as a speaker to play tunes while you get ready for dinner."

Tech organizer

Courtesy of Bagsmart

A tech organizer like the BAGSMART electronics organizer case – available on Amazon for about $20 – can store all your cables, plugs, SD cards and earphones in one zippered, compact bag that will fit easily in your carry-on luggage. Despite its small size, it can also hold bulkier items like a small laptop charging cord.

First-aid kit

A first-aid kit is a good thing to have on hand no matter where you go. You can make your own using supplies you already have at home, or buy a premade first-aid kit on Amazon for about $20. While all cruise ships have medical facilities, it's useful to have these items with you on shore excursions, especially those involving active adventures.

Hand sanitizer

Regularly washing your hands and/or using hand sanitizer is essential to staying healthy while traveling, especially on a cruise ship. Stock up on a few travel-size bottles of hand sanitizer (less than $2 each at Walmart) ahead of your trip. If you're looking for something with less alcohol that's also less drying, check out Babyganics Alcohol-Free Foaming Hand Sanitizer .

If you're a parent, you know that your infant or toddler needs a very specific size – and in some cases brand – of diapers, which may very well be unavailable to you on your cruise ship or in the ports of call. Bring more than enough diapers to play it safe at sea.

Most cruise lines also require that non-toilet-trained infants and toddlers wear swim diapers in the children's water play areas. For the sake of sanitation, kids must be toilet-trained to use the pools on cruise ships.

Many cruisers like to personalize their cabin with stateroom door decor. Not only is it a fun tradition, but decorating the door can make it easier to locate your room, too. You can find lots of fun decor ideas on Pinterest as well as Amazon.

" Duct tape is a life-saver in many situations," says Kosciolek. "I primarily use it to attach my printed luggage tags, but it's also great for mending clothing issues on the fly and fixing broken luggage until you can get it back home."

"As a parent, I like to bring lanyards with sleeves so my kids can wear their keycards and not lose them," says Erica Silverstein, senior cruise editor at The Points Guy. "We hang them on the magnetic hooks I put on the wall, so they don't get lost in the cabin either."

Courtesy of Sea-Bands

If you're prone to (or think you may be prone to) motion sickness on cruise ships, put a pair of Sea-Bands on your cruise packing list. These soft wristbands use acupressure to prevent and minimize nausea and vomiting on board, and they are a reusable, drug-free alternative to traditional anti-nausea medications. You can purchase Sea-Bands on Amazon or at most drugstores.

If you need something a bit stronger than Sea-Bands (or to use in conjunction with them), Dramamine remains a tried-and-true solution for both preventing and treating sea sickness. Choose the Less Drowsy formula to avoid getting sleepy, and consider the chewable tablets (dye-free) if traveling with kids who are prone to queasiness. Many travelers like Bonine as a remedy for sea sickness as well.

Mix-and-match clothing

Pack a variety of mix-and-match items, also known as a capsule wardrobe, for your cruise. To do this, choose a base color – black or navy blue – for your wardrobe. Next, pack plain, neutral-colored items, then add a few patterned items to the mix. Remember to include a variety of styles (T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, pants, shorts, dresses, rompers and jumpsuits) and also consider reversible clothing and outfits that can easily transition from day to night.

Sports jacket or blazer

Adam Coulter, executive editor of Cruise Critic UK & Australia, recommends packing a sports jacket or blazer. "While cruise lines are getting more casual, what happens if you get that last-minute invite to meet the captain, or there's a meet and mingle where you want to look put together? A jacket will always elevate your elegance (even if you're wearing a T-shirt underneath)," he says. If you're in need of a travel blazer, Bluffworks has some well-rated options; the Gramercy , in particular, gets great reviews.

Themed party attire

Some cruise lines host themed voyages or parties on select nights where passengers can dress up to participate in the fun. You'll want to review your cruise itinerary before you go so you're prepared for the festivities. Bring your buccaneer gear if you're sailing aboard Disney Cruise Line; ships host fun events like Pirate Nights, pirate-themed dinners and a "Pirates in the Caribbean" show. On "The Love Boat"-themed cruises offered by Princess Cruises , pack your platform boots, glittery dresses, bell-bottom pants and halter tops for the line's 1970s-inspired disco party on the deck. No matter the theme, you can't go wrong with a couple of captain hats .

Travel wrap

A travel wrap is a versatile accessory that's useful for any trip – even more so on a cruise ship where it can get chilly when the sea breeze picks up. Available in nearly 10 different colors, J.Crew's Oversized Cashmere Wrap is a timeless staple, albeit a bit of an investment; for something less expensive but well rated, try this off-brand pashmina shawl on Amazon .

Packable jacket

Courtesy of Patagonia

If you're cruising to a cold weather destination such as Alaska, you'll need something heavier than a travel wrap, but not so bulky that it requires additional luggage. Consider a packable jacket that folds easily and compactly; travel experts highly recommend the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket .

Packable hat

If you're headed to the Caribbean or another warm weather destination, you'll want a beach hat to protect your scalp and face from the sun. This packable straw hat by FURTALK (available on Amazon for about $25) is a stylish women's option that features a broader brim and offers UPF 50 sun protection.

Comfortable walking shoes

Courtesy of Allbirds

Even if you never step foot off the ship, there is still plenty of walking to do between bow and stern. Closed-toe shoes or sandals with straps are safer than flimsy flip-flops when boarding a slippery tender into port (if your ship can't dock directly). Check out our recommendations for the most comfortable walking shoes , which include the popular Allbirds Wool Runners and the ECCO Yucatan Sandals .

Water shoes

Depending on your scheduled shore excursions, you might also need a pair of water shoes. For something that's both functional and fashionable, Crocs' Classic Clogs are a good option. While not totally waterproof, the Native Jefferson is a water-friendly, versatile option.

Versatile heels

"Over the years, I've learned that the key to avoiding overpacking is to bring one neutral pair of low heels that match every single eveningwear outfit I've packed – from flowy pants to dresses," says Schildhouse, who loves her Rockport Tabitha 2-Strap Heeled Sandals . "They have a cushioned footbed and shock-absorbing heel so you can dance the night away in the club, and a 3-inch block heel with traction to keep you steady on your feet even if the ship's rocking a bit."

Reusable water bottle

A reusable water bottle is useful for filling up at water and beverage stations on your cruise ship; it's also a necessity for shore excursions.

Bathing suit

Pack a couple of swimsuits for the pools, hot tubs and any shore excursions.

Swim cover-up

Another must-have for your cruise packing list is a swimsuit cover-up or two. These are great for wearing over your bathing suit during days at sea, as well as on excursions – especially if you're going on a Caribbean cruise . Amazon sells a variety of stylish, affordable cover-ups, and you can never go wrong with a classic white button-down shirt .

Dry bags are useful for shore excursions where you're likely to get wet but don't want the same to be true for your phone, camera and other precious items. "I use the Outdoor Research Unisex Dry Isolation Pack   and have never had so much as a drop of moisture enter it, which is important for me – it keeps my cameras, documents and important items from getting wet," says Saunders, adding that it functions as a great everyday backpack when it's not raining.

If you need more than one dry bag, cruise expert Brittany Chrusciel recommends the Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag Set . "Having these dry bags, in a variety of sizes, means I can bring all my gear along during a Zodiac cruise or snorkeling excursion without having to worry about it getting wet."

Waterproof phone case

A waterproof phone case is also essential, especially if you plan to take photos. The Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouches (available in a two-pack) come with a lanyard so you can both protect your phone and wear it around your neck. They are compatible with most smartphones.

"I like to bring collapsible pails, small shovels , inflatable beach toys, a floppy Frisbee or other things to entertain the kids on the beach if we're going to a private island or beach destination," says Silverstein. "If you can inflate your own inner tube, you don't need to rent a floating mat."

Beach towel

"Although cruise lines provide guests with towels to take off the ship on excursions, they are often bulky and sometimes small," explains Chrusciel. "The Surfer Towel folds up to nearly nothing, so it takes up almost no room in your suitcase and is super convenient to pack in a day bag. What's more, its quick-drying technology means that the lightweight fabric won't be soaking wet when you need to pack up for the day and head back to the ship."

Towel clips

"Even though giant plastic towel clips shaped like a flamingo are a bit cringey, they make it easy to find your spot in a sea of sun loungers," says Chrusciel. "They also solve a common cruise problem: keeping your towel securely fixed to your chair while reading or sunbathing."

Reef-safe sunscreen

Courtesy of Badger

When choosing a sunscreen, look for something that's reef-safe; not only are these sunscreens safer for the environment, but they're also better for you . The active ingredients in reef-safe sunscreens, also known as mineral sunscreens, are zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or a combination of both. Top-rated mineral sunscreen brands include Think , Badger and Raw Elements , all of which also sell lip balm with sunscreen (another essential at sea).

After-sun lotion

You'll want an extra dose of moisturizer if you've been basking in the sun. COOLA makes an after-sun body lotion that cools and hydrates the skin with aloe vera, agave and lavender oil. Previous buyers rave about this lotion, noting they appreciate that the scent isn't overpowering.

A good book

Sea days are the perfect time to kick back and relax with a book you've been meaning to read. Find an oceanfront lounge chair in a shaded area on the pool deck, or grab a cup of tea and settle into a quiet nook indoors. There's no need to pack more than one book, however, as many cruise ships have libraries.

What not to pack for a cruise

Power strip.

Many cruise lines do not permit power strips as they present a fire hazard, while others allow them as long as they are non-surge-protected. Instead of a power strip, purchase a portable charger such as this highly rated one by Anker , which can power up multiple devices at once. This can be especially useful for shore excursions. When packing for your cruise, also think about your luggage: If it has an included charging port, you may not even need to purchase an additional charging block.

Weapons and restraints

Firearms, handcuffs and the like are not permitted on cruise ships. This rule also includes toy guns on most cruise lines.

While most major cruise lines allow guests to pack a limited amount of wine or Champagne per person, they do not permit hard liquor. Of course, those of age can purchase cocktails at any of the bars on board.

Household appliances

Irons and steamers are not permitted on cruise ships, which is why the aforementioned garment bags, wrinkle release spray and packing cubes are recommended for keeping clothing tidy and neat. Coffee makers and mug warmers are also prohibited.

While you can technically bring you own, it's not necessary as hairdryers are available in every bathroom on most ships.

CBD and marijuana

CBD that's derived from hemp and contains 0.3% THC or less is legal at a federal level. However, each state interprets and enforces this law differently; for example, many states require a prescription for it. Due to the ambiguity of the laws, most cruise lines continue to ban CBD in any form.

Marijuana remains illegal under U.S. federal law, which means you cannot bring it on a cruise ship – even if you're legally able to purchase it in your home state for recreational or medical use.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

For the U.S. News Cruise Packing List, travel writers Gwen Pratesi and Amanda Norcross tapped leading industry experts for their cruise essentials. They regularly update this checklist with new and useful items to pack.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruise Lines
• The Best Adults-Only Cruises
• The Best All-Inclusive Cruises

Vacation Ideas for Every Traveler

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The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for a Smooth Ride

If you're hitting the open road for a long trip, you don't want to forget something important. This is your ultimate road trip packing list for everything you need - and some things you might have never thought of before. With these road trip necessities, you'll be prepared for every situation.

Make Road Trip Packing Easy

Know all the items you'll need for a great road trip, plus get our picks on extra items to make everything more comfortable and convenient, with this handy list. You can also use the printable version to check off what you've packed and add other items specific for your travel needs.

Basic, Vehicle, & Emergency Items

Before you pack the car with all the bags and items you'll want for the ride, make sure you've covered all the items you might need for traveling in a car and to be prepared for an emergency, whether it be a flat tire or a weather-related issue. (These are items that can also come in handy anytime, not just on long road trips.)

• Spare tire & changing kit
• Jumper cables
• IDs & car registration
• First aid kit
• Cash & spare change
• Flashlights and batteries
• Paper towels, wipes, & spare toilet paper
• Bag for trash

Ice scraper

Spare tire & changing kit.

You'll be spending a lot of time in your car for a lengthy road trip, so it's important to make sure you have everything you might need for an emergency. Equip your vehicle with a spare tire and a changing kit so you can replace a flat if you need to. Also, make sure you or someone else in the vehicle knows how to change a spare tire.

Jumper Cables

Speaking of emergencies, hopefully you won't need a jump on your exciting trip. But if you do, it's best to keep jumper cables in your trunk. It's much easier to find someone who can help jumpstart your car if you already have the cables on hand.

IDs & Car Registration

This might be an easy road trip item to remember, but it's worth a double check before you leave home. Make sure all of your IDs are on hand and your car's registration is within reach should you need it.

First Aid Kit

You have your car prepared for every unplanned situation. Make sure you also prepare your family for unexpected situations like minor injuries. A basic first aid kit helps you treat minor scrapes, burns, and other injuries that could happen in nearly every circumstance.

Cash & Spare Change

Debit cards are accepted virtually everywhere, but it's a good idea to have some spare change and cash on hand just in case. Tolls, rest stop vending machines, or gas stations might require cash in some areas and you'll be glad you came prepared.

Flashlights & Batteries

File this one under the emergency car item list. At least one flashlight, but preferably a few, comes in handy for late night stops, low-lit rest areas, or a tire change after sundown. Make sure you have a pack of batteries on hand as well.

Paper Towels, Wipes, & Toilet Paper

One thing you can count on for a long road trip is at least one mess in the car. Whether it's sticky fingers after a snack or a small spill, make sure you're prepared for small clean up jobs. Keep a roll of paper towels and a pack of baby wipes near the driver or passenger seat for those inevitable messes. Also keep a roll or two of toilet paper on hand for rest stop bathrooms that aren't fully stocked. A small bottle of all-purpose cleaner might also come in handy.

Food is important in case of an emergency, but water is essential. Keep a pack of water bottles in your trunk so you can stay hydrated in an unexpected situation. A stainless steel water bottle that's reusable is perfect for quenching your thirst during a long drive.

You know you won't forget your phone on a long road trip, especially if it's your source of tunes and directions. But you could easily forget your car charger. Make sure you have all of your device chargers accounted for before you hit the road.

Trash Can and/or Bags

Even a short drive might produce a bit of waste or trash. Keep a mini trash bin lined with a plastic bag in your car for keeping the space clutter-free. Have extra bags on hand so you can ditch the used bag at gas stations or rest stops and add a new bag to the bin.

Even if you never find a need for an ice scraper at home, you never know what sort of weather you could encounter during your travels. Pack a scraper for clearing your windshield on a frigid morning and look for one that also includes a brush for freeing your car of debris.

Extra Car Keys

Locking yourself out of the car is also an unplanned road trip obstacle that occurs more than you might think. If you have at least one other passenger with you, give them an extra car key to keep in their pocket. If you find yourself locked out at a pit stop, you'll have a spare key to get you back on track.

No one actually plans to run out of gas on the highway, but it happens. Keep a gas can in your car for an emergency trip to the gas station. For your road trip, you might have a bit of gas stored in the can, so you aren't going on a long hike if you run out of fuel. With a little gas on hand, you can top off your tank until you get to the next gas station.

No one wants it to rain on their road trip parade, but the weather is unpredictable. Keep an umbrella or two in your car for quick dashes inside a restaurant or other establishment should a downpour come your way.

You don't want to stop for every single meal, especially snack time, so keep some on hand. Having road trip snacks in the car is important for emergencies as well . If you find yourself stranded for any reason, you'll want something nutritious to keep your energy up.

Pack your favorite snacks for the drive but also keep a bag of emergency non-perishable food on hand for emergencies. Protein bars, granola, trail mix, and beef jerky will stay fresh for a while and give you a mini meal option if you need to improvise.

Items for Comfort & Convenience

Long road trips are loads of fun, but they can get uncomfortable after a few hours. Add some essential comfort items to your list and a few extras that make the trip feel more luxurious.

Small Cooler

• Blankets and hoodies
• Phone mount
• Eye masks and ear plugs

Sunglasses are famous for getting lost or breaking at the most inconvenient times. Pack an extra pair or two for yourself or any passengers who need to borrow some shades during the drive.

You may stop for most of your meals or just keep a reusable water bottle on hand for hydration, but a small cooler will still come in handy. Keep restaurant leftovers fresh and store a few chilled snacks and beverages for your trip in a small cooler that fits neatly into your back seat.

Blankets & Hoodies

Even if you're on your way to a warmer climate, some passengers might get chilly during the trip. Pack blankets and a hoodie for each person on the trip so everyone can stay warm with the air conditioning on blast or just feel comfortable during a car nap.

Passengers might want to tune out of your favorite podcast or just have some time alone with their thoughts on a long trip. A few pairs of headphones will keep passengers of all ages happy.

Phone Mount

If you're using your phone for a GPS or to play those road trip jams, do so safely. Use a hands-free mount to keep your phone on the dash so you can see your map, incoming calls, and other details without compromising the safety of your passengers.

Handheld Fans

Passengers might find your preferred temperature too warm or you could encounter an air conditioning issue along the way. With a few handheld fans , you'll keep everyone cool in any situation. A cooling fan is also helpful for calming motion sickness. This is another reason you'll want some extra batteries on hand.

Pillows & Car Pillows

Speaking of naps, you'll need a pillow if you want a good quality nap that doesn't strain your neck. Regular pillows are great, especially if you're packing them for your destination, anyway. Car or neck pillows are also helpful for keeping you cozy while you catch a snooze.

Eye Masks & Earplugs

Naps are inevitable for passengers on a long road trip and you make sure your fellow travelers are extra comfy when catching up on sleep. Eye masks to block out the light and earplugs to drown out the sounds of the road will help your passengers get some quality road trip rest.

It's not a road trip without some of your favorite travel tunes. Get everyone in on the playlist creating action and have a few options to choose from as you're making way down the road. You might also find podcasts or audiobooks to keep everyone entertained.

Health & Hygiene Items

For unexpected messes and freshening up between car naps, these items will help you feel clean and healthy throughout your trip.

• Medications
• Hygienic wipes
• Spare toiletry bag
• Laundry bag
• Plastic zip bags
• Toilet seat liners
• Mints and gum

Hand Sanitizer

Whether the rest stop bathroom is out of soap or you need to kill germs after a stop at the gas station, hand sanitizer is an actual life saver. Keep a bottle or two handy for stopping the spread of bacteria on your trip.

Bag With Medications

A zipper pouch - picture a small cosmetic bag - is perfect for packing all the medications you might need on your journey. Include all of your necessary prescriptions, of course, but don't forget to pack some of the over-the-counter medications you might find a use for. Pain killers, decongestants, antihistamines, and medications for nausea and indigestion are a few basics that could come handy.

Hygienic Wipes

A toiletry bag is helpful, but if you're trying to keep stops at a minimum, a pack of hygienic wipes will help you feel (and smell) like you were doing anything but sitting in a car for hours on end.

Some messes call for more than just a paper towel. Pack one towel for each passenger on your trip. This will come in handy for large messes, impromptu swims, torrential downpours, and catching crumbs during a road trip meal. Microfiber towels are useful for absorbing large amounts of liquids.

Fully Stocked Toiletry Bag

While you're thinking about ways to feel refreshed on your trip, pack a small toiletry bag. This would be a smaller, more compact version of the one in your suitcase. Keep it stocked with travel size essentials so you can freshen up at a rest stop or in a bathroom after a long drive.

Mesh Laundry Bag

Messes are bound to happen during your travels, and that includes spills and other messes on your clothes. A mesh laundry bag will help you keep soiled towels and clothing in one place until you can give them a wash at your destination.

Plastic Zipper Bags

Plastic zipper bags also help stash soiled clothing. The main reason you'll want to keep plastic bags on hand, though, is to keep leftover food items fresh or to seal away any garbage items that might produce an odor. Bags are also helpful for sharing snacks among passengers, so you don't have to pass around the same large bag of pretzels for everyone.

Mints & Gum

If your drive is long, especially overnight, you're going to want a quick and easy way to refresh your breath during stops. Gum and mints are a great way to feel fresh after a long drive or car ride snooze. Gum and mints also help you stay alert during a drive after sundown.

Toilet Seat Liners

If you really want to be prepared for any situation that might arise during your road trip, a few toilet seat liners will make you the travel prepping champion. You never know when you might end up at a rest stop or gas station that has a less-than-sanitary bathroom, but you just can't wait until the next stop. A few liners will help you feel secure wherever you take a restroom break.

Extra Road Trip Packing Items for Families

If you have kids in the back seat, your road trip might require more careful planning. This list will help you prepare for any sort of situation, including boredom. With the right items in tow, your kids will just be happy to be along for the ride.

• Back seat organizer
• Toddler potty/liners
• Window screens
• Backpack for each kid
• Games/word games
• Extra clothes
• White noise soundtrack
• Handheld vacuum
• Tablets and chargers
• Motion sickness bag

Back Seat Organizer

Kids are famous for untidying your perfectly tidy backseat during a long drive, but a backseat organizer will keep the clutter to a minimum. Plus, it's helpful for storing tons of your packing list items for easy reach. Snacks, wipes, games, and sunglasses all tuck away neatly in your organizer so kids can grab exactly what they need without disturbing the driver.

Toddler Potty & Liners

Kids are also famous for doubling the amount of stops you'll make on a road trip and asking for a bathroom break right in the middle of nowhere. Pack a portable potty - like the ones toddlers use for potty training - to make bathroom breaks quick and possible practically anywhere. Don't sweat over emptying the potty because you can bring disposable liners that actually absorb liquids and keep odors out until you can make a pit stop to toss them in the garbage.

Fast Food Trays

If you're making a list of must-have road trip items for kids, this one comes in second only to the portable potty (because that is truly a life save). A food tray that neatly sets in your child's lap or attaches to their booster seat helps them enjoy a meal on the go without getting most of it on your car's floor. You can also find middle console versions of food trays that will help you enjoy a meal while you drive.

Window Screens

Nap schedules are important no matter where you are and sticking to them is much easier when you can control the amount of light coming into the car. Window screens that block the sun will help dim the interior so your little one can grab a snooze.

A Backpack for Each Child

If you have kids of various ages or just need to stop potential arguments before they start, a backpack designated for each child comes in handy. Include a change of clothes, personalized snacks, favorite games, a blanket, and toiletries in the pack. This way, kids have access to their basic needs and an easy grab-and-go bag for pit stops.

Games without pieces or boards are the best games for long car rides . Plan for a few rounds of classic word and word association games. Choose a few games to fit each age group in the car so everyone enjoys the friendly competition.

Simple Games

Word games are great, but your kids might look for something more interactive to keep them entertained on the drive. A few car-friendly card games will help your kids play together and stay occupied as the hours roll by.

Extra Clothes

Accidents happen and with kids in the mix, those statistics double. Bring an extra change of clothes - one that isn't stuffed into the depths of a suitcase - for any little mishaps that might occur. For toddlers and babies, more than one extra outfit might be in order.

White Noise Soundtrack

You have the light covered for naps, but you might need to consider the sound as well. If your little one is accustomed to dozing to the sound of white noise or a sound machine, bring along a white noise soundtrack to make car naps as cozy as possible. You can use a CD or a playlist on your phone to drown out the sounds of big trucks and honking horns.

Handheld Vacuum

Snacks and meals in the car mean crumbs everywhere. A small handheld vacuum will save you from a cleaning overhaul after your trip. Keep one on hand for catching small messes as they happen or just freshening things up at pit stops.

Tablets & Chargers

When you run out of word games or you just want to listen to your own music for a change, you're going to want to break out the tablets. Screen time can be a lifesaver on long road trips. Make sure you have a tablet for each passenger and portable chargers to keep the entertainment going.

Motion Sickness Bags

Car sickness can strike at any time and you may not be in the perfect position to pull over when it does. Motion sickness bags will help contain the mess until you can safely pull over and address the issue.

Download Helpful Apps for Your Road Trip

You've packed everything and you're ready to go. Your family is practically bouncing off their seats in excitement. The final thing you need to do is download a couple of apps that make the trip easier and more fun.

Plan your entire trip for an organized journey with Roadtripper .

Use an app like Sleep Sounds to help little ones nap with noise or just help yourself stay calm and at ease in the middle of intense traffic jams.

Large coffee companies like Starbucks and Caribou Coffee have apps that help you track down a location for your caffeine emergencies while on the road.

Find the cheapest gas station along your route with GasBuddy.

Never miss an interesting attraction along the way with the Roadside America app.

Plan & Pack for a Stress-Free Road Trip

Whether you're traveling to a dream destination or just seeing where the road takes you, you can be be prepared for anything. The adventure of a road trip is much more exciting when you have a plan in place for any need you and your road trip pals might have.

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Want to spend the night in a Paris museum or a house owned by Prince? Airbnb plans to list them

FILE - A visitor looks through the clock of the Orsay museum, overlooking Paris, Oct. 16, 2014. Short-term rental giant Airbnb is listing 11 iconic locations, including the Orsay, for a limited time in a splashy new marketing campaign. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

FILE - The Orsay museum in Paris is shown on Oct. 16, 2014. Short-term rental giant Airbnb is listing 11 iconic locations, including the Orsay, for a limited time in a splashy new marketing campaign. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

FILE - Doja Cat arrives at The Daily Front Row’s 8th annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards, April 28, 2024, at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. Short-term rental giant Airbnb is listing 11 iconic locations, including a one-time living room performance by rapper Doja Cat, in a splashy new marketing campaign. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)

The house in Minneapolis which appeared in musician Prince’s film “Purple Rain” is shown on April 1, 2017. Short-term rental giant Airbnb is listing 11 iconic locations, including the Minneapolis house, for a limited time in a splashy new marketing campaign. (AP Photo/Jim Mone, File)

FILE - Comedian Kevin Hart is seen at an NBA basketball game on Oct. 26, 2023, in Los Angeles. Short-term rental giant Airbnb is listing 11 iconic locations, including a one-time evening with comedian Kevin Hart in his members-only lounge, in a splashy new marketing campaign. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

FILE - Sebastian Vettel steers the Ferrari Formula One SF70H racer at the Ferrari Fiorano private test track in Maranello, Italy, Feb. 24, 2017. Short-term rental giant Airbnb is listing 11 iconic locations, including a night at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, in a splashy new marketing campaign. (AP Photo/Marco Vasini, File)

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In a mad mix of game-show glitter and marketing flash, Airbnb is offering customers a chance to spend a night in a Paris museum, stay in houses mocked up to look like movie settings, or sleep surrounded by eight Ferrari racing cars.

Those and other chimerical listings are part of a splashy new campaign by the short-term rental giant, which wants to portray itself as a company that sells experiences and not just alternatives to staying in a hotel.

CEO Brian Chesky announced the 11 temporary listings — Airbnb is calling them “icons” — at an event Wednesday in Los Angeles.

The San Francisco company hit upon the idea for the publicity caper after seeing the response to a Barbie-themed house in Malibu, California, it listed last year in conjunction with a hit movie about the Mattel fashion doll . The formula is the same: link a promotion to a pop-culture product, celebrity or event.

AP AUDIO: Want to spend the night in a Paris museum or a house owned by Prince? Airbnb plans to list them

AP correspondent Ed Donahue reports on some new listings by Airbnb.

And don’t be boring.

“We’re not historically known for making anything. We’re a platform,” Chesky said in an interview. “I think it’s really great to show what it looks like when suddenly you can step into our vision and our imagination. I think it’s going to keep Airbnb top of mind.”

Unlike the rental platform’s typical listed properties , Airbnb is practically giving away its “icons.” Chesky said the company will invite people to fill out a profile and explain why they want one of the listings, and Airbnb will pick about 4,000 winners over the course of the year. He said winners will be able to book the featured properties or events for free or at prices under $100.

One of the exotic opportunities is an overnight stay at the Musee d’Orsay in Paris . Chesky said Airbnb recruited Mathieu Lehanneur — he designed the torch for this summer’s Paris Olympics — to convert the clock room atop the museum into a bedroom.

“By the way, the torch is in the bedroom with you,” Chesky said. “You get the entire museum all to yourself. This is literally night at the museum. It gets even better because you step outside the bedroom on to the terrace, you have the single best seat in the house for the opening ceremony” of the Olympics, which will take place on the River Seine.

For those preferring a U.S. setting, Airbnb is listing a house in New Mexico detailed to look like the one from the 2009 Pixar-Disney animated film, “Up.” Chesky said Airbnb paid to build the house from scratch and attach 8,000 balloons to mimic the helium-filled ones the central character in the movie uses to make the house fly.

The Airbnb version won’t fly, but Chesky said guests will be able to watch a crane lift the New Mexico house 50 feet off the ground.

“I think we maybe won’t have them inside the house when we lift it, just for safety reasons,” he said.

Some of the listings will be one-time events, including the sleepover at the the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, Italy, a living room performance by rapper Doja Cat , and an evening with comedian Kevin Hart in his members-only lounge. The “Up” house and a mansion in New York made to look like the one in “X-Men” Marvel comics will be available for three or four months. A Minneapolis house owned by Prince that was featured in the film “Purple Rain” will be available for a year, according to Airbnb.

The company won’t say how much it spent to acquire rights, dress up the properties, and pay the celebrities involved. Airbnb made a $4.8 billion profit last year and ended 2023 with nearly $6.9 billion in cash. Enough to repeat the “icons” campaign.

“These 11 are the beginning,” Chesky said. “We have a lot more under development.”