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Your Trusty Packing List

  • Writer: Desiree Dantona
    Desiree Dantona
  • Sep 24, 2025
  • 5 min read

Updated: Dec 3, 2025

This one's for my over-packers out there. I see you, I get it, and I can help! We all want to avoid that icy feeling in our stomachs when we finally trudge through the door of our hotel and unzip our suitcase only to realize we've forgotten something critical on the nightstand at home.


As tempting as it is, the solution to this problem is not to pack your entire house into your suitcase. Overpacking just makes your life harder, especially when you're traveling long distances or planning to stay in more than one destination. A bag that feels a little heavy now is going to feel like a ton of bricks hours later when you're exhausted and stressed. Not to mention, it causes a huge mess when you're frantically digging through the pile of all the things you thought you might need to track down the one thing you actually do need!


So how can you make your life easier? Give yourself plenty of time and don't improvise. Flying by the seat of your pants might work out great when you're picking a café for breakfast in Seville, but when it comes to filling your suitcase it's better to use a tried and true packing list and start several days before you leave. I know that might be a lot to ask. I am, after all, a pack-until-2am-the-night-before kinda gal myself. But I can tell you that the times I have felt most prepared for my trips are the times I gave myself a week to pack. It not only allows you to avoid feeling rushed, it also gives you time to remember things throughout the week that you otherwise might have forgotten.


To help you on your way to your very own trusty packing list, I'd love to share mine with you! I've had lots of opportunities to refine it and, although everyone's list will differ slightly, this is a good place to start. Jot it down somewhere that is easy to access and update over time. Eventually you will have your very own customized packing list you can follow each time you travel!


The Packing List


FYI - For some items below I provide links to brands I've used or preferred. They are not official product endorsements or affiliate links and I don't get paid when you click or purchase.


This packing list is designed for a 10+ day trip to a destination with a warm climate. You should shift items depending on weather and of course pack less for shorter durations. I don't recommend packing more than this for longer trips. Instead, bring your detergent sheets and wash your clothes while you're there!


Clothes

  • 2 pair light cotton pants (3 if you don't wear skirts/dresses)

  • 2 pair comfortable shorts

  • 1 sundress

  • 1 maxi skirt

  • 6 tops (5 short sleeve, 1 long sleeve)

  • 2 cardigans (1 light, 1 warm)

  • 1 water resistant jacket

  • 1 pair walking shoes

  • 3 pair socks

  • 1 pair sandals (supportive & comfortable, ideally with a heel strap)

  • 1 swimsuit

  • 1 set pajamas

  • 1 light scarf

  • 7 pair underwear

Accessories

  • 1 pair sunglasses

  • 1 brimmed hat (for sun protection)


Toiletries

Devices / Tech

  • Phone

  • Laptop / tablet

  • Headphones

  • Chargers (phone, computer, tablet, etc.)

  • Power bank (must be in carry-on)

  • Power adapter (if needed)

Miscellaneous

Kids / Toddlers

  • 7 outfits

  • 2 sweaters

  • 1 water resistant layer

  • 10 pair underwear

  • 3 set pajamas

  • 2 pair shoes

  • 3 pair socks

  • 1 hat

  • Diapers / Pull-ups

  • Wipes

  • Rash cream

  • Prescriptions / other medications (keep in carry-on)

  • Thermometer

  • Water bottle

  • Portable blackout curtain

  • Books (paperback)

  • Night light

  • Toothbrush/paste

  • Toys (1 small bag that fits in backpack)

  • Coloring/activity books & crayons

  • Comfort item (stuffed animal, blanket, etc.)

  • Tablet & headphones

  • Baby monitor


Resist the temptation to pack towels, umbrellas, blow dryers, and other bulky nice-to-haves. I even tend to leave behind shampoo, conditioner, and other liquids (or just bring a small amount) so I can travel solely with a carry-on. You can usually find these items stocked at your hotel or bnb and, even if they aren't, they are typically easy to buy once you get to where you're going.


Reasons to Ditch the Checked Bag


Why is traveling with only a carry-on so glorious that you'd leave behind the comforts of home you ask? It makes things easier, faster, and safer!


Simplicity

It is a huge pain to lug more than you can easily carry. Relying on luggage carts or bellhops just isn't always realistic. If you have a carry-on and a personal item you can be entirely self sufficient, which comes in very handy if you're in a hurry, traveling solo, or making several transfers. Plus you save some money not paying for a checked bag!


Speed

Packing only a carry-on lets you skip the luggage carousel at the airport and get going straight to your accommodations (or home, depending on the leg of your journey). Trust me, zipping out of the airport feels amazing after being trapped in a metal tube for hours when all you want is a couch and some quiet.


Security

Beyond convenience and efficiency, traveling with fewer bags is just less risky. Not only is there zero chance of your luggage getting lost on the way, you can also keep a close eye on your belongings at all times. Not to mention, packing light protects your body from unnecessary aches and pains - freeing you up to fully enjoy your trip.


I recommend using a soft sided backpack as a suitcase (make sure it has hip straps to protect your back!). This is especially helpful in destinations with lots of gravel, cobblestone, or stairs where roller bags are not always convenient. If backpacking is tough on your back, a hybrid bag is also a great option!


Hot Tips for Traveling With Kiddos


If you're bringing a carseat, pack your bulky things in the bag with it (diapers, blackout curtains, clothes, etc.) Also, consider leaving it at home altogether and renting all the equipment you need in-destination (carseat, pack & play, etc.)! I use Babyquip for this quite often, but there are several platforms to pick from.


Got a long flight? Grab a couple small new toys ahead of time and keep it top-secret. When boredom strikes, offer up one of the new toys for a few more minutes of sanity.


Happy Packing!


With some practice, you'll hone your own trusty packing list you can use time and time again. If you expect to pick up some keepsakes along the way or know you'd like to bring home something you can't pack in your carry-on, grab a duffle and pack it flat in your carry-on. You can fill that baby up with whatever extras you collect and check it on the way back!


When in doubt, leave it out. As I pack I like to remind myself that I'm traveling to another place in the world where people also need things and find ways to get them... Future you will thank you for the lighter load! Plus, packing lighter means better fuel efficiency, which is better for the planet. Everyone wins when you pack light!

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