Packing for an overnight or a 2-day trip is easy and quick. But a one week trip? Not so much. Packing for any trip beyond a couple of days is challenging. What do you carry and what do you leave? Have you overpacked? Should you pack extra stuff just in case? 

With good planning and some experience, you’ll have it down in no time. Here are some tips on how to pack for a long trip or vacation. 

Before You Pack Anything Write a Packing List

Probably the biggest mistake you can make is waiting until your trip is almost here to start packing. For an overnight trip, you can throw a suitcase together an hour before your Uber arrives. But if you are planning to be gone for days, we recommend at least one week of planning your packing. Two weeks is better. 

Packing in a rush is how you pack stuff you don't need and leave behind what you can’t do without. 

The first step is to write a list of everything, and I mean everything, you plan to pack. Feel free to write it on paper or your notes app (use checklist bullets; they will be handy when checking off items). Because it is going to be a long list, break it into sections like clothing, toiletries, gadgets and accessories, books and so on.

It’s also a good idea to indicate what will go into the checked luggage and what you’ll pack in your carry-on.   

Note: Don't forget medication, accessories like phone chargers, a dirty laundry bag and other often-forgotten items.

Research Your Destination 

While writing the packing list, make sure you’ve researched where you are going. This will help you figure out what you need to pack, especially when it comes to clothing and shoes. 

Check the current season of the destination and the weather forecast for the days you will be there (if it’s available). If you cannot get the forecast because the trip is still far out, the current weather and season will give you an idea of what kind of clothing to pack.   

Only Pack 2-3 Days Worth of Clothes 

Clothes are the most challenging items to pack for a long trip. They can quickly fill up your luggage, and you’ll still feel like you haven’t packed enough or the right ones. 

If your trip is longer than two days, don't pack clothes for all the days. It’s nice to have an outfit for each day, but you will end up with bulky and heavy luggage. Instead, pack 2-3 different outfits and then repeat them throughout the trip. 

To make this work, choose versatile items that you can easily mix and match and wear to different settings. This is where items like t-shirts, tank tops, jeans, khakis and sweatpants shine. For example, our HercShirt tank top is perfect for the beach, walking around town and relaxing in your hotel or Airbnb. 

A couple of coats or jackets are enough to change up your look while repeating clothes. 

The same goes for shoes. Pack only 2-3 pairs (including the ones you’ll go in) and switch between them. You can have a pair of sneakers, a pair of boots and a pair of sandals.  

Plan to do Laundry

You are probably wondering how you will survive a week-long trip with 3 days worth of clothing. Just plan for laundry. Yeah, it’s not fun but it lets you travel light. 

Check if your hotel has laundry services or book an Airbnb that has a washer. You can also use a local laundromat or wash your own clothes in the sink. Hang it up in the bathroom and it will be dry by the time you need it (we recommend traveling with quick-drying clothing made from polyester or nylon). 

If you really don't want to do laundry, get our self-cleaning antimicrobial clothing. You can wear it repeatedly before it needs a wash. The HercLéon clothes stay clean and fresh-smelling through multiple wears thanks to antimicrobial treatment.  

Organize Your Packing Using Packing Cubes 

Packing cubes are your savior when packing for a long vacation. They make it super easy to organize everything - clothes, toiletries, underwear & socks, electronics etc. - in a way that’s easy to access.