
Most people have tried packing a weekend bag to bring on a quick holiday. But what do you do when you’re travelling long-term? Do you just double up on the usual stuff you bring on trips or do you pack light and buy the rest of your essentials from wherever you’re travelling?
Well, this guide will help you pack smarter, stay organised and feel prepared for life on the road.
5 Steps to stress-free packing
Everyone has their own unique process of packing. So, it’s not necessary for anyone to completely adhere to this guide. Instead, consider what is useful for you and incorporate it into your method as you see fit.
With that said, let’s jump to the first step to stress-free holiday packing:
Step 1: Select suitable luggage
Your luggage can affect your mobility, comfort and security when out and about. You do not want to be that sour traveller who goes off in a rant at the baggage drop-off all because of a damaged zipper.
Make the right luggage choice by:
Deciding between a backpack or suitcase
If you intend to move around quite often then a backpack is a perfect choice, since it’s the handiest. You won’t be able to bring a ton of stuff, but there will still be enough room for the necessities. Whereas a suitcase would be a better idea if you are going to be staying in different cities for longer periods. You’ll have more room for your things, more freedom to organise, and you don’t have to break your back carrying it around.
Choosing the right size
Once you decide on the type, you can start thinking about the size of your luggage. This part can be tricky, as size restrictions vary between airlines.
A good starting point is to get luggage that’s around 22in (56cm) long, 18in (45cm) wide and 10in (25cm) deep a.k.a. carry-on size. This can help you avoid lost luggage and simplify travel.
Picking a secondary bag
A daypack or a small tote can be a great choice for packing snacks, electronics, and important documents that you need in case of emergency.
Step 2: Make a packing checklist
Creating a detailed list ensures you don’t overpack or forget anything. Your checklist may look a little different from this one. However, it’s still a great starting point.
Remember to bring:
- Clothing:
- Pack 6 to 8 tops (T-shirts, tank tops, long-sleeved tees).
- Bring 3 to 4 bottoms (jeans, travel pants, skirts).
- Include layers: one lightweight jacket, one hoodie and a raincoat.
- Add 2 to 3 pairs of shoes: walking shoes, sandals and optional dress shoes.
- Don’t forget essentials like underwear, socks and pyjamas.
- Toiletries:
- Pack travel-sized items in leak-proof containers.
- Bring multi-use products (like a moisturiser with sunscreen).
- Don’t skip skincare essentials.
- Electronics:
- Carry a lightweight laptop or tablet, a smartphone and universal adapters.
- Include a power bank, headphones and a Kindle for entertainment.
- Travel accessories:
- Use packing cubes for organisation.
- Bring a reusable water bottle, a travel towel and a small first-aid kit.
- Medications and health essentials:
- Pack any prescription medications you need with enough supply for the trip.
- Bring over-the-counter basics like ibuprofen, antihistamines and motion sickness tablets.
- Include oral rehydration salts, band-aids and antibacterial ointment.
- Keep your prescriptions and medical documentation handy, just in case.
- Consider adding cannabis topicals for soothing sore muscles (make sure to check TSA guidelines and local restrictions before adding it to your list.)
Step 3: Pack and organise like a pro
Once you’ve decided what to bring, it’s time to put all of it in your bag. Here’s how to keep it simple and organised:
- Lay it all out. See everything you plan to pack in one place.
- Choose versatile clothes. Go for neutral colours and layers.
- Roll your clothes. Save space and avoid wrinkles.
- Use packing cubes. Keep things organised and easy to find.
- Pack heavy items low. Balance your bag for easier carrying.
Step 4: Gather important documents
Your travel documents are the backbone of your trip. Keeping them safe, organised and accessible ensures a smooth journey and protects you from unnecessary stress. Here’s how to manage them effectively:
1. Gather Key Documents:
Collect all the necessary documents, including:
- Passports: Reconfirm that it’s valid and has enough blank pages for visa stamps.
- Visas: If your destinations require it, bring printed or digital copies of approved visas.
- Travel insurance: A hard copy and digital version of your policy details. These should include your coverage information and the emergency contact numbers of your insurance provider.
- Hard copy reservations: Flight, lodging, car rentals and any prebooked tours or activities. It is a good idea to always have printed copies as a backup, especially if you don’t have Wi-Fi where you’re going.
2. Create digital backups:
- Email yourself scanned copies of all your important documents (passport, visas, insurance and reservations).
- Store your documents in a safe cloud service, such as Google Drive or Dropbox for easy access.
- Maintain a copy on your smartphone but ensure the file or your device is password-protected for added protection.
3. Use a travel wallet:
- A travel wallet consolidates your papers into one safe space. Seek out the types that permit you to sort your items, with compartments for your passport, boarding passes, credit cards and cash.
- Select a narrow option that blocks RFID signals to keep your personal data safe. And remember, few things are as convenient as a wallet that fits into your front pocket.
Step 5: Double check before you go
Before you leave, spend a few minutes doing a final check before you leave to avoid surprises.
- Recheck essentials: Verify that you have your passport, documents, chargers and medicine. Store these in your carry-on for easy access.
- Protect your belongings: Check all zippers and locks. Weigh your bags as you don’t want to get to the airport and be charged extra fees.
- Carry-on check: Include must-haves, like snacks, entertainment and a change of clothes in case of delays.
Ready to hit the road?
Long-term trips come with a lot of packing, and while it may seem tiring with a few tips it does become easy. As long as you have your bare necessities well organised, your documents checked and your luggage secured, you are set for a journey that is seamless and free of stress. So, close your bag, take a deep breath and relish every second of the adventure.
Author Bio:
Edrian Blasquino is a college instructor turned wordsmith, with a passion for both teaching and writing. With years of experience in higher education, he brings a unique perspective to his writing, crafting engaging and informative content on a variety of topics. Now, he’s excited to explore his creative side and pursue content writing as a hobby.
Photographs courtesy of Bellroy
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