The goal of packing isn't to fit in as much as possible; it's to carry what you'll actually need, organised and easy to reach. A well-packed bag saves you excess baggage fees and spares you the "I wish I'd brought that" and "why did I bring this?" moments.
Short answer: First pin down your trip conditions (length, weather, activities, baggage allowance), then make a list organised by category. Choose clothes that mix and match and can be layered; for trips longer than a week, plan to do laundry. Always keep documents, medicines and electronics in the bag you carry with you, and leave a little space for the way home.
1. Define your trip conditions
Before writing your list, answer these questions:
- How long is the trip? This directly determines how many clothes you need.
- What will the weather be like? Check the forecast for your travel dates, including the difference between daytime and evening temperatures.
- What will you be doing? A city break, business meetings, a beach holiday, hiking or skiing all call for very different items.
- What does your accommodation provide? If there's a hairdryer, towels, a washing machine or an iron, you don't need to bring them.
- What's your baggage allowance? Are you travelling with hand luggage only, or do you have a checked bag? Weight and size limits decide how big your bag can be.
2. Choose the right bag
- Up to 3–4 days: A cabin-size suitcase or backpack is usually enough and saves you waiting at baggage claim.
- One week: A cabin bag can work with careful planning; otherwise, a medium suitcase.
- More than a week: A medium or large suitcase, but planning to do laundry is often more practical than packing more clothes.
Wheeled suitcases work best on smooth ground; backpacks are easier on cobbled streets, in accommodation with stairs and on trips where you change cities often.
3. How many clothes for your trip?
These quantities are a starting point for a 5–7 day city trip in mild weather. Adjust them to your style and the climate:
- Tops: 4–5 T-shirts or shirts
- Bottoms: 2 pairs of trousers or skirts, 1 pair of shorts (depending on the weather)
- Outerwear: 1 light jacket or cardigan
- Underwear and socks: One per day, plus a spare
- Shoes: 1 comfortable walking pair + 1 alternative (two pairs at most)
- Sleepwear: 1 set
- Extras: 1 smarter outfit for a dinner or meeting, and swimwear if needed
Rule of thumb: Make sure every top goes with at least two bottoms. A capsule wardrobe in neutral colours gives you many outfits from few pieces. For trips longer than a week, pack for seven days and do laundry once; it's far easier than doubling the size of your bag.
4. Packing list by category
Documents and valuables (in the bag you carry):
- Passport or ID card, and visa if needed
- Tickets and booking confirmations
- Payment cards, a little cash and emergency money
- Travel insurance details
- Driving licence (if you're hiring a car)
Health:
- Your regular medicines and prescriptions
- A small first-aid kit with painkillers, stomach remedies and plasters
- Glasses or contact lenses and solution
Toiletries:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo (travel size)
- Sunscreen and moisturiser
- Shaving kit, comb and hair products
Electronics:
- Phone and charging cable
- Power bank (in your carry-on)
- Headphones
- A plug adapter if needed
- Camera and memory card
Other useful items:
- A foldable tote bag (for shopping and dirty laundry)
- A small umbrella
- A refillable water bottle
- A bag for dirty clothes
5. Pack smart
- Heavy items at the bottom, near the wheels: Putting shoes and heavier items on the wheel side keeps the suitcase stable and easy to pull.
- Roll your clothes: Rolling T-shirts and casual clothes saves space and reduces creasing. Fold shirts and jackets that need ironing and place them on top.
- Use packing cubes: Separating clothes, underwear and cables into small pouches means you find things as soon as you open the bag.
- Fill the gaps: Put socks inside your shoes.
- Protect against leaks: Place cling film under the caps of bottles like shampoo and keep them in a sealed bag, so one leak doesn't ruin everything.
6. Must-haves in your carry-on
Checked bags can be delayed or lost, so always keep these with you:
- Documents, money and cards
- Medicines
- Phone, charger and power bank
- A change of clothes and underwear
- Toothbrush and basic toiletries (within liquid limits)
- Glasses or contact lenses
For details on liquid and electronics rules in your carry-on, see What to do before a flight.
7. Summer and winter trips
Summer: Light, breathable fabrics, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear and comfortable sandals. Add a thin cardigan for air-conditioned places and cooler evenings.
Winter: Thin but warm layers (thermal base layers), a waterproof coat, hat, gloves, scarf and shoes with good grip. Wearing your bulkiest coat instead of packing it frees up a lot of space.
8. Final check before you close the bag
- Weigh your bag and make sure it's within your allowance.
- Make sure there are no lithium batteries or power banks in your checked bag.
- Attach a luggage tag with your name and contact details.
- Leave 10–20% free space for souvenirs on the way home.
- Tick off every item on your list.
Common mistakes
- Packing "just in case" items: Most of them never get used. Don't waste space on things you can easily buy at your destination.
- Too many shoes: Shoes are the heaviest, bulkiest items in a bag. Two pairs are enough for most trips.
- Putting medicines in checked baggage: If your bag is delayed, you could be left without them.
- Packing the night before: Rushed packing is when important things get forgotten. Prepare your list a few days ahead.
Pack with a checklist in BudTrip
In BudTrip you can create separate main suitcase, carry-on and personal bag lists for each trip and tick items off as you pack. Your lists are saved with the trip, so you don't have to start from scratch next time.
Last updated: 6 October 2026
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