Packing Guides
Packing lists, tips on how to pack, and the gear I love.
Packing lists
Start with these, then add what makes your trip yours.
Carry-on essentials
Everything you can't afford to have in a checked bag.
- Passport and any visas
- Phone, charger and a small power bank
- Medications in their original containers
- A change of clothes
- Empty refillable water bottle
- Snacks
- Pen for customs forms
- Wallet with a little local cash
Documents and money
Check the entry rules for your destination before you go.
- Passport (check its expiry date against the entry rules)
- Visas or entry authorizations, if needed
- Travel insurance details
- Hotel and tour confirmations
- A credit card, plus a backup card
- Some cash in the local currency
- Copies of key documents, kept apart from the originals
- Emergency contacts
Toiletries
Liquids in the carry-on: 3.4 oz (100 ml) containers or smaller, all in one clear bag.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Hand sanitizer
- Basic first aid: pain reliever and bandages
- Glasses or contact lenses and solution
- Any prescriptions you take
Clothing basics
Pick one color palette so everything mixes with everything.
- Tops and bottoms that mix and match
- Underwear and socks, plus one extra day's worth
- Comfortable walking shoes
- One dressy outfit
- A light layer for planes and cool evenings
- A rain jacket or weather layer
- Sleepwear
- A swimsuit
Tech and power
- Phone charger and cable
- Universal plug adapter
- Portable battery
- Headphones
- E-reader or tablet
- Camera and a spare memory card
Spa and wellness trips
For stays like the one in Ixtapan de la Sal.
- Two swimsuits, so one can dry
- Cover-up and flip-flops
- Workout clothes and sneakers
- A light sweater for the evenings
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Hair ties and a hair brush
- A good book for the pool
How to pack
Small habits that make a bag lighter and easier to live out of.
Lay it all out, then pack two-thirds
Put everything on the bed first. Then put a third of it back.
Build outfits around one color palette
When everything goes with everything, you need far fewer pieces.
Roll the soft things, fold the structured ones
Rolled knits and tees save space and wrinkle less. Blazers and collared shirts do better folded.
Use packing cubes
They keep your bag organized and let you pull out one section without unpacking everything.
Put the heavy items near the wheels
Shoes and anything heavy go at the bottom, close to the wheels, so the bag stays stable when it's upright.
Wear your bulkiest pieces on travel day
Your boots and heaviest jacket take up the most room, so wear them on the plane.
Keep the essentials with you
Medications, valuables, chargers and a change of clothes belong in your carry-on, not in a checked bag.
Leave room for souvenirs
Pack your bag only two-thirds full on the way out, so there's space for the things you bring home.
Products I love
The gear I'd happily pack again.
My favorites are on the way. Check back soon.
Packed and ready to plan?
Tell me where you're headed and I'll help with the rest.