It doesn’t matter if you are a veteran traveller or an adventurer novice; packing for any trip can be daunting. Once you know the basics of packing, it’s easy to make everything else easier.

How much should you pack for a 7-day vacation? Read the following for tips and lists on what to pack and what to leave behind.

Take into account the weather and activities.

Research the weather to find out what outdoor activities you will be engaging in.

• While you don’t need to bring much, your luggage can quickly become bulky if it’s cold. Choosing a few key items (a versatile jacket, great pair of jeans, day-to-night shoes, long sleeves, neutral colours, and a few basic basics) can make a huge difference in minimising your luggage while still having a stylish wardrobe.
• You might need more layers if it is hot. Mix-and-match pieces, such as light tank tops and blouses, shorts and t-shirts, and dresses, will keep you stylish and clean every day.
• Activities: Knowing what you will be doing will help you plan your clothes + gear. Consider sunblocks and bug repellents if you hike a lot. Swimming + trunks and beachwear are important if you swim a lot.

Choose Versatility over Everything

You can pack very few items as long as you have your essential, versatile pieces.

• Clothing basics: Make sure you have the essentials. Are you looking for rain jackets and rain boots? Swimsuit? Formal wear What about hiking clothes? Focus on versatility for everything else. For example, a dark pair of jeans can transform your day from one filled with adventure to another. To make it easier to mix and match, keep your neutral colours. Remember to reuse, mix and match, layer, wash, and even buy clothes.
• Toiletries: 3 oz of basic toiletries (toothpaste and shampoo, lotions for the skin, body wash, etc. It will likely be sufficient. It’s only seven days, so you might be able to get the items you need locally. Consider if you may need certain items for your destination, such as bug repellent, sunscreen or earplugs.

Essentials Packing List

• Identification (driver’s licence for local trips, passport to international)
• Airline tickets/e-ticket flight confirmation
• Itinerary/accommodation/transport confirmations
• Copies of medical insurance policies
• Prescriptions and medications
• Smartphone or laptop
• Mini first aid kits (available at your local pharmacy)
• Pens are always handy!

You can use these useful carry-on items.

• Electronics (phone, computer, camera)
• Chargers and adapters
• Portable charger
• Reusable water bottle (empty before TSA!
• Reusable tote
• Snacks: Granola, popcorn and dried fruit.
• Sunglasses + prescription glasses
• Earphones
• Earplugs + neck pillow
• Notebook + pen
• Toiletries (under 3 oz: toothpaste + paste, deodorant and hairbrush, tissue, birth control + condoms. Makeup, razors, nail trimmers, shampoos and soaps. Also, lotions, perfumes or fragrances. Chapstick, hair ties.
• You can change your clothes after a long flight.

Things to get rid of

• Too many magazines and books
• You won’t find any TSA agents with big bottles of toiletries.
• The weird shirt you have never worn (if it’s not worn before, it’s probably not for you).
• You don’t need to have 50 sets of underwear. The rule of thumb is one per day.
• You don’t use other things (leave the board game alone!)
• Don’t wear clothing that isn’t appropriate for the weather. If there’s snow, you don’t need shorts.

Outfit Essentials

Put: Take enough clothes to ensure you have something to wear every day.

• 4 tank tops and t-shirts
• 2 to 3 long sleeves shirts
• 3 summer dresses
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 1 maxi skirt
• 1 pair of boyfriend jeans or flowy pants
• 1 linen onesie
• 2 evening looks
• 1 sweater or shawl
• 1 summer scarf
• 1 leather jacket (that may or may not be what you want to buy in Florence)
• 1 pair of day-to-night sandals (with a wedge or chunky heel, 2 inches)
• 1 pair of cute sneakers
• 1 bathing suit
• Three bras, 10 pairs of underwear, 3 socks (more if your goal is to exercise).

Carry-on ‘Must-haves’

It is important to be prepared for anything that might happen.

• Passport/ID
• Phone + charger + adapter + *headphones*
• Confirmation of airline tickets/e-tickets
• Itinerary/accommodation/transport confirmations
• Prescriptions for medical purposes
• Camera + charger
• Portable charger
• Reusable water bottles
• If needed, sunglasses and contact lenses/solution (always have this on you!)
• Earplugs + neck pillow
• The key toiletries (under 3 oz)
• Cosy socks and jacket for the flight
• Change of clothes
• Snacks
• Pen!