Basic Packing List

To avoid overpacking, I like to start my packing list by creating an outfit plan.

List every day of your trip. For each day, jot down 2–3 outfits based on your planned activities.
For example:

• Morning/Day: Sightseeing or travel (Comfortable).
• Evening: Dinner or an event (Elevated).
• Active/Backup: Gym, hiking, or just a "lounge" change.
• Swim: Bathing suit and cover up.

Once you’ve mapped these out, you’ll see exactly what you actually need versus what you think you might need. Go down your planned outfit and add each article of clothing to the appropriate section of the packing list.

The Universal Packing List:

Clothing & Accessories

• The "Outfit Plan" items: (I like sorting these in my Google Sheets pack list by category)
• Tops
• Bottoms
• Dresses
• Swim
• PJs
• One or two sets are usually enough for a week - I like doing a tank top, t-shirt, shorts, and long pants - that way you can mix and match depending on whether your room is a sauna or an icebox.
• Underwear/Socks/Bras
• Pack enough for each day plus two extra pairs.
• Cardigans/Jackets
• Wear your heaviest/bulkiest on the plane to save space! For me, this is often my jean jacket.
• Shoes
• One pair of walking shoes, one "nice" pair, and flip-flops/sandals. Wear your heaviest shoes@

Toiletries & Personal Care

• Dental: Toothbrush, toothpaste, retainers, floss, and mouthwash.
• Glasses & Contact Lenses: if you have sub-par vision like me!
• Skincare: Body wash, cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen (non-negotiable!). Bug spray if needed, and I always bring aloe because I burn easily. I also love a mini bath puff.
• Haircare: Shampoo/conditioner, brush, and any styling products or items (including hair ties and scrunchies).
• Hygiene: Deodorant, razor (love the ones with the shave gel bar built in so I don't have to remember shaving gel), and nail clippers.
• Makeup and Jewelry 
• First Aid Kit: Band-aids, pain relievers, allergy meds, and any prescriptions.

Electronics & Tech/Entertainment

• Phone & Charger: Airport chargers are EXPENSIVE. 
• Headphones: I can't travel without my noise-cancelling headphones anymore.
• Surge Protectors/Power Strips/Portable Power Banks/Adapters
• Laptop/Tablet: Only if you genuinely plan to use them.
• Camera: And extra memory cards/batteries.
• Books: I'm still a fan of a good paperback on a trip!
• Humidifier

Essentials & Documents

• Identification: Passport, ID, and copies of your travel insurance.
• Wallet: Debit/credit cards and cash.
• Bookings: Digital or printed copies of hotel and flight confirmations.
• Comfort items: Travel pillow, eye mask, and a reusable water bottle.
• Hat and sunglasses!
• Any smaller beach/tote bags/backpacks.

Hope this helps as you prep for your next adventure!