It’s that time of year, and my urge to travel has made its presence known once again. Like many people, I used to pack too many outfits. Over the years, I’ve pared down my packing list to a few essentials. For a one week trip, this is what I usually take, in addition to what I wear on the plane. These tips will help you pack like a pro!
So, what do I pack in my bag?
When I pack, I follow the 4-3-2-1 rule. It’s pretty simple; I take four or more tops, three bottoms, two sweaters or jackets, and one dressy outfit.
4 or more tops
I spill things, drip things…you name it. I suggest at least four tops, preferably patterned so that those spills and drips aren’t as noticeable. Don’t overdo it. Most of us don’t mind buying a new shirt as a souvenir.
3 bottoms
I prefer dark-colored pants. Jeans are fine, or capris if the weather is nice. Darker colors don’t show dirt as much and can be worn more than once.
2 sweaters or jackets
Evenings can be cool, no matter where you are. I almost always take a cardigan type sweater or two or a light jacket. Neutral colors work best. My black cardigan has been several places.
1 “smart” outfit
Mom and I wondered a little about the “smart” outfit when we saw it on the packing list for Ireland. However, you should always include a dressier outfit–a pair of khakis and a polo shirt for men or a skirt and blouse for women. It doesn’t need to be a suit–just something a little nicer than jeans.
A few other tips and tricks
Colors
I like to limit myself to three main colors, if possible. I usually choose a dark, a light, and a bright. For a trip to Las Vegas a few years ago, everything I took was white, black, or hot pink. For Ireland, I’m focusing on blacks, grays, and corresponding tones of blues, pinks, and burgundy. I have my four or more tops (actually six–four Lularoe perfect tees and two high-necked swing tanks), my three bottoms (black jeans, blue jeans, and a black skirt), two extra layers including a new heathered black sweater with a ruffle in the back and my new North Face raincoat. My one “smart” outfit will consist of the black skirt, a swing tank, and the black sweater. Don’t forget to pack socks and undies–one per day, unless you plan to wash!
On the plane
I plan to wear another pair of blue jeans, a burgundy sweater, and a black scarf. However, I’m usually cold, so I’m also packing a small blanket. My boarding bag counts as a personal item if I put my purse inside. After adding the blanket, there is still plenty of room. The blue bag on the side is a Venture Pal lightweight backpack that folds up into a tiny little bag. I plan to use the Venture Pal backpack as a day pack as we explore the Irish countryside.
Accessorize!
For my next trip, I’m taking two necklaces (one blue and one pink and burgundy) that match all my tops. I’m also taking a black scarf, a hat, and a pair a gloves just in case it’s cold.
Packing Cubes
In addition, I highly recommend packing cubes. I used to use two gallon Ziploc bags for each outfit, but recently upgraded to Pro Packing Cubes. The medium size fits two days worth of clothes for me. I pack one cube in my carry-on bag and the other two in my suitcase. They come in several different colors and are lightweight, yet durable. I probably could get away with just a carry-on size suitcase, but I need room for all those souvenirs I plan to bring home!
This is exactly what I packed for our spring trip to Ireland. I had so much extra room in my suitcase that I actually put my carry-on bag inside of it while we were touring.
Side Note: Our Suitcases
We purchased new American Tourist suitcases for our 2017 Southern Caribbean Cruise. We absolutely love them. Mine, as you can see above, is a raspberry and black geometric print. Dennis’s is plain black. The spinner wheels make traveling so easy. There are plenty of pockets and an expandable gusset (for all those souvenirs). Along with built-in handles on the top and side, there is also a retractable handle with two different heights. The spinner suitcases come in 21″, 25′, and 28″ sizes. We purchased the medium ones, and they are perfect.
Iceland Adventures
It’s been easy to find affordable flights to Iceland from the U.S. and Canada lately. One of the items on my bucket list is seeing the Northern Lights in all their glory, and Iceland is the perfect place to view them. One of my friends, Stace Edoha, has put together a Top 10 List of Budget Iceland Tours for 2019. A trip to Iceland would be the perfect time to test your pack like a pro skills. If you’re interested, please check out her post on the Full-time Wanderers blog.
Travel Apps
My phone and iPad are essential when traveling because I use them for so many things. Check out these Top 10 Travel Apps–you may find some that you can’t live without. I can’t wait to use iExit on my next trip.
Happy travels!
To read about our trip to Ireland, check out these links!
From Cleveland to Toronto and Beyond–the first leg of our trip.
Air Canada 842: Dublin, Here We Come!–the second flight.
In Dublin’s Fair City: Cead Mile Failte
Ireland, Day 2: A Rainy Morning in Galway
Ireland, Day 2: Stepping into the Past at Bunratty Castle
Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet
Plus there’s still more to come! Someday soon I hope to finish writing about our Ireland experiences.
Shopping List
*Disclaimer: I may receive compensation for items purchased from these links.
Sometimes I also struggle on my packing technique. There are times I ended up too many clothes. Your technique will be very useful to me.
What great advice on how to pack for traveling. I hope travelers get inspired from this post!
Wow you’re whole post was so detailed and organized. I love it so much!
Great packing tips. I’m now a master packer after reading it. Hehehe
Great tips, but I find it very difficult to pack when travelling with my two-year-old. But when we used to travel before the baby, we followed your strategies described here. Great article!
You need so much more when little ones are involved! Double outfits for everyone at least!
You are so good! Love the way it’s all itemized here. Can’t wait to get back to traveling!
You’ve just made packing for travelling way easier for most of us, it can be a nightmare at times.
I really have to learn how to pack better. I always tend to overpack.
Incredible tips for the brave traveler. I will tuck these away for future adventures!
Nice lightweight packing tips, thanks for sharing.
I love packing cubes, those are the great tips for packing and travelling in general
I’m a light traveler too and I always make sure to only pack what is essential. It saves me a lot of time and money when traveling! I love the bags and luggages that you have suggested!
I like the idea of the numbers rule haha. I can see it helps pack only things that are important and with less amount.
I always need help with packing so this is great
These are great tips. Will keep in mind for our next trip
4-3-2-1 what a great idea! Im definitely trying this the next time I fly because I always over pack!!
This is really necessary for me. I’m a terrible packer lol, I just throw stuff in and hope it works. I’ll try following this guide next time to add a little structure to my packing routine. My husband will probably thank you lol!!
I need to save a copy of this article for future reference.
Thanks for sharing!
Great tips for packing the essentials love the 4321 suggestion
Every time I travel I packed way too much! I’m going to print this out and use it like a checklist. Thank you so much
Awesome ideas… People usually over pack and later regret doing that. This tips would be so helpful and also it would be helpful in having all essential things.
Great hack you have here. But as a parent, I tend to overpack sometimes just to avoid being stranded or looking to buy stuffs i have at home.
When you have little ones, the rules change completely! You never know when one will spit up all over you or blow out a diaper!
Honestly…when it comes to packing I am quite dumb 😅 this post will definitely help people like me. BTW i would like to check out these bags!
The tips sound absolutely awesome! I like it a lot! Very easy to remember 4-3-2 rule. I try to back as few as possible and also always mind a size.as for warming up I normally go for sporty thermal shirt and a cardigan – it is the warmest combo and is the lightest to pack.
I am traditionally an over packer. I always pack too much but I’ve had so many flight delays in my life I never knwo when I’ going to be stuck for an extra day and if I’m driving the thought is that I have room in the car. My daughter is super organized and before the last trip my family took together she bought those packing cubes and we all laughed at her. Boy were we wrong! They are awesome and made things so much easier for everyone. I also try to pack at least a change of clothes in my carry on just in case! Great tips!
If I go on a trip, I think I’d like you to come here and pack for me I like the 4 – 3 2- 1 idea. I am guilty of taking way too much. I even do it when I visit my Dad for a couple of days. I take enough to see me through until the next week.
Whoever invented packing cubes was a genius! They are amazing, and I recommend them as well. I’ve learned to be a bit more careful with what I wear when going through the airports. I’ve earned myself the free TSA molestation adventure simply by wearing my “normal” attire and having my hair in a bun. I never wear less than two shirts (one t-shirt and a tank top underneath), so I’m forever trying to match the correct tank tops with a shirt when packing. Packing for that takes up space as well. I will definitely be saving this post because I am the queen of overpacking. My husband smiles and nods often when he’s helping me pack.
I always over pack! This is a great guide that I will be following on my next trip.
That’s an awesome tip 4-3-2-1, I have never actually heard of that one before. It is really systematic and logical.
Such a good take on packing… I always tend to pack too much and forget essentials… Pinning this!
I like this idea ! Thank you for sharing.
Warm days are here. Much awaited vacation and trips to come. This is good comprehensive list that one needs. Always good to pack smart and not much. Thank you for sharing .
Heena.
https://travelandhikewithpcos.com/
Love the 4 3 2 1 rule. I defiantly need to pack smarter which means less and better.
I try to be as simple as I can when it comes to packing and traveling. I should probably invest in packing cubes because I think it might make things easier. I always end up overpacking so this is a great guide!
I wish I would have read this post BEFORE we left for our cross country trip! I am finding that I brought so much more stuff than I need and haven’t even used yet! I will keep this in mind when I travel somewhere next time though.
I definitely would like to try those packing cubes! I think they really would be a great help! I’m very guilty of over-packing haha!
-madi xo | http://www.everydaywithmadirae.com
This is a good list to bring in a suitcase. We always bring things for more or less. And finishing buying extra in the city we visit. Thanks for the post!
Great tips! I’m also a big fan of packing cubes! I just posted my one week in a carry-on packing tips. I’m right there with you with packing everything in the same color scheme – so easy to make outfits!
Lauren | https://www.laurelandiron.com/
This is a great packing list I know that I like to travel light and have things that can mix and match too.
I have struggled with packing to much my entire life lol. I have never heard of your number method, I’m going on a trip in a few weeks and I will definitely be giving it a try!!
Nice one! this is the best tips that I’m read I miss travel 🙁 someday I will read this again before I go to the travel <3
Brillant!!! I could have so used this post when we to Europe for 3 weeks during the winter, ugh the luggage by train was a nightmare!!! So heavy and hard to load, even layering items was hard because the store were super warm inside and it felt like a wardrobe change just to shop, lol.
I like this idea. My husband loves cool stuff like this..will have to show it to him.
Wow, This is really cool:) I will pick like this for my next trip!
This is great!! Will definitely be saving it for future trips. I especially love the idea of packing a smart outfit! You just never know when you could need it!
I’ve never heard of the 4-3-2-1 rule! Definitely gonna use this for the trip I’m going on in august!
Great tips, Tracy! Thanks.