Planning for a week-long trip can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming. Deciding what to pack, especially if you’re flying, can be a tricky task. However, we’ve got you covered with this ultimate packing list for your 7-day adventure.
Whether you’re heading to the beach, on a hiking trip or freezing your fingers off at the Northern Lights, this list covers everything you’ll need. Plus, if you’re a frequent traveller, you can easily customise and save this list for your future journeys. Let’s dive into the essentials.
For more packing tips, head over to our packing and organisation page!
If you edit this list to your preferences, make sure you save it for your next trip.
Planning for your Week-Long Trip
Before you start tossing items into your suitcase, take some time to consider a few key factors:
Are you taking a checked bag? If you’re flying and not taking checked luggage, remember that there are restrictions on what you can bring through airport security. Before you go, double check with your airline or airport that you aren’t taking anything you’re not allowed to!
What amenities are available in your hotel room? Check with your hotel room or accommodation if any amenities will be available when you arrive. For example, hotel rooms will usually provide you with a towel and basic toiletries, whereas at a hostel you usually have to pay extra to rent a towel.
What are your personal essential items? Consider your personal needs and preferences. Do you have any specific items that are essential for your comfort or well-being? Make a list of these items and ensure they find a place in your luggage.
Read more from packing & organisation: What to Pack for Backpacking in Central America
Extras to Take for International Travel
For international travel, it’s crucial to keep your documents organised and accessible. These documents are vital for a smooth journey:
Passport: The most important travel document, ensure it’s valid and easily accessible.
Proof of Health Cover: e.g. for EU travellers, you’ll need to take your physical EHIC card, often a picture or just the number on it isn’t enough, and your travel insurance may be invalid without it!
Travel Insurance Documents: Protect yourself with travel insurance.
All Travel Tickets and Boarding Passes: Keep these in a safe, easily accessible place.
What Kind of Bag to Take
Selecting the right bag is the first step to packing efficiently:
Carry-On Luggage: Opting for a smaller bag has several benefits, such as avoiding checked luggage fees, saving time at the airport, and reducing the risk of lost baggage. (If you’ve read my article about packing for Mexico, you’ll know why I never take checked luggage anymore…)
Do you want to take a Duffel Bag, Suitcase, or Rucksack?: Choose a bag that suits your travel style and destination, and be mindful of weight limits. This matters both if you’re flying, and if you’re going to spend a long time with your bag on your back!
Use Packing Cubes: I’m a sucker for packing cubes, but a lot of people think they’re unnecessary and actually end up taking up space. For me, they help me to stay organised and make sure I’ve got everything before I leave!
Read more: Packing Essentials for Backpacking in Mexico
What to Pack for a 7 Day Trip in Your Personal Item
Basically every airline will let you take a small personal item, like a small handbag. Here you’ll have easy access to the important stuff, so it’s a good idea to keep all of your necessities together. Of course, your personal preferences are important, so you can add or delete this list as you wish!
What to Pack for a 7 Day Trip in Your Carry-On Bag
Of course, the specifics of what you take will depend on where you’re going. As a general rule of thumb: if you’re heading to the beach, take tank tops, but if you’re heading somewhere cold, make sure you take long sleeves and items that are going to keep you warm! If you’re going to do a lot of hiking, take a lot of practical clothes and layers, but if you’re going all-inclusive you can focus a little more on style.
A great way to save on time once you arrive on holiday is to stick to neutral colours or one colour scheme to make sure you don’t spend too long trying to make outfits! But this is totally down to personal preference.
You can also use this list for a longer trip or a shorter trip, by increasing or reducing the number of each item.
For a week trip, here’s what I would take:
What to Pack for a 7 Day Trip in Your Toiletry Bag
If you’re flying, you will need to split this section into two: liquids and non-liquids. If they fit, I would recommend putting your liquids bag already into a clear bag inside your personal item, so you can easily get it out at security.
Also remember that you can’t take any flammable liquids or liquids over 100ml onto a plane.
Liquids:
Non-liquids:
Soon I’m going to create a download of this list that you can edit and tick off as you pack, so keep your eyes peeled and come back soon. Have a great time on your trip!