Here is a comprehensive packing list with options for warm and cold weather, suitable for a two-week air travel holiday, drawing from the items and advice mentioned. Use it as a guide to help you remember everything you need — don’t think you should take everything on the list.
Packing for a trip, whether for two weeks or longer, involves considering factors such as your destination’s climate, the duration of your stay, your personal needs, the activities you plan, and local customs. It is recommended to create a packing list from this list to help organize your belongings and ensure you don’t forget anything important Checking the weather forecast for your destination about a week before you leave allows you to adjust your packing list accordingly. Packing versatile clothing items that can be mixed, matched, and layered is a useful strategy.
Here is a list of suggested items, including options for different climates, compiled from many online and published sources:
Clothing
- Tops: T-shirts, tank tops, blouses, button-up shirts. Dry fit shirts are useful for activities or hot climates, especially those with UV protection. Consider packing a flannel or cotton t-shirt. Bring a lightweight warm long sleeve shirt.
- Bottoms: Jeans, pants, skirts, dresses. Hiking pants are useful for outdoor activities and for covering knees in places with dress codes. “Nice” shorts can be versatile for casual wear or working out. Linen pants are comfortable for hot climates and can be used for dressing up or as plane pants. Running shorts are also an option.
- Outerwear: A lightweight jacket. A rain jacket is important to keep your clothes dry, especially in humid climates. For cold weather, pack sweaters, a winter jacket, or a fleece. Thermal underwear is recommended for extremely cold regions. A packable, warm jacket is suggested based on past travel experience.
- Undergarments: Underwear (dry fit is suggested for active or hot travel). Bras (regular and sports). Socks. Sleepwear.
- Footwear: Comfortable shoes for walking and exploring. Running shoes for activity. Hiking boots. Sandals or flip-flops (especially for warm/beach destinations). Dress shoes. Hiking sandals/waterproof. Limit the number of shoes you pack.
- Swimwear: Swimsuits, coverups.
- Accessories:
- Sunglasses,
- hat (baseball or winter),
- scarf,
- belt,
- multifunctional headwear,
- lightweight gloves.
- Active Wear: Athletic clothes, athletic shoes. Leggings or sweatpants are comfortable for travel days or lounging.
Toiletries and Travel Health
Toiletries:
- Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap,
- Deodorant,
- Toothpaste, toothbrush, floss.
- Hair brush or comb,
- Skincare products,
- Shaving kit,
- Tweezers,
- Nail clippers.
- Hair dryer,
- Hair products,
- Perfume/cologne.
- Contact lenses, solution and glasses.
- Pack travel-sized toiletries or transfer liquids to reusable containers. You can often buy toiletries at your destination, but bringing enough for the start of your trip is recommended. Tampons may not be readily available in some countries.
Health:
- A first aid kit is recommended. Include pain relievers, fever reducers, cold medicines, diarrhea/laxative medicines.
- Get an advanced supply of personal prescription medication and check laws regarding bringing it to your destination.
- Include vitamins, throat lozenges.
- Sunscreen (high SPF is useful) and sunburn relief.
- Insect repellent is useful in certain areas.
- Antibacterial ointment,
- Hand sanitizer.
- Health insurance card.
Electronics and Technology
- Smartphone and charger.
- Camera or GoPro, memory card, and chargers..
- Laptop, iPad, or E-reader (like a Kindle) and charger(s).
- Portable power bank to keep devices charged on the go.
- Adapter and converter for international travel21…. A universal adapter is convenient.
- USB chargers.
- Headphones (noise-cancelling are recommended)27….
- An electronics organizer can help keep cables and devices tidy.
- A waterproof speaker.
- An external hard drive for photos/videos (optional)37.
- A Chromecast can be useful for entertainment in accommodation.
Documents and Financial Items
- Travel Documents:
- Passport.
- Visa (if required).
- Travel itinerary or reservations (confirm these beforehand).
- Copies of tickets and passport.
- Travel insurance information.
- Driver’s license or ID card (International Driver’s Permit if planning to drive abroad).
- Hotel information.
- Student ID (for potential discounts).
- Organize these documents and keep them readily accessible.
- Financial Items:
- Cash (local currency and some USD for emergencies),
- Credit cards, and debit cards.
- Notify your bank you’ll be traveling.
- Traveler’s checks (optional).
- Emergency contact information.
- Consider if paying in a foreign currency online could be cheaper (requires a credit card with no foreign transaction fees).
- Get your finances in order before you leave, including paying upcoming bills.
Personal Items and Comfort
- Travel pillow (inflatable is suggested).
- Eye mask.
- Ear plugs.
- Snacks (can save money vs. buying at the airport).
- Water bottle.
- Books, e-books, or reading materials.
- Travel journal and pen.
- Watch.
Travel Gear and Security
- Appropriate main travel bag (suitcase, duffel bag, or backpack) chosen based on trip style and contents. Consider wheeled options for ease of transport on paved surfaces. A carry-on sized bag is recommended to save time and avoid fees/lost luggage.
- Personal item bag (daypack, shoulder bag, crossbody bag, or waist pack) for items you need during the journey. Double-check this bag before leaving.
- Packing cubes to organize and compress clothing.
- RFID blocking wallet, organizer, or passport holder to protect against scanning.
- Anti-theft bags, money belts, or hidden pouches for valuables.
- Luggage lock (TSA-compliant for travel to/from the US).
- Reflective clothing and luggage accessories.
- Headlamp or mini flashlight.
- Portable door lock or door alarm for added security in accommodation.
- Travel guidebooks.
- Extra pack-away duffel bag (optional).
- Quick dry towel (optional, as accommodations often provide towels).
- Multitool (optional, but be aware of airport security).
Pre-Trip Home Preparation
- Before leaving, ensure windows and doors are locked.
- Unplug electronics and appliances.
- Arrange for mail, packages, and newspapers to be collected.
- Perform necessary maintenance like cleaning the refrigerator, emptying trash, and watering plants..
- Use timers for lights to make the house look occupied.
- Store valuables securely.
- Provide a trusted contact with a spare key and emergency information.
- Adjust the thermostat.
By using a packing list adapted to your specific trip and following these tips, you can help ensure a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.