Whether you’re planning a quick weekend escape or a dreamy multi-week adventure, one thing stands between you and vacation bliss: packing. And most people? They do it backwards.
It’s all good, so did I until I got tired of packing all the wrong things and blowing a chunk of my vacation budget buying things I forgot!
Before you start shoving five pairs of jeans into a carry-on like you’re prepping for an apocalypse, take a breath. This guide will walk you through what to pack, how to plan your wardrobe (spoiler: it’s not just “layers”), and why your itinerary and budget are secretly the real MVPs of packing success.
Packing smart starts with the carry-on essentials. These are your ride-or-dies — the things that keep you comfy, clean, and semi-sane mid-transit:
🎒 Pro tip: This all fits in your personal item. You’ll feel like a minimalist queen while everyone else is trying to shove their full-size shampoo back into their checked bag.
Here’s the big secret no one tells you: bad packing usually starts with bad planning.
You didn’t need five “night out” outfits — you needed one and a snack budget. But you didn’t know, because you didn’t plan.
So now that you know what you’ll be doing, let’s talk outfits that actually match that vibe. People always think about sightseeing and fancy dinners — but they forget about the downtime. The “I’ve walked 27,000 steps and I’m ordering room service” moment.
Yeah. That one.
Cue my personal fail: NYC, Day 3. I was so wiped I threw on sweatpants to go down to the hotel gift shop. The only shoes near me? Black leather 3″ heels. It was a… lewk. People were staring. Probably wondering if I was in the middle of a nervous breakdown or launching a new trend. “Crazy American!” Either way, it was not a vibe.
For a 10-day trip:
Choose 5-7-ish pieces that can mix and match into 10+ outfits. Think: neutral bottoms, fun tops, layers that don’t look like you borrowed them from your dad.
1 or 2 pairs of comfy shoes plus 1 pair of cute shoes. You are not auditioning for Footwear Idol.
Bring accessories that turn a day outfit into a dinner outfit in 0.3 seconds. Think about accessories for souvenirs too! It’s always fun to wear something and to be able to reply to compliments by adding, “I got this on my trip to…”
Leave room for shopping! You’ll find something you “need” — and suddenly you’ve got five more outfits to rotate.
🥂 Less is more. More room in your suitcase = more space for wine, new clothes, and not hauling around 20 lbs of regret.
The essentials, the plan, the fits, and a sprinkle of sass. Now go forth and conquer that packing list like the stylish, smart, slightly-over-it legend you are. And if all else fails? Champagne fixes everything.
