Having a travel packing checklist can save hours of preparation and also hours of stress and a possible sleepless night before your day of departure. I created this packing checklist for one of my past trips and thought you might also enjoy using it for your travels. This list is tried, tested and proven to include all of the essesntials you will need to get you through a 2 week or even a month long trip with a load of laundry along the way.
Separates in solid colors are the most versatile travel elements.
Choose a neutral color palette of brown, black or navy for the basis of your wardrobe.
Combine all items to coordinate with your neutral choice.
- 4 Good Quality T Shirts
These short sleeved shirts do not have to literally be t-shirts. Instead choose shirts made from a slightly dressier fabric blend so that you will look more polished and sophisticated but will stay as comfortable as if you are wearing a regular cotton tee. Use these shirts for layering as the temperature changes.
- 1-2 Knit Sleeveless Shells
Choose one in either ivory or white based on your palette of choice and another in a bright hue that suits your complexion.
- 1 Tank Top
Ivory or white is the best choice. These colors will work under any color top for cleavage cover-up or extra layering for warmth. Choose one that covers your bra straps. Your tankini top can double if the pattern is neutral.
- 1 Dark Silk Shirt
This can also be used as a cover-up or light jacket over your dress or skirt
- 1 Pair Dark Blue Jeans
Make these as dark as possible with no bleach patterns. This will allow you to dress them up with a suit coat or down with a casual shirt.
- 1 Pair Dark Knit Slacks
These will be your mainstay during long transits. The elastic waistband and easy stretch will help make you more comfortable in airports and planes. Spend a bit more money on this item, it is an investment piece and an invaluable part of a good travel wardrobe. Nicer fabrics mean less knee pooch after hours of wear and tear.
- 1 Pair Cotton Slacks
Again go for a nice quality fabric, not “docker” material which pooches at the knee in minutes and looks frumpy even before you make it out the door.
- 1 Black Knit Dress
Choose black for this piece so you will have something to wear if you find yourself in a dressy situation. For cooler evenings, throw on your Pashmina. - 1 Long Flowing Washable Silk Skirt or Gaucho Pants
If you prefer, bring along a fine knit instead of silk, just make sure it flows and falls easily away form your legs.
- 1 Simple Skirt
Choose a dark solid color for easy versatility and more soil tolerance. A- line or pencil are the obvious choice and should be based on your body shape.
- 1 Shirt Jacket™
Choose a crisp white button front shirt to dress up your dark slacks in the evening and to also act as a jacket over your tank tops for casual daytime outings.
- 1 Long Sleeved Sweater
Cashmere will take the edge off of any chill and is a great fall-back fro inclement weather. Again, choose a solid neutral so that you can wear these over most outfits in chilly weather.
- 1 Hiking / Exercise Shorts
One pair should suffice unless this trip is all about the great outdoors!
- Pashmina
A travel must. Buy black or deep brown so you can coordinate with every outfit. Keep it packed in your all-purpose bag and you are prepared regardless of how late you might stay out or how cold the restaurant becomes!
- Rain / Trench Coat
The ideal raincoat is crushable, dark in color so that it never shows dirt and looks great on you at any given time. The best can be used as a raincoat, evening coat, bathrobe, beach cover, etc. Raincoats that can be folded, rolled and stuffed into your suitcase or carry-on are ideal.
- Swimsuit
A two piece is the most versatile. If you choose the right pattern, a tankini top can also act as a camisole under your tailored shirt jackets
- Sarong for Swimsuit Cover-up
The best pick can double as shawl or skirt
- 3 Pairs Colored Socks to match slacks + 1 Pair White Socks
Lightweight socks look nicer and also dry the quickest. Match your slacks not your shoes for a longer leaner line.
- 1 Hat
A crushable canvas or woven hat for sunny climates and a beret or wool hat for cold weather.
- 1 Pajama Pant and Top
Choose separates for sleeping. Not only fo they wash batter, you will feel more comfortable if you need to scoot through a public space in this type of PJ
- 6-8 Pairs of Underwear
Microfibers not only look better under everything but also quickly dry overnight. Go easy on yourself and pack only skin tone. Bring a thong if you insist on packing your favorite white slacks or skirt.
- 1 Pair Metallic Dressy Sandals
Strappy sandals with a small kitten heel will be the most versatile. You can wear them with your dressy outfits or as a casual accessory. Dark bronze or copper will coordinate with virtually every color in your wardrobe.
- 1 Pair of Classic Dress Pumps
Choose a style that can be worn with both skirts and slacks.
- 1 Pair of Walking Shoes
This staple should be geared for vigorous walking, not neccesarily tennis shoes but something with a bit more edge. If tennies are your default, please wear ones that are at least a step up, modeled after the popular bowling or soccer shoe. If you choose to bring boots, wear them on the flight to save luggage room.
- 1 Pair Flip Flops or Slip on Sandals
Have fun and choose a pair that looks great with your swimsuit, shorts and casual skirts. These can double for showering in public spaces
- 1 All Purpose Bag
Make sure this is large enough to hold a days worth of supplies while you are away form the hotel. Crisp lines provide the most “put –together” look for every occasion
- 1 Small Envelope Purse
Choose a smaller purse that is flat enough to live inside your all-purpose bag throughout your trip but also has a strap and can expand a little for the daytime excursions when you won’t take your large bag.
- 1 Extra Collapsible Bag
Everyone needs a spare bag to carry home your shopping adventures
- Spare Artillery: 1 Dark Knit Suit (For Formal Vacation Excursions)
St Johns is the best choice if you like classic tailoring. Buy the slacks, skirt and jacket to match. This an investment item and Essential Wardrobe Element™. You should always buy the best quality you can afford. Higher quality = less wrinkles! Spend the big bucks on this above everything else. You will have effortless elegance and the ability to mix/match and completely change your look in a snap. With this combo, you can check the knit slacks, jacket and skirt requirement on this list in one fell swoop!
Kathi Burns
Would like to feel more organized? If so, Kathi is here to help you.
Kathi’s expert advice has been featured in national media outlets including Oprah Magazine, Martha Stewart Living and Better Homes and Gardens, Entrepreneur Magazine, and more.
As the author of 2 books, Kathi has also developed several online courses to help clients get better organized and energized in all areas of their home, life, and business.
