Easy Packing Tips for Overwhelmed Travelers
Hi, friends! If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of packing for a 10-day international adventure (really an y length of adventure), you’re not alone. Packing for a trip can feel like a daunting task, especially when you want to fit as much as you can in a carryon and arrive without too many wrinkles. But don’t worry—today, we’re diving into the art of packing light and smart, so you can spend less time stressing and more time exploring!
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Step 1: Know Where You’re Going and What You’ll Be Doing
Before you throw anything into your suitcase, it’s important to consider the specifics of your trip. Where are you going? What’s on your itinerary? Are you going to be wandering through museums, relaxing at the beach, attending formal events, or keeping things casual? Your activities and destination will shape your packing needs.
What type of luggage matches your trip? If you’re doing a lot of walking, you might want to opt for a lighter bag with wheels or a backpack. If you’re attending a formal event, a sleek carry-on might work best but also just a big ol’ checked luggage to not have to worry about what can or cannot fit.
Will you need bulky clothing or fancy outfits? Are you heading to Antarctica or a red carpet event? Be realistic about what you’ll need.
Will laundry be available: If laundry is available, plan it as an activity and plan accordingly. This will help keep your pack lighter. Will you be able to do laundry on the road, or will you need to pack enough for the entire trip? If laundry is available, you can pack lighter.
Step 2: Prep Your Outfits (And Don’t Forget Shoes!)
One of the best packing strategies is to choose a capsule wardrobe—a set of clothing that’s easy to mix and match. By sticking to a color palette, you’ll find that everything goes with everything. This strategy will give you plenty of outfit options without overpacking.
Here’s what I recommend for a 10-day international trip:
3 pairs of pants/shorts: One dark, one neutral and some jeans
3-4 tops: A mix of casual, dressy, and layering options (think t-shirts, button-up shirts, sweaters)
1 jacket or sweater: Perfect for cooler weather, if a puffer won’t totally destroy your outfit game - then pack it, they’re perfect
Shoes: Limit yourself to 3 pairs. You’ll want comfy walking shoes, something dressier for any formal occasions, and sandals or boots depending on the weather
A swimsuit: If you're heading somewhere warm or that has a spa
Underwear and socks: Pack enough for about 7 days—remember, you can always do laundry
Sleepwear: Keep it simple and comfy
Step 3: Pack Efficiently—No Need for Overpacking
Here’s a trick I always swear by: test pack a few days before you leave. For some, it might take 6 test packing sessions (no judgment, it’s like 15 for me). It’s an easy way to refine your packing list and figure out what you really need. Refine, refine refine!
To maximize space, packing cubes are a game changer. I recommend getting ones that compress to help save space. And for smaller items (like socks, underwear, or shoes), packing in things inside things works very well. Think nesting dolls. Check out below for the before and after of 4 bottoms, 7 tops and a chunky sweater. Gah - packing cubes are MAGIC!
For a 10-day trip, here’s a good rule of thumb: 6-7 outfits that can be mixed and matched. Choose items that can be dressed up or down.
Step 4: The Packing Details
Now, let’s talk about a few packing hacks that’ll make your life way easier:
Roll, Don’t Fold: Rolling your clothes tightly will reduce wrinkles and will help ‘save space’. That’s in quotes because I’m not completely sold
Compression Bags: These are perfect for bulky items like sweaters or puffer jackets. If you’re traveling with heavier outerwear, they’ll make a huge difference in fitting everything into your bag
Plastic (ew) or Reusable Bags: These are great for keeping wet or dirty items (like shoes or workout clothes) separated from the rest of your things
Dryer Sheets: Tuck a few in your bag to help keep things fresh and to prevent static buildup
Packable Daypack or Duffle: A small, foldable bag is perfect for day-to-day use or for those times when you end up buying way more souvenirs than you planned (oops!)
And once you arrive, unpack immediately. Hang up your clothes to let them de-wrinkle, but take it one step further and organize your outfits for the days ahead. You’ll be making so many decisions and using your brain so much in the coming days - no need to stress about what you’re going to wear each day.
Step 5: Toiletries—Pack Light, Pack Smart
Now, for the part we all dread: toiletries. Honestly, this is a nightmare, especially for long international trips. But here's the key—don’t pack “just in case” items. Seriously, pack only what you need, not what you think you need. After all, there are stores likely where you are going, and you can always pick up items you’re missing. Plus it’s fun to try new products, and they’ll likely be more affordable.
When it comes to shower time, your hotel will likely provide shampoo and soap, so consider skipping those items altogether. If you're like me and prefer to travel with your own products, bar soap, bar shampoo, and bar conditioner are your best friends. They pack into a neat little stack and take up minimal space.
For your face, hair, and body products, reusable containers are your best bet. I love options like MUJI or GoToob for liquids. But for things like foundation or undereye cream, try using contact cases—they’re surprisingly roomy and work like a charm.
Before After
As for perfume, don’t bother bringing a full-size bottle. Instead, soak cotton balls in your favorite scent and keep them in a sealed container. Easy, compact, and effective!
Before Solids v. Liquids After
Step 6: Don’t Forget About Laundry
Don’t stress about packing extra clothes—most countries have laundry services that are affordable and convenient. Some hotels even offer laundry services where you can drop off your clothes and they drop them back in your room all washed, folded, and fresh. Check with your hotels beforehand to see if they offer laundry options, or look for laundromats nearby. This will save you from overpacking! And allows you some extra room for new clothes!
Final Tips for Stress-Free Packing
Pack less than you think—there’s almost always a way to do laundry, and you can pick up forgotten items when you arrive
Nest your items—use socks to stuff shoes, and pack toiletries in small, compact containers
Roll and compress clothes—your future self will thank you!
Swap liquids for solids—bar products are a sustainable, space-saving way to travel light
Embrace versatility—the key to efficient packing is choosing pieces that can be mixed and matched to create unlimited outfit combos
And remember, you can always buy what you need along the way. Unless you’re trekking into the wilderness or heading to a super remote location, most destinations will have what you need. I promise.
Packing for a long international trips doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a little preparation and some smart packing strategies, you can travel light, organized, and ready to make the most of your adventure. I’ve created a nifty one page packing list, you can find it here: 10-Day International Packing List. If these tips helped, feel free to share this with a friend who’s about to embark on their own international adventure.
Happy packing, and most importantly—enjoy your travels!
