I’m a classic maximalist, but packing for international travel is the one instance I lean into minimalism. I haven’t checked a bag in years because packing light just makes life easier. Skipping baggage claim and not lugging an oversized suitcase around is a literal load off. Here’s my essential packing list. It’s definitely not aesthetic, but it is always everything I need. This list is for a cold weather destination, but adapting it for hot weather is easy cuz beachwear takes up less space than sweaters!
The Personal Item: Small Backpack
My small-but-not-mini backpack holds all the essentials I want on hand for the flight. Here’s what I put in there:
- A purse or fanny pack with:
- Passport
- Phone
- Boarding pass (paper or on your phone)
- Wallet with cash and cards
- Pen and tiny notebook (for jotting down brilliant travel thoughts or doodling in line)
- Charger
- Powerbank
- Adapter
- Earbuds (for inflight movies)
- Earplugs (for inflight screamers)
- Medications/supplements:
- Prescriptions
- Ibuprofen
- EpiPen
- Travelan
- A clear reusable toiletry bag with:
- Face moisturizer (day and night). I like using contact lens cases for small amounts of skincare products.
- Sunscreen
- Body lotion. Big fan of soft silicone travel bottles for using your usual products while traveling and being able to get every last drop out.
- Makeup remover cloth
- Cosmetics. For me this is an eyeliner pencil, an eyeshadow brush with brow spoolie, and a tiny pot of foundation.
- Tweezers
- Lip balm
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and for me, a nightguard
- Hand sanitizer
- Other essentials:
- Empty water bottle. I like using a collapsible bottle.
- Neck pillow that doubles as another bag. I most recently stuffed mine with my winter coat and scarf. It was the perfect pillow on an overnight flight.
The Carry-On
Everything else gets rolled up in my carry-on. I’m a big fan of the roll.
- Clothing:
- Sweater
- Raincoat
- Too many socks and panties (you always need more)
- 2 bras
- 1 pair of jeans
- Pajama shorts
- 3 tees
- 2 dresses
- A bikini
- Extras:
- Laundry bag/trash bags (for dirty clothes or muddy shoes)
- Slides/flip-flops
- Quick-dry camp towel
What I Wear on the Plane
- Most of my flights are overnight or stupid-early morning so I dress for comfort.
- Leggings
- A hoodie
- My bulkiest shoes (clogs, sneakers, or boots—whatever I plan to wear most on the trip)
Why This Works
This packing list sets you up for comfort, inclement weather, and a nice dinner out. It’s never left me wishing I’d packed more. When I go on longer trips, I STILL don’t pack any more. I just do laundry. Hope this helps y’all enjoy the freedom of traveling light!