If you like to save valuable vacation time from waiting at a baggage carousel and not have to spend extra on checking in your luggage (twice), you can easily pack for a week’s vacation to fit in a carry-on luggage. I’ve shared with you How To Pack For A Week’s Vacation To Fit In A Carry-On, now you need to know what to pack!
Clothing To Pack For A Week’s Vacation To Fit In A Carry-On
If you are traveling to a tropical destination, it’ll be easier to pack as your clothing won’t be as big/thick and won’t take up a lot of space. If you are traveling to a colder destination, being warm is vital to being able to enjoy your time exploring. So, I’ll give you 2 scenarios to choose from depending on the type of weather. Also, remember to check the weather forecast so you can be ready for any situation. You don’t want to be too hot or too cold and wet on your trip. Traveling in comfort is key!
Hot Weather
- 1 hoodie or outerwear – for traveling on the plane as it gets a little cold and in case it gets much colder than expected on my trip.
- 1 cardigan – for when it gets chilly at night or during the day when it gets windy or rainy. It’s useful as a quick coverup when needed but won’t overheat you.
- 2 pairs of leggings – 1 for traveling on the plane and 1 for just in case it gets cold at night. They’re also small and easy to fold so it won’t take up much space. You can also pack jeans in replace of leggings if that’s your preference.
- 1 pair of sleeping pants, joggers, or shorts – to make sure you’re comfortable when sleeping at night or taking a midday nap
- 6 pairs of shorts – I prefer shorts over skirts but you can definitely interchange this with skirts or have a mix of both.
- 5 tank tops – 1 to go with my airport outfit, 1 for sleep, and 3 throughout the week.
- 4 crop tops – this is so that I have enough tops to wear throughout the week as well as if I need to change twice a day.
- 3 dresses – I either wear this during the day to make it easier to change at the beach or during dinner time when I want to dress up a bit. The type of dresses could include: bodycon, sundress, maxi dress, more formal dress.
- 4 bathing suits – I usually bring bikinis so I can get a good tan, or if I know there won’t be intense sun, I’ll bring 1 or 2 one-piece suits in addition.
- 8 underwear and 2 bras – we always pack extra underwear just in case right? I also bring 1 stick-on bra so that my bra straps won’t show when I wear certain tops or dresses and 1 bra from either La Senza or Victoria Secret.
- If you like to work out on your trip or know you’ll be going on active adventure, bring 1-2 workout bras, tops and leggings or shorts to go with it.
- 2 pairs of flip flops, 1 pair of sneakers, and 1 pair of heels – I’ve worn Havaiana’s for years but the ones I wear the most often are the Havaiana flip flop sandals which comes in many different colors and patterns. I also have a pair that’s more like a slingback with Swarovski crystals on them when I want to be a little more dressy. I found these in Nordstrom Rack so I can’t find the exact pair but you can find lots of different styles as they have new shipments all the time. For sneakers, I bring a pair of my Vessi’s (I have them in the Everyday and Cityscape styles). I don’t need to wear socks with them, they’re comfortable, and best of all – they are waterproof! Depending on the occasion or style you’re going for, bring a pair of your favorite heels for those nice dinners at night – or dancing.
- 1 hat – if you’re a hat person or you don’t want too much sun in your face, wear this on the plane so you don’t have to pack it up in your luggage and ruin the shape. Just make sure it matches your outfit!
Cold Weather
- 1 jacket/outwear – to make sure you’re warm when exploring a new destination. You don’t want to have to keep going indoors or cancel the day altogether because it’s too cold out!
- 2 hoodies
- 5 long sleeves – including cardigans, blouses, button downs, crew necks, etc.
- 1 blazer – great for when you want to dress up a little bit
- 3 tanktops – 1 to wear under your tops, 1 for sleeping, 1 that’s a little more dressy to wear under a blazer or a cardigan
- 7 pairs of pants – including leggings, jeans, or pants of your preference
- 2 dresses – should you ever go out for a fancier night out
- 8 pairs of socks – in cold weather, you’re probably going to need to wear socks every day. And should they ever get wet, at least you have extra for backup.
- 1 bathing suit – in case you want to use your accommodation’s amenities
- 8 underwear and 2 bras – like above
- 1-2 workout bras, tops and leggings or shorts – like above
- 1 pair of flips flops, 1 pair of sneakers, 1 pair of boots (winter or other), 1 pair of heels – the flip flops or sandals will come in handy when walking around your hotel or going to the pool. Sneakers is great for when it’s not wet or cold out. Boots are perfect for keeping warm throughout the day as well as prevent you from slipping. And the heels are needed for a night out!
Is It Too Much Clothing For A Carry-On?
I’ve probably listed an item or two more articles of clothing than what you may possibly need, but I like to have options and I like to make sure I have enough. I also rarely wear things twice when I’m on vacation so I want to make sure I have the right amount of clothing throughout the trip, especially if I change twice in a day. Feel free to adjust as needed but this will give you a good idea of what to pack depending on your destination’s weather.
Other Things To Pack Into Your Carry-On
- Makeup and toiletry bag – read What’s In My Travel Makeup Bag and What’s In My Toiletry Bag
- A purse or backpack – or both. Backpacks are great when you have more to carry (especially if you have camera equipment) and you can even put your purse inside the backpack or use it on its own when you want to be dressier.
- If you’re more adventurous like me, don’t forget to pack your mask and snorkel or even travel fins if they fit! Or other equipment you may probably need for other types of excursions you usually embark on.
- Electronics – cellphone, tablet, camera, chargers, headphones, portable battery
- Medicine and mini first-aid kit
- Sunglasses – I usually bring 2 pairs so I have choice
- Mini pack of tissues, sanitizer, and wet wipes
- A large plastic bag – I like to put dirty laundry into these bags so that I can separate them from clean clothes.
Fitting Everything Into A Carry-On
Don’t worry – everything will fit! I’ve packed much more than this for a month’s stay abroad in 2 pieces of carry-on luggage and I’ve never had an issue. And knowing me, I do tend to overpack so I can be ready for anything. That is to say, do your best not to overpack. This will be easier for you when you take public transportation, go to the airport, get through security and to your gate. Or even take your luggage through a city before you settle into your accommodations. Another reason is because if you like to buy souvenirs, you want to make sure you have enough space to bring it back.
Don’t forget to read The Ultimate Guide To Planning Your Trip Abroad and 10 Important Things To Do Before You Board The Plane to make sure you’re 100% prepared.