What to pack and what not to for traveling? This question is always a struggle for all travelers, as some overpack and others forget important things. But traveling becomes enjoyable if you have a good travel packing list. Following the list will free you from unnecessary stress by saving space and organizing things neatly in your luggage.
This guide is for frequent travelers. We will discuss how to pack smart, what to bring, and how to save room using vacuum storage bags, especially VacBird. VacBird offers different-sized vacuum travel bags with e-pumps, which offer a safe, lightweight, and compact packing solution.
Why Travelers Need a Travel Packing List Matters
Creating a travel packing list before your trip helps in three major ways:
- No overpacking. You only bring what you truly need.
- Get a better organization. You know where everything is.
- No stress at the last minute. You’re not running around forgetting things.
What do you need for a 7-day vacation? 5 pairs of jeans or 10 shirts? These items are in your luggage when you have no proper travel packing list. Having a list helps you to stay focused and avoid carrying extra weight.
Choose the Right Bag First
Your packing success depends on the type of luggage you use. The main choices are:
- Carry-on bags are ideal for short trips or flights where you want to skip baggage claims.
- Checked suitcases are a better option for longer trips, where you need to carry more.
- Packing in a travel backpack is good for backpacking or road trips. This one also helps in places where wheels won’t work.
Light and durable bags are the best companions of travelers. Remember, to get a bag with compartments so you can carry necessary things without any mess.
Basic Travel Packing List
We shared a travel packing list, which includes all basic items the travelers need on their trips.
Clothing
- 3 tops, which are a mix of casual and one dressier shirt
- 2 bottoms, like jeans and pants
- 1 jacket or sweater
- 1 set of sleepwear
- 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes
- 3–4 pairs of socks
- 1 swimsuit, if needed
- 1 set of workout clothes, but it’s optional
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Travel-size bottles of shampoo and soap
- Hairbrush or comb
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Razor and shaving cream
- Deodorant
- Travel towel
Tech and Accessories
- Phone and charger
- Power bank
- Universal travel adapter
- Headphones
- Copies of the passport and ID
- Important documents
- Credit/debit card and some cash
Pack Smart with These Tips
Packing isn’t just about what you bring. It’s also about how you bring it.
Roll Your Clothes
Rolling clothes is a better option than folding them; it not only saves space for extra stuff but also doesn’t let wrinkles ruin your clothes. Try to roll similar fabrics together (e.g., all t-shirts in one roll).
Use Packing Cubes
They also help travelers by allowing them to pack things separately according to their types. They keep your bag neat, and there is no need to unpack everything to find one item.
Wear the Bulkiest Clothes
Traveling in winter or to some cold place? Wear your boots and winter clothes instead of packing them. They are heavy things and take up a lot of space in your luggage. So, best practice is to wear what you have the bulkiest thing in your luggage.
Save Big Space with VacBird Vacuum Storage Bags
Most people waste space in their luggage. If you’re packing sweaters, jackets, or bulky clothes, they fill up your suitcase quickly. That’s where VacBird vacuum storage bags help.
Why Choose VacBird?
- These bags compress your clothes by removing air, cutting down to nearly half the size.
- Cordless & rechargeable: No need to carry a big vacuum. VacBird offers portable E-pumps that are easy to use and charge. They offer both powered and cordless chargeable pumps.
- They are lightweight and keep your belongings organized without adding extra weight to your bag.
- They keep your clothes clean as the plastic doesn’t let dirt and moisture enter the bags and cause damage and bad smells.
How to Use Them
- Place your clothes neatly inside the bag.
- Seal it with the zip provided.
- Use the VacBird vacuum pump to remove air. The bag will flatten instantly.
- Pack it in your suitcase like a flat block.
They are especially beneficial for those who want their dirty and clean clothes to be separate during their trip.
When You Can’t Use Vacuum Bags
You love vacuum bags because of the ease and safety they bring you. But one important thing is to understand that they’re not for everything.
Best Items to Store:
- Jackets and coats
- Sweaters and hoodies
- Towels
- Blankets or travel pillows
Not Ideal For:
- Delicate clothes like silk or linen
- Items that wrinkle easily and need shape
They are lightweight, so the overall weight of your luggage remains the same, meaning within the baggage limit.
Extra Packing Tips
- Weigh your bag at home before taking a cab to the airport.
- Use small bottles of 100 ml for liquids.
- Keep a copy of your packing list for the return trip. It’ll help you not leave anything behind.
- Bring a foldable shopping bag for souvenirs or snacks.
- Put an extra plastic bag for dirty or wet clothes.
What to Leave at Home
Avoid carrying these unless truly needed:
- Full-size bottles of shampoo or lotion
- More than two pairs of shoes
- Multiple jackets or dressy outfits
- Excess jewelry or accessories
- Bulky books, instead, use eBooks or audiobooks
Conclusion
Traveling is a great escape from a tiring life, and if you have everything necessary with you, you can enjoy it even more. A travel packing list is helpful for every traveler, so they can pack in just minutes and keep all their things with them. Smart packing is further beneficial as you pack your stuff neatly and with no extra weight.
Travel smart. Pack light. And let your trip be about memories, not mess.
