Bare Necessity Travel: How to Just Pack Vacation Essentials

Travel Essentials Packing List

If you’re only leaving home for a few days, you don’t need to bring your entire wardrobe—or a suitcase big enough to hold your entire wardrobe. You may want to feel like you’re prepared for anything, but a minimalist approach to packing can make it easier to preparing for and embarking on your journey a breeze.

Consider these details before you start packing for a trip of any length:

• The number of people traveling. A solo traveler will need less than a larger group or even a couple.
• The predicted weather. Packing for winter travel is drastically different than packing for summer travel, as it typically requires packing bulkier items like coats and sweaters.
• Your trip itinerary. Do you plan to spend a long weekend on the beach or are you aiming to hit up buzzy restaurants and clubs? Packing for a work trip requires different items than packing for a backpacking and hiking trip.
• How you’re getting there. If you’re flying, you might only be able to pack a single carry-on bag without incurring extra fees, which will certainly impact how you pack. But if you’re packing up your car for a road trip, you might still be judicious about what you bring with.

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• Where you’re staying. Most hotels typically have toiletries—gratis or in a lobby notions store—and extra towels and pillows are no trouble at all. But if you’re going camping, you might need to bring all that with you. Mind your available amenities.

Vacation Essentials for One Person

While all packing lists will vary from person to person, here’s a good jumping off point for packing for solo travel.

• Weather-appropriate clothing. If weather is subject to change, think layers. Consider breathable, wrinkle-resistant fabrics in neutral colors that can be dressed up or down, if necessary.
• Underwear and socks. Bring at least one pair of each for every day of your trip.
• Appropriate footwear. Many minimalist travelers can get away with only bringing one pair of comfortable, easy-to-walk-in shoes, but your needs may necessitate another pair.
• Pajamas. But you can save more space if you’re able to stretch other pieces you back to fill this role.
• Outerwear and accessories. Packing for a cold weather excursion might require a hat, gloves, and scarf in addition to a jacket. But if you’re headed somewhere warm but are always cold on airplanes and in restaurants, pack a sweatshirt. If you always wear a belt, don’t leave it behind just for the sake a minimalism.
• Toiletries. If there are toiletries available at your destination, you might be able to get away with not packing these. If you plan to skip packing a toothbrush and toothpaste, make sure they’re readily available wherever you’re headed.
• Medications. Packing a pill box that divides your doses by day negates the need to haul whole bottles.
• Eyewear. Make sure you pack a case for your contacts and bring solution to keep them clean and lubricated. If you wear glasses, don’t forget them at home. Packing a pair of sunglasses is always a good idea.
• Smartphone. Unless you’re going on the road to get off the grid, grab your phone and a charger. Most itineraries and tickets are digital these days, and you’ll likely find your phone’s built-in GPS and camera convenient.

These items are less likely to be essentials, but might be necessary for the trip you’re planning:

• Computer. If you’re attending a conference, convention, or are otherwise traveling for work, you might need to bring your computer and a charger in order to access documents and take notes.
• Physical tickets. Analog tickets still exist in the era of digital itineraries. travel still exists. You may find it helpful to also bring a list of contacts, addresses, and useful phone numbers that would be useful on your travels, especially if you anticipate spotty Wi-Fi or cell service.
• Dressy outfits. If you’re traveling to attend a formal event, you’ll need an appropriate outfit with corresponding footwear.
• Swimwear. If you’re planning a week on a beach, make sure you pack a swimsuit.
• Passport. If your trip has you crossing an international border, make sure you don’t leave your passport at home.

How to Create a Packing List

Packing for a vacation can be stressful. There are lots of things you think you’ll need, but only a few things you actually need. One way to stay on track is by creating a list with Microsoft Lists. Another way to help you narrow down what goes in your suitcase and what gets left at home is by using a vacation packing list template.