One-Week Trip Packing List (5-7 Days)
A one-week trip requires more thorough preparation, but don’t overpack. Remember: lighter luggage = easier travel.
Must-Have Items
Documents & Important Items
- ID card
- Passport (international travel)
- Visa (if required)
- Credit cards x 2 (primary + backup)
- Cash (local currency + USD backup)
- Travel insurance
- Hotel / Flight confirmations
- Emergency contact info
Clothing
- Tops x 5-7
- Bottoms x 3-4
- Underwear x 7 sets
- Socks x 7 pairs
- Jackets x 1-2
- Sleepwear x 2 sets
- Swimwear (if needed)
- Formal attire (for special occasions)
Footwear
- Sneakers / Walking shoes x 1 pair
- Casual shoes / Sandals x 1 pair
- Slippers x 1 pair
Toiletries
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Shampoo / Conditioner
- Body wash
- Face wash
- Skincare (toner, moisturizer, cream)
- Sunscreen
- Makeup (as needed)
- Makeup remover
- Razor / Hair removal
- Comb / Hair ties
- Cotton swabs / Cotton pads
Health & Medicine
- Common medications (cold, stomach, allergy, pain)
- Personal prescriptions
- Band-aids
- Insect repellent
- Motion sickness medicine
- Vitamins
Electronics
- Phone + Charger
- Power bank
- Universal adapter
- Earphones
- Camera + Charger + Memory cards
Optional Items
Comfort Items
- Neck pillow
- Eye mask
- Earplugs
- Travel mug
- Small blanket (long flights)
Entertainment
- iPad / Kindle
- Books / Magazines
- Playing cards
Practical Items
- Umbrella
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Reusable shopping bag
- Ziplock bags (for dirty clothes)
- Small lock (for luggage)
Work-related (if needed)
- Laptop
- Notebook / Pen
- Portable WiFi / SIM card
Packing Tips
1. The 3-3-3 Rule
- 3 tops
- 3 bottoms
- 3 pairs of shoes Creates multiple unique outfit combinations.
2. Stick to a Color Palette
Same color family clothes mix and match easily - pack fewer items.
3. Use Travel Containers
Transfer toiletries to small bottles - don’t bring full-size products.
4. Leave Room for Shopping
Don’t fill your suitcase completely - leave 20% for souvenirs.
5. Heavy Items at Bottom
Place shoes and toiletry bags at the bottom (wheel side), clothes on top.
Luggage Distribution
Checked Luggage (20-24” suitcase)
- Most clothing
- Shoes
- Toiletries (over 100ml)
- Non-essential items
Carry-On Backpack
- Documents, wallet
- Electronics
- Valuables
- Change of underwear (in case luggage is lost)
- One backup outfit
- Toiletries (under 100ml)
Important Reminders
Checked Liquids
- Liquids over 100ml must be checked
- Wrap fragile bottles in clothes for protection
Valuables
- Keep camera, laptop, jewelry in carry-on
- Never put in checked luggage
Pre-Trip Checklist
- Passport valid for >6 months
- Visa requirements checked
- Credit card enabled for international use
- Phone enabled for international roaming
Ingrid’s Tips
For a one-week trip, I recommend a 24” suitcase + backpack combo. The suitcase holds main items, the backpack goes out daily. Keep a foldable shopping bag in your suitcase for extra capacity on the way home.
Weight Guide: Keep checked luggage under 33 lbs (15kg), backpack under 11 lbs (5kg) to avoid fatigue.
Last updated: March 2026