The Ultimate Long-trip Packing List

I spent one year living out of a carry-on suitcase, and if it taught me anything, it’s that I don’t need much else. As a lifelong hoarder — guilty of stashing rocks from every vineyard I’ve visited, business cards from restaurants I’ve loved, and boarding passes from flights — it’s been immensely liberating to learn that everything I need to go from a beachy Maldives getaway to hiking Sicily’s Mount Etna and working the grape harvest in France can all fit in a carry-on suitcase. 

Packing for an extended trip looks very different from packing for a business trip or weeklong vacation. You’ll need to consider the various destinations and climates you’ll encounter along the way, plus what essentials you won’t be able to get elsewhere (think: prescription medications or your go-to skincare products). I’ve learned to swap bulky extras, like my portable steamer or my favorite oversized sweater, for lightweight alternatives, like wrinkle-release spray and packable down jackets. 

Here, I’ve rounded up the fruits of all my packing trials and errors, along with some tips for what to bring along on your next extended trip. The products that made this list are near and dear to me, providing comfort and convenience while away from home. Beyond these pieces, remember to always include your general travel essentials, like a passport and any necessary visas or vaccination cards. 

Packing Checklist for a Long Trip

One of the easiest hacks for becoming a better packer is to make a list of everything you need and want for your trip — then to nix about half of your wants. You’ll be shocked by how little you’ll miss them when you’re chasing a new adventure every day, but you’ll be grateful to have your essentials on hand in unfamiliar places. The list also makes for a handy reference point for all future travels (it’s a good idea to asses after your trip which pieces got the most use and which never came out of your suitcase), and it helps ensure you won’t forget anything when repacking. 

Read on for everything you need to pack for an extended trip, and learn more about each recommendation below.

Clothing and Shoes

• Best Lightweight Jacket: Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket
• Best Travel Outfit: Reformation Rou Knit Dress
• Best Travel Pants: Everlane The Linen Way-High Drape Pant
• Best T-Shirt: Everlane The Box-Cut Tee in Essential Cotton
• Best Sneakers: Nike Revolution 7
• Best Sandals: Camper Dana

Gear

• Best Travel Adaptor: Tessan Universal Travel Adaptor 
• Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds: Marshall Motif II ANC
• Best Daily Sunscreen: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen 
• Best Reusable Water Bottle: Thermoflask Double Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle with Two Lids
• Best Portable Phone Charger: Anker Nano Portable Charger 
• Best Wrinkle Release Spray: Downy Wrinkle Releaser Spray
  

Luggage & Bags

• Best Carry-on Suitcase: Away The Carry-On 
• Best Personal Item: Béis The Weekender 
• Best Tote: Baggu Cloud Bag

Clothing and Shoes

When packing for a longer trip, focus on lightweight, versatile pieces. I opt for pieces that can be mixed and matched for casual and more formal occasions, focusing on neutral shades that are easy to pair with the rest of my wardrobe. Shoes should be multi-functional as well, ideally able to take you from a day of sight-seeing to a night on the town. I always opt for neutral pieces that I can layer easily — ideally in quick-drying materials. To keep footwear to the essentials, I limit myself to one pair of sneakers, sandals that take me from day to night, and flip-flops that can double as shower shoes. 

Best Travel Outfit

Reformation Rou Knit Dress

$128 at Reformation

This swishy Reformation dress has been my go-to for every long haul flight or train ride for over four years now. It’s soft and stretchy, so it feels like wearing pajamas, but the fitted waist and full skirt create a flattering silhouette that’s polished enough to wear straight from the airport to wherever I’m heading next, be it a museum or a natural wine bar. 

The jersey material is lightweight and cozy, and has thinned out only slightly over the past several years. This dress is a constant in my suitcase, and has kept me company in all sorts of climates as it’s summery on its own but layers well under a chunky sweater. 

Best Travel Pants

Everlane The Linen Way-High Drape Pant

$128 at Everlane

These pants from Everlane check all my boxes: they’re ulta high-rise, with a slimming pleat design and convenient side pockets that are deep enough to stash your phone, wallet, or passport. They’re made from breezy, lightweight linen that’s breathable enough to wear in warmer weather. I pair them with a scarf top and heeled sandals in summer, or with a sweater and sneakers in transitional months. In winter, I layer them over a pair of Uniqlo’s Heattech Leggings for added warmth. I love how easy it is to style the slouchy, floor-skimming silhouette, which can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. A word to the wise: those of us under five foot two should consider getting these hemmed, as they’re designed to run long, and the lighter shades are notably sheer. 

Best T-Shirt

Everlane The Box-Cut Tee in Essential Cotton

$30 at Everlane

When it comes to wardrobe staples, a good T-shirt is essential. While I’m always tempted by a classic white tee, I’m far too spill-prone for that — I go for shades of black and brown instead. Luckily, this boxy tee comes in 22 colors and several iterations of stripes, so you can pick whatever shades suit you best with the option to add a chest pocket to some colors. 

Pair it with jeans and sneakers, elevate it with a long silk skirt, layer it under a button-down — just don’t forget your Tide To Go pen if you do go for a lighter hue. This slightly cropped pick is a versatile basic that’s made of soft and breathable organic cotton, which is opaque enough to wear for even professional occasions. I love the simple, pared-back design, which features a classic crew neck and relaxed fit for a breezy yet pulled-together look.

Best Sneakers

Nike Revolution 7

View on Dicks Sporting Goods $70 $60 at Nike.com View on Academy.com

There are a few things I look for in superior travel sneakers: they should be comfortable enough to walk in for miles each day, cushioned enough to run in when I feel motivated, flexible for easier packing, and stylish enough to pair with a dress or nice pants for a night out. These are crafted from 20 percent recycled materials. I’ve sworn by Nike for years, as every pair I’ve owned has delivered on each of these points. The Nike Revolution 7 features a foam midsole with great support, a roomy toe bed, cushioned heels, and rubber lugs on the outsole for solid traction. They’re comfortable and supportive enough to wear all day long — I wear them on travel days (although I typically switch into a pair of hotel slippers on the plane), for long afternoons of sightseeing, and equally long nights of dancing. I love that the minimalist style, particularly in the black and white shade, is as fashionable as it is functional — I find these sporty yet sleek enough to wear with a black skirt and top for a night out. 

Best Travel Sandals

Camper Dana

$130 at Nordstrom View on Camper.com View on Lyst.com

Top-notch travel sandals shouldn’t take up much space in your suitcase and should be versatile enough to mix and match with mostly everything you’ve packed. I’m partial to these low-heeled slip-ons, as they have a slim yet sexy profile that’s perfect for everyday wear. Thanks to recycled OrthoLite footbeds and EVA outsoles with good traction, these calfskin leather sandals are cushy and comfortable enough to wear for hours of gallery hopping in Mexico City or exploring the colorful back streets of Cartagena. They’re also chic enough to elevate any outfit without feeling overdressed. The premium leather is a worthwhile investment, as my feet never feel sweaty or shrunken in by the material; the shoes also were ready to wear right out of the box. 

Gear and Accessories

Beyond clothing and shoes, there’s some great travel gear that will serve you well on longer trips, from reusable water bottles to wrinkle-release sprays. The key is to keep things lightweight. Decide what’s easier to bring versus what you can buy on arrival. In most destinations, you’ll be able to purchase, rent, or borrow whatever you may need. However, if you’re heading somewhere remote, make sure to keep essentials like a travel adapter in your carry-on.  

Other handy travel accessories like compression packing cubes and toiletry bags help me to stay organized on longer journeys. Packing a foldable, multipurpose tote bag is non-negotiable for me, as it won’t take up any space while empty, but is perfect for carrying my essentials on day trips, or for stashing souvenirs on the way home.

Best Travel Adapters

Tessan Universal Travel Adapter

$25 $23 at Amazon View on Tessan.com

I’ve tested out several universal adapters over the years, and recently have become reliant on this model from Tessan. It’s the sturdiest I’ve ever used and is compatible with plugs in over 150 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and beyond. It stays firmly in place — even when plugged into a wall socket with my clunky laptop charger dangling off of it —  offering peace of mind that my devices will keep charging even when I leave the room. To that end, it also includes built-in double 10A fuse protection. It includes three USB-C ports and two USB-A ports, plus a universal AC outlet that allows you to plug in devices from various countries. Compact and lightweight, it doesn’t weigh down my day bag and is a lifesaver when I only have access to one outlet — often the case on trains or in some hotel rooms — as it allows me to charge my phone, laptop, and headphones simultaneously.

Best Noise-canceling Earbuds

Marshall Motif II ANC

$200 $185 at Amazon View on Marshall.com $200 $195 at Best Buy

For long haul flights, crowded coffee shops, or solo runs, these noise cancelling earbuds from Marshall are my go-to. I prefer earbuds as they’re smaller and easier to travel with, and these are comfortable enough that I can fall asleep with them in. The sound quality is clear and excellent, and hasn’t faded in the two years that I’ve owned them. Best of all, they allow me to switch between active noise-canceling and transparency mode, so I can tune everything out when I need silence, or keep tabs on background noises if I’m having a conversation or walking alone at night. The charging case provides 30 hours of play, which is ideal for longer stretches when I may not have access to an outlet in order to juice up. 

Best Daily Sunscreen

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

$39 at Amazon $18 at Nordstrom $48 at Ulta

While my skin care routine can be touch-and-go while traveling, I make sure never to skip sunscreen. Applying SPF is crucial for everyday skin protection, especially when you’re changing climates and in destinations where the sun is stronger than you’re used to. Supergoop’s cult-favorite Unseen Sunscreen is velvety smooth and absorbs instantly, without leaving any sticky residue or white cast. It’s scentless, chemical-free, and boasts broad-spectrum SPF 40 to help protect your face from sun damage. I love the lightweight consistency, and it’s never caused my skin to break out. It even comes in dainty travel sizes, from 0.68 fluid ounces to 2.5 fluid ounces.  

Best Reusable Water Bottle

Thermoflask Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

$30 at Target View on Mythermoflask.com

Reusable water bottles are a no-brainer: they save resources, money, and keep your water colder for far longer than a plastic bottle. When I was working the wine harvest in France, I relied on this insulated water bottle from Thermoflask to keep my water ice cold for hours, even if I left it baking in the sun while I picked grapes. The stainless steel coating helps keep beverages cold or 24 hours or hot for 12, which is also ideal for long flights when you want to keep your drinks cold or your coffee hot. At just 1.1 pounds, the 18-ounce model is lightweight enough to stash in my bag for the day, ensuring I stay hydrated while I’m on the go. Plus, it’s leakproof, so I can feel confident that it won’t spill on any of my belongings. I find it comfortable to grip and appreciate the convenient carrying handle, as well as the option to choose between the chug cap and the straw lid based on what I’m up to.  

Best Portable Phone Charger

Anker Portable Charger with Built-in Lightning Connector, Portable Charger 5,000mAh MFi Certified 12W

$26 at Amazon $26 at Walmart View on Anker

When I don’t have access to an outlet, it’s a huge relief — and often a matter of safety — for me to be able to keep my phone charged. This tiny 12W charger weighs just 5.3 ounces and takes up hardly any room in my purse, and is able to charge my iPhone 13 up to 70 percent. While it’s not the fastest model I’ve tried, it’s one of the most compact and lightweight, which is crucial to me when I’m out and about with only a purse or tote bag and don’t want to deal with a bulky brick of a mobile charger. It also comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable in order to charge the device itself, plus a two-year warranty. 

The older version of this tiny, powerful charger features a lightning cable and is only compatible with Apple products, but the updated version has switched to a USB-C connector that can also be used with Samsung products.

Best Wrinkle-Release Spray

Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus 3 Fl Oz

$8 at Amazon $2 at Target $2 at Walmart

Living out of a suitcase means my clothes are semi-permanently wrinkled, and this spray has helped me to retain some semblance of looking pulled together. I used to pack a steamer for longer trips, but even the most lightweight and portable models that I tried out took up too much room in my suitcase, and I found I rarely reached for them. Instead, I gravitated towards this tiny, magic bottle, which reduces static and wrinkles while also acting as an odor eliminator. It’s extremely simple to use: you just spritz it on your clothes and manually smooth out any creases. It’s not foolproof, but it makes a notable difference in a matter of seconds, and the 3 ounce travel size is easy to tuck into your purse or pocket for handling wrinkles on the go. 

Luggage and Bags

I rarely check a suitcase — and if I do, it’s only because I bought something that needs to be checked on the way home, like a bottle of wine or my mom’s favorite French perfume. In that case, I still prefer to operate with a carry-on, which is easier to navigate with and keeps me from making too many impulse purchases. A more compact, lightweight suitcase is particularly convenient for when I'm in places that might not have elevator access, like older Parisian apartments, or if I’ll be taking hopper flights where checking a bag may cost me a small fortune. For those who do prefer a bit more space, don’t fret — we’ve tested and reviewed the best checked luggage on the market for every sort of trip and traveler. 

Best Carry-on Suitcase

Away The Carry-On

$275 at Away Travel

This award-winning suitcase carried me through a year of nearly non-stop travel, confidently navigating cobblestone streets in Paris, dirt roads in Sapa, and sandy stretches of the Maldives — plus, it’s held up through some rough baggage handling when it occasionally had to be gate checked at the last minute. Mine is navy, and I’ve found the darker hue is less prone to scuffing or scratching over the past few years, although the braver among us may choose to risk it all for the glossy white colorway (there are 12 shades to choose from, so it’s easy to find one to suit your style — plus, you can personalize it with your initials for $50). The size is approved for overhead bin storage on most airlines, measuring 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches and weighing 7.5 pounds. 

The suitcase’s internal compression system is its main draw, with a full mesh compartment and large zippered pocket on one side, opposite a mesh sleeve with smaller zippered pockets and compression straps to free up space and keep everything in place. I’m constantly surprised by how much I can fit in here, and appreciate the thoughtful details like a soft-grip top handle, convenient underside grab handle, and ultra-smooth 360-degree wheels. 

Best Personal Item

Béis The Weekender Travel Bag

$108 at Nordstrom View on Beis $108 at Revolve

On longer trips, my weekender from editor-loved luggage brand Béis is indispensable. It’s sturdy and spacious enough to fit three to four days worth of clothes, shoes, toiletries, tech, and more, yet is soft and flexible enough to stash under the seat in front of me if I don’t fill it all the way. Crucially, there’s plenty of organizational compartments, like an external zip pocket, a padded laptop sleeve, another internal slip pocket. The bottom compartment is an absolute game changer, coming in handy for storing chunky boots, thick pullovers, books, or laundry that I want to keep separate.  

In terms of durability, the rugged canvas material is still in prime condition and has maintained its shape after two years and dozens of flights. The thick vegan leather straps are comfortable and easy to hold for long periods of time, but I tend to use the convenient trolley sleeve that allows me to slide it over my luggage for easier portability.  

Best Tote

Baggu Cloud Bag

$56 at Amazon View on Baggu.com

Taking a cue from Mary Poppins’ endless carpet bag, this oversized Baggu tote can hold a truly shocking amount of stuff. I typically pack it inside of my Béis bag, as it takes up minimal space when empty and folded up into its own detachable interior pouch. Once I arrive at my destination, I pop my wallet, laptop, an extra layer, and a book inside and I’m ready for anything. It’s lightweight enough to carry with me throughout the day, and the plush straps don’t dig into my arms even after hours of gallivanting around museums or wandering in search of a café with wifi.

I’m a big fan of the zippered top closure, which offers much-needed extra security that my usual canvas totes don’t. There’s also a convenient external pocket, where I can store my phone or book for quick access. While I’m partial to black, the bag comes in seven stylish colors, from cornflower blue to cypress green, all of which are made of recycled heavyweight nylon that’s machine washable for no-fuss cleaning.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Sophie Dodd is a travel writer who takes several extended trips throughout the year, and is well-versed in what it takes to pack for a variety of different adventures without weighing yourself down. While based in Brooklyn, she’s currently been living out of her carry-on for seven weeks, which has taken her from a themed-birthday in Portugal to wine harvest in Austria and a work trip in Serbia. Sophie personally relies on all of the products on this list to get her through longer trips, particularly essentials like travel adaptors and her carry-on suitcase.

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