Léelo en Español 🇲🇽 🇨🇴
Packing or rather over packing is one of the most overwhelming activities out there. No one likes packing and planning what they will be wearing for the next few days, specially if you like to have everything under control and look good.
We all want to look and feel good while traveling, the feeling that you are missing something is the worst! But how can you pack just the essentials and still look and feel your best with what you took with you?
Here is the ultimate packing list and guide that will help you and will make things easier! We came up with this system over the years and it works for us.
⇣ Save it to your Pinterest travel board so you can have it for later ⇣
Before anything, we must say that we are “minimalists” when it comes to traveling, so we don’t like to carry a bunch of heavy bags with «just in case items». We try to take just the necessary things, keeping in mind that we will take photos for our instagram and that means we want to look good or match with the place.
For this we look up color palettes from the place and try to pack things that will match the place or make us pop. Of course you don’t need to do this if you don’t really care, traveling is much more than taking photos!
But if you like photos and what to learn how to pose as a couple when traveling, then have a look at our guide on how to pose as a couple. You will get some cool tips and tricks if you feel like the camera is not your friend.
Let’s get to packing!
Toiletry bag
Not the prettiest toiletry bag, but VERY functional. The best thing you can do to know the size that you are allowed is to get a baggy from the plane. Whatever fits in it will definitely be allowed as a carry on.
It helps to always have yours ready, don’t even unpack it. That way when you are packing, you can just grab it and you know it will have everything you need.
Tip: lavender smell is very relaxing and soothing. Try to get lotion or even essential oils so you can put it, feel better and hopefully fall asleep faster.
The formula
With this formula for the ultimate packing list you will be able to pack better and get the essentials depending on how long your trip is.
Fist step: Count the number of days you will be gone, including traveling days.
- Tops
= # of days – 2 (the days you will be traveling) we usually wear the same outfit during travel days.
- Bottoms
= ½ the # of days (round down)
- Dresses
= 1 x day. The best thing to pack because it’s a whole outfit in one article. Don’t pack shirts for that day.
- Socks
Depending on the shoes and activities you will be doing.
But in general: one x day if its a short trip, ½ # days if its a long trip (you can wash them) and if you are going to wear sandals, no socks. - Shoes
Depends on the # of days and activities you will be doing. Try to match them to most of your outfits.
But in general: a pair of walking shoes will do and maybe a pair of sandals or flip flops if you are going to a warm place.
!! If you are sharing a shower always bring flip flops! You don’t want to get foot fungus or something. - Underwear
= 1 x day if its a short trip. 7 pairs if its a week or longer.
- For sleeping
Pajama or something to sleep in. Unless you are in a private room and can sleep naked.
- Swimming suit
Never travel without one!
- Something warm
Depends on the weather where you are going, so check before you travel so you are prepared (heavy coat, rain coat, sweater, etc.). Pick something that matches most of your outfits and is warm enough so you don’t have to carry a bunch of things.
– A light sweater is always welcomed specially because the A.C. can be sneaky. - One special outfit
For a night out or a photo shoot. It can be a nice shit or a dress (that way you will pack less).
- Accessories
Take things you can wear every day and that they match most if not all your outfits.
How to pick and match
Lay all your clothes and make sure you can mix and match things. Create the outfits so you know what you are missing. BUT don’t forget to have room for change in case you are not feeling an outfit after you get to your destination. It’s not necessary to pack one of each for every day.
If you pack a pair of pants, make sure they go with at least half of your tops, so you can pack less but still have multiple outfits (like the photo). Then, pack a pair of shoes that go with the possible outfits. Having one color palette helps a lot since everything goes together.
Other important things
- Make sure your accommodation has towels and locks (if you are staying at a hostel). If they don’t provide them, don’t forget to pack one of each! If possible try to find a hostel that has towels. They are bulky to pack and take up a lot of space.
- Chargers for all your electronics.
- Something for entertainment. Don’t forget your headphones!
- If it’s a long journey, maybe consider packing some food for the way.
- Check the weather in case you might need an umbrella or raincoat!
- Phone, wallet, keys and ID
Hope this ultimate packing list makes your packing less stressful and help you carry less things.
Let us know if you have any other things you consider essential that we might have forgotten.
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