What to Pack for a Weeklong Trip

Packing List for a Weeklong Trip

Before you start packing for your trip, take a moment to think about what the trip will entail.
Consider the purpose of the trip, your destination, and the time of year. Understanding these variables will help you complete a packing list that’s perfect for your trip. Making a vacation packing list can keep you from forgetting anything important.

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General Week Trip Packing List

The specifics of your packing list may vary based on what kind of trip you’re going on. But the following items should be included:

• Luggage. You’ll need more for a week away from home than you will for a quick overnight trip, and you’ll certainly need a bag large enough to hold everything you pack. This might entail a larger bag and a carryon size bag, or a large weekender bag, or a hiking bag. The type of luggage you choose will depend on the type of trip you’re taking and what you’re packing.
• Versatile clothing. Even if your trip has a specific schedule and purpose, packing versatile clothing that can be re-worn to create multiple outfits is a great idea. Consider packing three to four pairs of bottoms and four to six shirts that are appropriate to wear in multiple situations and can be dressed up or down, as necessary. If these items can be layered and worn together, even better. While this will certainly not be the case for every person’s wardrobe, packing these types of outfits mean that not only can you pack less stuff and that what you pack will all work well together.
• Comfortable, versatile footwear. It’s to your benefit to make sure the shoes you pack are comfortable for long periods of time and appropriate for whatever you’re doing. You should bring at least one pair of socks for every day of your trip if you’re wearing close-toed shoes.
• Undergarments. Bring enough appropriate underwear for every day of your trip.
• Outerwear and personal accessories. Even if you’re traveling during the warmer months or to a more tropical area, packing a light jacket is always a good idea. That way you’re prepared in case the temperature dips once the sun sets or if you’re out to eat in a freezing cold restaurant. If you always wear a baseball hat and a watch, pack those, as well as any other personal accessories you’d like to bring for the week away. More formal occasions like weddings and work trips might necessitate accessories like jewelry.
• Travel toiletries. For a week away, you might want to bring your own toiletries rather than rely on what’s available at a hotel. Pack deodorant, a toothbrush and toothpaste, floss, and any other things you prefer. You might want to bring your own shampoo and conditioner, as well as face and body washes, especially if you have sensitive skin. If you regularly use styling products or wear makeup, you might want to bring those as well, especially if this trip is based around a wedding or a work event. Remember that if you’re flying to your destination, that your packed toiletries must abide by TSA regulations.
• Prescriptions and daily medications. Don’t leave your insulin or blood pressure medication at home. If you have prescription drugs that you need every day, bring them with you. A pill case might make it easier to manage your doses, rather than toting each drug’s individual package along with you.
• Glasses and contacts. This includes reading glasses, contact lenses with their case and solution, and sunglasses.
• Phone. Don’t forget your charger either!

Packing for a Weeklong Work Trip

If you’re traveling to attend a conference or to visit a client, what you pack might differ from someone who is simply going on vacation.

• Business-casual attire. Consider your audience on this trip and pack clothes that will work at client dinners, on a convention floor, and in meetings. This may mean business casual separates, a suit, or simply some outfits that are a little nicer than you typically wear. If some aspects of this attire can be multipurposed and worn more than once during your trip, you should definitely include it.
• Computer. You may need to bring your work computer, case, and charger.
• Professional personal bag. Toting a computer around can be unpleasant on your back and shoulders. You may want to bring an additional bag to carry your device and any other personal effects you’ll need during the work portions of your trip.
• Shoes. While your running shoes are ideal for exploring a new location, they don’t tend to pair well with a freshly pressed suit. You may need to pack additional pair of work-friendly shoes that pair with your business casual attire.
• Personal styling tools and accessories. You may need to make a good first impression on this trip, which may mean that you’ll need to spend a little more time on your appearance. Pack anything you might use for styling your hair or makeup you wear. Personal accessories like a watch or jewelry should be packed as well.
• Headphones. You may need to be on a work call for a portion of your trip. Earbuds or headphones can make it a more comfortable experience for you and those around you.

Packing List for an Outdoorsy Trip

Camping trips can be a great mental and emotional reset, but they do require a lot of gear and planning. What you need on your specific camping trip may depend on whether you’re staying in a tent, camper, or cabin, and how much you’ll be roughing it. This list is intended to identify some basics.

• Hiking boots and extra socks. Protect your feet and ankles with correct footwear and breathable socks. You definitely won’t want wet feet, so pack more socks than you think you need.
• Daypack. A smaller, packable bag can be a great thing to bring with on a camping trip, especially if you’re going on a hike and leaving your campsite for a while. This can hold your water bottle, a hat, and any other essentials you might need.
• Water bottle. Being outdoors can make you thirsty. A reusable water bottle is a necessity for campers. Some campers prefer to pack straws that filter running water as well.
• Outdoor-friendly attire and toiletries. An outdoor store will be able to give you tips for this type of clothing. It should be breathable, block UV rays, resist wrinkles, and should dry quickly when wet. The amount of clothing you choose to pack may depend on where you’re staying. Shampoo bars might be preferable to bottles because they’re easier to pack. Avoid single-use items when possible.
• Sunscreen and bug spray. Protect your skin from the sun and keep the bugs at bay with these outdoor necessities.
• Hat. Keep your face shaded and your head protected with a packable hat.
• Camping gear. Consider your needs during your trip. If you’re staying in a camper or a cabin, you may not need to bring cooking utensils, pots and pans, or plates and silverware. If you’re sleeping in a tent, you’ll need a tent that accommodates you and keeps you warm and dry, as well as a sleeping bag. You’ll also need a cooler and bottled water and will need to consider how you plan to shower and use the restroom. If you’re camping with a group of friends, a shared document in Microsoft OneNote can help organize who is bringing what supplies and make sure that nothing is forgotten.
• Prescriptions and medications for pain and allergies. Outdoor trips can involve stumbles, bumps, and bruises as well as a lot of pollen in the air. Bring your daily medications but also be prepared with bandages, disinfectant, pain medication, and antihistamines.

What to pack for a weeklong trip can depend on where you’re headed and what you plan to do while you’re there. Make the most of your trip by being prepared and making a list before you start packing.