What To Pack

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Need a great travel raincoat? You'll find my favorite one in the “Clothes & Shoes” section. Need a quality hiking backpack, you'll see the one I use & love below. Looking for the best travel pillow? I've got my two favorites listed under “Miscellaneous.”

⭐Every item you see on this list is an item that I and/or my family personally own & use when traveling (unless it is no longer available, which you will see noted).

Bookmark this page so you can return to it over & over again (I'm constantly updating it)!

What makes me the expert?

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WHAT TO PACK…EVERYTHING IN

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But first, you may need a suitcase, backpack, bag, or set of packing cubes. Here are the ones my family & I have & use.

Large Weekender Bag

This bag is perfect for a weekend trip. I love the shoe compartment on the bottom. I can throw my dirty hiking boots in there without getting everything else dirty.

The description says “Canvas.” However, this design is not canvas (which I like because it stays looking clean and much better).

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Hardside Expandable 28-Inch Luggage

Probably not on your “what to pack for a weekend trip” list, but if you are taking a longer trip, you need a good-sized suitcase!

I love a colorful hard-sided suitcase for checking when flying. Although my exact pattern is no longer available, this one is a fun option!

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Samsonite Expandable 28-Inch Luggage

This is another great option if you aren't as color-crazy as I am. This is the exact suitcase my husband carries.

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Rockland Safari 20-Inch Carry-On Luggage

This is an excellent carry-on or weekend bag for kids. My son has had this exact one for years & it's lightweight & durable.

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Lightweight Small Hiking Bag

I love this backpack! It's a great all-around backpack. I used it for years when hiking shorter trails (no support or water reservoir, so I don't recommend it for long hikes). I still use it for road trips & as my personal item when flying – I can stuff a bunch of stuff in there!

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CamelBak Hydration Backpack

This is the hiking backpack my teen uses (though they do not offer the pattern he has anymore). It is perfect for him because it's a smaller pack, extremely lightweight, and has a water reservoir.

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Vacuum Storage Bags

These are especially handy when packing to go to a cold-weather destination. Coats, thick socks, ski pants, and the like, can take up a lot of space.

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Osprey Tempest Women's Hiking Backpack

This is the hiking backpack that I use & recommend. I love how it fits. I can wear it for hours & hours and it never tugs on my shoulders. I like the size too. The Osprey Daylite is another popular day hiking pack, but I prefer this one because it is slightly bigger & I can easily fit my water, snacks, and a few layers of clothing in it.

Guys: check out the Men's equivalent: Osprey Talon 22

>> Don’t forget to grab your water reservoir for this backpack (not included) 👉 Osprey Hydraulics Backpack Water Reservoir

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Oversized Beach Tote Bag

Just a good all-around beach bag. I like that it is mesh so you can just shake the sand out.

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Packing Cubes

I used to think packing cubes were silly…until I tried them. Now, I am completely addicted! I like having the multi-colored set so I can pack different types of clothes in each one. But you can also get a different color set for each family member.

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Sak Women's Silverlake 3-in-1 Crossbody

I'm a big fan of Sak bags in general & this is the perfect little purse for traveling! It's small, but just big enough to fit my glasses, phone, and a couple of other small items. I especially love a crossbody purse when traveling because it's just safer & doesn't get in your way.

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Travel Toiletry Bag for Women

This is the toiletry bag that I use. It is super roomy & has several different pockets & compartments. I can fit so much stuff in there! And, I love that it opens wide & has a hook so you can hang it. I've had mine for years – super-durable! They also make a smaller version, which is perfect for tweens & teens.

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Leather Toiletry Bag

My husband has had this one for years & it has been great. Just the amount of space he needs.

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CLOTHES & SHOES TO PACK

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Travel Rain Jacket

This is the perfect lightweight travel rain jacket! It is so light that you can wear it even in hot temperatures & when hiking. It's great for light rain or occasional showers. Just be aware that it will not keep you warm. Also, it's not enough if you are planning to spend hours & hours out in a downpour.

I highly recommend you get this exact one…I ordered a couple of different ones that looked very similar from different suppliers & they did not all have the same weatherproofing.

Ladies: This is a men's fit, but the small was a perfect fit for me (I am 5'5″ and weigh 130 lbs).

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Merino Wool Base Layer Shirt

Read anything about cold weather layers, and you'll probably see something about Merino wool. These shirts make a great base layer if you will be spending some time outdoors in the cold.

Check out the women's sizes here.

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Merino Wool Base Layer Pants

Check out women's sizes here.

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Women's Fleece Leggings

I wear leggings all the time. These are my hands-down favorites in cooler temperatures! They are water resistant too, so they are perfect for exploring in rainy conditions (they even kept me dry in Ireland!). Unlike others I have tried, these fit well, stay in place, and move with your body.

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Travel-Themed Shirts

I never go anywhere without one (or a few) of my travel-themed shirts or hoodies. You can see our entire collection by visiting the Shop.

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Camisole

Cute with a built-in bra…need I say more?

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Women's Merino Wool Hiking Socks

Not a fancy brand, but great socks for hiking in colder temperatures. They are super soft too!

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Women's Aphrodite 2.0 Pant

🏆These pants just might be my favorite item on this entire page! I love them so much I have them in 3 colors! Personally, I prefer hiking in pants because they keep my legs from getting scratched up & help protect me from pesky insects.

I cannot say enough good things about them. They are lightweight, stretchy & as comfortable as pajama pants! They dry really quickly too. I love that they are thin enough to wear even in the hottest weather. Cold outside? Pair them with the fleece leggings above.

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Men's Hiking Pants

These pants are lightweight, soft, stretchy & look great. My teen loves these too!

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Salomon Women's Hiking Boots

The BEST hiking boots! I've done a lot of hiking & I've had the same paid for 6 years – talk about durability! They have excellent grip and support, so they are great for uneven trails or scrambling over rocks. They are also waterproof!

Be aware that they are heavy to pack & if you get them all wet (like going through a water crossing), they take a long time to dry out.

Check out the men's sizes here.

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Hiking Boots for Kids

These boots have great grip and are reasonably priced (multiple color options).

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Brooks Women's Running Shoe

An all-around great shoe for exploring. Lightweight & comfortable.

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Skechers Women's Sneaker

I love these shoes, especially for travel days. They are easy to slip on and off & are as comfortable as house shoes!

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Adidas Women's Sneaker

I love the look of these. They have memory foam & the leather is easy to clean.

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Corkys Women's Casual Sandals

If I need something a little cuter than a hiking boot or tennis shoe, this is my top choice! They are cute and so comfy!

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Water Shoes

Water shoes are a must for many beaches & lakes. They will keep your feet & toes protected from sharp rocks, broken glass, sea urchins, etc.

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TOILETRIES TO PACK

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Gillette On The Go Women's Razor

Ok, first of all…have you ever seen a cuter razor? It does the job & is the perfect size.

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Proactive Acne Spot Treatment

This stuff works great & is the perfect travel size.

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Exfoliating Face Pads

Sometimes, my skin doesn't like different conditions on a vacation. I like these little pads for a good scrubbing.

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Alcohol-Free Hand Wipes

These are great for spills on a road trip or for wiping down everything on the plane.

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Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray

Just use it…your fellow passengers will appreciate it.

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Q-tips Cotton Swabs

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Conair Travel Hair Dryer

First, check to see if the place you will be staying has a hair dryer. If not, this one is decent & folds up nicely.

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Wet Brush Mini Detangling Brush

As good as the bigger version, only smaller.

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Small Travel Containers

I like that this wet comes with some hard plastic ones and some silicone ones. I love the leak barrier.

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Leakproof Silicone Travel Bottles

The exact ones I use are no longer available, but these are very similar. I love that they are silicone, have a flat top & bottom, and have a firm, wide mouth for easy filling.

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Chafing Stick

Perfect to prevent chafing while hiking or at the beach!

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Dry Shampoo

Recommended to me by my hairstylist. It is awesome & doesn’t leave white a powdery film.

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MEDICINE TO PACK

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NOW Foods Lavender Oil

I don't leave home without my Lavender oil! It is so good for burns, bug bites/stings, poison ivy, and sunburns. It takes the sting right out!

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MidNite Sleep Aid Chewable Tablets

Sometimes I have a hard time sleeping, especially the first night away from home. These are all-natural and do not make you feel groggy. They just take the edge off and help you relax.

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Nature's Way Ginger Root – Traditional Digestive Support

Ginger is excellent for helping with motion sickness and is a great natural treatment for upset stomachs in general.

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Dramamine Motion Sickness Capsules

I have tried everything for motion sickness. This is the best thing I've found. It does not knock me out as badly as the regular Dramamine.

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Electrolyte Powder Packets

These are a family favorite & have MUCH less sugar and other junk than alternatives.

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Pain Relief Cream

This stuff is amazing for sore muscles at the end of an active day and comes in these small packets that are perfect for traveling!

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TECH ITEMS TO PACK

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Anker Portable Power Bank

We have a couple of these. Each one will fully charge my phone 2-3 times.

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Soundcore Noise Cancelling Headphones

These can come in especially handy when trying to sleep on a long flight.

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EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

This adapter will have you covered for most countries you want to visit.

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EWA Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Just a great little speaker.

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4-Multi Port USB Charger

Because many hotels have very few outlets & if there are several of you with devices to charge, it can be a bit tricky.

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MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS TO PACK

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Sun Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray

Whether you are choosing what to pack for a tropical vacation or a ski vacation, sunscreen is a must for every trip. This one smells nice & is reef safe!

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Sun Bum Sunscreen Face Stick

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Elta MD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen

This stuff is awesome! I wear it all the time. It is extremely light but covers well. Just be aware that it is not waterproof.

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OFF! Insect Repellant Aerosol

If you are headed out into the great outdoors, you'll need to protect yourself from disease-carrying insects. This is my top pick.

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Under Armour Women's Gloves

These are warm in colder temperatures without being bulky.

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Quick Dry Travel Towel

These towels are awesome to throw in your hiking backpack, beach bag, camper, etc. They fold up nice & small, dry you off really well, & dry fast. We have several & love them.

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Fleece Ear Warmers

I have several of these. I HATE my ears getting cold!

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Sunday Afternoons Aero Visor

I bought a souvenir visor like this one at Yosemite years ago. It quickly became a favorite. I love how it folds up & holds my sunglasses. It also gets really clean when run through the dishwasher (a little trick my grandmother taught me).

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BULUNOW Collapsible Water Bottle

I wasn't sure I would like this bottle because I just wasn't sure it would actually have a flat bottom once unrolled & filled up. But I was totally wrong. It's a perfect lightweight travel water bottle.

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Travel Hangman (with magnetic letters)

This was a favorite of ours when my son was little.

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Brain Quest for the Car

This was a favorite of ours when my son was little.

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First Aid Kit

The perfect size to throw in your hiking backpack.

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Blister Cushions

These are excellent!!!

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Aloe Gel

This is the only one we use. We even ordered some from Amazon while on vacation once : )

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Neck Gaiter

Another cold-weather must-have for me!

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Snorkel Mask

These are the masks we have. They work great!

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TRAVEL COMFORT & ENTERTAINMENT

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Sleep Mask

I know…these look completely ridiculous, BUT they fit nicely, help you sleep & don't squish your eyelashes. 😉

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Airplane Footrest

This little gem was recommended to me by a flight attendant. It's really nice to have on a long flight for shorter people like me!

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Travel Blanket

I like to be cozy when I fly & I like having my own blanket. I also use this one as a pillow behind my lower back sometimes.

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Travel Neck Pillow

A good travel pillow is at the top of my ‘what to bring on a long flight' list! This is not your standard pillow. Made of memory foam, it is so comfortable & packs nicely into a small case.

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Travel Pillow for Neck Support

Another flight attendant recommendation. This is more of a prop for your head/chip than a pillow, but it works great to keep you from doing the head bob as you fall asleep.

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Now, you should have everything you need for any trip you choose to tackle!

Next, head to my Travel Resources page to see my favorite websites & apps for booking & planning!

Until next time…

About The Author

My mission is to inspire and empower families to prioritize travel now, creating unforgettable memories and deeper connections with their loved ones.

I provide guidance and practical solutions to help busy parents integrate travel into their lives, fostering joy, fulfillment, and stress-free adventures. Don’t wait until it’s too late; the time to travel is now.
Learn more about me & My Travel Obsession here.