How to not lose your mind when packing:
A no-nonsense guide for women who like to travel and look good doing it.
Planning your trip? Cue the confetti. But packing? That’s the moment you realize you own fourteen black tops, none of which match your pants, and you're definitely going to forget your toothbrush. The good news? Packing doesn’t have to feel like an Olympic sport. With a few tricks, some ruthless decision-making, and a decent cup of coffee (or wine, no judgment), you’ll be zipping that suitcase like a pro.
Step 1: The Holy Trinity — Passport, Plastic, and Peace of Mind
Before you even think about underwear, grab the non-negotiables:
- Passport – Not expired, not hidden in your winter coat pocket from last year. Make copies or snap a photo, just in case the travel gods are feeling cheeky.
- Travel Insurance – For the unexpected: twisted ankles, suspicious street food, or when your bag decides it wants to go to Frankfurt instead of Florence.
- Cash & Cards – A little local currency and a backup card for when your bank inevitably thinks you’ve been kidnapped.
Tip: Use an anti-theft crossbody bag or one of those neck pouches that make you feel like a kangaroo. Not glamorous, but neither is losing your important paperwork.
Step 2: The Bag That Won’t Betray You
Your bag is your ride-or-die. Choose wisely:
- Size & Durability – Big enough for your essentials, small enough not to be “accidentally” checked by a gate agent on a power trip.
- Compartments – Because digging for your deodorant like it’s the last Pringle in the can isn’t cute.
Tip: Bonus points for bags with built-in locks and sneaky compartments. Basically, make your luggage harder to get into than your high school diary.
Step 3: Clothes That Work Overtime (So You Don’t Have To)
Let’s talk strategy. This is not Project Runway. This is Travel You, and she’s versatile:
- Tops – 5–7 neutral shirts/blouses/tanks. They play nice together and don’t scream “I got dressed in the dark.”
- Bottoms – 2–3 pairs of pants or skirts that don’t wrinkle like your Aunt Edith’s face when you mention hostels.
- Dresses – 1–2 that you can wear to dinner or toss over a swimsuit. Bike shorts with pockets are a fantastic add-on under flowy dresses–anti-chafe and extra hidden storage.
- Layers – A light jacket or cardigan, because planes and churches often share one thing: aggressive air conditioning.
- Shoes – You get 3 max. One to walk, one to dress up, and one to sweat in. And flip flops are a must for staying in hostels.
Tip: Big scarves are your travel BFF. They warm you, dress you up, cover you on beaches or in religious sites, and hide the fact that you’ve worn the same outfit three days in a row. Magicians wear them for a reason.
Step 4: Toiletries — Keep them Tiny but Mighty
You don’t need a full salon. You need the basics and a little restraint:
- Travel sizes of the essentials: soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, deodorant. Don’t forget the toothbrush and a comb.
- Makeup & Skincare – Just enough to look alive in photos.
- Sunscreen & Bug Spray – Sunburn and bug bites are not souvenirs.
Tip: A moisturizer with SPF is the MVP. One bottle, two jobs. Like a personal assistant who also makes killer coffee.
Step 5: Stay Healthy (or at Least Avoid the ER)
Be the woman who packs Band-Aids instead of borrowing them from strangers.
- Medications – Bring ’em all. Even the “I probably won’t need this” ones. Those are always the first to be needed.
- Mini First-Aid Kit – Wipes, ointment, and your painkillers of choice.
- Comfort stuff – Neck pillow, eye mask, earplugs.
Tip: Even if you think you won’t get your period—you will. The universe loves irony, or sometimes just bladder leaks. Pack supplies.
Step 6: Tech Without the Tangle
You don’t need to pack like you’re launching a satellite.
- Phone & Charger – Obvious. But double-check anyway.
- Power Adapter – Because outlets around the world are like ex-boyfriends: confusing and not always compatible.
- Portable Charger – For those 12-hour days when your phone’s battery gives up before you do.
- E-reader or Tablet – Light. Entertaining. Doesn’t ask for snacks every five minutes like a paperback.
Step 7: Mastering Tetris
How you pack is just as important as what you pack:
- Packing Cubes – Tiny drawers in your bag. You’ll wonder how you lived without them.
- Compression Bags – For bulky stuff you refuse to leave behind.
- Carabiners – Hook your water bottle to your bag like a trail-blazing badass.
Tip: Leave space. You will shop. Pretending you won’t is like pretending “just one glass” of sangria means one glass. If you have to, pack an empty cardboard box in your bag–extra points if it is filled with snacks you will eat on during your trip–giving you extra space when you need it.
Step 8: Pack Light, Live Large
You don’t need it all. You need what works:
- Pre-plan outfits like you’re styling a sitcom character—repeats are fine, as long as they’re cute.
- Limit the shoes – Still three max. If you pack heels, we need to talk.
- Rethink the “just in case” stuff – Most places have drugstores. Unless you’re climbing Kilimanjaro, you can buy what you forgot.
Tip: Leave the heirloom jewelry at home. You’re going sightseeing, not filming The Real Housewives of Rome.
Female-Specific Travel Swag
- Crossbody Purse – Keeps your hands free for gelato or shopping bags. Preferably both.
- Foldable Tote – Unfolds like magic when you stumble into a local market.
- Safety Gadgets – Whistle, alarm, or even a keychain that doubles as a flashlight. MacGyver would be proud.
You’ve got this! Happy travels!