Pack With Our Basic Packing List...
Where To Start So You Can Travel Light

COVID slowed us down for a couple of years, and now a few health issues challenge us.  We're still traveling if not writing about it quite so much. Our goal in 2022 was get to all seven continents in one year... and we did it.

Going forward health issues may not allow us to travel.  No one can take away those memories though.  We hope all of you are well and staying safe... and that you find some inspiration here for YOUR future travels. 

Our basic packing list helps you fill those empty suitcases

We're giving you our basic packing list to help you with packing light...

...so you can take only carry-on luggage like we do.

When you're staring at those empty suitcases, a basic packing list will help get you started packing. 

People always say, "Oh, you must just leave your suitcases packed."



No, not really. 

We leave our plastic bags packed and the travel purse,

....but believe me...

...we use our list all the time!

It's exciting to plan your trip, but packing and getting all of your documents together is a bit more of a chore.


Where to start?  With Our Lists Below!

Lay things out, consult our list, and think... do you really want to carry all of that around?

Remember to color coordinate your travel wardrobe, pack for layering, and make sure everything is comfortable.

You'll want to tweak the list if you're traveling in cold weather, you'll be playing in tropical weather, or if you might run into mixed weather.  We've got lists for all of those.  It's easy to adapt a basic packing list for any special circumstances. 

Let's face it your trip is special... any trip is special!  But you can pack light for special trips.

We've also got tips and lists for you if you're wondering what you can fit in that plastic bag.  You know... the one that security is requiring for carry-ons.  One quart or one liter plastic bag.

Check out more of our packing tips...

We have them listed on the right so you can navigate to them.  (Look clear down to the bottom right of the page.)

Be sure you have a sturdy bag and one that is the right size for carry-on.  (Not all bags that claim to be carry-on size really are carry-on size... be careful.)

Here's where we start:

Basic Packing List for Judy:

  • 2 long sleeve blouses
  • 2-3 short sleeve blouses
        (ratio for long/short changes with the climate)
  • 2 pairs of slacks (or jeans if it's casual)
  • 1 skirt or culottes (or an extra pair of slacks or shorts)
  • light pull over sweater
  • sweater or blazer to wear on plane
  • two pairs of shoes
  • underwear for 5 - 6 days
        (I wash 'em as we go)
  • nightgown
  • maybe a light long john top to layer for cold (skip this if it will be warm)
  • socks/nylons or trowser socks/peds
  • swim suit

Basic Packing List for Mark:

  • 2 pairs of slacks
  • 4-5 short sleeve shirts
  (Mark is almost never cold.  And he loves these travel shirts with zippered pockets for security.)
  • 6 pairs socks and undies (his take longer to dry)
  • swim suit that doubles as sleep wear
  • shorts if going to the tropics
  • two pairs of shoes
  • pull over sweater

Basic Packing List Amenities and Necessities:

  • a money belt - which you wear at all times
  • curling iron (dual voltage so we don't need a voltage converter)
  • razor (dual voltage)
  • camera and plenty of memory sticks and charger (or film)
  • laptop computer, iPad or phone (if it will work where you're going)
  • adaptors for those funny foreign plugs
  • deodorant (solid not gel, liquid or cream)
  • aspirin, antacids, cold tablets
  • Pepto-Bismol tablets (I used to take the liquid)
  • a washcloth if you can't live without one (you don't get one everywhere in the world!)
  • travel alarm clock
  • binoculars
  • umbrella
  • sunglasses
  • toothbrush and dental floss and small tubes of toothpaste... 
.....remember today's security rules...see below for how we pack
    plastic bags (in case your laundry or bathing suits don't dry)
  • day pack -- useful day to day ...and if you need more room going home... you can use this
  • Inflatable contour travel pillow... good on the plane
... and to fluff up pillows that are too small in the hotels.

And you can pack these if you follow the rules...

  • prescribed medications
  • a small tube (or two) of toothpaste
  • shampoo and rinse (pack in plastic bags to prevent spills)
  • small containers of cosmetics, cleansers and moisturizers
  • sunscreen
  • insect Repellent

You can take your medications and small amounts of liquids, creams and gels in your carry-on luggage, but remember the security rules....

Security Alert Packing Guide
Cosmetics Packing Guide

Guide to Packing Medications.  Remember that plastic bag!

If you want to take larger amounts, many of your amenities may not be taken on the plane as carry-ons depending on security alerts at the time of your flight.  Those larger bottles must go in checked luggage.

If you are traveling with a friend or spouse as Mark and I do, try to take one suitcase on board and check the other. Always check ahead to see what is allowed onboard your carrier especially if you're traveling at a time of high security alerts.

Don't let security alerts stop you. Get together the clothes on your basic packing list, grab your passport and get on the road.

We think our basic packing list is pretty good, we hope you like the rest of our tips and stories too.

Have you read something on our site, but you can't remember where you read it? Go ahead and search our site to find it.

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Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it! Judy and Mark

Curious about what else we've written about?  Search our site for a destination or travel tip.

But... We'd love to have you share this page or comment on it…
Thanks, Judy and Mark

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Sometimes you need to watch rain patterns instead of just seasons to figure the best time to travel...

Whether you're taking a road trip close to home or traveling abroad...

Whether it's summer or winter in your part of the world...
the way you pack can make it all more pleasurable.

Check out all our Packing Lists and Tips.

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Updated Tips & New Travel Stories

  1. 2022 Travels To All Seven Continents

    After COVID, all seven continents in one year was a worthy goal for our 2022 travels..

    Read More

  2. 2021 Travels - Another COVID Year?

    Our 2021 travels were only domestic. COVID kept us close home. Road trips and a cautious flights but still fun.

    Read More

  3. 2020 Travels - What Travels?

    Our 2020 travels were slim. COVID kept us home too. One trip to the Three Guyanas, but dreaming of travel next year.

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What Our Readers Say

"Your carry-on packing tips helped me so much.  I never thought I could pack light enough, but with your packing tips and your packing lists, I CAN do it. 

I thank you, and my husband thanks you!"  --Debbie, Florida

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Related Pages
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Packing Tips

Packing Basics

Carry-on-Packing Tips
What Is Carry-On Size?
What Do Airlines Call A Personal Item
What We Recommend... Travel Light!
Packing Right
Why Put Identity Tags On Luggage?
Tips to Prevent Lost Luggage
Packing For Road Trips


Packing Lists

Basic Packing List
Tropical Vacation Packing List
Cold Weather Packing List
Mixed Weather Packing List

Luggage

Packing Methods: Fold or Roll It?
Travel Luggage Recommendations
Travel Luggage Options

Packing for Airport Security

Security Packing Tips
Travel Security Alert Packing Guide
How to Pack That Plastic Bag?
Requirements for That Plastic Bag?
Packing Cosmetics for Today's Security

Electronics

Electricity Worldwide - What To Know
Dual Voltage Appliances
Adaptors and Converters
Electronics for Travel - IF You Use It
Keep In Touch - Not Just Postcards!
GPS Satellite Messenger - Let Friends Know Where You Are

Packing Medication

Packing Medications
Pack Enough Medication
How To Pack Pills

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