The Ultimate Guide to Packing for a 7-Day Trip: Tips and Tricks from a Travel Blogger
Packing for a trip can be overwhelming, especially considering all the different variables involved. How long are you gone? What kind of activities are you doing? What’s the weather like? And most importantly, how much can you realistically fit into your luggage?
As a seasoned traveler and travel blogger, I’ve got packing down to a science. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to pack for a 7-day trip without paying attention or remembering any essentials.
What size suitcase do I need for 7 days?
The first decision you’ll need to make when packing for your 7-day trip is what size suitcase to use. While technically, you could fit everything you need into a backpack or duffle bag, using a suitcase is easier for organization and keeping things wrinkle-free.
For a 7-day trip, use a 22-inch carry-on suitcase or 24-inch medium-sized check luggage. These sizes should give you enough space to fit all essentials, including at least 5 outfits.
If you travel during your destination’s winter season, you may need a larger suitcase depending on whether you want to make a fashion statement.
Don’t overpack
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make when packing for a trip is overpacking. Trust me. You don’t need to bring your entire closet.
When it comes to clothing, start by selecting a color scheme or a few pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. Limit your shoe selection to 2-3 pairs, and try to choose versatile options that can be dressed up or down.
An extra pair of shoes can also be externally attached to your carry-on with a shoe bag. Airlines don’t seem to mind this travel hack.
Instead of bringing a full-size toiletry kit, opt for travel-sized items or plan to purchase toiletries at your destination.
Do laundry at your destination or wash your clothes in the hotel’s sink
If you want to reduce the number of clothes you must bring, consider doing laundry at your destination or washing your clothes in the hotel’s sink.
This may sound daunting, but it’s easy with the right tools.
Invest in some travel detergent designed to work in small sinks and doesn’t require a lot of water.
You can also pack a small clothesline or use hangers to hang your clothes up to dry overnight.
Pack strategically
Finally, when it comes to packing your suitcase, you can use a few strategies to maximize space and keep things organized.
Start by packing your heaviest items at the bottom of your suitcase, followed by bulky items like sweaters and pants.
Use packing cubes or compression bags to condense your clothing as much as possible.
Invest in a toiletry bag with travel-size bottles to keep your essentials organized and easy to find.
And remember to utilize the space within your shoes to pack small items like socks and underwear.
Conclusion
Packing for a 7-day trip can feel stressful, but it’s totally doable with some planning and strategy.
Remember to choose the right suitcase size, limit your clothing selection, and pack strategically to maximize space.
And if you want to cut down on what you need to bring, consider doing laundry at your destination or washing your clothes in the hotel’s sink.
