Packing List: Longer & Multi-Destination Trips
In this list we share with your our recommended packing list for trips longer than two weeks & multi-destination trips, and is a modified version of the 1-2 week recommended list, as you wont need more.
This list is designed to provide what we consider to be the essential items you may need, and covers the items for your checked baggage. (See the Backpack / Personal Essential Items page for more information)
Obviously this list will vary depending on the purpose and location of your trip. A packing list for a longer multi-destination trip will be very different to a packing list for a beach holiday with sightseeing elements or for hiking in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland!
We have addressed packing lists for Outdoor Trips & Weekend/City breaks separately.
Are you sitting comfortably? Then we will begin...
A good Suitcase
Just like your backpack/personal bag, a good suitcase is the best starting point. Below we have shared two of our preferred options, which can be used in conjunction with your backpack/personal bag. As with everything we recommend, these are items we have used ourselves, and recommend for different reasons which we will detail with each items. For weight and flexibility reasons we don'd tend to recommend Hard-Shell cases, but obviously this is up to you.
Samsonite Base Boost - Spinner M extensible Suitcase, 67.5/73.5L
(The Medium all-rounder)
This is Richard's go-to suitcase as it is a good medium sized option. with the ability to expand from 67.5L of capacity to 73.5L. He uses this for both week long business trips (the trusty case that bounces back and forward to Frankfurt every month) and longer holidays.
Its also a good light weight option to allow you to maximise your weight allowance. (National/Flag Carriers usually usally give you a more generous weight allowance of u to 23kg, with the necessary evil budget carriers often limiting you to either 15 or 20kg)
- Expandability feature on check-in sizes
- Built in padlock (TSA standard) on all sizes for secure and stress free travel.
- Eye for detail: distinctive metal logo, pullers and plead caps on the front pocket.
- Extra front pocket for additional storage capacity
Dimensions: 66.0 x 44.0 x 28.0 cm.Expanded dimensions 66.0 x 44.0 x 31.0 cm Weight: 2.7Kg
Samsonite Base Boost - Spinner L Expandable Suitcase, 105/112.5L
(The Big Boy)
This is is the larger version of the Samsonite medium option, with the ability to expand from 105L of capacity to 112.5L, and is perfect for 2 week plus trips.
Its also a good light weight option to allow you to maximise your weight allowance. (National/Flag Carriers usually usally give you a more generous weight allowance of u to 23kg, with the necessary evil budget carriers often limiting you to either 15 or 20kg)
- Expandability feature on check-in sizes
- Built in padlock (TSA standard) on all sizes for secure and stress free travel.
- Distinctive metal logo, pullers and plead caps on the front pocket.
- Extra front pocket for additional storage capacity
Dimensions: 48 x 31/34 x 78 cm - 105/112.5 Litres
Weight: 3.1Kg
Samsonite Andante 2-Wheeled Duffel (81L)
Duffel Bags / Holdall's with wheels are also a good alternative and great for multi-destination trips, sun holidays and backpacking alike.
- EXTERNAL GRAB Handles for easy handling
- LOCKING Pull handle
- END POCKETS for shoes and wet items
- CORNER Protectors guard against wear and tear at critical contact points
- LARGE U shaped main opening.DROP BOTTOM Construction allows for separation of belongings.
- BUMPER RUNNERS on bottom of duffels
- Water Resistant Dobby Polyester
- In-Line Wheels
Dimensions: 34.29 x 71.12 x 35.56 cm - 81 Litres
Weight: 3.29 Kg
Clothing
Before we get into this, we will caveat this entire section by saying that Plan It Form Me is run by and based on the experience and travel recommendations of 4 (admittedly very different) men. We appreciate that women have some different packing requirements to us. So while we may list some suggested items, we would never dare to recommend any specific products that aren't unisex, as we have said from the outset, we only recommend products that we have used ourselves.
How to Pack
The number one thing we have learned about packing over the last 22+ years between us is: Roll your clothes!
Rolling your clothes is the best way, short of vacuum packs to maximise your space in your suitcase. Rolled clothes take up significantly less space / maximise the available space in your case than simply stacking your clothes in the traditional sense and actually helps reduce wrinkles in clothing.
This is especially true for t-shirts, trousers, socks and underwear, and maximises space for any larger items such as an additional pair of shoes.
If you are one of those people that needs to be crease free, you can always Iron your clothes when you get there!
Click on the black and white image to see a quick guide to clothes rolling.
Jeans & Trousers / Skirts
We generally recommend packing 3-4 pairs of trousers or skirts, generally speaking a pair of Jeans and two or three lighter / smarter pair of trousers, usually chinos or skirts, in case you decide to go somewhere of an evening requiring a slightly smarter dress-code.
To increase the space in your bag, and reduce the weight of it, we also recommend you wear one of these items while travelling. You can always change into shorts when you arrive if you want to.
We also recommend a relatively loose fitting pair of jeans, particularly if you are planning to wear them while you are out exploring. We always recommend packing at least 1 pair of heavier trousers (eg: Jeans) in case the weather takes a turn.
Depending on the type of trip you are planning, where you are going, and the time of year, you may favour more shorts if you are going somewhere you know will be particularly warm (Southern Europe, North Africa, South America, the Middle East, Sub-Continental and South East Asia etc...). Also for visiting some locations in more conservative countries, you will need long trousers to enter some sights such as mosques.
Shorts
Obviously this depends on the time of year, as we travel all year round.
But shorts are a travel must, specially for warm locations.
As well as a decent pair or Cotton/polyblend shorts we recommend EKLENTSON Quick Dry Cargo Shorts Lightweight Walking Hiking Shorts for when you are out exploring. Cargo shorts are really useful for carrying bits and pieces while out exploring, as well as being practical when bad weather strikes. They are also lightweight to keep you cool on the go.
We recommend backing four to six pairs for a one to two week trip.
T-shirts & Vest Tops
T-shirts. The travel staple. We're not going to tell you what style, or colour to pack, as we all have our favoured style, fit and brands.
But we do recommend packing a couple of light weight cotton t-shirts, particularly white if you are going somewhere warm and sunny.
For trips longer than 2 weeks, we recommend packing 7-10 t-shirts/vest tops. This will give you time to wash t-shirts as you go, and make sure you have a couple of clean ones to allow for a few days drying time.
For the evenings, assuming you don't want to wear a shirt, a couple of smarter t-shirts / polo-shirts / blouses will also do you nicely.
As with Trousers, you should plan out what you plan to see in a day and dress accordingly, as some sights (Think the Vatican or Mosques) require everyone to have their shoulders covered - So don't wear a vest top that day!
Shirts
Shirts are a must have packing item for us, but then we are shirt/over shirt guys. They are great for when you are out exploring, particularly for protecting you from the sun.
We recommend packing 4 to 6 shirts. More if you want to pack slightly smarter ones for wearing in the evenings (Remember even HOT locations can be significantly cooler in the evenings!).
For trips longer than 2 weeks, we recommend packing 4-6 shirts. This will give you time to wash shirts as you go, and make sure you have a couple of clean ones to allow for a few days drying time.
Remember to pack the right type of shirts for the climate you are going to and the activities you plan to do! Depending on your destinations, the colours of shirts you pack can be equally important!
- Lighter/Linen shirts for summer and countries with hot/humid climates
- Heavier shirts for winter and colder destinations
- Short sleeve shirts to help you keep cool
- Long sleeve shirts for sun/bug protection/keeping warm
Sweatshirt / Hoodie
This recommendation applies regardless of the time of year you are travelling.
Its one of those better to have and not need than need and not have items.
Even warm locations can get chilly in the evening (You'd be surprised how chilly even South America can get at night!), and weather can and does change unexpectedly, and a good alternative to a jacket in the evening.
From a hideously practical stand point, they also come in really handy if you end up being unwell (This has happened to us, and you'd be surprised how often we know it has happened to others).
Swimwear
We recommend packing 1-2 pairs of swimwear for a trip longer than 2 weeks and covering multiple destinations. This way, you at least have the option of going for a swim.
A swim/steam/sauna where you can, is the perfect way to relax after a long day of exploring.
If you are exploring multiple costal locations, you may want to pack more depending on how much time you think you will be spending in/near the water.
Microfiber Towel
These are very handy for when going to coastal locations or wild swimming and even for beach/resort holidays, as they make great beach/pool side towels.
They are practical, and light weight, so you may want to consider packing one depending on where you are going, and what you are planning, or even have the option to do!
Your Footwear
Depending on where you are going, you will want to consider your footwear.
Generally for city and town exploring, we recommend a decent pair of comfortable trainers, especially for visiting older cities where there are cobbled streets a-plenty.
For trips of longer than two weeks, depending on the location and temperature, we recommend packing a second pair of shoes / sandals or flip-flops (maybe even all 3) for evening and more casual activities. For flip-flops, we recommend pairs with a fabric toe hold, as rubber toe holds can cause rubbing in warmer climates.
If you are planning any outdoor activities, we obviously recommend you include the relevant footwear (eg: Hiking Boots).
For smaller items of footwear (sandals/flip-flops), consider getting a carabiner clip to attach these to your backpack/personal bag, rather than backing them to reduce weight and save space.
Of course this is up to you. But what we will say is this: Always wear the heaviest item of footwear while travelling to reduce weight in your case, and pack the lighter option if you are taking more than one!
Socks and Underwear
We're not going to tech you to suck eggs on this one, but some general tips.
Underwear
Pack at least 7-10 pairs of underwear. This gives you a good supply, and allows for a couple of days drying time while you wash as you go.
Obviously for beach/resort trips with some exploring days in the middle, you will likely require fewer pairs if you will be spending most of your days in swimwear, so use your judgement.
Also - If you are planning to go exploring, it pays to make sure you pack comfortable pairs!
Socks
Pack at least 7-10 pairs of socks - Again, to allow you to wash as you go and factor in drying time.
For exploring, or trips involving a lot of walking, we recommend non-cotton based socks. This stops your socks from moving about too much as you explore, which can potentially cause blisters.
For outdoor activities / hiking, we recommend proper walking socks (again - Non-Cotton socks).
Depending on the time of year you are travelling, pack the type of sock best suited: Eg: Trainer Socks for summer, regular ankle/walking socks for winter/colder months.
Obviously for beach/resort holidays with some exploring days in the middle, you will require fewer pairs, so use your judgement.
Rain Jacket
If you are travelling for more than 2 weeks, you are going to encounter rain.
This is even more likely if you are going to locations prone to tropical storms or have a monsoon season.
For this reason we recommend packing a small and collapsable rain jacket.
We recommend the Trespass Rain Jacket as one of the best and most cost effective. Unisex, and comes with a packing pouch for when it is not in use.
Longer Trip Essentials
For longer trips, there are a fe other essential items that you will require to support travelling for longer periods of time.
Scrubba Wash Bag - DIY Clothes Washing
When travelling for longer trips, washing your clothes becomes a necessity.
Hotel laundry services can be expensive, and local laundromats aren't always easy to find, and washing clothes in a bathroom sink can be messy.
We discovered the Scrubba Wash bag portable washing machine a few years ago, and has quickly become one of our essential travel items for longer trips, and was invaluable when travelling around Central Asia & South America (Sweat + dust is a messy combo!).
Small and light weight, its a really practical item to carry with you. Buying a small box of soap powder in a local super market usually only costs a couple of pounds, and is a much cheaper alternative to Hotel laundry service or local laundromats. Gets your clothes clean in a few mins, and after rinsing and drying, you are quickly good to go again!
Water Bottle
For longer trips, we always recommend taking a refillable water bottle with you. These are great for taking with you when you are out exploring, and really practical for long journeys between locations.
We recommend a 1L bottle, and use the FULDENT Sports Water Bottle.
We also recommend getting a Carabiner clip, to easily attach it to your backpack or day bag.
Travel Cutlery
Sometimes, you really just cant be bothered eating out, especially when you are travelling for a while.
So sometimes making a sandwich, cup of noodles, or even ordering in from the local version of Just Eat or Deliveroo is just easier. For this reason, we throughly recommend packing a small reusable travel cutlery set.
This is the one we use. A 4 piece set, complete with carry pouch. Simple, easy to maintain, and most importantly last forever (Lance & Liam's are going on 6 years old now).
Travel Plate / Bowl
In the same vein as the above, this is an optional one.
These are nice and easy to slip into your backpack/personal item packed into your checked baggage.
We use this Silicon Ellipse collapsible model that doubles as both a plate and a bowl and weighs next to nothing.
Travel First Aid Kit
No matter how careful you are, accidents do and will happen.
We always recommend having a travel first aid kit with you, especially if you are going to be travelling for a while. This light and compact kit is idea for packing in your check-in bag and trowing in your back pack when you are out and about.
Mosquito Bite Treatment
Alex and Richard swear by this.
This is a nifty wee tool that takes the itch out of mosquito bites. Great for everyday use, and ideally sized to slip in your pocket.
Toiletries
As with the packing list, we caveat this list by stating that it was written by 4 blokes. But we have listed what we believe are the the essential items you don't want to miss out.
We all use specific products for a reason, so pack what you need to. We have only made recommendations for things you may not have considered and may end up needing - Because We have!
Toiletries Bag
A good toiletries bag is an essential for us. Unlike a city break, one to two week trips usually involve a checked-in bag, allowing you to pack items of a size and quantity you use at home.
We all use the unisex KK Water - Resistant Hanging Toiletry Travel Bag for longer trips. With internal compartments this allows you to seperate items within the bag, and protects both them and the other items in your luggage from accidental leaks.
Your Toiletries
As we said at the beginning of this section, we all have our preferred products and brands, and the beauty of having a checked bag, means you can take and use your normal products from home. So here we are simply listing the items you may want to consider.
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Shower Gel / Bodywash / Soap
- Face Wash / Facial Care products
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Razor / Shaver
- Shaving Cream
- Nail Scissors / Clippers
- Nail File / Emery Board
- Hair Gel / Hair Products
- Sunscreen
- Insect Repellant
- Antihistamines
- Lip Balm
- Sanitary Products
- Sexual Health products
- Liquid based Makeup & Makeup removal products
- Pain Killers
- Antiseptic & Wound Cream
- Plasters & Blister Plasters
- Decongestants
With longer trips, you will likely need to replace many of these while you are travelling. We always recommend buying local brands from local shops when you do. They are usually just as good, and usually significantly cheaper than western brand names.
Antiseptic & Wound Creams
Scrapes, grazes, insect bites and the occasional rash/skin irritation are all part and parcel of travelling, especially when in a location and climate your are not familiar with. So we recommend having the following products handy to help deal with the unexpected.
Antiseptic Cream
An oldie but a goldie. Savlon is great for cleaning scrapes and grazes, and even insect bites you may encounter as you travel.
Wound Cream
Similar to Savlon, Bepanthen (Yes, Nappy Rash Cream!) is great for treating minor ailments, and in some instances is better than Savlon, as it is oil based and thicker (Particularly good for warmer climates where sweat can wipe away water cased creams).
Bepanthen is particularly good for treating skin irritations and sweat rashes you may encounter when exploring in hot and humid climates, and where you are sweaty ands your clothes rub against your skin.
We know 'Nappy Rash Cream' sounds odd, but trust us, this stuff can be your best friend in a pinch, and its better to have and not need, than need and not have (Nothing worse than trying to figure out the name / spelling of this in another language - Yes - We have been there! Try saying "Бепантен" with a hangover!).
Plasters, Blister Plasters & Liquid Plasters
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Plasters
As with the antiseptic creams, you should always have plasters with you. As the quality of plasters on some countries is nowhere near as good as ours.
We recommend the 'Second Skin' plasters, as these plasters tend to get a better seal on the skin, and are less prone to moving/getting rubbed off by clothing, as well as providing better protection for the wound in warm/humid climates.
Take the plasters out of the box before packing in your toiletries to save space.
Blister Plasters
Hear us out - When it comes to blisters, blister plasters are 100% better than regular plasters. They are thicker, form a better seal and alleviate blister pain far better, and we swear by them.
Even if you are not prone to blisters, we recommend having these in your toiletries, as when out sightseeing, or hiking, you never know exactly how much walking you are going to be doing on a trip.
Plus Cobble Stoned streets and trails present surfaces you aren't used to walking on, (Even in Shoes and socks you have worn 100 times before) and as a result, more likely to cause unexpected and unwanted blisters.
Again, as with the regular plasters, take them out of the box to save space.
New Skin
A great alternative to regular plasters is a product like 'New Skin'. This is a liquid plaster that you apply over a wound to seal it and keep it clean (Even if it stings like a mofo when you put it on). Handy for keeping on you, particularly for outdoor activitiese for small cuts and grazes.
Pain Killers
So, in the same vein as plasters and blister plasters, it never hurts to be prepared for anything. From headaches to hangovers, pain killers are an essential packing item. We have split this in to 3 distinct elements below.
Paracetamol
Paracetamol. Thats it. Simple, Supermarket's own brand Paracetamol.
Great for headaches and general aches and pains.. Even take a single strip from the box.
Simple. Effective. And light weight!
Ibuprofen
Another good shout to pack is a sleve of Ibuprofen. As Ibuprofen is an anti inflammatory, it is idea if you hurt yourself during a day of exploring (eg: rolled ankles) or even some of the more troublesome headaches.
Cheap and cheerful, generic/supermarkets own brand stuff is just as good and effective as Nurofen and other leading brands..
Hangover Treatments
When travelling, it is all to easy to get caught up in local customs and cultures... and their drinking habits (Particularly in Eastern Europe!). Also if travelling to go to an event or festival, we cannot recommend these enough to make sure you dont have to write-off the following day.
We cannot recommend Alka-Seltzer XS enough. Two of these in a glass of water, and you are good to go 20 mins later.
(Also - If its been a heavy night and you know it, 2 before bed and another 2 in the morning work a charm!)
Decongestants
Half of us at Plan It For Me have or are prone to sinus issues and colds, particularly after air travel. We know from all-too-uncomfortable experience that the products we use that are freely available at home, are not always available when you travel (Including mainland Europe), particularly if they, as most decongestants do, contain pseudoephedrine.
For example, In several European countries this is only available with a prescription or with a local residence permit for the specific country. So it pays to have at least a small supply with you depending on the length of your trip.
Actifed
Our product of choice is Actifed, as one of the best products of its type. You can buy these tablet for almost any pharmacy.
If they don't have Actifed, Sudafed Sinus is a suitable alternative (although in our humble opinions, not as good).
Insect Repellant
For locations outside the UK, even mainland Europe, we strongly recommend you to pack insect repellant.
Also, you likely know yourself if you are prone to mosquito and insect bites (Richard and Alex seem to be magnets for mosquitos), so if you are, we doubly strongly recommend investing in insect repellant containing Deet.
Jungle Formula
We all recommend Jungle Formula insect repellant. You should pack 3-4 bottles or more depending on your destination and for trips lasting more than 2 weeks and the level of coverage you require.
Richard and Alex both swear by the maximum strength Jungle Formula at all times. However you may want to consider some of the lower strength options - Again you may want to vary this based on your location - Eg: Max Strength just makes sense if you are going to Thailand rural Egypt or Kenya etc.
Other Toiletry Items you may want to Consider
Below we have listed some additional items you may want to consider to make the packing experience easier.
Soap Box
If like some of us, you prefer a bar of soap (eg: Dove) over shower gel/bodywash, we thoroughly recommend getting yourself a soap box. They generally come in a pack of two, and mean that you can take your normal soap with you and bring it back to use at home, or keep it in the box for your next trip.
Keeps your your toiletries dry, and reduces waste.
Having a bar of soap with you can also be really practical for helping to remove marks or stains from clothing while travelling!
Travel Toothbrush
Travel toothbrushes are really handy for minimising the amount of space you use in your bag.
These handy toothbrushes fold in half, both minimising the space used, and keeping the bristles clean when not in use.
These usually come in a pack of two in different colours, which is handy when travelling as a pair/couple, or having a spare when one needs to be replaced.
These also come in handy for work trips.
Toothbrush Cover
If you prefer to take your normal toothbrush with you, we thoroughly recommend buying a toothbrush cover. These help keep your toothbrush clean, and your toiletries dry.
(And help to keep residual toothpaste off the rest of your toiletries!)
One to Two Week Packing Checklist
- Suitcase Holdall (Check-In Size)
- Jeans / Trousers / Skirts- x3-4 (Wear the heaviest item of these while Travelling)
- Shorts x4-6
- T-shits & Vest Tops x No of days of your trip (+1 Spare)
- Shirts x4-5 (Daytime & Evening)
- Sweatshirt / Hoodie x1 (Wearing this while travelling is a good trick)
- Swimwear x2-3 Pairs
- Microfiber Towel (Beach/Pool)
- An additional pair of Shoes/Sandals /flip-flops as required (Wear the heaviest pair for travelling!)
- Underwear
- Boxers / Briefs / Pants / Bras etc - x No of days of your trip (+1 Spare) - Depending on your trip type
- Socks (Trainer / Walking / Normal) x No of days of your trip (+1 Spare) - Depending on your trip type
- Toiletries
- Toiletries Bag
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Shower Gel / Body Wash / Soap
- Deodorant
- Creams
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Razor / Shaver
- Shaving Foam/Cream
- Nail Scissors / Nail Clippers
- Nail File / Emary Board
- Face Wash / Facial Products
- Hair Gel / Hair Products
- Liquid based Makeup & Makeup Removal Products
- Soap Case (Alternative to shower gel / body wash) - [Optional]
- Aftershave / Perfume (100ml or less)
- Travel Toothbrush / Toothbrush Cover - [Optional]
- Hair Brush / Comb
- Sun Screen
- Insect repellant
- Painkillers (Paracetamol / Iboprofen / Alka-Seltzer)
- Antiseptic / Wound Creams
- Plasters & Blister Plasters
- Decongestants
- Antihistamines
- Multivitamins
- Sanitary Products
- Sexual Health Products
**Remember - Non-liquid toiletries don't need to go into your toilet bag, pack these separately to maximise space in your toiletries bag!**
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