I Never Know What to Pack, So I Made This List of 70 Things That Actually Helps Me Decide

Photo Credit:Cora Pursley

I never know what to pack for vacation.

Like, ever. One trip I brought three pairs of heels and forgot my toothbrush. Another time I packed six outfits for a weekend getaway and still felt like I had nothing to wear. Every time I travel, I either overpack or forget something important—and somehow both.

So I finally sat down and made this list. A real one. The kind that breaks everything down by where it actually goes: suitcase, carry-on tote, personal pouch… even the random stuff I always end up needing but forget until I’m already at the airport.

Obviously, I don’t bring every single one of these things on every trip—that would be wild. But when I’m overwhelmed or unsure where to start, this is the list I come back to. Whether I’m packing for a beach weekend, a work trip, or just trying to keep my carry-on from becoming chaos, this helps me figure it out.

There are no images in this article (because let’s be real, that would be too much), but that’s on purpose—I wanted this to be simple, precise, and scannable. You’ll find what you need quickly and come back to it when you need a packing reset.

Feel free to bookmark this or send it to your overwhelmed bestie or mom friends. Trust me, it helps.

Also everything on this list is from Amazon because hello 10am-3pm delivery.

What Goes in My Suitcase

The clothes, shoes, and essentials that earn their spot in the main luggage.

1. White Cotton Button-Down $29 - Lightweight, layer-friendly, and works for breakfast or beach walks.

2. Ribbed Tank Top $29 - Perfect under jackets or cardigans—and cute enough to wear solo.

3. Straight-Leg Jeans $45 - Structured enough to dress up, comfy enough for the flight home.

4. Lightweight Knit Set $32 - My go-to for lounging, sleeping, or pretending I don’t live in leggings.

5. Midi Dress with Short Sleeves $60 - Folds flat, doesn’t wrinkle, and doubles as a dinner outfit.

6. Cropped Knit Cardigan $39 - Adds warmth without bulk—and makes everything look more styled.

7. Trench Coat or Shacket $35 - Spring trips? This comes with me. It goes over everything.

8. Wide-Leg Linen Trousers $29 - Breezy but polished. These make every outfit look intentional.

9. High-Waisted Leggings $29 - For travel days, long walks, or “I didn’t plan an outfit” mornings.

10. 2-Piece Swimsuit $30 - One good bikini = confidence and less stress.

11. Swimsuit Cover-Up $40 - Looks like a dress, feels like a towel. Essential for beach days.

12. Lounge Shorts or Joggers $19 -Worn more than I’d like to admit—but never regretted packing them.

13. Oversized Graphic Tee $19-For sleeping, airport outfits, or last-minute errands.

14. Strapless Bra $30-Because the one you think you packed? It’s probably not in there.

15. Wireless Everyday Bra $27-Feels like nothing, supports like something.

16. Seamless Underwear Set ($21 for 5-pack)-No lines, no regrets.

17. Foldable Fuzzy Socks $14 -Yes, even in summer. Hotel AC is disrespectful.

18. Flat Sandals $49-These go with dresses, trousers, and don’t take up room.

19. Low Heels or Dressy Flats $39-For dinners, events, or pretending I’m classy.

20. White Sneakers $137-If I only bring one pair, it’s these.

What Goes in My Personal Item

The ride-or-die things that stay in my tote or backpack—because I’m not digging through my suitcase at Gate B12.

21. Tinted Lip Balm with $9 -Hydrates, adds a hint of color, and doesn’t melt in your bag.

22. Hand Sanitizer Spray $16-Because planes are gross and so are airport touchscreens.

23. Portable Charger $41 -Your phone will die at the worst possible time. This keeps it alive.

24. Phone Charging Cable $24 -Bring a backup even if you think one’s already in there.

25. Wireless Headphones $499 -They help with sleep, focus, and blocking out loud talkers in 18A.

26. Collapsible Water Bottle $9-Refills after TSA and doesn’t take up space when empty.

27. Sleep Mask $29-When you want to nap but your seatmate insists on the window open.

28. Cozy Travel Socks $18- Game-changer for long flights or cold terminals.

29. Kindle $159- No Wi-Fi needed, and it makes waiting feel like less of a chore.

30. Oversized Scarf or Wrap $26-Doubles as a blanket, neck pillow, or emergency outfit upgrade.

31. Laptop + Slim Case $29 -Only if you’re working or creating content—otherwise leave it.

32. Mini Makeup Bag $24-For in-flight touch-ups or fixing your face in the Uber.

33. Reusable Snack Bags $9 for set -For almonds, protein bars, or the snacks you said you wouldn’t buy.

34. Sunglasses in Hard Case $29-Because squished designer frames are tragic.

35. Facial Mist $23 -Keeps your skin from giving up at 30,000 feet.

36. Mini Deodorant $24 -Travel must. Enough said.

37. Mascara $12 -For freshening up before landing or your next selfie.

38. Emergency Eye Drops $7-So your eyes don’t look like you pulled an all-nighter (even if you did).

39. Passport Wallet $29-Keeps your ID, vaccine card, and boarding passes all in one place.

40. Lip Gloss $5-For when dry lips meet “I might run into someone I know at baggage claim.”

What Goes in My Extras Pouch

The tiny lifesavers I keep in a zip pouch so I’m never that girl frantically asking for a safety pin.

41. Mini Stain Stick $6 -Coffee, ketchup, concealer—you name it, it’s already on me.

42. Pain Reliever $14-For headaches, foot aches, and dealing with seatmates who don’t believe in headphones.

43. Bandaids $13 -Blisters, mystery paper cuts, or shoe drama—these come out often.

44. Nail File $9-Because a snagged nail will drive you absolutely nuts.

45. Floss Picks $7-Yes, you’ll need them. No, regular floss doesn’t hit the same.

46. Under Eye Patches $22-Cabin air is cruel. These make you look less tired than you feel.

47. Safety Pins $9-Wardrobe malfunctions happen. Be ready.

48. Mini Lint Roller $18 -Your black outfit will thank you.

49. Vitamin C Packets $5 -I always bring at least a few—especially after plane germs and airport food.

50. Makeup Wipe Singles $9-Wipe off the day, your mascara, or that mystery airport hand goo.

51. Tiny Perfume Spray $38-For post-flight refreshes when you don’t want to bring a full bottle.

52. Travel-Sized Tissues $8 -The one thing no one thinks to pack… until you sneeze mid-boarding.

53. Claw Clip $7-They always disappear when you need them most.

54. Pocket Mirror $6-A must for in-flight touchups or “do I have spinach in my teeth?” moments.

55. Antibacterial Wipes $6-Wipe down that tray table. Immediately.

Long-Haul + Content Girl Must-Haves

If the flight is over 6 hours or you’re trying to get “soft luxury” content in the hotel mirror—these come with.

56. Bluetooth Tripod $29-Folds up tiny and actually holds your phone steady (even during wind gusts and outfit changes).

57. Foldable Flat Lay Mat $15-Because your makeup and jewelry deserve better than that hotel carpet.

58. Mini Ring Light $14 -Adds a soft glow to selfies, Zoom calls, or makeup sessions on the go.

59. Travel-Size Steamer $59 -Yes, it’s annoying to pack. But no, I’m not showing up in a wrinkled dress.

60. Air Tag $29 - You’ll never again wonder where your suitcase disappeared to at baggage claim.

61. Extra Phone or Battery Case $29-For shooting content all day without panicking about battery life.

62. SD Card $24 -Essential for international trips—especially if you work on the go.

63. Fold-Up Extra Tote or Duffel $35-For souvenirs, overflow packing, or when your suitcase just says “no.”

64. Pocket-Sized Notebook $9-For random blog ideas, packing lists, or journaling while jet-lagged.

65. Sticky Clips or Phone Stand ($14) -For recording GRWMs or capturing that “effortless” hotel bathroom content.

66. Compact Camera or Vlogging Kit $29-Optional, but if you create long-form content—this is your moment.

67. Small Extension Cord or Multi-Plug Hub $12 -One hotel outlet = rage. This solves it.

68. Travel Scarf That Doubles as a Shawl $29-Stylish on the plane. Functional in restaurants. Unexpected hero piece.

69. Bag with SD Card + Card Reader $13 -Because nothing’s worse than shooting content and realizing you can’t upload it.

70. Extra Memory or Hard Drive $33-Only for work trips, but if you know—you know.