In sharing why we Travel With Just a Carry-on each, I also shared that traveling so light seemed utterly impossible. Because I like being prepared for anything and everything. An organizer and champion list maker, I’d jot down everything imaginable, and drag it along. Only to realize that we never even used most of it!
Yet I find a complete packing list can make the challenges and benefits of one-bag travel work better. It helps ensure we don’t forget things, but also keeps us from over-packing. Which, by the way, experts feel is the number one travel mistake!
PACKING LIST
CLOTHING & LAUNDRY:
CLOTHING:
Includes clothes worn upon departure. Pack only what you need and wash things as you go. So don’t forget laundry supplies!
| ITEMS | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| 2-4 bottoms | Pants, shorts, or skirts; in neutral colors |
| 4-6 tops | In colors that make a capsule wardrobe |
| 1 jacket or cardigan | For dressy occasions + 1 neck tie or 1-2 scarves |
| 1 coat or jacket | + travel umbrella ? |
| 1 pashmina or shawl | Doubles as lightweight throw or swimsuit cover |
| 1 swimsuit | Or thermal underwear (depending on season) |
| 2 pair shoes | Choose shoes that double as slippers |
| 3 pair socks | 1 to wear, 1 to wash, 1 clean + 1 pr. pantyhose |
| 3 pair underwear | 1 to wear, 1 to wash, 1 clean + bras and slip |
| 1-2 sets pajamas | Or use sweatsuits or swimsuit coverups |
| 1 belt | Use as emergency tourniquet or suitcase handle |
| Hat, gloves, scarf | For wind, rain, sun, cold, heat |
| 2 bandanas | Use as scarf, headband, hair tie, wash cloth, etc. |
| 2 hankies | Use as washcloth or emergency sanitary pad |
LAUNDRY SUPPLIES
| ITEMS | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Bar Laundry soap or soap nuts | No liquids to spill or get through customs |
| Sink stopper | Universal, fits any sink |
| Laundry bag | For keeping dirty clothes separate |
| Travel clothesline | Buy one here or make your own No clothespins needed! |
TOOLS & REPAIRS
| ITEMS | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Smartphone | Use for: GPS, weather app, light, compass, mirror, calculator, notepad, agenda, alarm |
| Door lock | A travel door lock, for hotels, on trains, etc. |
| Whistle | For calling taxis, self-defense, or emergencies |
| Luggage locks | Use in luggage compartments, on public transport, etc. |
| Caribiner clips | Uses: clip things to bags, keep bags together, carrying things |
| Sewing kit | Thread braid, buttons, needles/threader |
| Eyeglass kit | Screwdriver (max. allowed 7 inches) |
| Shoe laces | Uses: ties, carry cords, make-shift suitcase handle |
| Tool kit | Safety pins, rubber bands, twist ties, binder clips, cord/twine (Uses: zipper pulls, fasteners, bookmarks, tying pant legs closed) |
DOCUMENTS, ETC.
| ITEMS | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| ID documents | Passports, visas, IDs, driving license + security carrying pouch |
| Travel documents | Tickets, reservations, vaccinations |
| Office documents | Tablet or laptop + charger/adapter + E-books |
| Misc. documents | Plus an SD card or computer key with extra copies |
TOILETRIES
| ITEMS | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Soap + shampoo | Both in bars (no liquids) |
| Deodorant | Stick or chrystal (no liquids) |
| Toothbrush + powder | No liquids |
| Dental floss + needle | Use for: thread, shoe laces, clothesline |
| Hand/face cream + lip balm | For dry skin on airplane |
| Comb/brush + mirror | Mirror = emergency reflector |
| Nail clipper + file + razor | Extra uses: thread snipper, sweater shaver |
| 1 towel | Peshtemals: compact, lightweight, but huge! |
| Bandanas (from clothing) | Uses: wash cloth, shower cap, hair towel |
| Hair dryer | Travel-size, dual voltage |
TRAVEL AIDS
| ITEMS | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Daypack | Small & flat for easy packing |
| Travel pillow | Inflatible |
| Travel blanket | Lightweight viscose |
| Bandana | Uses: sleep mask, seat cover, window shade |
| Sleep mask + ear buds | Or use bandana as a sleep mask |
| Reading material | Small, lightweight |
| Mini playing cards | Less than 1 x 2.5 inches (2.5 x 6.35 cm) |
HEALTH & 1ST AID
| ITEMS | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Prescription meds | Plus their prescriptions + medical documents |
| Over-counter meds | Headache, fever, intestinal/tummy, nausea, etc. |
| 1st aid supplies | Bandaids, Antiseptic wipes, Tweezers, Tissues |
| Bandana | Use as: bandage, ice pack, tourniquet, face mask |
| Woman’s sanitary supplies | Enough for trip; buy more later |
| 3rd world sanitation | See suggestions from Onebag.com |
FOOD & DRINK
Pack or buy foods for on-board that keep well, don’t crumble, and boost energy! (TSA currently allows foods on board; any liquids must follow their 3-1-1 rule.)
| ITEMS | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| From home | Granola or candy bars |
| Buy at airport | Cheese, bagels, fruit, sandwiches |
| Empty water bottle | You can fill it after airport checkpoints |
| Bandana (from clothing) | Use as napkin or placemat |
This list may seem unnecessarily long, But trust me, it all fits into one small carry-on bag. And it makes sure that we always travel well-prepared for emergencies, and have everything we need!!
And now, I wish you a Buon Viaggio!
Travel light. Overpacking is the #1 travel mistake.
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Clothing by StockSnapHat | Jeans outfit by Ylanite | Bandanas by Sofìa Salom CC-BY-2.0 | Drink mage PublicDomainPictures | Others ©SignoraSheila.
Signora Sheila 
Thank you for sharing your list, Sheila. Love the idea of taking a pashmina, for its versatility–plus it’s lightweight!
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Thanks, Nancy! This list, most of which I learned from onebag.com, has helped me so much! And I count a pashmina as one of my three must-have travel aids, along with a peshtemal towel, and a bandana or two! They are all so versatile!!
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Incredibly helpful, ridiculously easy when it’s broken down like this. I’ve traveled with children who choose options, which always adds to luggage. I love this simplicity! Thanks, my friend.
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Thank you, Dayle. This list has proven a life-saver for us more than once! I guess it’s a carry-over from my old Girl Scout days, lol! Hope it helps you as well!
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Impressive list Sheila and a great jumping off point! I’d have to figure out the makeup piece😉
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I gave up wearing up years ago. So that saves me some space in luggage, and time every day too! 🙂
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I bet! Though I don’t wear much at all.
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What a great list!
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Thanks Cynthia, we find it super useful!
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What a great post, Sheila! I’m bookmarking this one and referring to it when we plan our next overseas excursion!! Thank you; thank you! ❤ ❤
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Great! But it’s also useful for non overseas travel. I generally store a lot of the little items in our suitcases so they’re also ready! Hope it helps you Lynn!
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