How Much to Pack for Your Trip
Calculate the number of outfits, toiletries, and essentials based on trip length, climate, and activities.
The Packing Formula
For a 7-day trip: 5-6 tops, 3 bottoms, 7 underwear, 2 shoes. The key: choose bottoms in neutral colors (black, navy, khaki) that work with every top. This "capsule wardrobe" approach reduces packing by 40% while giving you more outfit combinations. With access to laundry, reduce everything by 40% — pack for 4 days on a 7-day trip.
Carry-On Only Travel
You can pack for almost any trip up to 2 weeks in a carry-on with the right strategy: wear your bulkiest items on the plane (boots, jacket), use packing cubes for compression, roll rather than fold, and pick quick-dry fabrics you can hand-wash. Benefits: no checked bag fees ($35-60 each way), no lost luggage risk, faster through airports, and you are forced to pack only what you actually need.
The biggest packing mistake: packing "just in case" items you never wear. Studies show travelers wear only 60-70% of what they pack. Before adding anything to your suitcase, ask: "Will I definitely wear/use this at least twice?" If not, leave it. You can buy almost anything at your destination if needed.
