Making a packing list can be one of the most difficult parts of any trip, especially if you’re going to be travelling long term or through multiple climates. We have the usual stuff; Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razors, sun cream among others. So here are a few things to factor into making your own packing list.

Duration

The duration of your trip is probably the most integral part of this activity. You’ll pack differently for 3 days than you would for 3 months, so consider the fact that you will/will not have to do laundry depending on your situation. If you’re travelling long term you might also have to take a few liberties with our next subject as it can be hard to figure out what the future will bring when it comes to temperatures and the elements

Weather

The thing that many people makes or breaks a trip, but when you plan ahead it makes for a much more pleasant trip! The best thing to do as you may have guess is look at the weather, but not only what’s in the forecast, but also the historical forecast, that can give you an idea what to expect based on what weather has been like at your destination (or destinations) in the last few years. What you bring will be affected by our next category, which is something you really need to think through.

Bag Size

When we talk about bags, usually we talk about carry on vs. checked bags and backpacks vs tradition luggage. This is something you should decide right away. You can find links for the pros and cons of small bags here, for traditional luggage here. Once you’ve decided on a bag type, you need to decide on the size. This can get tricky because if you want to keep a certain size you’ll have to give up clothes or luxuries (Sorry, that straightener might not make the cut). Which brings us to our next point, do you really need it?

Your Needs

When we talk about needs, you should follow a hierarchy of what you cannot get by without, what you need to bring (like passports or other documents), all the way down to the stuff you love but might not fit and decide where everything fits in. Put the most important things like clothes in first, and go down the list, taking things out if you can get by without them. There’s one other thing to consider and I think it might soften the blow of not bringing everything but the kitchen sink.

What you can get by without

We’ve all heard the whole “don’t bring full size shampoos” with you before, but what about other things? Sure, you can get by without them, but what if you’re travelling long term and need some pampering? Well here’s the good news, just because you’re travelling doesn’t mean you’ll be without access to shops completely. One of the best things I’ve done while travelling is pop into Sephora and get a hydrating face mask (and use the great WiFi). I’ve also treated myself to massages while away because travelling long term can make you super sore! If I had been gone longer, I would have gotten my nails done as a treat, and I probably would have gotten my eyebrows and lip waxed as opposed to plucking them all the time.

Now, these are just examples, but everyone has stuff they love, maybe it’s live music, going to farmers markets or art classes. Whatever you might love, you can still do that activity while you’re away, its not always just material things we give up when we travel

If you’re still lost as to what you need to pack, you can find lists I’ve created for Summer here, Winter here and for long term travel here.