Carry-On Essentials
| Category | Items |
|---|
| Documents | Passport, visa, boarding pass, travel insurance, copies in separate bag |
| Electronics | Phone, charger, power bank, headphones, adapters |
| Health | Medications (original bottles), hand sanitizer, masks |
| Comfort | Neck pillow, eye mask, snacks, empty water bottle (fill after security) |
Clothing Formula
| Trip Length | Pack |
|---|
| 3-5 days | Pack exactly what you need — no "just in case" items |
| 1 week | 3-4 tops, 2-3 bottoms, 1 dressy outfit — plan to do laundry once |
| 2+ weeks | Same as 1 week — do laundry, don't overpack. Nobody notices reworn outfits. |
Packing Method: Roll, Don't Fold
| Method | Best For |
|---|
| Rolling | T-shirts, casual clothes — saves space, reduces wrinkles |
| Folding (Marie Kondo) | Dress shirts, structured items |
| Packing cubes | Everything — compress, organize, find items without unpacking |
Pro Tip: Pack your bag, then remove 1/3 of the clothes. You won't miss them, and you'll be glad you have the space. Every traveler overpacks their first 5 trips. The best travelers pack for 5 days, no matter how long the trip.