Hi there!
Despite my love for traveling, I actually dislike packing. So I thought I would make a post and take pictures to make my packing a little more time consuming, but more meaningful. I will be in Japan for 3 weeks so I want to make sure I am packing what only what I need and not overpack.
Here’s what you can expect below:
What to check BEFORE packing
My essential packing list + free downloadable list that you can use!
What to check BEFORE packing
Passport – Can you find it? Does the expiration date cover your trip dates?
Check Your Flight Itinerary – Are you flying out on the right date and time? (You'd be surprised how many people make this mistake... to include myself). How long are the layovers? Ensure you have enough time to make your connecting flights, especially if you're going to be at a big airport.
Baggage Requirements – Weight? Height? How many?
Entry Requirements – What documentation do you need to bring with you? Check out https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html to get the info for your country!
Vaccination Card or COVID-19 test result – If this applies to you.
Alert your bank that you’ll be traveling abroad – Otherwise your account/card might freeze up on you while you’re strapped for cash in a new country!
Check Phone Coverage – Do you need to purchase a new SIM card? New international plan? In Japan, I will have a portable wifi pocket with me.
Now that you've hit all of these points, it’s time to get packing!
Snapshot of my carry-on items
My Essential Packing List
First, here’s the downloadable packing list if you want to reference all of my essentials.
Hopefully you'll find some of the below packing tips that I have used in my past travels helpful! As an example, this is what I would pack for my 3 week stay in Japan.
Make a Capsule Wardrobe Mix & match your clothes! I try to pack for at least 5 days of wear (I typically wear my pants twice). I will be bringing a total of 5 tops, 5 bottoms, 2 sweaters/outerwear, 1 dress and 3 jackets. Ideally, you can go really far with mixing 5 tops and bottoms and 1 waterproof jacket. I always bring my ULTRA LIGHT DOWN JACKET from UNIQLO because you can also pack it away really tightly. The link will show a newer version of my current jacket from about 2 years ago, so this one won't have a hood like mine :( I will be wearing one of these outfits on my way to the airport and packing another one of these outfits away in my carry-on as my emergency clothes.
Stick to Travel Size Toiletries Although 3 weeks is a long time, I don’t want to carry unnecessary weight with me and to incur extra baggage fees. Buying refillable bottles or purchasing new travel toiletries along the way can help keep your load to a minimum.
Medication Check the entry requirements because certain medications may be illegal in that new country. I always have my doctor’s note ready in case I'm questioned at the airport - you should as well!
International Power Converter Different countries have different power outlets that also push different levels of power. Make sure to check the power outlets at your destination country and bring the appropriate power adapters. Also, double check that you have the right cord(s) to attach to it!
Have a “Carry-On Baggy” I don’t like having to stand up from my seat every time I need to get something from my carry-on in the overhead, or even trying to dig through my backpack underneath the seat. I have a "carry-on baggy" that sits at the top of my backpack for easy reach and use.
Here’s what I typically have inside:
Shower wipes/baby wipes
Lysol wipes
Eye drops
Eye mask and ear plugs
Lotion
Lip balm
Chargers
Hand sanitizer
Brush
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Pen
Medication
Hope you find this helpful :) Stay tuned for my foodie posts in Japan!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year's!
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