Life is complicated. But packing doesn’t have to be – with this simple packing list formula for every trip.
You know that feeling you get on the way to the airport or in the car during a road trip and you think “Huh, I feel like I forgot something”? Yeah, me too.
As a naturally anxious person, I’ve always liked making packing lists whenever I travel. But when you’re traveling every few weeks or months, it gets tiresome to create a brand new list every time.
One, because it’s just plain tedious.
Two because things tend to slip through the cracks and I would always forget something important.
That’s when I decided to create this simple packing formula that works for every trip, to make sure I don’t forget anything.
If you’re like me and like to stay organized but want simple ways to do so, you found the right place. I promise you – this will change your packing game and make the whole process so much easier and less anxiety-inducing.
Let’s get into it!
The Formula
Whenever I pack, I start with the essentials and then add on whatever I need specifically for the trip I’m taking. I just remember: T.R.I.P.S. It covers the five essential categories that everyone needs, no matter where you’re headed.
Let’s break it down:
T – Toiletries
A must! Keep all of your toiletries in one small bag to keep everything organized. It should include:
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Your everyday skincare (face wash, moisturizer, serums, etc.)
- Shampoo & conditioner (if your hotel doesn’t provide it or you need specific products)
- Deodorant
- Shaving tools
- Any other personal hygiene items
Depending on if you’re on a long international flight or a domestic flight with one carry-on, make sure you check the size of each product and make sure it’s TSA-compliant.
Tip: As a rule of thumb, each liquid/gel product in a carry-on should be under 100ml or 3.4 ounces!
R – Ready-to-wear
I call this “Ready-to-wear” not just because it fits the acronym, but because I like to pack clothes based on outfits, not just random pieces that I’ll probably end up not wearing.
To do this, plan out what outfit you want to wear each day of your trip (excluding underwear and shoes). Then, lay it all out per outfit, roll it up into a clothes burrito and put that straight into your suitcase. This helps to maximize the space in your luggage AND keep you organized throughout the trip – even if you’re moving to different locations.
With that being said, this part of your packing process should include:
- Outfits for each day
- PJs
- Underwear & socks (I like to keep these in a separate packing cube or bag)
- One comfy pair of everyday shoes + one for occasion
- One extra t-shirt (just in case)
I – ID
For “I”, you can think of it as either ID, or Important Documents. This is where you will pack:
- Passport or government-issued ID (TIP! For domestic travel, they no longer accept regular Driver’s Licenses. You need either a Real ID or a passport to get on!)
- Boarding pass (if you check in online) and/or confirmation numbers
- Travel insurance, visas (if needed)
I keep all of this in a little pouch to make sure I don’t forget or lose anything.
P – Phone & Power
An essential for the 21st century! Make sure you don’t forget:
- Your phone (obvi)
- Charger for all of your electronics
- Airpods and/or headphones (I like to have both for long international trips so I can interchange them throughout the trip when my ears get tired)
- Universal adapter (for international trips that require it)
S – Seasonal
Now that we’ve packed all of the essential items, here is where we can get creative depending on the trip. Things to consider are:
- For colder climates: gloves, hat, thermal layers
- For tropical vacations: swimsuits, sunglasses, bug spray
- Fun activities: playing cards, game consoles
Pack it all up in your luggage and you’re done!
Packing doesn’t have to feel chaotic! Using T.R.I.P.S. as your packing mantra before every trip is easy to remember and it covers the basics without overcomplicating things.
Whether you’re going on a family road trip or your first solo adventure, having a system like this simple packing list formula for every trip means more time focusing on the destination and less on logistics.
Have an amazing trip!
Pin this post or save it to your phone for your next packing session!
What’s the one item you always pack that others forget? Share it in the comments – I’d love to hear it!
Check out some our recent blogs:
Solo Travel in Your 20s – How It Can Empower You and Change Your Perspective on Life
Ultimate Winter Wonderland Road Trip Packing List: What to Bring for a Cozy Weekend Getaway
Leave a Reply