Your Guide To Packing For A Long Vacation

Packing for a long vacation might not be the most exciting part for some travelers, but remembering to pack everything you need can help you fully realize the potential of your experience. 

Relax and immerse yourself in everything your dream journey has to offer by starting with good luggage packing.

At Accent on Travel, we’re seasoned travelers, planning all the details of long, luxury vacations for all our clients. Our expert advisors can arrange all aspects of your journey and even advise on what you should pack and prepare before you go. That’s why, to help you get the most from your time away, we’re sharing our top tips for packing ahead of a long vacation, ensuring your time is stress-free and plain sailing from the word go.

Tips for packing for a long vacation with limited luggage space

Our first packing tip when you have a limited luggage allowance is to consider what you’re using to put it in. You’re going to be weighing your luggage, so it’s a good idea to check the weight of your fully packed case before you leave. If you’re struggling to stay within the limit, then it may be time to invest in the newest, most lightweight luggage on the market to help you meet any restrictions.

You should also assess the condition of your luggage; make sure it’s in good shape for a long journey, as the last thing you need is to be dragging a case with a broken wheel. 

Similarly, you can pack different luggage to match the type of long vacation you’re taking. A duffle bag for safari journeys is essential, while protected luggage is ideal for cruises.

With today’s flight challenges, it’s a really good idea to select your carry-on carefully, too. Make sure you can hold two days’ worth of clothes in what you carry onboard so that any delays or missed connections do not catch you out. You can also alleviate any worries with a luggage tag in your main luggage so that you know where it is at all times.

Build the anticipation for your journey with a list of essentials and try a test run to make sure you can fit in everything you need.

Our tips for how to pack for a long trip:

• Roll shirts and undies – You can maximize space by condensing these smaller items as much as possible, especially since it doesn’t matter too much if they get creased.
• Use packing cubes – Divide up the space in your luggage with packing cubes that allow you to categorize items together so you can access what you need quickly.
• Pack for five days and rotate – You’re likely to have a large luggage case, so pack for five days at a time at the top of your case, then rotate. This saves you from constantly digging through and creasing all your clothes.
• Pack a sink stopper to wash delicates – This one simple item, along with some travel detergent, will allow you to save space as you can wash your delicates in your suite as you travel.
• Use a two or three-color concept to mix and match – By packing in line with these color concepts, you won’t have to worry about which outfit works, as you can combine any number of items without the need to overpack.
• Keep medicine in a pill organizer – Leave your medicine bottles at home and save on space with a pill organizer for the days you need medication.
• Choose your shoes wisely – Minimize the amount of space taken up by shoes by selecting one pair of evening slip-ons or sandals, then a good pair of walking shoes for hikes or long city walks. Save even more space by packing your socks into your shoes.
• Pack an essentials medkit – If traveling to underdeveloped destinations, pack a medkit with things that might be hard to find.
• Bring a second pair of glasses and sunglasses – It’s easy to lose your glasses or sunglasses on a long vacation, so be sure to pack a backup pair!
• Consider a lightweight rain jacket – This lighter layer can be combined with your underlayer if it has a hood, rather than trying to pack a big, heavy jacket and an umbrella.
• Pack mini toiletries – Exchange larger bottles of hair care products, for example, with mini 3oz versions to save on valuable space.

Packing list for a long journey

Here is a useful checklist you can use when packing for a long vacation:

How long before a vacation should you start packing?

While some people like to leave their packing until the last minute, packing for a long trip should be done with days – or even weeks – to spare. This is so that you can ensure that you’re able to safely pack everything you need within the luggage allowance.

We recommend having a trial run for packing so that you avoid any last-minute panic. You can then pick up any extra items or essential gear you need for the destinations you have on your itinerary.

For everything outside of packing your luggage, there’s the team at Accent on Travel. From inspiration for your next summer vacation to guided tours that bring you exclusive access and hidden gems in your destination of choice, leave all the planning to us. We’ll start with your dream and design your travel around your preferences, including options for all-inclusive cruises with some of the world’s most luxurious cruise lines that specialize in journeys around the globe.

Call now at 888-803-4179 and let’s start planning your next extended vacation. Wake up somewhere wonderful with Accent on Travel.