What to pack?

Packing becomes child's play when you follow a universal checklist that can be adapted according to the length of your stay, the season, and your destination. Whether you're going for a weekend, a week's vacation, or a long trip, your suitcase should contain the essentials: underwear, t-shirt, swimsuit, shoes, pajamas, flip-flops, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, deodorant, first-aid kit, insect repellent, passport, ticket, universal adapter, power bank, headphones, and don't forget an extra bag. Here is the GYL guide to optimize every square inch of luggage and ensure you don't forget anything.

Basic Clothing and the 5-4-3-2-1 Rule Based on Length of Stay

The 5-4-3-2-1 rule is the most commonly used method by regular travelers to pack a week's luggage without overpacking. It suggests bringing 5 underwear, 4 tops (t-shirt or tank top), 3 bottoms (pants, shorts, or skirt), 2 pairs of shoes, and 1 swimsuit. This covers 95% of situations in temperate or warm climates.

What to pack for a stay of a week or more

For one week, the 5-4-3-2-1 rule is sufficient, complemented by light pajamas, flip-flops, and a cardigan for cool evenings. For two weeks, double the underwear and t-shirts rather than bulky tops: doing laundry on-site is more efficient than weighing down your luggage. Beyond three weeks, it's better to plan for an intermediate laundry session and keep the same basic items. For a long, exotic trip to tropical Asia, first confirm your dates with our guide when to go to Vietnam before deciding on your wardrobe between Hanoi, Hoi An, and Phu Quoc.

How to adapt the content for a weekend or a short stay

For a 2 to 3-day weekend, apply the 3-2-1-1-1 rule: three underwear, two t-shirts, one pair of pants, one pair of sneakers, one pair of pajamas. Only one complete change of clothes is sufficient. According to a TUI 2024 study, 38% of short-stay travelers return with more than 40% of unworn clothes, a sign that we always pack too much.

Choosing the right fabrics and materials (linen, microfiber, merino)

Prioritize lightweight, wrinkle-resistant materials such as linen, microfiber, or merino wool, which dries in 3 hours and does not retain odors. A microfiber towel takes up 4 times less space than a classic terry towel, a real asset for carry-on luggage. To further optimize space, check out the guide what to pack for a 1-week trip which details the optimal daily list.

Essential Identification Documents and Payment Methods

Travel documents are the absolute priority: forgetting a passport or ticket can jeopardize the entire trip. According to the official public service document on identity papers, passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date for most countries outside the European Union.

Passport, visa, ticket and mandatory papers

Prepare your passport, visa if required by the destination, plane or train ticket (paper and digital version), international driving license if you are renting a vehicle, and family record book for trips with minor children. Keep a photocopy of each document in your checked luggage, separate from the originals kept in your carry-on.

Credit card, cash and payment solutions abroad

Carry at least two means of payment: a main credit card and a backup card or cash, stored separately. Notify your bank of your trip abroad to avoid automatic blocking. An envelope of 50 to 100 euros in local currency can be useful when leaving the airport if ATMs are busy.

Travel insurance and emergency numbers to anticipate

Travel insurance certificate and the European Health Insurance Card (free via ameli.fr) are essential for Europe. Note your embassy's number and 112 (European emergency number). For non-EU countries, check required vaccinations and keep your international vaccination certificate with your other papers.

Toiletries, Hygiene, and Sun Protection

The toiletry bag should contain toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, soap or shower gel, deodorant, and sunscreen. For carry-on luggage, all liquids must be in containers of maximum 100 ml, grouped in a transparent, resealable 1-liter bag according to the rules published by the DGAC on carry-on luggage.

Daily hygiene and typical toiletry kit

The essentials: 50 ml travel toothpaste, toothbrush with cap, solid shampoo or 100 ml bottle, deodorant, razor, comb, body lotion. Solid shampoo is a great alternative to bottles in carry-on: no leaks, no liquid restrictions, and twice the lifespan of a classic bottle for the same use.

Travel pharmacy and medications to bring

The minimum pharmacy includes paracetamol, anti-diarrhea medication, bandages, antiseptic, tropical insect repellent (DEET-based for high-risk areas), and a healing balm. For personal treatments, bring a translated prescription and enough medication to cover the duration of your stay plus a 3-day margin in case of unforeseen delays.

Sunscreen, after-sun balm and facial care

Sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, or even 50 for tropical and mountain destinations, is mandatory all year round. Add an after-sun balm or aloe vera, a spray mister for long flights, and an SPF lip balm. On the beach as well as hiking, reapplication should be done every 2 hours.

Electronic Equipment and Travel Accessories

Electronic equipment weighs an average of 2.1 kg in a suitcase, according to a 2023 Samsonite study, which is nearly 10% of the allowed checked baggage weight. Smartphone, universal adapter, power bank, and headphones are the four pillars never to forget. A hard-shell suitcase with an integrated TSA lock protects this equipment during air travel.

Smartphone, headphones, tablet and chargers

Beyond your smartphone, plan for wired headphones (more universal than wireless on long-haul flights), a tablet or e-reader for long journeys, and all cables in a dedicated pouch. A recycled pencil case perfectly stores cables and chargers without them getting tangled in the suitcase.

Universal adapter, power bank and backup battery

A universal adapter covers over 150 countries and costs between 15 and 30 euros: essential outside Europe. The power bank should be at least 10,000 mAh to recharge a smartphone 2 to 3 times, and must be carried in cabin according to IATA rules (lithium batteries are prohibited in checked luggage). Headphones, cameras, and tablets follow the same rule.

Cabin backpack and comfort accessories

A cabin-sized backpack or a shoulder bag complements the main suitcase. Slip in an inflatable neck pillow, sleep mask, earplugs, an empty water bottle (to be filled after airport security), and a book. To organize this carry-on luggage well, the guide what you can take in your carry-on suitcase details the authorized volumes by airline.

Packing Tips to Optimize Suitcase Space

Organizing the interior of a suitcase well can save up to 30% of usable volume, according to tests conducted by manufacturers Delsey and Samsonite. Three techniques stand out: rolling clothes instead of folding them, using organizers (packing cubes), and compressing bulky items in vacuum bags.

How to properly organize and optimize space inside your suitcase

Start by rolling t-shirts, pants, and pajamas: the military technique saves 25% of space compared to classic folding and limits wrinkles. Place shoes along the edges, soles outward, and tuck socks and underwear inside to use every centimeter. Heavy items go at the bottom near the wheels, fragile ones in the center. For more in-depth advice, the guide how to pack for a long trip: a practical and efficient guide explains the complete strategy for 2 or 3 weeks.

Packing cubes, vacuum bags and organizers

Packing cubes compartmentalize the suitcase by category: one cube for tops, one for bottoms, one for underwear, one for the toiletry bag. Vacuum bags compress up to 50% of volume for sweaters and winter coats, perfect for saving space in checked luggage.

Distribute belongings between carry-on and checked luggage

In flight, keep in your carry-on: passport, ticket, credit card, medications, chargers, power bank, a complete change of clothes. Put in your checked luggage: liquid toiletries, extra shoes, pajamas, clothes in quantity. This distribution limits the impact of lost luggage and respects airline allowances. Details of what goes in checked luggage can be found in what you can put in a checked suitcase.

Adapting Suitcase Contents According to Season and Destination

The season radically transforms the contents of a suitcase: a summer beach trip requires a swimsuit, flip-flops, and sunscreen, while a winter mountain stay necessitates a coat, gloves, scarf, and hat. Adapting your suitcase to the actual weather of your destination is the primary rule for traveling light and well-equipped.

Summer suitcase: beach, sun and warm destinations

Summer calls for 5 to 7 swimsuits for two people on a beach holiday, 6 linen or cotton t-shirts, 2 shorts, 2 dresses or skirts, 1 shirt for evenings out, flip-flops, sneakers for hiking, and sunglasses. A cap or hat, SPF 50 sunscreen, and insect repellent complete the essential beach and tropical kit. Before packing your bags, take a look at our guide where to go in May for sun to identify the sunny destination best suited for your dates.

Winter suitcase: mountains, skiing and negative temperatures

For the mountains, layer up with technical clothing: merino thermal underwear, fleece, down jacket, waterproof coat, gloves, scarf, hat, warm socks. A single pair of waterproof boots, like après-ski boots, is sufficient, complemented by sneakers for indoors. Expect to add 1 kg more than a summer suitcase for the same number of days.

Mid-season suitcase: spring, autumn and city break

In mid-season, embrace layering: t-shirts, shirts, a cashmere or wool sweater, a light jacket, a packable rain jacket. For a city break or road trip, pack 2 comfortable pairs of sneakers, one dressy outfit, and a compact backpack for sightseeing. To properly size your carry-on or checked luggage, consult how to choose your suitcase.

FAQ: Packing your suitcase without forgetting anything

Conclusion

Stress-free packing relies on three pillars: a solid checklist by category of items, the 5-4-3-2-1 rule for clothes, and packing techniques like rolling clothes or using packing cubes. Adapt the content to the season and length of stay, keep documents and fragile electronics in your carry-on, and choose a sturdy suitcase with an integrated TSA lock for a carefree trip. Happy travels with GYL.