The Ultimate Packing List for a 2-Week Vacation

The Art of Packing Light (But Smart)

Overpacking is the number one mistake travellers make. A heavy bag kills the joy of travel — you're lugging it through airports, up hotel stairs, and across cobblestones. But underpacking means buying expensive items abroad or doing without. This guide hits the sweet spot.

Use our interactive packing list tool to track your own checklist as you pack.

Documents and Money

• Passport (valid for 6+ months beyond return date)
• Visas if required — check requirements at least 3 months before travel
• Travel insurance documents (print + digital copy)
• Flight and hotel confirmation printouts
• Emergency contacts written down (not just in your phone)
• Credit cards (2 different networks — Visa + Mastercard)
• Some local currency for arrival
• Driving licence if renting a car

Clothing: The 5-4-3-2-1 Rule

For a 2-week trip, you don't need 14 outfits. Aim for:

• 5 tops (mix of casual and smart)
• 4 bottoms (2 trousers, 1 shorts, 1 smart option)
• 3 pairs of shoes (walking, casual, one smart)
• 2 jumpers/cardigans (light + warm)
• 1 jacket or raincoat

Choose clothes in neutral colours that mix and match easily. Merino wool items are especially good — they're lightweight, odour-resistant and temperature-regulating.

Toiletries

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
• Shampoo + conditioner (solid bars save space)
• Deodorant
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+ for summer destinations)
• Moisturiser
• Razors and shaving cream if needed
• Feminine hygiene products
• Any prescription medications (in original packaging + a doctor's note)
• Basic first aid: plasters, ibuprofen, antihistamines, rehydration sachets

Electronics

• Smartphone + charger
• Universal travel adapter
• Portable power bank (at least 10,000mAh)
• Laptop or tablet if needed
• Headphones (noise-cancelling are worth the investment for long flights)
• Camera if you don't rely on your phone
• E-reader — far lighter than books

Travel Accessories

• Padlocks for hostel lockers
• Day bag or packable tote for daily use
• Reusable water bottle
• Travel pillow for long flights
• Eye mask and earplugs
• Packing cubes (game-changer for organisation)
• Clothes pegs for drying laundry
• Small torch or headlamp

What to Leave at Home

• More than 2 weeks' worth of clothes — you can do laundry
• Full-size toiletries — buy small or use hotel supplies
• Every "just in case" item — these add weight with minimal payoff
• Hardback books — use an e-reader
• Hair dryer — most hotels provide one

Final Tips

Lay everything out on your bed, then put back half of it. You almost certainly don't need it all. Weigh your bag before leaving — most airlines allow 10–23kg for checked luggage, but budget airlines charge heavily for overweight bags.