How to Pack for a Two Week Trip Without Overpacking

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Learn how much clothing and other items to pack for two weeks

Co-authored by Archana Ramamoorthy, MS and Bailey Bujnosek, BA

Last Updated: March 31, 2025 Fact Checked

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Two Week Trip Packing List

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How to Pack

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Packing a Carry-On

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Maximizing Space

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Video

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Expert Q&A

Packing for a two-week long trip doesn’t have to be complicated. With proper planning, you can pack exactly what you need without wasting space in your luggage or incurring extra baggage fees. Keep reading for a checklist of what to pack, steps for proper packing, and ways to maximize space while packing. We even spoke to travel experts and stylists for their advice on packing efficiently.

What to Bring On a Two Week Trip

For a two week trip, pack essential travel documents, electronics, travel-size toiletries, and neutral-colored, anti-wrinkle clothing you can mix and match. If you won’t have laundry access, bring at least 10 tops, 4 bottoms, 14 pairs of socks and underwear, and a pair of comfortable walking shoes.

Section 1 of 4:

Two Week Trip Packing List

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Use this checklist to efficiently pack for your trip. Make necessary changes depending on the weather forecast and what you’re planning to do. For example, if you’re traveling in the summer, you probably don't want to pack a bunch of jeans or sweaters. If you’re attending a dressy event, include a formal outfit. Look into the local culture of your destination to adhere to modesty and formality standards.
- Clothing & Accessories
  - 10-12 tops (mix of short-sleeved and long-sleeved)
  - 4-6 bottoms (pants, shorts, and/or skirts)
  - 7-14 pairs of underwear (depending on laundry access)
  - 7-14 pairs of socks (depending on laundry access)
  - 1-2 dressy outfits (suit, dress, pantsuit, etc.)
  - Comfortable walking shoes
  - Bathing suit (optional)
  - Dress shoes or heels (optional)
  - Hiking boots (optional)
  - Flip-flops or sandals (optional)
  - 1-3 each of necklaces, earrings, and bracelets (optional)
  - Belt (optional)
  - Rain jacket or coat (optional; can wear or carry while traveling)
- Toiletries (Travel-Size When Possible)
  - Toothbrush
  - Toothpaste
  - Floss
  - Shampoo
  - Conditioner
  - Body wash or soap
  - Deodorant
  - Hairbrush or comb
  - 2-3 Disposable razors
  - Moisturizer or lotion
  - Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
  - Hair ties or clips (optional)
  - Small makeup bag with makeup (optional)
  - Chapstick (optional)
  - Shaving cream (optional)
  - Bug spray (optional)
  - Contact lenses, case, and cleansing solution (if applicable)
  - Glasses and glasses case (if applicable)
- Electronics
  - Phone charger
  - Adapters and other cables (if applicable)
  - Camera and batteries/charger (optional)
  - Laptop or tablet (optional)
  - Laptop or tablet chargers (optional)
  - Wireless earbuds or headphones (optional)
  - E-reader (optional)
- Essentials
  - Passport (if traveling outside the country)
  - Wallet
  - Driver’s license/ID card
  - Visa (if applicable)
  - Bank cards
  - Local currency (if applicable)
  - Paper with emergency contacts’ information and trip details
  - Prescription Medications (if applicable)
  - Sunglasses
- Extras
  - Scarf (optional)
  - Travel pillow (optional)
  - Eye mask (optional)
  - Reusable water bottle (optional)
  - Empty tote bag for souvenirs (optional)

Section 2 of 4:

How to Pack for a Two Week Vacation

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1
Spread out everything you’re planning to bring onto your floor. Analyze each item individually to determine the likelihood of using it during your two-week trip, and whether or not it’s something you can easily buy once you reach your destination. Decide if the amount you’ll use the item justifies its weight in your bag. ^{[1]
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- Do ample research on the destination so you’re fully aware of what you will and won’t have access to once you arrive.
2
Pack a week in advance to keep from panicking right before your trip. You’ll have time to run to the store if you’re missing something. Plus, you’ll have more time to decide what you need to bring and what you can leave at home. ^{[2]
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- Talk to friends or acquaintances who’ve been to the place you’re visiting and see if they have any recommendations for what to bring. An insider’s view is usually more helpful than Internet research or a guidebook.
3
Pack essentials first. Store any travel documents, visas, and passports in a special pouch or small bag so you won’t misplace them. Bring refills of any prescription medicines that you won’t be able to replace while you’re traveling. Check that your wallet has your driver’s license or other IDs, bank cards, and local currency.
- While optional, it may be helpful to include a paper with your emergency contacts’ information and trip details, backup credit or debit cards, and a photocopy of your passport and visa in case you misplace these items or they’re stolen.
- If your allergies occasionally flair up or you tend to get migraines, make sure you pack appropriate over-the-counter medications.
4
Pack neutral-colored, anti-wrinkle clothes you can mix and match. When deciding which clothes to take, prioritize neutrals to make a capsule wardrobe, advises experienced solo traveler Archana Ramamoorthy, MS. Pick clothes in neutral colors like black, white, beige, and gray so you can easily pair different tops and bottoms together.
- It’s fine to include one or two patterned or dressy items, but consider what will be most re-wearable during your trip.
- Look for fabrics that are anti-wrinkle, such as wool, polyester, knitwear, and spandex, so you can pack them tightly and not worry about steaming or ironing. ^{[3]
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5
Bring lightweight, versatile accessories to dress up outfits. Luxury travel specialist Angela Rice agrees that accessories like jewelry and hats help make your outfits feel different, even when you’re re-wearing the same clothing. If the culture of the country you're visiting is on the conservative side, a lightweight scarf won’t add bulk to your luggage but can easily and quickly cover you up.
- Men can wear ties , stylish glasses , or a watch to dress up their everyday duds. These items hardly add any weight and don’t take up much room in your suitcase.
You don’t want your toiletries leaking on your clothes and other items. Prevent a mess by storing them in zippered plastic bags or Ziploc bags . Purchase travel-size toiletries or buy cheap, small plastic bottles that you can pour your full-size products into for the trip. Additionally, consider what toiletries you might be able to purchase at your destination to lighten your load.
Chances are, you need your electronics for work, school, or leisure use on a daily basis. Even if you pack in advance, you won’t be able to put your electronics in your suitcase or carry-on bag until the night before your trip. Be sure to include chargers, headphones or wireless earbuds, adaptors, and other cables you may need.

Section 3 of 4:

Packing a Carry-On for a Two Week Trip

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Limit yourself to your airline’s carry-on bag restrictions. Check the airline website for weight and bag size requirements so you can measure and weigh your bag before going to the airport. ^{[4]
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Trustworthy Source
U.S. Transportation Security Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols
Go to source} When you do reach your destination, you’ll enjoy mobility and spontaneity by not having heavy luggage.
- If there are some items you need access to regularly, these should be placed at the top of your bag or in the outside pockets. This will prevent you from needing to dig through all of your belongings.
- Carrying your bag onto the plane means it’s less likely to be lost, broken, or stolen. You’ll save on checked bag fees.
- Similarly, last minute changes in your flight itinerary will be met with less stress because your things are with you.

Section 4 of 4:

Ways to Maximize Space While Packing

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1
If you’ll have laundry access, pack fewer clothes to save space. Plan to bring three pairs of socks, underwear, and shirts. This way you’ll have just enough of each item to wash one, dry one, and wear one. Pants can usually be worn more than once, so two pairs should suffice (one long, one short). This rule only applies to the staples that you’ll be wearing everyday. If you plan to attend an event where your standard ensemble won’t be appropriate, plan accordingly. ^{[5]
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- If you only want to bring one pair of shoes, make sure they’re comfortable to walk in.
2
Roll your clothes to pack more efficiently . Roll your clothes instead of folding them to maximize space in your suitcase and minimize wrinkles. Rolling shirts, socks, underwear, and pairs of pants makes it easier to cram them into every free nook and cranny of your bag. The rolling technique doesn’t cause any more wrinkles than folding. ^{[6]
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- To roll shirts, fold them in half and place the sleeves onto the body. Begin rolling from the hem up.
- To roll pants, fold them in half with the back pockets touching. Roll from either end, making sure not to form any creases.
- Place small rolled items like underwear, socks, and shirts inside your shoes to save more space.
To maximize space inside your bag even further, stick your rolled clothing items into a compression bag . This saves room by eliminating the air between clothing. If you don’t have one, Ramamoorthy recommends placing your clothing rolls in gallon-size Ziploc baggies and pressing out the air before sealing them.
4
Wear bulky items and shoes during travel. This will save room and weight in your bag. If it’s too hot to comfortably wear a jacket or coat on the plane or other transportation, place it on your lap like a blanket, suggests personal stylist Sarah McDonald. If you’re only bringing one or two pairs of shoes, wear your more comfortable pair while traveling to free up additional space in your bag.
- Layer shirts or sweaters if you’re really tight on space—as long as you won’t get overheated while traveling.
5
Check the forecast to see if you can leave rain gear at home. Unless you’re going somewhere that has exceptionally rainy weather, such as the Pacific Northwest, the forecast during your two-week stay should let you know if it’s worth it to bring boots, raincoats, and umbrellas. Consider the time of year and season at your destination before packing, advises Rice.
- Consider packing a travel-size umbrella if you anticipate rain. They don’t take up much space and can come in handy during a light shower.
- If the forecast is wrong and it does start to rain, you’ll most likely be able to buy a disposable poncho at your destination.

Expert Q&A

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How can I pack smarter?

Christel Ferguson
Professional Organizer
Christel Ferguson is the owner of Space to Love, a decluttering and organization service. Christel is certified in Advanced Feng Shui for Architecture, Interior Design & Landscape and has been a member of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO) for over five years.

Christel Ferguson

Professional Organizer

Expert Answer

Store all of your travel-sized items together to make packing easier! Since these items are mostly small, it's easy to lose track of them if they're spread out. Pack travel-sized items all into one or two large plastic bags, and then you can place these into your luggage for quick access.

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What if I have 1 suitcase and have a lot to bring?

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Roll up all clothes and put any small objects into open areas in shoes, hats, suitcase side pockets, etc.

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Is it necessary to purchase a special travel handbag? Is a medium to large sized handbag okay to take on a plane and boat?

Community Answer

Yes, a regular handbag is okay to take on boats and planes. On a plane, usually you will be asked to stash your bag in the overhead compartment or under the seat during takeoff and landing.

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How to Pack for a Two Week Trip Without Overpacking

What to Bring On a Two Week Trip

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Two Week Trip Packing List

How to Pack for a Two Week Vacation

Packing a Carry-On for a Two Week Trip

Ways to Maximize Space While Packing

Expert Q&A

Video

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