Packing List Generator
Answer four questions and get a list built for your trip. Tick things off as you pack — it saves as you go.
How to pack without overpacking
Almost everyone packs for the trip they imagine rather than the one they take. The reliable fix is to count clothing by days rather than by outfit ideas: underwear and socks for the number of nights plus two, tops for roughly one a day, and bottoms for every third day. If laundry is available anywhere on the trip, cap everything at about a week regardless of how long you are away. The classic test is to lay out everything you plan to take, then remove a third of the clothes and double the money.
How much clothing to take
| Item | Rule of thumb |
|---|---|
| Underwear and socks | Nights + 2 |
| Tops | One per day, plus one in hot climates |
| Trousers or skirts | One per three days, minimum two |
| Jumpers | Two in cold climates, one otherwise |
| Shoes | Two pairs, one worn on the journey |
| Anything "just in case" | Leave it, unless it is medication |
With laundry access, cap everything at about seven days. Two weeks away does not mean fourteen shirts — it means seven shirts and one wash.
What belongs in your hand luggage
Airlines lose or delay a small but non-trivial share of checked bags. The rule is simple: anything you cannot replace in a day goes in the cabin.
- Medication, in original packaging, with enough for a few extra days.
- Passport, cards and cash.
- Phone, chargers and power bank. Lithium batteries are not permitted in checked luggage at all.
- One change of clothes and basic toiletries.
- Anything valuable — laptop, camera, jewellery.
- Keys, so you can get back into your own home.
Liquids in the cabin are limited to 100ml containers in a single transparent bag at most airports, though several are gradually removing the rule as scanners are upgraded. Assume the restriction applies unless you have checked.
How to use the Packing List Generator
- Set the number of nights, the climate and the type of trip.
- Tick international, children or laundry if they apply.
- The list rebuilds instantly. Tick things off as you pack.
- Use copy list to send it to someone else or print it.
Frequently asked questions
How many outfits for a week away?
Roughly seven tops, three bottoms, and nine sets of underwear and socks. Mixing a few neutral bottoms with more varied tops gives many more combinations than packing complete outfits.
What should I never put in checked luggage?
Medication, documents, valuables, and anything with a lithium battery — power banks and spare batteries are prohibited in the hold by most airlines.
Is my list saved?
The ticks are, in your browser. Rebuilding the list for a different trip keeps ticks for items that appear in both.
How early should I check my passport?
As soon as you book. Many countries require six months of validity beyond your return date, and renewals can take weeks.
Roll or fold?
Rolling saves a little space and creases less for casual clothes. Fold anything structured — shirts and jackets — and use packing cubes if you want the real space saving.
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Last reviewed September 4, 2026. Results are estimates for general information only.