Packing lists
Overpacking is a fear problem, not a space problem
Why most bags are too heavy, what each extra item is really for, and a simple test for deciding what stays out of the suitcase before you travel.
Zeina Saidi3 min read
Zeina Saidi
Editor
Writes the packing lists and carry-on guides.
Articles by Zeina
Carry-on only
Carry-on bag size limits: how to check yours
Carry-on bag size limits differ by airline and fare, so here is how to check yours, measure your bag and avoid gate fees, with no made-up numbers.
Zeina Saidi3 min read
Packing lists
Packing cubes vs rolling clothes: which fits more
Packing cubes vs rolling clothes: cubes keep a bag organised, rolling saves a little room, and neither shrinks clothes as much as people hope.
Zeina Saidi3 min read
Carry-on only
Can I bring a power bank on a plane? Carry-on rules
Can I bring a power bank on a plane? In general yes, in your carry-on and not in checked bags, with limits that vary, so check your airline first.
Zeina Saidi3 min read
Packing lists
Packing list for hot destinations: what to bring
A short packing list for hot destinations: loose clothes, sun and water basics, and what to leave at home so your bag stays light in the heat.
Zeina Saidi3 min read
Carry-on only
Solid toiletries vs travel bottles for carry-on
Solid toiletries vs travel bottles: solids skip the liquids bag and never leak, bottles are cheaper and easier to use. Here is how to pick for a carry-on.
Zeina Saidi3 min read
Carry-on only
Liquids in carry-on: the 3-1-1 rule
The TSA liquids rule in plain words: container size, one bag, what is exempt, and why you should check your own airport and airline before flying.
Zeina Saidi2 min read
Packing lists
Cold weather trip packing list: how to pack warm and light
A cold weather trip packing list built on layers, with what to wear on the plane, what to leave at home and how to keep a winter bag from exploding.
Zeina Saidi4 min read
Carry-on only
One bag travel for beginners: how to start and what to cut
One bag travel for beginners: a plain method to pack for any trip in a single carry-on, with a weight rule, a wear list and what to cut first.
Zeina Saidi4 min read
Packing lists
Beach holiday packing list: what to bring and what to skip
A beach holiday packing list with a swimwear formula, sun and sand basics and a short list of things you will not use, so your bag stays light.
Zeina Saidi4 min read
Packing lists
Weekend trip packing list: what to bring for 2 to 3 days
A weekend trip packing list for two or three days: a simple formula, a wear-on-the-plane list and what to leave at home, so it all fits in one small bag.
Zeina Saidi5 min read
Carry-on only
Carry-on only packing list for 10 days
How to fit ten days into one carry-on only bag with a simple formula, a wear-on-the-plane list and a laundry plan that actually gets used on the trip.
Zeina Saidi4 min read
Carry-on only
Carry-on packing list for a 5-day trip
A simple carry-on packing list for five days, with a clothes formula, toiletry tips for security and ways to fit everything into one small bag.
Zeina Saidi2 min read
Carry-on only
How to pack a carry-on bag step by step, without a wrestle
How to pack a carry-on bag step by step: lay out, cut a third, load heavy items low, fill gaps and keep the airport items on top. Includes a check list.
Zeina Saidi3 min read
Carry-on only
Two week carry-on packing list: how to pack 14 days in one bag
A two week carry-on packing list: the formula, a laundry plan, what to wear on the plane and what to cut. Check your airline's bag size first.
Zeina Saidi3 min read
Carry-on only
Personal item size: what fits under the seat
Personal item size varies by airline. Here is how to check yours, what fits under the seat, and what to put in it so your carry-on stays light.
Zeina Saidi2 min read
Packing lists
Pack the night before or a week before? A case for the middle
A short column on when to pack: the night before feels easy but forgets things, a week before feels safe but gets undone. Try the two-pass method.
Zeina Saidi4 min read
Packing lists
Toiletry bag packing list for travel: the short version
A toiletry bag packing list for travel that fits one small pouch: the must-haves, what to buy there, and how to stay within carry-on liquid rules.
Zeina Saidi2 min read
Carry-on only
What you cannot take in carry-on: check before you pack
What you cannot take in carry-on luggage: sharp tools, large liquids and some batteries are common limits, but rules differ, so check before flying.
Zeina Saidi2 min read
Packing lists
Cruise packing list: what to bring for a week at sea
A cruise packing list for a week at sea: cabin-friendly clothes, formal night, power strip rules to check, and what to leave off the ship.
Zeina Saidi3 min read
Carry-on only
Carry-on vs checked bag: which to choose for your trip
Carry-on vs checked bag: carry-on saves time and fees and avoids lost luggage, checked suits long trips and bulky gear. A simple rule and table.
Zeina Saidi3 min read
Packing lists
Rainy destination packing list: what to bring and what to skip
What to pack for a rainy destination: a hooded shell, quick-dry clothes, shoes that survive puddles, and a short list of items you can safely skip.
Zeina Saidi2 min read
Packing lists
Packing list for a week in Europe: one bag, any season
A packing list for a week in Europe that fits one bag: a clothes formula, shoes for cobbles, plugs, a layer plan and what to leave out.
Zeina Saidi3 min read
Packing lists
Ski trip packing list: what to bring for a week on snow
A ski trip packing list built around three layers, one pair of everything that matters and a short leave-at-home list, so your bag stays small.
Zeina Saidi4 min read