35+ Essentials: The Ultimate Packing List for a Week Long Trip

Hey guys! So I'm finally writing this post after like a thousand people asked me how I manage to pack for a week-long trip without bringing my entire closet. Last month when I visited Colorado, I actually only took one carry-on suitcase, and it was LIFE CHANGING! No waiting at baggage claim, no heavy lifting, and I still had everything I needed.

I've made so many packing mistakes over the years (like that time I brought 6 pairs of shoes to Miami… what was I thinking?!). But I think I've finally nailed the perfect 7-day packing list, and I'm sharing all my secrets with you today!

1. Packing List for a Week Long Trip: Essential Pre-Trip Planning

Do you feel anxious when packing for a week-long trip? Most of us struggle with overpacking, forgetting weather checks, choosing wrong footwear, and uncertainty about essentials.

Essential Pre-Trip Planning

Check the weather forecast twice – once when planning and again the day before departure. I once packed summer clothes for Seattle only to face a week of rain!

List your planned activities. Will you hike, attend dinners, or visit beaches? Your packing should match your itinerary.

Check if your accommodation has laundry facilities – this allows you to pack significantly lighter.

The efficient packing formula: 5 versatile tops, 3 pants/skirts, 1 dress, and 1 light jacket – all mixable and matchable. This creates multiple outfits from just a few items.

For footwear, bring only 3 pairs maximum: comfortable walking shoes, versatile sandals/flats, and one dressier option if needed.

Continue reading for my complete checklist of clothing, toiletries, electronics, and documents that will transform you into a packing expert!

2. The Perfect Clothing Formula for a 7-Day Trip

I used to be that person who packed 12 different outfits “just in case,” but now I've mastered this mix-and-match method for my week-long trip packing:

2.1. Core Clothing Items for a 7-Day Trip

5 versatile tops that can mix with everything else:

Last summer in Chicago, I brought 2 basic tees, 2 nicer blouses, and a lightweight sweater. When I spilled coffee all over my white tee the first day, I still had plenty of options!

I wore my black blouse with jeans for a casual museum day, then dressed it up with a skirt for dinner. The lightweight sweater saved me when the restaurant cranked up the AC to arctic levels!

3 bottoms (usually 2 pants/shorts and 1 skirt):

During my San Francisco trip, I brought black jeans, khaki shorts, and a midi skirt. The temperature changed drastically from neighborhood to neighborhood!

I was in shorts while exploring sunny Mission District, but quickly changed to jeans when the famous fog rolled in. The skirt was perfect for wine tasting in Napa Valley where it was 85 degrees!

1 dress that works for casual or dressed-up occasions:

My black wrap dress has been a lifesaver on multiple week-long trips! In Nashville, I wore it with sneakers and a denim jacket for sightseeing during the day, then added earrings and nice sandals for a last-minute invite to a fancy dinner. Without that dress, I would've had to buy something new!

1 light cardigan or jacket that matches EVERYTHING:

My tan cardigan has saved me countless times! In New Orleans, I thought I wouldn't need any layers in August, but every restaurant, museum, and streetcar was freezing cold. I threw that cardigan over everything from my sundress to my tank top, and even used it as a makeshift pillow on the flight home.

7 pairs of underwear (obviously!):

Remember my Atlanta business trip where the airline lost my luggage for two days? I had packed all my underwear in my carry-on and was so grateful! My colleague had to buy everything new while waiting for her suitcase.

3-4 pairs of socks (depending on your shoe situation):

I once brought only “no-show” socks to Denver, then ended up hiking in the mountains where the temperature dropped 30 degrees. My ankles were freezing! Now I always pack at least one pair of warm socks even for summer trips.

Comfy pajamas (I just pack an oversized tee and shorts):

These doubled as a workout outfit when I stayed at an Airbnb in Portland that unexpectedly had a mini gym. Also came in handy when I had to answer the door for food delivery!

1 swimsuit if your trip includes water activities:

I wasn't planning to swim during my Arizona business trip, but when my hotel had an amazing pool and I had a free afternoon, I was so glad I'd tossed in my swimsuit as a last-minute addition!

2.2. Footwear Essentials for a Week-Long Trip

For a 7-day packing list, I limit myself to:

1 pair of comfy walking shoes (wear these on the plane to save space!):

My trusty white sneakers have walked 25,000+ steps in a single day in Washington DC without a single blister. When we decided to walk the entire National Mall instead of taking the metro, these shoes saved my feet!

1 pair of versatile sandals or flats:

In Austin, my slide sandals were perfect for casual brunches, shopping on South Congress, and even looked cute enough for rooftop drinks. When it rained unexpectedly, they dried super quickly unlike my friend's canvas shoes.

1 dressier option if needed for special occasions:

I almost skipped packing my black block heels for my Boston trip, but then got invited to a fancy graduation dinner. Those packable heels took up minimal space and saved me from being underdressed at a five-star restaurant!

This sounds so simple but trust me, it WORKS! I wore the same black pants like 3 times on my last trip and nobody even noticed lol.

3. Smart Toiletries for Your Week-Long Trip Packing List

I used to bring full-size everything and my toiletry bag weighed like 10 pounds. Now I use those little travel containers or buy travel sizes. Also, hotels have so much stuff you can use:

• Basic toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste)
• Skincare essentials (I bring cleanser and moisturizer, that's it)
• Sunscreen (NEVER skip this, I learned the hard way in Arizona)
• Minimal makeup (I just bring tinted moisturizer, mascara, and lip balm)
• Hair stuff (I bring a mini brush and dry shampoo to extend hair washes)

Pro tip: I keep a dedicated “travel toiletry bag” that's always packed with the basics so I don't have to repack everything each trip!

4. Tech and Accessories for a Successful 7-Day Trip

These are the non-clothing items that make a huge difference on your week-long adventure:

4.1 Must-Have Electronics

• Phone and charger (I've forgotten this WAY too many times)
• Portable power bank (lifesaver when using maps all day!)
• Camera if you're not relying on your phone
• Headphones for planes, trains, and quiet time

4.2 Travel Accessories You'll Actually Use

• Ziplock bags (perfect for wet swimsuits, leaky toiletries, snacks)
• Lightweight foldable tote (for beach days, shopping, or day trips)
• Basic medications (pain relievers, digestive aids, bandages)
• Sleep aids (ear plugs and eye mask have saved me in noisy hotels!)

5. Essential Documents for Your Week-Long Journey

Here's my “don't forget” checklist that I always double-check before zipping up my suitcase:

• ID/passport
• Phone charger (mentioning again because I've left this behind SO many times)
• Medications
• Glasses/contacts if you need them
• Credit cards and some emergency cash

6. Real Talk: What I've Learned From My Packing Disasters

The worst packing mistake I ever made was trying to bring too many “just in case” outfits to Europe. I ended up with a massive suitcase I had to drag up 3 flights of stairs in a hotel with no elevator! 😭

Another time I forgot to bring any socks on a trip where it unexpectedly rained the whole time. My cute sandals were useless and I had to buy overpriced socks at the hotel gift shop.

The thing is, you can almost always buy what you forget. Unless you're going somewhere super remote, there are stores everywhere. So don't stress too much!

7. Specialized Packing Tips for Different Types of Week-Long Trips

One packing list doesn't fit all 7-day trips! Here's how I adjust based on the type of vacation:

7.1. Beach Vacation Packing for a Week

For a 7-day beach trip, I always bring items that dry quickly. There's nothing worse than packing damp, sandy clothes! An extra swimsuit is essential so one can dry while I wear the other.

7.2. City Exploration Packing List

For a week of city exploring, comfortable shoes are NON-NEGOTIABLE. I made the mistake of wearing cute but uncomfortable boots around New York once, and my feet still haven't forgiven me. Also, a crossbody bag is safer and more practical than a backpack in busy urban areas.

7.3. Outdoor Adventure Week Packing

For a 7-day outdoor adventure, think LAYERS! The temperature can change dramatically during the day, as I learned hiking in Utah when it went from freezing morning to blazing afternoon.

8. Final Packing List for a Week-Long Trip

• Basic t-shirts
• Nicer tops
• Light sweater
• Pants/shorts
• Skirt
• Versatile dress
• Cardigan or light jacket
• Underwear
• Socks
• Oversized t-shirt for sleep
• Shorts for sleep
• Swimsuit
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Versatile sandals or flats
• Formal shoes (optional)
• Shampoo
• Soap
• Toothpaste
• Face wash
• Moisturizer
• Sunscreen
• Tinted moisturizer
• Mascara
• Lip balm
• Mini hair brush
• Dry shampoo
• Phone
• Phone charger
• Power bank
• Camera
• Headphones
• Zip-lock bags
• Packable tote bag
• Basic medications
• Earplugs
• Eye mask
• ID/Passport
• Glasses/contacts
• Credit card
• Emergency cash

9. The Week-Long Trip Packing Philosophy

Here's the truth about packing for a 7-day trip: you can almost always buy what you forget (unless you're heading somewhere super remote). Nobody will notice if you wear the same jeans multiple times!

The secret to a successful week-long packing list is being realistic about what you'll actually wear and use. I promise you don't need a different outfit for each day of your trip!

What are your essential items for a 7-day packing list? Any packing disasters you've learned from? I'd love to hear your stories!

P.S. If you found my week-long trip packing tips helpful, check out my upcoming post on “How I Fit 2 Weeks of Clothes in a Carry-On” coming soon!