Packing list for warm-weather vacations with affordable, eco-friendly, and fair trade picks as well as safety essentials. This guide will show you how to pack for travel to cold-weather destinations in 2020, even with just a carry-on bag. Grab your FREE printable checklist below!
Get ready for your summer trip with this easy-to-use packing list that will fit into a carry-on bag! This was the exact packing list I used for nine weeks of backpacking in Central America and over six months in South East Asia.
I’ve specifically picked multi-purpose clothing to cover different activities from beach days to hiking. In total there is enough for 10 days without washing, which should be the maximum you need to take for any journey. You can also save money and time by hand washing clothes along the way.
In this article you will find:
- Free printable packing checklist
- How I packed for 6+ months of travel in carry-on (video)
- Summer packing list for her (them/ze)
- Summer packing list for him (them/ze)
- Hygiene kit
- Eco-friendly toiletries
- Easy-to-carry electronics.
How I packed for 6+ months of travel in carry-on
Summer packing list for her (them/ze)
Click below to see affordable must-haves for your spring or summer trips. We’ve included fair trade items from Novica that are quality-tested and packed in a certified clean environment. By purchasing through Novica, you can help artisans around the world support their families and overcome diversity.
- 6x pair of shorts
- 2x work out / pajama shorts
- 1x pair of 3/4 pants
- 1x summer dress
- 8x tank tops (singlets)
- 2x shirts
- 1x scarf/sarong
- 1x light sweater
- 10x pairs of underwear
- 4x pair of socks
- 1x pair of trainers
- 1x pair of flip flops
- 1x pair of ballet flats
- 1x bikini.
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Summer packing list for him (them/ze)
- 3x pairs of shorts
- 1x pair of long pants
- 2x tank tops
- 6x shirts
- 5x pair of socks
- 1x pair of swimming trunks
- 1x pair of pajama
- 1x light sweater
- 10x underwear
- 1x pair of flip flops
- 1x pair of loafers
- 1x pair of trainers.
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Hygiene kit
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends staying home to protect yourself and others from getting COVID-19. However, if you do decide to travel, here are a few essentials that can help to reduce the risks.
- Breathable, washable masks with two or more layers
- Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- BPA-free water bottle for personal use
- Food storage containers and reusable ziplock bags
- Contactless credit or debit card.
If you are planning to clean your accommodation, see the CDC’s guidance on how to clean and disinfect (or refer to the advice from your local government advisory).
Eco-friendly toiletries
Reduce your plastic waste and impact on the environment with these eco-friendly toiletries for your next trip. For more vegan, non-toxic, and cruelty-free products, browse the clean beauty shop on Novica.
- Shampoo bar
- Conditioner bar
- Body wash bar
- Unscented body butter
- Eco-friendly storage container for bars
- Solid face cream
- Solid deodorant
- Menstrual cup
- Bamboo toothbrush with a travel case
- Organic tooth powder
- Microfiber Travel Towel
- TSA-approved toiletry bag
- Medications/pain relief.
Easy-to-carry electronics
Stay connected while keeping your luggage light with easy-to-carry electronics. I use these every day to communicate with friends, update this blog, and run my marketing business while traveling.
- Noise-canceling headphones
- 14-inch 2-in-1 laptop
- Waterproof e-reader
- Mirrorless digital camera kit with lens, case, and accessories
- Travel adapter.
For more must-have accessories, see my best travel gear for budget travelers.Originally published in 2016 and updated in 2020. This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
What are your packing tips and tricks? Tell us about it below!
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with lens, case, and accessories
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How in the world were you able to put all those in that backpack? Where are the toiletries? :p I want to see a video of how you packed it. Lol. I should make a mental note to only bring 1 bikini for a holiday, I don’t really need so much.
Ha ha ha I promise it all fit into both! It really helped that I could roll all my tanks and put them in the side pockets :). The toiletries in my bag are in a clear plastic toiletry bag which I put at the front. I know – it’s tempting to bring more than one bikini but it’s been fine with one so far :).
Quite modest packing list if i compare to mine although i pack similar things. I am seriously considering to buy wash bag, looks very handy!
Thanks! Having clothes that can mix and match is a big plus. I only packed one dress and everything else needed to go with at least three other pieces of clothing to be packed. The wash bag is great and also doubles as a dry sack too :).
Great tips for the novice traveler. Everyone seems to pack too much. I dont think people sometimes realize that you can always buy anything you need lol
Hi Mark, thanks for the comment. I so agree. I always think that as long as I have my passport and my wallet that everything else can be bought or worked around. Cheers :).
I’m honestly in awe that you could pack so many clothes into one backpack! Seriously about to invest in this baby, I’m really into learning about what type of backpacks are out there. I’m more of a dress girl myself as I feel they takeaway the need to pack pants and shorts but lucky for warm weather, you barely need to pack anything so packing light is a possible. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Izzy, thanks so much for the lovely comment! I do love wearing dresses too and it can be nice, especially in the hot weather. If you are planning a beach holiday than you absolutely don’t need that much stuff as you will be spending your whole time in a bikini and a sarong. Let us know how you get on with finding a backpack and if you have any other questions :).
This was helpful!! Thanks!
Happy to hear. Enjoy your trip!
I love the designs of all your shorts! I like to wear dresses in warmer weather too and it’s great because this one piece of clothing can be an entire outfit!
Hey Cynthia! Thanks very much! It’s funny because I used to pretty much only wear dresses – they are so easy to throw on and cool in the summer. For day to day wear and shorter trips, I would definitely pack more. On this longer trip though, I really wanted the flexibility of interchanging tops and shorts for some variation. So far, so good. I am not completely sick of my clothes yet :).
Hey Chantel this is a great list and so useful !!!
I hope you are doing great hope our paths cross again !! Such a delightful lady 🙂
Xo
Hey Val! Thanks so much. Was so great to meet you in LA and I hope we meet again too!
We use this carry on bag and trust her Pinay Flying High, it all fits haha. Those bags are amazing. Great list for packing. It depends on how long you’re gone for, but I usually get by with 3-4 shorts and 3-4 tank tops and maybe a few more dresses. I’ve been working on getting together a packing list to use as my go to. I’m all over the place with my packing!
Yes! I love my Osprey Porter. The amount of traveling and style of traveler you are can definitely affect the amount you take with you. This was for 9 weeks backpacking so I tried to maximise the amount of outfits and didn’t take so many dresses because you can mix and match more with shorts and tops but I love dresses and skirts and will take them on shorter trips if I can :).