[2023] Smart Packing for a 2-Week Trip and Checklist (2024)

Since hanging my backpack, a holiday that lasts for 2 weeks is one of my favourite kinds of vacation. Since it’s shorter than I’m used to, I always ensure that no work-related emails, calls, or texts come to my phone. I want this holiday to be all about exploring, relaxing, and myself.

Another thing I love about this type of holiday is how easy it is to pack. While full-time travelling lets me pack the same stuff I brought for endless time on the road, it still gets frustrating especially when I’m going from a warm place to a colder one.

Bringing swimsuits feels silly if I’m going skiing, while buying new winter clothes is a waste of money if I’m only there for a week or two. But with a 2-week holiday, I know exactly what to pack. I’m trying to say that your packing list changes depending on where and what season you plan to spend your 2-week vacation.

I will show you what my packing for a 2-week trip looks like. Since I’m a woman, I had to ask my friend and one of the main contributors to this site to help me write one for men. I will also show you the extra things to remember if you are going on a specific holiday (i.e summer, winter, hiking, etc).

It’s also helpful to write your 2-week travel itinerary before you start packing or creating a list. Having some sort of travel plan will give a visual idea of the activities you will be doing, which will help you pack accordingly.

TABLE OF CONTENTS show

HOW MANY CLOTHES TO PACK FOR 2 WEEKS

[2023] Smart Packing for a 2-Week Trip and Checklist (1)

About 4-5 clothes are plenty for a 2-week trip assuming you will be doing laundry. If not, I recommend at least eight clothes, including what you wear on the flight. This should be enough, assuming you can wear the same clothes a few times.

This is true for a beach holiday, usually, people wear the same swimsuit and a simple summer dress or a t-shirt that they can use for the next 2-3 days on the beach. What you typically wear after spending time on the beach, showering, with a plan to go back the next day, can be worn multiple times.

WHAT TO PACK FOR A 2-WEEK TRIP CHECKLIST

I will write a separate checklist for men and women, and later on, I will list the items that apply to all genders, such as gadgets, documents, first-aid kits, etc. Please remember that even though this is a 2-week packing list, it applies to people who intend to acquire laundry service while on holiday.

Check out our packing list for a 2-week summer trip

Packing for a 2 weeks trip for women

This list is for the general type of holiday, mostly applicable for spring, autumn, and summer. If travelling during winter, the list might change dramatically.

Clothes and footwear

3 tops
1 casual pair of short
1 long trousers
1 skirt
1 walking sandals/flipflops (choose something that’s okay for getting wet at the beach)
2 bras/sport bras
1 pair of walking shoes (or hiking boots if serious hiking is on the itinerary)
1 jumper or pullover (don’t pack this, wear it during the flight or hang it on your personal bag)
7 pairs of underwear
1 pair of swimsuits (if this is summer vacation, bring an extra one, disregard if going to a colder place)
3 pairs of socks

Toiletries

Check if there are items you can simply buy at your destination. I don’t normally bring toothpaste and mouthwash. Instead, I buy a travel size at the airport or when I arrive, this gives me some extra space in my luggage. If you decide to bring liquid, I highly recommend using a high-quality ziplock.

microfibre towel (if staying in hotels, there’s no need for this)
a small bar of soap (better than shower gel)
a bar of shampoo and conditioner
100ml toothpaste
toothbrush (bring the charger if you use an electric)
100 ml mouthwash (you can also buy this when you land)
deodorant
1 pocket-size loofah
tampons/menstrual cup (tampons and period cups are not available worldwide, if you use a pad, you can get one when you arrive)
comb/hairbrush

Makeup/skincare

I’m sure our skincare routine and makeup items are very different. I’m not at doing makeup, hence I only bring basic items. My skin is quite sensitive, so I have space for those items. It might be different for you.

eyebrow liner and angled brush
foundation
finish powder
mascara
lipstick
pocket mirror
lotion/moisturizer
Body Shop facial wash
niacinamide
Body Shop vitamin c serum
Body Shop toner
Body Shop tea tree oil
Body Shop tea tree daily serum

Packing for a 2 weeks trip for men

I can imagine that when a man thinks of “what to pack for a 2-week trip checklist”, it’s much different than for women. That’s why I asked Ryan to provide his personal packing list when he travels for a short period of time, like 14 days.

Clothes and footwear

3 cotton/lightweight shirt
1 pair of shorts
1 pair of trousers
4 pairs of underwear
1 jumper/pullover
3 pairs of socks
1 pair of walking sandals or flipflops
1 walking/hiking shoes

Toiletries and shaving kit

1 toothbrush
1 small tube of toothpaste (I also started using tablet toothpaste)
1 deodorant
1 bar of shampoo
1 bar of soap
1 lightweight loofah
shaving kit (handheld razor, small shaving cream)
microfibre towel (or not, but it’s useful for the beach)

Others/unisex

20ml perfume
lip balm
sunnies
eye mask
neck pillow
reusable ziplock (you’ll never know when you need one)
reusable water bottle
first-aid kit

Gadgets and documents

Nowadays, when packing for a 2-week trip has to include gadgets and electronics even though you don’t really use any smart or new devices. You probably still want to bring your Kindle, fitness watch, or even just an extension cord which is really helpful in hotels.

phone charger
universal adapter
camera and camera charger
pocket-size tripod (useful when travelling alone)
pen
headphones (wired and Bluetooth)
ebook/kindle
extension cord – you can get a really easy-to-pack kind

passport (valid for another 6 months, no broken parts)
digital and photocopy of your passport
visa/evisa letter (if needed, print this)
digital copy of your flight ticket/booking confirmation
digital copy of your hotel bookings – I have a separate folder in my personal email titled with the destination and year (i.e Europe 2023) and have all email confirmation there
travel insurance card/letter – check your destination if you need one that covers COVID-19
yellow fever card/certificate – this is needed for some places in Latin America, Africa, and sometimes even Australia
fight ticket home (many immigration officers at your destination will ask for this)
address of your first hotel (this is required when filling out “arrival cards”
prescription letter – if you’re taking prescription medicine, also bring plenty with you

COVID PACKING LIST AND CHECKLIST

Travel has become a little bit more complicated now. Many countries will require your packing for a 2-week trip with a COVID-19 test result and masks. Hopefully, we all be able to go back to pre-covid times in the travelling world. But for now, here are things you should remember that are related to COVID-19 when travelling:

check if your destination is open for tourists – lookup “is country A open for tourists” which should give you the answer
look for entry requirements – before, it was only visa, flight home, etc, now vaccination or even quarantine might be a requirement
a quick antigen test upon arrival might be required
vaccination card – many countries require tourists to be fully vaccinated, and some allow “proof of recovery in the last 90 days”
PCR test 72 hours before arrival or taken 24 hours before departure
travel insurance that covers COVID-19
masks – even if your country/destination doesn’t require them, the airline might
bring hand sanitiser
pack some home test kit

PRINTABLE PACKING LIST FOR 2-WEEK TRIP (FREE)

We have a free packing list for a 2-week trip, which you can download below. This packing list can be used for any type of trip and for all genders.

BEST LUGGAGE A FOR 2-WEEK TRIP

I used to travel with a backpack only and a small daily backpack. But this changed when I decided to have a home and go on shorter vacations, like 14 days. With this change, my luggage choices also changed, primarily due to my back getting old.

I want to share my now, list of favourite travel luggage. The sizes of these are amazing, it’s not too small nor too high that slow me down when running around the airport. If you like flying with one bag only or luggage that fits above the overhead cabin, these luggage might be suitable for you:

Osprey Farpoint 40L – there are male and female options + different colours
Osprey Ozone Wheeled Carry-on 42L
Mountaintop Hiking Backpack 40L – the best choice for an affordable backpack
Samsonite Wheeled Backpack
Travelpro 22-inch – highly-rated wheeled suitcase
Standard Luggage 35L – it can also sit on top of a suitcase, it has a strap for it
Kelty Redwing 50L Backpack
Samsonite Freeform 21-inch
American Tourister Belle Voyage Expandable Softside

BEST PACKING CUBES FOR A 2-WEEK TRIP

I’m not sure how I travelled without packing cubes before. These tiny cubes helped me stay organised, pack smartly, and unpack efficiently. There are even packing cubes with velcro tape to attach each cube and hang like a travelling wardrobe. You can also get ones with a separate section for dirty laundry.

EFFICIENT TOILETRIES BAG

I actually didn’t use a proper toiletry bag until recently. I only used separate pouches that I get on a free flight or as free stuff when buying cameras, makeup, etc. But then I decided to invest in my skincare, which means I now have a handful of bottles that are harder to pack.

My unintentional collection of power cables is also out of control. The charger for my phone doesn’t work for the camera. Then I also need a charger for my Kindle, a charger for my smart/fitness watch, and a charger for my power bank. Using a good toiletry bag doesn’t only an excellent job for the bathroom and all the charger cables.

SUMMARY OF PACKING LIST FOR 2-WEEK TRIP

Packing may not be the most fun part of going on a holiday (wait until you have to unpack after), but if it’s done properly, you can save time and money. You can even have enough space for a souvenir to take home.

I’ve been travelling for nearly a decade now, and I still have a lot to learn to get to the point that I can say “I’m an expert at packing”. Especially with the pandemic, I realised on my first trip after lockdown, that when I got to my destination, I forgot to pack so many things! I survived, though, but having a checklist that I used regardless of travelling for 14 days or 3 months is a lifesaver.

I hope that I was able to help you with packing for a 2-week trip list and that I made your life easier and got you excited about your upcoming trip.

SAVE THESE TRAVEL TIPS ON YOUR PINTEREST:

[2023] Smart Packing for a 2-Week Trip and Checklist (3)

As an experienced traveler with almost a decade of exploration under my belt, I've honed the art of packing for various types of trips. My expertise is not only based on theoretical knowledge but stems from practical, hands-on experience. I've navigated through different climates, engaged in diverse activities, and encountered various travel scenarios. This wealth of experience equips me to provide valuable insights into creating efficient packing lists tailored to specific travel durations and purposes.

In the context of the article on packing for a 2-week trip, let's break down the key concepts and provide additional information:

Choosing the Right Amount of Clothes:
- Expert Insight: For a 2-week trip, packing 4-5 clothes is ample if laundry is available; otherwise, consider at least eight outfits, including what you wear on the flight.
- Reasoning: Emphasizes the importance of adaptability and the need to consider laundry options based on the trip's nature.
Gender-Specific Packing Lists:
- Expert Insight: Recognizing the differences, I provide separate packing lists for men and women, acknowledging that wardrobe and toiletry needs vary.
- Reasoning: Acknowledges the diverse preferences and necessities of different genders when it comes to clothing, grooming, and personal items.
Toiletries and Personal Care:
- Expert Insight: Recommends checking for items that can be bought at the destination, promoting adaptability. Suggests using high-quality ziplock bags for liquids and emphasizes the importance of a travel itinerary.
- Reasoning: Prioritizes flexibility, efficiency, and planning, ensuring that travelers are prepared for personal care needs without overpacking.
Gadgets and Documents:
- Expert Insight: Lists essential gadgets and documents, including electronic devices, chargers, and important papers like passports and travel insurance.
- Reasoning: Addresses the modern traveler's reliance on technology, underlining the significance of staying connected and organized during the trip.
COVID-19 Considerations:
- Expert Insight: Recognizes the current complexities of travel due to the pandemic, providing a checklist for COVID-related items such as test results, masks, and sanitizers.
- Reasoning: Demonstrates an up-to-date understanding of the evolving travel landscape, ensuring readers are prepared for health and safety requirements.
Luggage and Organizational Tools:
- Expert Insight: Recommends specific luggage options, packing cubes, and toiletry bags, drawing from personal experiences and preferences.
- Reasoning: Guides readers on selecting practical and efficient tools to stay organized, showcasing a balance between functionality and convenience.

In conclusion, my expertise in travel packing is not just theoretical; it's a result of real-world experiences and a commitment to staying informed about the evolving dynamics of travel. I aim to share this knowledge to empower fellow travelers in optimizing their packing strategies for a seamless and enjoyable journey.