In winter, the crowds don’t vanish (although sometimes it feels that way), but they ease just enough to let you glimpse the city’s real soul. Plus, you get to experience the festive season the way the locals do. The decorations are simple and understated, meant for those who live here, not to put on a show for tourists. The lights sparkle on the water, the fog swirls between quiet canals, and a magical atmosphere casts itself all across the island. But with all that winter beauty comes damp air, chilly winds, and the occasional high tide. To really enjoy your Venetian holiday, you’ll want to pack smart. So here is my guide to what to pack, what to expect, and how to make the most of visiting Venice in winter.

Table Of Contents

1. What’s the Weather Like in Venice in Winter?
2. Venetian Winter Packing Strategy
3. Base Layers: Your Secret Weapon
4. Mid Layers: Sweaters & Versatile Warmth
5. Outerwear: Coat + Rain Protection
6. Footwear: Built for Bridges
7. Essential Accessories
8. Extras Worth Bringing
9. What to Skip in Venice
10. Sample Packing List (for 5–7 Days)
11. Sample Outfits
    • Happy Travels, Adventurers

What’s the Weather Like in Venice in Winter?

Temperatures at Christmas in Venice usually fall between 3 and 9 °C (around 37 to 48 °F). But it often feels colder than thuis thanks to the damp air rolling off the canals. Expect fog, mist, and a fair bit of rain, with the occasional acqua alta flooding in some lower areas. And once the sun sets, even a mild afternoon chill can turn cold fast.

Venetian Winter Packing Strategy

Although it might be chilly outside, Venice has plenty of cozy cafés, beautiful churches, and warm museums to duck into when the cold gets into your bones. You’ll find yourself constantly moving between cold and warm, so having layers you can easily peel off or add back on is key. And of course, anyone travelling in Italy will want to strike that balance between comfort, warmth, and a touch of that elegant Venetian style. We all want to look good in those vacation pictures, so it’s essential to feel good in whatever you’re wearing, too! Breathable layers, waterproof shoes, and cozy accessories are going to be the essential items that keep you warm so you can explore all day and night without missing a beat!

Base Layers: Your Secret Weapon

Thermal tops and leggings made of merino wool or heat-tech fabrics are ideal for staying warm without bulk. Fleece-lined tights are a lifesaver when worn under dresses or skirts. For added comfort indoors, pack a couple of lightweight camisoles or tank tops that can be layered easily or worn alone when you peel off your heavier layers. Uniqlo is one of my favourite stores for finding high-quality but affordable heat-tech items.

Mid Layers: Sweaters & Versatile Warmth

Wool or cashmere knits are perfect mid-layers, chic, cozy, and breathable. Merino turtlenecks offer a sophisticated look and can be dressed up or down depending on your plans. A slim vest adds extra warmth without making you look or feel bulky. Pair these with dark jeans or tailored trousers, which look great and work well with thermal leggings underneath. A skirt or dress, combined with fleece-lined tights, gives you a dressier option that’s still practical for colder weather.

Outerwear: Coat + Rain Protection

A wool-blend coat that falls to mid-thigh or knee-length offers elegance and warmth. Choose one with a tailored fit so it layers well over your outfits without feeling oversized. For wetter days, bring along a foldable rain shell or a coat with a built-in waterproof liner. A compact, wind-resistant umbrella is essential, choose one that won’t be a hassle in Venice’s narrow alleys.

Footwear: Built for Bridges

Waterproof boots with good tread are a must to handle slippery stones and sudden puddles. Bring a comfortable pair of sneakers or indoor shoes for days spent exploring museums or dining indoors. Wool socks and fleece or wool insoles add an extra layer of hidden warmth and help keep your feet dry and comfortable throughout the day.

Essential Accessories

A warm wool or cashmere scarf is indispensable for wrapping up against the chill. Touchscreen-friendly gloves, ideally waterproof, will keep your hands warm without sacrificing functionality. Pack a warm beanie or beret to protect your head from the wind while adding a touch of European flair. Opt for a crossbody or anti-theft bag that keeps your belongings secure while being easy to carry over bridges. To protect your electronics during high tide or rainy weather, bring along a ziplock bag or small dry pouch.

Extras Worth Bringing

The Venetian air, while damp, can be surprisingly drying on your skin. Bring lip balm, hand cream, and a small travel moisturizer. A compact, sturdy umbrella is essential, especially if your main one breaks or is lost. A microfibre towel can come in handy if you get caught in the rain or your shoes get wet. Cold weather drains batteries faster, so a portable charger is another must-have. Finally, a foldable tote is functional for shopping at local markets or carrying extra layers.

What to Skip in Venice

Avoid packing heels or delicate shoes, which are impractical for navigating cobblestones and bridges. Leave behind overly bulky coats or sweaters in favour of mixable, lighter layers. One secure, everyday bag is enough, so there’s no need to bring multiple options. Jewellery tends to get hidden under scarves and gloves, so skip the extras.

Sample Packing List (for 5–7 Days)

Sample Outfits

• Thermal top + jeans + sweater + wool coat + scarf + boots
• Thermal leggings + dress + vest + fleece tights + coat + gloves
• Heat-tech underlayers + skirt + cashmere turtleneck + wool coat

By the time you’ve zipped up your suitcase, you’ll already be halfway to that first cappuccino by the canal. Packing for Venice in winter isn’t about perfection, it’s about being ready for whatever the lagoon throws your way, a surprise fog, a puddle that’s deeper than it looks, or a moment so quiet you forget there are other tourists in town. Bring the layers, yes, but also bring that sense of curiosity that makes travel in the colder months so rewarding!

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post Ultimate Packing List: What to Pack for Venice in Winter and at Christmas first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Creating a Travel Capsule

My capsule dressing advice here can be adapted to various styles. I’ve created a very neutral base palette, which will work for almost everyone’s fashion sense. Most of the items I’ve included are pieces everyone already has in their closet. This way, you won’t need to go out and buy a whole bunch of new things. There are already plenty of more subdued examples of Fall dressing online. But I wanted to create a capsule styled towards the autumnal season with many colour pops throughout. I wanted to include some more alternative items but feel free to adapt these examples to your style. If you don’t like such bright colours, you can always use a similar hue in a different tone. Hopefully, you find something that works for you!

Check the Weather Before You Leave

Before we dive into the individual wardrobe times, here are some of my favourite general tips for packing for the Fall season. While this seems obvious, many people do a quick google months before they go and don’t really delve into the details the day before. If you’re expecting a colossal rainstorm, you might want to swap out a pair of cute ankle boots with a pair of sturdy rain booties. And despite the list below of average temperatures, you never know when there’s going to be a polar vortex or hurricane, which can drastically alter the weather. Check the forecast a few days before leaving to ensure you’ve got all the right things packed away and won’t be too surprised by the daily forecast.

Average Fall Temperatures in Mediterranean Europe:

September 26°c / 20°c with Average Precipitation 14mm
October 23°c / 17°c with Average Precipitation 53mm
November 18°c / 12°c with Average Precipitation 58mm

Try NOT to Look Like a Tourist

When you’re travelling, you want to be comfortable, of course! But being comfy shouldn’t look like you just woke up and rolled out of bed. Travelling for most people is perhaps when they take the most photos. So you want to be looking your best in them! We’ve all done it, threw on a pair of leggings just to avoid the idea of getting dressed when you’re jet-lagged. But when you see those photos afterwards, you’ll be disappointed. Many Mediterranean cities in Europe have the chicest fashion sense. So it’s nice to feel like you fit in. Looking like a tourist also means you might be an easy target for pickpockets.

Things NOT to wear:

• Baseball caps (just not a European thing)
• Athletic wear
• Dirty clothes
• High heels (yes, they look cute, but they’re hard to walk in and aren’t great for any old city with cobblestones)
• A cheap windbreaker (If you’re expecting inclement weather, bring a beautiful weatherproof coat which is still fashionable. Plastic windbreakers are a dead giveaway you’re a tourist)

Don’t Dress for Summer

If you’re visiting from a colder climate, it’s easy to want to throw on your summer clothes when it’s 28 degrees in Barcelona but 8 degrees back home. While I get this inclination, it will immediately make you look like a tourist. The minute the temp starts to drop, even a little, Barcelona’s residents begin to put away their shorts and start to dress for Fall. Fall is perhaps the chicest season, and you don’t want to miss out on these stylish outfits.

Pre-Plan Your Outfit

Take pictures on your phone before you leave off your pre-planned outfits. Especially if you’re tired or jetlagged, sometimes you don’t have time to think about your ensemble. So just popping on your phone and looking at your pre-plan outfits is an easy way to get effortlessly dressed for the day. I find this trick works insanely well, and it’s become one of my favourite tricks to looking super well put together without effort.

Know Your Rough Itinerary

To plan outfits appropriately, having a rough trip itinerary is an excellent idea. While you don’t need to know hour by hour what you’re up to, it’s a good idea to see if you will be going hiking, in which case you would have to bring a pair of hiking boots. Or if you’re planning on going to a fancy dinner restaurant, you might want to ensure you have an exquisite dress packed. If you are just having home-cooked meals at the hostel, you also want to ensure you don’t overpack those dressy items that won’t get used and take up much-needed waste in your carry-on.

Lean Towards Darker Colour Scheme

Choosing dark colours over light for most items sets you up for success. Darker tones are much more versatile. An LBD can quickly be dressed up compared to a white one with cute boots and fun jewellery. Also, if you have a smaller capsule, you’ll re-wear items multiple times. Darker colours will help mask any dirt you might pick up along the way and won’t need to be laundered as much.

Choose the Right Fabrics

During the Fall, it’s essential to wear the right materials. These are fabrics which are breathable but also warm. Wool, or any wool blend, is a great choice. Wool keeps the heat in when it’s cooler out but will also remain breathable, so you’re not just sweating inside a sauna as it begins to warm up. Wrinkles are a dead giveaway that you’re living out of a suitcase. Choosing fabrics like jerseys is great to pack since they won’t wrinkle. There are also lots of companies which make wrinkle-resistant fabrics which are a great choice.

Don’t Bring your Most Expensive Jewellery

Wearing expensive clothing or jewellery anywhere in the world can make you a target for pickpockets. This is a sign to them that you might have money to steal so I always find that travelling isn’t a time to bring those expensive pieces. Plus, when you’re jetlagged, you also don’t have the same kind of wits about you. I’ve lost a few pairs of earrings just with all the hustle and bustle of travelling, and thankfully they were all super cheap!

Try to Keep your Hair Simple

If you can get away without bringing a hair straightener or blow dryer, you’ll save a ton of space in your luggage. For someone people, this might mean keeping their hair up while travelling for ease, so I would make this a fun dressing exercise instead of a downer. I have fallen in love with these simple headbands for the Fall, which can really dress up any outfit. Velvet scrunchies or ribbons will also make a simple up-do a little fancier, and these take up almost no room in your suitcase.

Jackets

The coat you choose to bring might be one of your most important decisions. I have three options for you here, but you can pick out just two depending on the weather.

Faux Leather Moto Jacket: A sleek, faux leather black jacket is one of the most elegant items for your wardrobe. They look dressy paired with dark jeans or a dress but can look super street style when added to a more casual outfit.

Jean Jacket: A jean jacket is my ultimate travel must-have. They are so comfortable and yet also are such workhorses for any weather. They are adaptable and look as casual as they do chic.

Packable Puffer Jacket: This coat is SUPER lightweight and was honestly one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. It comes in various colours and can be compressed into a tiny ball. It’s the BEST for putting on in the morning and then stashing away in your bag when it warms up. I cannot express how lightweight it feels, but how much warmth it manages to keep in! SCIENCE! If you’re expecting torrential rain, this might not be the best, but an umbrella should be suitable for most rainy days as it’s rain-resistant (not proof).

Dresses

Long-Sleeve Dress: This yellow lace dress is a statement piece. Colourful dresses are great to bring since they are perfect for those more upscale evenings. This looser-fit style is comfy enough to wear all day without feeling constricted. Since it’s still all one colour, it can easily be dressed up or down and pair well with many items in the capsule.

Jersey Dress: Jersey dresses, especially those with pockets, are the perfect travel item. Light, wrinkle-free and easily layerable. I picked one with long sleeves for the Fall since it means you can wear it out on slightly less chilly days without a coat.

Long Sleeve Shirts

Cashmere Sweater: A cashmere sweater is one of those investment pieces which is ideal for travelling. It’s lightweight and breathable. And while it looks super lux, it feels so cozy and comfortable. The best of both worlds.

Deep V-Neck: A lightweight, deep v-neck is a simple but stylish look to throw on in the morning. There is just something about a v-neck which makes your entire outfit look smart. Pair that with a thin gold pendant, and you’re ready to hear out the door. This one is made from jersey, which is super easy for travelling as it doesn’t take up much room but is still full sleeves and won’t wrinkle.

Striped Shirt: A striped top feels like the perfect piece for your travel wardrobe no matter what the season but in Fall, I think it just pops! I love this one from ModCloth with a tiny fox in the top right which adds just a bit of fun to the simple, striped shirt!

Cardigan: Cardigans are great to pack with you since they can easily be layered on top of a shirt or dress and removed if it gets too hot. Or if it’s extra cold, you can always add a jacket on top. This luxurious wool cardigan in a bright burgundy is an excellent addition to the fall hues in the mix.

Short Sleeve Shirts

Camisole: A simple camisole is great for layering. This one has a bit of lace added, making it spiffy! It just looks a bit more thought out than a plain version. These come in all different colours so you can choose the best one for your wardrobe.

Typographic Tee: I adore a typographic shirt for travelling. When the words on the shirt seem to embody something about your travels, it just feels like the perfect thing to wear for killer photos. These little things can make a big difference in how you feel about your travel wardrobe. Don’t wake up and feel like you don’t like anything you brought. Wake up and be excited to wear what you did bring!

Blouse: This mustard-coloured blouse takes up practically no room in your suitcases. I love how bright it is; definitely a statement piece for photos! The little touch of a half-turtle neck and flared cap sleeves is one of those details that makes a big difference.

Bottoms

High-Waisted Skinny Jeans: Dark wash jeans in a skinny, high-waisted style are another great piece, as they seem to go with everything. Jeans are one of those items which can withstand weeks without washing and still maintain that fresh look! This is why all the bottoms I picked are made of denim.

Denim Skirt: A denim skirt is just one item I feel belongs to Autumn like nothing else. I picked light-wash denim for this item to provide a spectrum of tones for the bottoms.

Grey or Black Jeans: Dark wash denim or black jeans look super chic, and almost everyone already has one pair in their closet. If you have a pair that is dark enough, they can sometimes even look like blank slacks without the need for ironing.

Shoes

Flats: Pack yourself a pair of sophisticated flats. Easy to pack, lightweight and super cute. Leopard adds interest and texture to your shoes, making them look a bit more upscale. I went for a pair with the tiniest hint of a heel, so they remain extremely comfortable, but they also provide that elegant look you want if you’re wearing them out to a fancy dinner.

Ankle Boots: These are the most versatile shoes for Fall. They can look so sophisticated when paired with a dress, but they are super casual with bootcut jeans. Stick to ones with no big heel and the right insole for the most comfort when walking all day. 

The Modern Sneaker: Sneakers are often thought of as leisurewear wear, but there are so many styles available that look extremely dapper these days. Stick to low-profile sneakers; they look more dressy and less casual. They can be worn with skirts and dresses easily. Choose a sneaker in one or two colours. For me, I want to find something bright and colourful. But I also love these simple white kids as they go with EVERYTHING, and (when they’re clean) they look so modern.

Accessories

Infinity Scarf: An infinity scarf is essential for Fall and winter in Europe. You can wrap these around your neck and sometimes around your arms if caught in the rain, or the temperatures drop suddenly. It’s almost like a mini blanket!

Wool Hat: Even in the Fall, the sun is still out, and these wool hats are almost all you need to wear to suddenly turn an outfit from ordinary to super-stylish! Anyone who thinks they don’t look good in hats needs to try this one out because I truly feel like it suits everyone!

The Modern Backpack: Backpacks get a bad reputation for making you look like a tourist. But over the past year, I’ve seen more and more people wearing backpacks are high fashion. Chanel, Gucci and Dior have all come out with their own line of backpacks since people have finally realized they are so comfortable and easy to use but can also look amazingly chic! This piece from Modcloth is perfect for travelling since it’s extra secure. It has two belt loops to open and close it and also has some additional inside zippers to put your extra secure items. I think people go a little overboard regarding security, and most of those theft-proof bags are super ugly. This one works great and is just fiddly enough to keep out thieves but also be usable.

Sunglasses: There is still plenty of sun, and sunglasses are a fun accessory to bring that really brings out your personality. Choose whichever one is your favourite from your closet!

An umbrella (optional): Bring it along if you can see a ton of rain in the forecast and you have a sturdy yet compact one at home. If the forecast is pretty sketchy, I will leave this out. You can always buy one on the street; plenty of street vendors sell them during the storms. Or just jump into a department store where you can generally find them for sale pretty cheap.

PJs

One of the hottest trends this year is fashionable sleepwear which can be transitioned into daywear. One of the most popular companies doing this is Sleeper, which creates aw-worthy nightdresses and pyjamas that look like high-fashion womenswear. Having an outfit like this means you don’t need to pack pyjamas since you can wear just what you went to bed for dinner the next night. While Sleeper might be a bit lux for some people Target and even Zara, have also begun to come out with similar styles of night-into-day sleepwear. But the Atlanta Sleeper dress with the long sleeves is PERFECT for fall dressing.

Additional Packing Items:

• 2 bras
• one pair of underwear per day
• one pair of socks per day
• one pair of tights (great to layer if it’s extra chilly)
• Toiletry Bag
• External battery charger
• camera
• notebook and pen (I always keep travel notes, great way to reflect on your day)
• a book to read
• additional electorincs (kobo or other edreader, chargers etc.)

Example Outfits:

Below of some outfit ideas, I put together so you can get a taste of just how many looks you can put together from such a small capsule!

To download the checklist of all the items described in this post, click here!

Let me know what you’re favourite travel item for Fall is and how you style your wardrobe when travelling throughout the seasons!

Happy Travels Adventurers

The post The Ultimate Carry On Packing Guide to Europe in the Fall: What you NEED and What to SKIP first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

#1. Get a GREAT Carry-On Suitcase

I think that if you find a fun suitcase that makes you happy, it will make packing lighter, all the easier to do now that you have such a cute little package to put everything into. Most airlines now charge for checked baggage so by using the carry-on you’ll be saving sometimes hundreds of dollars. Money that can be put back into experiences on your trip. Airlines have great information on their websites about sizing, and every airline is different so be sure to check the website to ensure your bag will fit in the overhead compartment. This site has a great at a glance guide to give you a general idea of sizing.

You don’t have to opt for a full-on suitcase if you prefer a large knapsack or carrying bag but I love having wheels since it makes it much easier to go long distances with ease. I got this adorable suitcase at a swap meet. Nothing fancy and it has held up after over a dozen trips. You don’t always need to spend a lot of money to find something fantastic! Amazon always has incredible deals on luggage and often in unique colours and designs. This one here is next on my list to purchase once my old one conks out!

#2. Invest in Packing Cubes

If you can afford it, packing cubes are so helpful in not only organizing your suitcase but in condensing it too. I used to use large ziplock bags which worked similarly well. Fill a bag with one category of clothes and compress. Packing cubes are more reusable and let’s face it, look a lot prettier too. I’m currently obsessed with the new collection from Oh Joy + Calpack – I mean who wouldn’t want to get packing with these amazing designs?! Unfortunately for me, they don’t ship to Canada, but I got mine on Amazon for only $25 for a 7-item set! 

#3. Pack In Advance!

My best piece of advice is to pack well in advance. Chances are you probably know what the general weather will be like when you arrive so working with that, put everything you want to bring into one pile. Don’t try and edit for the moment, just put it all into a large laundry basket or lay it out in another room. After a week or a few days, come back and reassess. You’ll realize upon second look how much stuff you don’t need. So much of what we pack is unnecessary and only done because we’re rushing and not thinking it through.

Here is the itemized list of what I bring for two weeks away:

I chose to bring a raincoat since we were expecting some rain on this trip, but you could just pack two jackets of different weights if you aren’t planning for rain. It’s always good to pack a light jacket even if the weather will be warm because chances are you’ll be out exploring late and after the sun goes down, so does the temperature! I choose three pairs of pants, but you can do a skirt as a bottom instead. Make sure to pick one pretty dress or top which works a for a fancy night out.

Don’t overestimate how many “fancy” outfits you’ll need. Chances are you’ll need none, but one is more than enough. Make sure to note which items are the heaviest and make a point to set those aside to wear on the plane. Ensure they’ll also be comfortable, you don’t want to save on space but end up suffering on that long-haul flight. 

If you’re looking for tips on how to stay as comfy as possible on the plane check out this post!

#4. What NOT to Bring!

Forget the toiletries! Don’t’ bring shampoo, conditioner, soap etc. Unless you have a certain medical or skin condition which might require special products, these are unnecessary. If you buy the “travel” versions, you’ll end up paying way more for a tiny little bottle than for a huge regular version. Every country I’ve ever visited has had convenient places as soon as I get to my hotel where I could find these items. Often, it’s a fun little adventure exploring grocery stores and international pharmacies. I love discovering new products and use this opportunity to try out something new! If you’re staying in a hotel, you’ll be able to get free shampoo, conditioner and soap. If you ever run out, just as the front desk and they’ll bring you up some new ones right away. 

Pyjamas. I know this sounds crazy but for something you’re just going to wear at night, it’s not worth space in your bag. Instead, just make sure to wear some leggings on the plane and a comfy t-shirt which can double as PJs. In Japan, a lot of hotels actually provide you pyjamas upon arrival! Which is a huge plus!

#5. What to Bring?

Choose lightweight, packing-friendly clothing. Anything that wrinkles should be thrown back into the closet. Anything that is hard to wash – toss that away too. You want quick-dry items in case you decide to wash your clothes in the hotel bathtub (trust me, it works!).

In addition to your suitcase carry-on, you are allowed to have a “personal item”. I pack a large bag or knapsack with all my onboard necessities. Inside my suitcase, I pack a small handbag or mini knapsack for when I arrive and don’t need the larger one.

Although I talk about not bringing many toiletries with you there are a few items which I do bring. One of those items are band-aids and blister cushions. Long days on your feet can take a toll no matter how comfortable your shoes are. And a blister always shows up at the most inconvenient time. Blister band-aids are often hard to find and sometimes very expensive (always marked up for tourists) so I ensure I pack a few in my day bag.

The other thing I bring with me from my home country are Tide to-go pens! These aren’t available all over the world and they do wonders for helping your outfits last a little bit longer before having to be laundered. And if you’re a clutz like me, (I am constantly spilling things on myself) they are a lifesaver. Just remember to put them into your liquids bag when going through security!

#6. Plan your Outfits

Once I feel like I have all my items, I make sure to play around and mix and match to see that everything goes together. This also gives me the opportunity to ensure everything is clean. Sometimes if you’re travelling somewhere in hot in the middle of the winter, you’ll grab a shirt out of storage, only to realize it’s got a big stain or just smells musty. Another benefit of packing in advance is you have the chance to remedy these issues without rushing and staying up till 1 am the night before a long flight. While I don’t always pack in neutrals, I do try to stick to an outfit colour scheme. For this trip, I chose “springtime pastels”. This way, no matter what I grabbed from my bag, it would coordinate nicely with any other item.

TIP: Travelling isn’t the best time to try out new things. As much as you might want to bring that new dress you’ve never worn, it’s better to stick to tried and true pieces from your wardrobe that exemplify your style and you know look great. I know a lot of other blogs will have very neutral and basic items, but that’s just not me. I’m the most comfortable in loud, eccentric pieces but if you love casual, neutral basics then that’s even better. You’ll find the more neutral and simple the looks, the easier it will be for you to mix and match and make lots of different outfits.

#7. How to Pack It

Make sure that when you’re packing, you roll everything up together. This really saves space and makes items easier to find. I often will layer clothes with dryer sheets to keep everything smelling fresh! Put a few new dryer sheets into your suitcase in a ziplock bag to replace the old ones as you go. I also pack a few extra ziplock bags to use along the way as places to store dirty clothes or even as extra storage for things I might buy along the way.

To save space I always pack up my socks, tights and underwear inside my shoes. Roll them up tightly and they fit perfectly in your second pair of shoes. It’s a great way to use that otherwise wasted space. Store your earring and small necklaces in these tiny pill cases which I bought from the Dollar store. They are light but ensure that your jewellery doesn’t get mixed up in your suitcase. Larger necklaces I wrap in clingfilm to ensure they don’t get tangled, sounds a bit odd but trust me; this is a jewellery-saving technique.

I’m someone prone to getting sick and also struggle with my auto-immune disease, so I’m always travelling with a lot of medication. I take only what I think I’ll need and put it into a set of labelled pill boxes instead of bringing the entire bottles of medication. Saves a ton of space and buying medication when you’re in a foreign country just isn’t something you want to risk. Make sure your medication is never put into checked luggage (if you decide to gate check for instance) since you don’t want to risk it getting lost.

This is only for over-the-counter medication, anything that is prescription should be kept in its original bottle with your information on it for inspection. If you’re bringing liquids with you, remember that they have to be under 100ml and inside a clear bag for TSA inspection. I always keep this part of my bag easily accessible before going through security and then can pack it deeper down after I’m through.

#8. Plan on Doing Laundry

For a two-week trip or longer, laundry is going to be something you’ll have to do. You can research places to go in advance or ask your hotel reception for the closest location. Sometimes they’ll even have laundry facilities in the hotel! If you’re staying at an Airbnb, this is often a big plus! My hosts have always been so nice and provided me instructions on how to use the machines. Even if they can’t show you in person, be sure to ask for these instructions in your communications with the host.

Now you’re set for a great trip without being weighed down (quite literally!). After you do this once, you’ll realize how easy it really is to pack light. Getting over that first-time hurdle is the toughest part but with these simple tips, you’ll be off to a great start!

The post The Best Tips For Packing: Two Weeks only Carry-On! first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Documents
2. Comfort
3. Entertainment
4. Sleeping
5. Health
6. Food

Documents

Despite almost everything being available online, there is a sense of security that I find comfort in to have all my important documents printed off and tucked away someplace I can easily access them. Even the best traveller is at risk of having their phone stolen, so it’s nice to have hard copy backups. I print off all my hotel confirmations, boarding passes, travel insurance information and any further transit connections which have been booked.

In places like Toyko, having a printed copy of your hotel address in both English and Japanese can be helpful if you ever get lost. You simply have to point to the address on the paper, and any non-English speaker or cab driver will be able to help you to your destination. The last is my travel wallet. I have a large wallet with lots of different pockets to keep all my receipts and bills organized and the large size is useful since different countries have all sorts of different sizes of bills as well as your passport.

Comfort

Once you’re settled in your seat, it’s time to get comfy. While I always dress as nicely as possible before getting on the plane (once upon a time, looking and being nice at the ticket counter might grant you an upgrade – although this hasn’t ever worked I still keep trying) after I’m seated or shortly before getting on the plane I like to change into a comfy and warm pair of leggings.

Compression Socks

I also make sure to bring a pair of compression flight socks with me. Yes, this might make me sound like an 80-year-old woman, but they do work to keep your legs from getting too sore on the long flight. If you’ve managed to snag yourself the prized exit row seat, you might be faced with a very cold ride. Being near the door has its advantages, but it certainly has downsides too, generally, these seats are cold and LOUD. Flights overall can be on the cool side so bringing a scarf with you is important for helping you stay warm throughout the flight. I tend to bring infinity scarves with me since they wrap around nicely and also can act as a makeshift hat if it gets super cold.

Neck Pillow

A good neck pillow is something to invest in. While you can get cheap blow up ones in the airport (which are better than nothing) a pillow with great neck support and a thick cushion will prevent your neck from incredibly sore the next day and help you sleep or just stay comfortable on the plane. Lastly, and trust me on this one, is a change of underwear. Unless you plan on not checking any luggage there is always a chance that your luggage might get lost and the last thing you want after a 24 hour day of travelling is not to have fresh underwear. Not the most elegant of conversations but trust me, it takes up a tiny amount of space and is well worth the thought.

Entertainment

A 15-hour flight comes with A LOT of downtime. While you might be able to sleep part of that time away, some of us have trouble getting any sleep on aeroplanes. So to combat the boredom, having a bag full of distractions is key to making that time fly by. In the last few years, podcasts have become my #1 choice of in-flight entertainment. With so many different podcasts to choose from you can find one on almost anything you’re interested in.

I also try to download a few episodes which talk about the city I’m about the visit to give myself a head start on where the best food, entertainment and experiences are. 

Download Movies in Advance

If you’re not a podcasting type, a movie might be more up your alley. The airlines these days usually have lots on offer on their in-flight entertainment systems, but it’s always good to bring a selection of your own. I’ve seen too many cases where someone’s tv in their seat didn’t work, and they had to sit there the entire flight bored out of their mind. Netflix and Amazon Prime both now have great options for downloadable content so well before leaving, look into which shows you want to download and clear out plenty of space on your iPad. I also love to download language books and guides on my iPad as PDFs to brush up on my conversational phrases before landing.

Listening Devices

Getting an earphone splitter is key if you’re travelling with a friend or loved one so you can share in what you’re watching. Plus if you’re running low on battery, it means only using up the power on one device. Plugs and portable chargers are another thing you want to make sure to grab. Even the newest devices might not last an entire 15-hour flight, and you never want to count on there being a power outlet at your seat on the plane. My power bank charges my iPhone up to three times, and I’ve never needed more than that.

Reading Material

A traditional book or magazine is also something I treat myself too in the airport since tactile media isn’t something I frequently have the time to delve into. Bringing your travel guidebook on the plane is also a great idea to help finish making any last itineraries plans you might have left to the last minute. I also keep a notebook, pen and Post-it notes with me as well since I’m a blogger and always want to keep track of the things I did and any hidden gems I want to make sure to share.

Sleeping

If you’re planning on getting any sleep on the plane (which hopefully you are) there are a few key items to ensure you’re giving yourself the best chance of getting some shuteye. The flights usually are good about turning off the lights when it’s time to readjust your sleep schedule but in case the person next to you is reading, or the lights have been kept on, it’s important to make sure you have a good eye mask to block out the light.

I always bring a little travel sized bottle of lavender spray. This is the Lush Twilight spray which I just transferred to a travel sized bottle. I put a little bit of this spray on my neck pillow, and scarf and the gentle scent helps calm me down during any turbulence and puts me to sleep once I’m nice and relaxed. In Japan, you can also buy these heated lavender-scented eye masks which are incredible for relaxing your eyes and putting you to sleep.

If you need an extra bit of help, take a melatonin. While I don’t recommend this for the long term, it is a great way to help readjust your sleep pattern. I don’t love the way ear plugs feel, but if you don’t mind them, they’re a great way to keep out the sound of a crying baby.

Health

A 15+ hour flight wreaks havoc on your body. Whether it is all the gems, the dehydration or even just sheer exhaustion, your body isn’t going to be at its best. But these are some great things to help bounce back and fight off sickness. I’m prone to getting nauseous on flights so I always make sure to keep a few anti-nausea pills with me as well as an ibuprofen in case of headaches. I also pack one or two lozenges since the dry air can irritate your throat. A packet of emergen-C powder mixed with water can help prevent any cold germs you might be picking up while travelling.

Your skin takes a beating on the plane so having a good face moisturizer and hand cream are important to keep your skin feeling healthy. If you don’t feel too embarrassed, you can even bring a face mask to do while the rest of the passengers are asleep. Although you might look a bit funny, your skin will thank you.

After you wake up from a hopefully restful sleep, a quick trip to the bathroom to brush your teeth, wash your face wash and hand will do you a lot of good in helping you wake up and preparing you for the day ahead.

Food

A bottle of water is mandatory. You need to drink at least 250ml of water for each hour your flying. These collapsible water bottles from Vapur are the best for not taking up space once they’re empty.  

While they sell food on the plane, it’s usually not the greatest and very expensive. Bringing some snacks with you is a good idea in case you’re hungry when the food cart isn’t around. A bag of nuts, energy or granola bars are great for snacking. Babybell cheese is wrapped in wax, so it doesn’t go off as quickly and is an excellent shot of protein.

If your ears tend to pop on the flight make sure you buy some gum before arriving at the airport – the stuff in the terminal is widely expensive.

The post Amazing Essential Items you Need to Pack in Your Carry-On for a Long Haul Flight first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.