Every seasoned traveller has a packing story, usually involving a suitcase that was too heavy or a missing item that mattered. The good news is that packing well is a skill anyone can learn.

This guide gives you a checklist you can use for any trip, plus tips for the destinations we plan most often.

Start with the essentials

• Passport (with at least six months’ validity for many destinations), visas and copies of your documents.
• Travel insurance details and emergency contacts.
• Cards, some local cash and a small wallet for the day.
• Medication in original packaging, with a copy of prescriptions.
• Phone, charger, power bank and the right plug adaptors.

Clothing: think in layers

Choose a small palette of colours that mix and match, and pick fabrics that dry quickly. Plan on one outfit for each day of sightseeing, with a few extras, and do laundry if the trip is longer than a week.

• Lightweight tops and trousers in breathable fabrics.
• One smarter outfit for dinners.
• A light waterproof jacket.
• Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes.
• Swimwear and a light cover-up if you will be near water.

Health and comfort

• Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat.
• Insect repellent where needed.
• Basic first-aid items, rehydration salts and motion-sickness tablets.
• A refillable water bottle.
• Hand sanitiser and tissues.

Tips by destination

• Dubai: light layers, modest outfits for public places and closed shoes for the desert.
• India: breathable clothing, a scarf for temples and easy slip-on shoes.
• Nepal and Bhutan: warm layers, a rain jacket and sturdy shoes, as weather in the mountains can change quickly.
• Japan: pack light, as suitcases are awkward on trains, and wear shoes that are easy to take off.
• Thailand and Sri Lanka: light clothing, reef-safe sunscreen and a layer for air-conditioned vehicles.

Carry-on strategy

Put anything you cannot replace, such as documents, medication, electronics and one change of clothes, in your carry-on. Check airline and train baggage rules, as they differ and can change.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I pack for a two-week trip?

Plan on about a week of clothing that mixes and matches, and do laundry once. A light bag is far easier on trains, transfers and stairs.

Should I pack in a suitcase or a backpack?

A soft-sided carry-on suitcase works well for most trips. Choose a backpack if you will be on rough terrain or moving often.

What should never go in checked luggage?

Documents, medication, valuables, electronics and a change of clothes should travel with you in your carry-on.

Can Melissa Tours advise on what to pack for my trip?

Yes. Your specialist will share a destination-specific packing list once your journey is confirmed.

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