As the vibrant hues of summer slowly give way to the crisp, cool embrace of autumn, it’s time to prepare for your upcoming fall adventure. Whether you’re heading into the picturesque countryside or exploring the charming streets of a bustling city, packing smartly for your autumn destination is essential.
With nature’s canvas transforming into a kaleidoscope of warm tones, your packing list should be as versatile as the season itself.
Personally, I feel like packing for a trip for the autumn or fall season can be a bit challenging. It’s neither too hot nor cold. However, being prepared is essential. You want to be comfortable during your trip, and also stylish enough to get some fun photos with colourful fall foliage.
This fall packing list for a 3-week trip will provide you with an idea of what to pack for your upcoming trip. I included both for males and females, and of course, items such as gadgets, documents, and medical item lists.
WHAT ARE THE BEST PLACES TO GO DURING AUTUMN SEASON
Remember, checking the weather during the autumn season is important. Many destinations experience rainy months during this time of the year. Before we get on the list of what to pack, how about a quick list of the best fall destinations?
Canada
Canada is an ideal destination for an autumn vacation, with its breathtaking landscapes that burst into a symphony of vibrant colours. From the iconic Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario to the enchanting Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, there are numerous spots to witness nature’s magical transformation.
The charming towns of Banff and Jasper in Alberta offer majestic mountain valleys complemented by golden foliage. Don’t forget Quebec’s Mont-Tremblant, where you can indulge in the stunning beauty of maple forests ablaze with hues of red and orange.
Take a look at our 3 weeks in Canada itinerary.
Vermont, USA
Vermont is a dream destination for an autumn getaway, renowned for its captivating fall foliage. Like Route 100 and the Green Mountain Byway, the state’s scenic drives offer breathtaking vistas of colourful maple trees against rolling hills.
Iconic locations such as Stowe, with its charming village and Mount Mansfield, and the picturesque town of Woodstock provide idyllic settings to witness nature’s stunning transformation. Don’t miss the Mad River Valley’s beauty and the Northeast Kingdom’s breathtaking landscapes.
Vermont is a well-known fall destination, so book your hotel or cabin and car rental in advance.
Just keep in mind that it gets quite cold in Canada and Vermont during the autumn season compared to, let’s say, Japan or Germany. So, when making a fall packing list for a 3-week trip, you might want to consider a warmer jacket versus a lightweight one.
Our itinerary for 3 weeks on the East Coast USA covers a trip to Vermont.
Germany
Germany is an enchanting destination for an autumn vacation, offering picturesque landscapes that come alive with stunning fall foliage. The Black Forest region is a must-visit, with its dense forests and charming villages surrounded by vibrant colours.
The romantic Rhine Valley/Gorge, with its castles and vineyards, provides a breathtaking backdrop for autumn hues. The Bavarian Alps, including the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, offer a dramatic setting with mountains adorned in golden hues.
Additionally, the historic cities of Heidelberg and Burg Eltz are perfect places to witness the vibrant beauty of autumn in Germany. We also have an itinerary for 3 weeks in Germany.
Czechia
The Czech Republic is a captivating destination for an autumn vacation, offering a blend of rich history, charming towns, and breathtaking fall foliage. The Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) boasts majestic rock formations and dense forests adorned with vibrant colours.
With its medieval architecture, the picturesque town of Český Krumlov is surrounded by rolling hills ablaze with autumn hues. The stunning Moravian Karst region is known for its caves but also features stunning natural landscapes ideal for leaf-peeping.
Hrensko is the top autumn destination in the Czech Republic. But, if that’s the only place you want to see here, you can access it from Dresden, Germany, since it’s right on the border.
Italy
Italy is a captivating autumn vacation destination, offering rich history, delectable cuisine, and stunning fall foliage. The picturesque region of Tuscany comes alive with golden vineyards and cypress trees against a backdrop of rolling hills.
The Dolomites’ rugged peaks offer breathtaking vistas of vibrant autumn colours. The charming town of Alba in Piedmont is surrounded by vineyards and truffle forests, providing a feast for the senses.
Don’t miss the beautiful landscapes of Lake Como or even just wander through the cobbled-stone streets of Milan, Bologna, and Florence; it gives such a classic cosy pre-winter European vibe.
Get inspired by our 3 weeks in Italy itinerary where you can choose from 3 different options.
Slovenia
Slovenia is a hidden gem for an autumn getaway, boasting stunning landscapes and a tranquil ambience. The Soča Valley, with its emerald river and surrounding forests, offers a spectacular display of autumn colours.
The charming town of Bled, with its iconic lake and castle, is enveloped in golden foliage. The picturesque Julian Alps, including Triglav National Park, provide breathtaking vistas of mountains adorned in fall hues.
Don’t miss the enchanting beauty of Lake Bohinj and the vibrant capital city of Ljubljana, where parks and gardens become a haven for leaf-peeping enthusiasts.
France
France is an interesting choice for an autumn vacation, blending cultural charm and breathtaking fall foliage. The picturesque region of Provence boasts vineyards, olive groves, and quaint villages enveloped in warm autumn colours.
The stunning landscapes of the Alsace region, with its vineyard-covered hills and charming towns like Colmar, provide a delightful setting for leaf-peeping. With its magnificent châteaux, the Loire Valley is surrounded by forests ablaze with vibrant hues.
If you don’t mind a busy city, Paris alone is enough reason to spend your fall vacation in France. Pack your best clothes and take the most iconic photos of your life with the remarkable sites of this city. Don’t forget to look at our 3 weeks in France travel itinerary.
Austria
Austria is a fun destination for an autumn vacation, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. With its crystal-clear lakes and rolling hills, the scenic Salzkammergut region turns into a breathtaking shade of fall colours.
The stunning village of Hallstatt, nestled against the backdrop of towering mountains, is particularly stunning during this season. It is one of Austria’s most popular destinations, but during the fall season, the number of visitors dies down, allowing you to enjoy its scenic views.
The enchanting Wachau Valley, along the Danube River, showcases vineyards and medieval towns surrounded by vibrant foliage. Don’t miss the Alpine landscapes of Tyrol and Vorarlberg, where majestic peaks are adorned with golden hues.
You can cover Austria, Switzerland, and Germany as your 3 weeks in Central Europe itinerary.
Hungary
Hungary uniquely blends history, culture, and stunning fall foliage. The magical Danube Bend, with its charming towns of Esztergom, Visegrád, and Szentendre, is surrounded by forests ablaze with vibrant autumn colours.
Don’t forget the stunning Lillafüred to witness its spectacular autumn foliage, reflected in the tranquil waters of Lake Hámori and surrounded by the scenic Bükk Mountains. Experience the magical beauty of nature’s transition in this picture-like destination.
Our 3 weeks in Eastern Europe itineraries have plenty of options covering many countries, including Czechia, Croatia, and Hungary.
Croatia
Croatia is an exceptional choice for an autumn vacation. Plitvice Lakes National Park showcases a breathtaking display of autumn colours as its cascading waterfalls blend with vibrant foliage.
The charming city of Zagreb, with its vibrant parks and tree-lined streets, transforms into an enchanting autumn wonderland. The Istrian Peninsula, with its picturesque hilltop towns and vineyards, provides a delightful setting for leaf-peeping.
FALL PACKING LIST FOR A 3-WEEK TRIP
My recent fall trip to Germany was proof that I didn’t pack enough. I looked at the weather for November, and it seemed like it was going to be between 15 to 10 °C during the day and a bit below 10°C at night. That seems fine.
But in reality, it was more like 4°C to 7°C at night and 10°C to 12°C during the day. You bet yourself I wore my fleece crop sweater and my non-lined hoodie, plus a long-sleeve top. And it wasn’t enough!
So, don’t make the same mistakes as I did. Gear up for your fall adventure with a thoughtfully curated packing list tailored to the charms of autumn. As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, it’s essential to pack smartly for your destination.
From versatile layers to weather-ready essentials, make sure your suitcase holds cosy sweaters, stylish scarves, a reliable jacket, and comfortable footwear. This fall packing list for a 3-week trip will help you get some ideas on what to bring and even what luggage to use.
RELATED POSTS:
- Packing list for a spring vacation
- What to pack for a 3-week summer trip
- General packing list for a 3-week travel
How much clothes to pack for a 3-week autumn trip
Pack at least one week’s worth of clothes if you know that you will have access to laundry easily. But if not, about 10 days ‘ worth will be better.
Since this is a colder season, you don’t need to wash your main jacket, sweater, or even scarf until the end of your trip (unless you sweat on them such as during a hike).
That means, you only need to bring 1 main jacket, 1 sweater, and 1 scarf. I always bring more underwear regardless of the season. For the fall season, I know I can usually re-wear my jeans or blouse since I won’t be sweating as much.
Fall packing list for women
When preparing for an autumn vacation, there are a few things to keep in mind. Remember to check the weather forecast to ensure you pack appropriately for changing temperatures. Layering is key, so think about versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched.
Don’t forget to pack comfortable footwear for exploring and a sturdy jacket for unpredictable weather. It’s also helpful to bring accessories like scarves and hats for style and warmth. Lastly, consider any specific activities or events you’ll be attending to pack accordingly.
Clothing and footwear
- 1 warmish sweater
- 2 long-sleeved shirts for layering
- 1 lightweight cardigan for added warmth
- 1 neutral-coloured scarf to accessorize and keep warm
- 4 t-shirts or tops
- 1 water-resistant lightweight jacket or coat – I don’t usually bring this, but if you’re going late in fall, it’s recommended
- 1 trousers/jeans
- 1 leggings for versatility
- 2 dresses or skirts for more formal occasions
- a pair of sneakers or walking shoes or flats/loafers
- Flats or loafers for comfortable walking
- 4 pairs of regular socks
- 2 pairs of warm socks/compression socks
- 2 pairs of bras
- 7 underwears
- 1 hat or beanie
- 1 lightweight
- an umbrella or rain poncho
- a pair of workout clothes/activewear for outdoor or gym
Toiletries
- toothbrush and toothpaste
- dental floss
- shampoo and conditioner
- body wash or soap
- deodorant or antiperspirant
- feminine hygiene products
- hairbrush or comb
- hair ties or clips
- razor and shaving cream
- tweezers
- contact lenses or glasses with a case
- basic first aid kit (band-aids, pain relievers, etc.)
- travel-sized perfume or body spray
- personal hygiene items (e.g., hand sanitiser, wet wipes)
Skincare and makeup
- face cleanser
- moisturizer for the face and body
- vitamin c serum
- daily solution/serum, thicker for winter – I enjoy Edelweiss serum and Versed Dew Point Gel Moisturizer
- sunscreen – La Roche Posay is perfect for oily and sensitive skin
- makeup remover
- facial wipes or cotton pads
- lipstick/lip tint
- angle eyebrow brush
- eyebrow liner/pomade – L.A. Girl is my favourite
- liquid foundation
- finishing powder
- 1-2 eyeshadow palette, something nude or darker shade
- mascara
- pocket mirror with LED lights
Fall packing list for men
Layering is essential for fluctuating temperatures, so choose versatile pieces that can be easily mixed and matched. Consider the activities you’ll be engaging in and pack appropriate footwear. Remember to bring a reliable jacket to stay comfortable in changing weather conditions.
Lastly, remember to pack any necessary accessories and adapt your clothing choices to suit the destination and its cultural norms.
Clothing and footwear
- 1 sweater
- 2 long-sleeved shirts for layering
- 1 lightweight jacket or coat
- 4 t-shirts or polo shirts
- 1 jeans or trousers in different colours
- 1 casual pants or chinos
- 1 pair of comfortable shoes or sneakers
- 1 pair of ankle boots or leather shoes
- socks in various thicknesses
- a scarf for added warmth and style
- 1 hat or beanie
- 1 pair of thin gloves for chilly weather
- 1 belts
- 7 Underwear
- 3 undershirts
- a pair of workout clothes/activewear for hiking or gym
- a waterproof or water-resistant jacket
- a set of dress shirt and ties for formal occasions (if planning to go to formal settings)
- comfortable loungewear for relaxing indoors
Toiletries
- toothbrush and toothpaste
- dental floss
- shampoo and conditioner
- body wash or soap
- face cleanser
- moisturizer for the face and body – CeraVe is great for autumn/winter dry season
- razor and shaving cream
- deodorant or antiperspirant
- cologne or body spray
- hair styling products (e.g., gel, pomade) – Smooth Viking is an awesome product
- hairbrush or comb
- contact lenses or glasses with a case
Gadgets
- camera and camera charger
- phone charger
- 2 universal adapters – Epicka has a fast port too
- small-sized tripod – if travelling alone
- 2-3 metres mini extension cable – Cable Matters is a good one
- headphones/earbuds and charge for it
- 1 power bank – at least 10,000 mAh, 20K by Anker
- laptop, charge, mouse – if planning to work while on a trip
- book/eBook reader
Documents and medical items
- bring your prescription letter
- bring enough medicine, especially if it’s a maintenance/daily medicine
- first-aid kit -band-aids, pain relievers, etc
- passport
- copy of your passport – digital or printed
- evisa/visa letter if needed
- cash – best if it’s in USD, GBP, or Euro
- travel insurance card/letter
- yellow fever card/certificate – if travelling to Africa, Australia, and Latin America
- onward ticket or return home ticket
- address of your first hotel – there are lots of immigration offices asking for your address at the destination
FREE PACKING LIST PRINTABLE
RECOMMENDED LUGGAGE
- Haglöfs Tights Pro Medium – my 8-year laptop bag and daily backpack
- Osprey Farpoint 40L
- Samsonite Wheeled Backpack
- Mountaintop Hiking Backpack 40L – budget-friendly choice
- Osprey Ozone Wheeled/Duffel Carry-on 42L
- Kelty Coyote 50L Backpack – durable backpack
- Briggs and Riley 21-inch Carry-On Wheel Suitcase
- Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage
- American Tourister Belle Voyage Expandable Softside – high-quality wheelie
- Travelpro Maxlite Softside Carry-on
SPACE-SAVER PACKING CUBES
- Amazon Basics 4-set
- Veken 6-pack with a laundry bag
- Eagle Creek 3-set
- Eagle Creek dirty/clean division
- Bagail compression packing cubes
- Well Traveled 8-pc packing cubes
SMART TOILETRY BAGS
BOOKING TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
You can check out these websites when you’re ready to book your hotel, flights, and other needed services. I love booking these services because most offer a wide range of choices and, at the same time, allow me to cancel at the last minute.
Travelling during the fall season is actually more ideal. This is the end of the summer peak season. This means that the hotel and flight prices are either back to average or many companies offer their services at a discounted price.
SUMMARY OF WHAT TO PACK FOR AN AUTUMN 3-WEEK TRIP
Packing for an autumn trip can be confusing because you don’t know if you’re going to be warm enough or too warm. When travelling during this season, I always remember having at least a long-sleeve shirt or top and an all-tear-rounder jacket.
If I’m too cold, I can wear both and a shirt underneath. A scarf or a hat is also a great item. It doesn’t have too much space, but really helps to keep you warm. I hope that this guide about the fall packing list for a 3-week trip has been helpful and that you can get some ideas on what to bring to keep yourself warm and fashionable.
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