Packing For 3 Weeks Summer Holiday

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Packing for summer is definitely one of my favourite things to do. Not only will I be spending 3 weeks under the sun sipping pina colada but mostly because it’s the easiest holiday to manage. The clothing that summer requires is lightweight, so I sometimes don’t even have to do any checked luggage.

If you compare it to winter, packing for a winter vacation is exhausting, and the luggage will always be heavy, and everything is bulky. But for summer, it’s the opposite. I can even sneak in to do laundry in my hotel bathroom and dry it on the balcony. It saves laundry service fees and time!

I already have a general packing list for a 3-week vacation, but this one is specifically a packing for 3 weeks summer holiday. Items are must-packs and can simply be bought when you arrive at your destination.

We will talk about not only clothes but also things that many packing list articles forget, such as documents to bring, electronics, and other items.

ALSO CHECK: 3-week winter packing list or 3-week spring packing list or autumn packing list

TABLE OF CONTENTS show

HOW MUCH CLOTHES TO PACK FOR A 3-WEEK SUMMER TRIP

choose versatile pieces that can mix and match to create different outfits, aiming for enough to last about a week, with the intention of doing laundry once or twice during your trip. This strategy helps keep your luggage manageable and ensures you have fresh clothes throughout your journey.

Since this is a summer trip, you don’t have to bring a jacket or anything thick, just a lightweight cardigan or sweater is enough to wear during your flight.

But one thing is for sure: bring 10 pairs of underwear for men, and 14 pairs for women. You will be sweating a lot and most likely will use 2-3 underwear a day.

CABIN BAG VS CHECK-IN

As I mentioned, packing is much lighter for summer vacation, but it doesn’t mean you should feel guilty for checking in your bag or bringing more stuff. If you prefer not to buy anything at your destination (bring all toiletries), then checking in your luggage might be a better option.

For people travelling with children, it’s also a better choice. If you plan to go shopping or souvenir shopping at your destination, make sure there’s plenty of space in your check-in bag.

Every time I visit Italy and France, I want a check-in bag because I know that I love clothing shopping there, and my family and friends will ask me to bring Italian coffee and French wine back.

I personally love no check-in bag, but I have to face the reality that after backpacking for a while, my back is starting to develop some pain, and I have to choose my battle wisely. Travelling on a cabin bag only helps me move around so much easier. I can quickly get in and out of the airport or get in a taxi. It’s also easier to pack as I need to ensure everything I bring fits in a 7 kg luggage.

DOCUMENTS TO PREPARE

yellow suitcase with a hat on the handle with a yellow background - what to pack for a summer holiday - PACKING FOR 3 WEEKS SUMMER HOLIDAY

First, let’s see which documents we need to either print or double-check that your dog hasn’t chewed through them:

  • Passport – make sure it has at least 6 months validity left if you are going international, you should also make sure that it doesn’t have wear and tear that obscures the important information
  • Copy of your passport – it’s always wise to get a digital copy of your passport and a printed one
  • Flight reservation – you no longer need to print this, simply take a screenshot of the email reservation you received, unless, of course, you bought the ticket over-the-counter (if you are in Europe, remember to check in a day before your flight to avoid paying a silly fee!)
  • Hotel reservation – you also don’t have to print this, but make sure it’s handy since some destinations will ask you to fill out the address of your hotel
  • Travel insurance card – make sure it’s still valid and valid in your destination
  • Yellow card fever vaccine certificate – depending on where you are going or coming, this might be a requirement (Australia definitely asked me for one because I was travelling from Africa to Australia)
  • Onward ticket – many countries require you to show a return or onward flight ticket to make sure that you are not staying longer than you are allowed to
  • Screenshot or write down important details – such as flight booking number, hotel reservation number, company of your airport transfer (these are all backed up in case there’s no internet access at the airport of your destination)
  • Prescription from your doctor – if you are taking medication, this can be flagged at the airport, remember to bring the letter from your doctor regarding those pills

GADGETS AND ELECTRONICS/OTHERS

When I started travelling, smartphones were still in their infancy. At that time, I only had to pack my phone, charger, camera, and charger. Today, I have much more to pack (a lot more cable!). But then, if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. Here’s a sample of what I usually pack:

toiletries ready to pack on top table, woman packing her summer hat, swimsuits in a suitcase - PACKING FOR 3 WEEKS SUMMER HOLIDAY

PACKING FOR 3 WEEKS SUMMER HOLIDAY FOR WOMEN

They say women overpack more than men – but I don’t believe that. The things I pack (which I will show you below) fit in a cabin backpack, plus the gadgets list I just discussed. I started buying clothes with pockets and those pockets allow me to bring some stuff and save space in my cabin bag.

Clothing and Footwear

  • 3 lightweight/airy tops
  • 2 summer/maxi dress
  • 1 long hiking pants/sweat pants/yoga pant
  • 3 shorts
  • 2 spandex shorts
  • 1 running/walking – it’s bulky, so don’t pack it, instead wear it on a flight
  • 1 pair of flipflops/walking sandals
  • 4 pairs of socks
  • 7 underwear
  • 2 bras
  • 2 sport bras

Summer/Beach Items

  • 1 lightweight sarong – can be used on the beach or when visiting churches or temples to cover the shoulder, head, or legs
  • 3 pairs of swimsuits – 2 two-piece and a one-piece
  • sunscreen – if you don’t have sensitive skin, you can buy one at the destination
  • sunnies/sunglasses
  • running hat/sun hat – or buy a cheap one at your destination
  • anti-bug spray – if you plan on taking a night cruise, this is a must
  • a dry bag – only bring a small one where you can put your wallet and phone or hotel keys
  • goggles – bring your own, let’s be honest, it is not easy to find comfortable goggles

Toiletries, Makeup, Skincare

I personally have a travel bottle-sized of my toiletries and simply refill them every trip. I also use a high-grade ziplock (but it’s heavy) or a kitchen ziplock if I don’t want to check my bag in.

  • shampoo and conditioner bar – if you have easy-to-manage hair, get one at your destination
  • tablet toothpaste/tube toothpaste – can be bought at your destination
  • bar of soap – it’s cheaper, easier to pack, and has no spillage versus liquid body soap
  • toothbrush – if you use an electric one, don’t forget the charger
  • mouthwash – 100 ml for the flight, it’s better to buy it after you land
  • deodorant
  • lightweight loofah
  • tampon/pads/menstrual cup – tampons are not easy to find in Asia
  • microfibre towel – although if I know I’m staying in a hotel (meaning no camping), I don’t bring a towel
  • 20 ml perfume
  • hairbrush/comb

I’m not a makeup kind of person (I’m simply not good). So, what I bring might be different from yours:

I have pretty sensitive skin and tried a few brands. So far, these are the ones that work the best for me, and I always pack them when going on a trip:

man packing his ipad on his red backpack, camera inside a suitcase toiletries bottle - PACKING FOR 3 WEEKS SUMMER HOLIDAY

PACKING FOR 3 WEEKS SUMMER HOLIDAY FOR MEN

I often notice that men bring less stuff than women, which I’ve always been curious about. I mean, men’s underwear, shirts, shorts, and pretty much everything are much bigger and thicker than women’s.

For this part, one of our writers, Ryan, has to give me a hand in creating what packing for 3 weeks summer holiday for men looks like:

Clothing and Footwear

  • 4 airy and cotton t-shirts
  • 2 pairs of shorts
  • 1 long trousers – for hiking or other outdoor activities
  • 7 pairs of underwear
  • 1 lightweight long sleeves – a dress shirt of some kind
  • 4 pairs of socks
  • walking or hiking shoes
  • flipflops or walking sandals – I always bring my Birkenstock with me
  • 1 dress shirt – if planning to go clubbing or dine at a smart casual restaurant

Summer/Beach Items

  • 1 swimshorts
  • sunscreen – dry sunscreen if you’re prone to acne
  • baseball hat/running hat
  • swimming goggles
  • sunglasses
  • mini dry bag
  • a beach towel or quick-dry towel

Toiletries and Shaving Kit

  • 1 toothbrush
  • 1 tube of toothpaste (not more than 100ml unless you’re checking in luggage)
  • 1 bottle of mouthwash (not more than 100ml unless you’re checking in luggage)
  • 1 bottle of perfume
  • 1 deodorant
  • 1 bar of soap
  • 1 bar of shampoo
  • 1 small and lightweight loofa – it took me a long time to realise how great these are
  • 1 microfibre towel – if staying in a hostel, other than that, hotels always provide one
  • travel size electric razor and shaving kit

FREE PACKING LIST

We made a packing list that you can print to help you organise your packing. You can download it here, check your spam/promotion tab in case the email ends up there:

printable packing list

COVID-19 PACKING TIPS

covid test, masks, covid vaccine certificate, hand sanitizer - packing for 3 weeks summer holiday

I think it’s safe to say that COVID-19 requirements for travelling are pretty much no longer in place. But if you want to stay safe, here’s the list of things you can pack for a COVID-19-free trip:

  • double-check if your destination still requires a vaccination card
  • home test kits
  • masks
  • travel insurance – many countries require foreign tourists to show travel insurance that covers COVID-19 treatments
  • hand sanitiser/rubbing alcohol

RECOMMENDED PACKING ITEMS

Many of you probably already have the backpack or suitcase you love. But if you want to you update, I will list my favourite luggage choices below. I’m also a fan of packing cubes and zipped bathroom bags too.

Backpack and suitcases:

I both have a backpack and a suitcase. For a winter trip, I definitely bring a bag since I will have my winter jacket, gloves, hat, and whatnot. But for a summer vacation, I can usually squeeze everything I need in a backpack and then bring a daypack or a purse.

Packing cubes:

Packing cubes made my travel life and packing so much easier. I’m not the most organised person but with packing cubes, everything is in place. The dirty clothes don’t mix up with the clean ones. I also don’t have to worry about spillage from my toiletry bag.

Toiletries bag:

This bag is fantastic. I pack everything that belongs to the bathroom. When I arrive at the hotel, I simply hang this bag in the bathroom, and everything is ready. No more bringing 2-3 small pouches and unpacking them in the bathroom sink. Not to mention, these are washable too.

FINAL WORDS

Packing for a holiday can be a daunting task and overwhelming at the same time. But now that you have an idea of what to bring for a summer vacation, it will help you make your own packing list and ensure you have everything you need.

The only thing missing is your arrival at your destination. Next thing you know, you’re enjoying a cold, fresh coconut.

I hope that you found this packing for 3 weeks summer holiday helpful. If you have other tips and are happy to share them, you leave us a comment below.

SAVE THIS HOLIDAY PACKING TIPS ON YOUR PINTEREST:

For a summer backpacking trip, pack light: breathable clothing, a waterproof jacket, comfortable hiking boots, a sleeping bag, tent, portable stove, reusable water bottle, map, compass, sunscreen, hat, and a first-aid kit. Essential for adventure and safety. via @threeweektraveller