Pack Light, Travel Far: The Ultimate Free Packing List for Women Traveling Solo (or Solo with Kids)

I believe in travelling smarter, lighter, and with a whole lot less chaos—which is exactly why I created our FREE “Packing & Departure To-Do List” bundle, with one version for adults and one for kids.

These lists are designed for carry-on-only travel for trips of even two weeks or more. Yes, it’s possible. Yes, even with kids. And no, you don’t have to sacrifice your style, your sanity, or your skincare routine.

Let’s be real: travelling solo as a woman is already a bold and beautiful thing. If you are travelling solo with kids in the mix—whether you're braving it with one, wrangling two, or orchestrating a full-blown sibling road show—and you officially earn your passport in badassery.

But if you’ve ever stood over an open suitcase asking yourself, “Do I really need seven pairs of shoes for a 10-day trip?” or “How many dinosaurs and stuffies does my child think we’re bringing?”—then you, my friend, are in the right place.

Why Carry-On-Only is a Game Changer (Especially with Kids)

First off, let’s clear something up: carry-on-only doesn’t mean living like a minimalist monk. It means packing like a strategic, seasoned traveller who’s over paying baggage fees, waiting at carousels, and dragging heavy suitcases up charming-but-inconvenient cobblestone streets.

Here's why carry-on travel is the move:

• No lost luggage: Nothing kills the vacation vibe faster than realizing your bag took a separate vacation to Munich.
  
  
• Faster airport exits: Grab your bag from the overhead, skip the baggage claim drama, and beat the crowd to the gelato stand.
  
  
• Fewer things, less stress: Decision fatigue is real. When your wardrobe fits in a carry-on, you can spend more time exploring and less time choosing between six nearly identical black tops.
  
  
• Teachable moments for kids: They learn to pack wisely, take responsibility for their own stuff, and (hopefully) stop trying to bring their rock collection (sigh…. let me know if you win that one).
  
  

What's Inside the Free Download?

Our Packing Light + Departure To-Do Lists aren’t just checklists—they’re your new travel BFFs. You’ll get:

✅ An adult version: Streamlined packing list, essentials-only skincare tips, personal item guidance, carry-on layout hacks, and pre-departure reminders (passport, boarding pass, coffee… in that order).
✅ A kid-friendly version: Checklist with stuff they need, you can build-in limits with the # column (“You can bring 2 stuffies, not 12”), and tasks they can take charge of—like choosing their plane snacks or packing their carry-on backpack.
✅ Bonus departure checklist: Covers everything from charging devices and turning off the coffee pot, to making sure you empty the garbage. We’ve thought of it all so you don’t have to.

You Can Pack for Two Weeks in a Carry-On.  I Swear.

I’m not here to tell you to survive two weeks in one outfit. We’re here to help you pack intentionally, with mix-and-match clothing, multi-use items (hello, turkish towel that's also a sarong and a beach blanket), and travel hacks that make carry-on-only feel totally doable.

• Plan outfits that multitask so you look cute and comfy
  
  
• Ditch the unnecessary (Hint: the full-size shampoo and the “just-in-case” heels)
  
  
• Pack like a pro (yes, you can fit your makeup bag and a rain jacket)
  
  

Whether you’re heading to the French Riviera for a week on your own  or navigating medieval Tuscan towns with a LEGO-loving 10-year-old and a sun-chasing teen, this list will keep you organized, lighter on your feet, and just a little bit smug when everyone else is waiting at baggage claim.