Part of it depends on how you're traveling. Whenever I take a plane, I pack lighter even than I normally would. But basically what I take is a swimming suit, sunscreen, an outfit for each day plus one extra (just in case), one pair of flipflops, one pair of walking shoes, one pair of regular shoes, pajamas, underwear, bras, phone charger, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, minimal makeup. I can usually fit all that into one suitcase no problem.
I've traveled around a lot and backpacking is my favourite way to go. So absolutely everything I bring has to fit into one 75 liter backpack and it can't be too heavy for me to lift. I've found that the best way to go about packing is to pile up everything I want to bring and then divide it into two piles: "Need" and "maybe". I get rid of the "maybe" and then divide the "need" pile in half. That half of the pile is what I take with me. Obviously there are exceptions to the half of the pile rule (essential medications, personal hygiene items, etc.) but for the most part it works really well and frees up a ton of space.
I travel A LOT for work but we can dress fairly casually. My packing for vacation doesn't vary much from my packing for business. I'm with FredZesty on the backpack concept and not too heavy for me to lift. I'm 65 years old and not very strong.
I pack a very minimal wardrobe and it doesn't make any difference how long I'm gone - I quickly rinse things out with shampoo in the sink. Including what I wear on the plane, I bring the following, all coordinating colors/patterns and all of fabric, like polyester, that can be washed in the hotel sink, dries quickly and doesn't need ironing:
2 pairs of pants
3 nice shirts
2 panties
1 bra
1 camisole
2 pairs of socks
1 tee shirt
1 lightweight pajama pants
1 or 2 nice, lightweight jackets or sweaters
1 pair of shoes.
If I have to dress up, as on dressy nights on a cruise:
1 dress
1 pair of ballet flats
Depending on where I'm going and what the weather is, I bring/wear some of the following outerwear:
Folding umbrella
rain jacket or
leather jacket or
Winter coat (packable down!)
Scarf, gloves (if winter)
I don't really wear shorts but I do sometimes bring a skirt for warm weather. I could easily add a bathing suit if it was a vacation.
I did not include the electronics and cosmetics/toiletries I bring, but I keep everything to the minimum size. I even pack my daily vitamins and meds into tiny zip bags so that I don't have to take along a bunch of bottles. I don't bring shampoo because they always give you some in hotels and there is always plenty to use for clothes washing. On vacation I can bring a few more articles of clothing because I will leave my laptop at home.
I recently did a 3 week business trip to 3 countries in Europe packing like this. Yes, it takes a few minutes to wash things out almost every night or morning but I never worry about my luggage getting lost by airlines, I never have to struggle with my bag on stairs or cobblestones. I have never had anyone comment that I am wearing the same clothes they saw me wearing before.
what to take on holiday?
