Exactly What to Pack for Every Type of Vacation

The sea breeze awaits, and you shouldn’t overthink a darn thing. Wrinkle-free fabrics are in order. And don’t burden yourself with chunky shoes, either; you’ll want to be mostly barefoot anyway.

 2 pairs of underwear, 2 pairs of socks, 1 bra
 1 pajama set
 1 swimsuit
 1 caftan
 1 summer sweater
 2 tees: 1 short sleeve, 1 long sleeve
 1 pair of beach pants
 2 shoes: 1 pair of sandals, 1 pair of espadrilles
 1 pair of sunglasses

Backyard tag, endless potato salads, passive-aggressive comments from your MIL… In other words: Don’t bring your prettiest silk sundress. Stick with some basic underpinnings and remember that you’ll be a lot more relaxed if you’re comfortable.

 3 pairs of underwear, 3 pairs of socks, 2 bras
 1 pajama set
 3 tops: 1 long sleeve, 1 short sleeve, 1 sleeveless
 1 denim jacket
 1 pair of jeans
 1 pair of shorts
 1 midi dress
 2 shoes: 1 pair of sneakers, 1 pair of sandals
 1 printed scarf

Let’s assume there will be hikes, campfires and water sports in your future--so look to pieces that are functional and versatile. Let’s also assume that everything will come back smelling like dirt and marshmallows. Be OK with that.

 6 pairs of underwear, 8 pairs of socks, 2 bras, 1 sports bra
 1 pajama set
 2 bathing suits: 1 for tubing, 1 for dock lounging
 2 sweaters: 1 hoodie, 1 sweatshirt
 4 tops: 1 plaid shirt, 2 short sleeves, 1 long sleeve
 1 canvas vest
 1 cotton anorak
 2 pairs of shorts: 1 denim, 1 sport
 3 pairs of pants: 1 denim, 1 track pants, 1 leggings
 2 sundresses: 1 long, 1 short
 3 shoes: 1 pair of sport sandals, 1 pair of hiking shoes, 1 pair of slip-ons
 1 baseball cap

From London to Lisbon, Europe’s weather is as varied as its languages. Pack accordingly. And in the event of real romance (with your S.O. or that Italian barista), pack something sultry.

 6 pairs of underwear, 4 pairs of socks, 3 bras
 1 lingerie set
 1 waterproof jacket
 1 dinner jacket/blazer
 4 tops: 2 tees (striped and plain), 1 blouse, 1 chambray shirt
 3 pairs of pants: 1 boyfriend jeans, 1 white jeans, 1 wide-leg trousers
 1 jumpsuit or maxi dress
 2 dresses: 1 chambray shirtdress, 1 maxi
 3 shoes: 1 pair of sneakers, 1 pair of flat sandals, 1 pair of going-out booties
 2 scarves: 1 woolen travel wrap, 1 printed

Congrats on finally booking that Nicaraguan yoga/surf retreat. You?re about to unburden your mind and soul, so don?t burden your back with heavy, unnecessary baggage. Pack super-light separates, and whip up an all-natural spray to revive stuff when it gets dirty--you?re going to be living in swimsuits and yoga clothes, after all.

 6 pairs of underwear, 4 pairs of socks, 2 bras, 2 sports bras
 1 pajama set
 1 lightweight waterproof jacket
 4 tops: 2 short sleeves, 1 sleeveless, 1 long sleeve
 3 yoga tops
 1 pair of shorts
 3 yoga bottoms: 2 lightweight leggings, 1 short
 3 dresses: 1 maxi, 1 midi, 1 mini
 1 terry romper
 2 bathing suits: 1 surf approved, 1 for lounging
 1 rash guard
 1 beach cover-up
 3 shoes: 1 pair of sneakers, 1 pair of flip-flops, 1 pair of structured sandals
 1 crushable straw hat

Seriously, the whole month? How European of you. Whether you’re shacking up in a mountain cabin to finish your novel or retreating to a Caribbean VRBO, you can still pack efficiently (just plan on doing laundry a few times and rotate your T-shirts appropriately).

 7 pairs of underwear, 8 pairs of socks, 4 bras, 2 sports bras
 2 sets of pajamas
 10 tops: 3 long sleeves, 3 short sleeves, 2 sleeveless, 2 blouses
 4 summer sweaters: 2 knits, 2 hoodies
 2 jackets: 1 waterproof hooded jacket, 1 denim/cotton jacket
 5 pairs of pants: 2 pairs of jeans, 1 pair of cropped, 1 pair of cargo, 1 pair of sweats
 3 pairs of shorts: 1 denim, 1 Bermuda, 1 sport
 2 skirts: 1 printed maxi, 1 jersey knit
 2 dresses: 1 jersey knit, 1 maxi
 3 bathing suits
 2 cover-ups/caftans
 5 shoes: 2 sandals (1 gladiator, 1 slide), 2 sneaks (1 trainer, 1 tennis), 1 wild card (pair of mules? Booties? Another sandal? Depends where you?re headed)
 2 hats: 1 cap, 1 fedora