The Ultimate Extended Stay Travel Essentials Checklist

travel essentials
Publish Date: April 06, 2020 / Categories: Travel

Tourism and travel are on the rise worldwide. In 2018, there were a record-breaking 1.4 billion international tourist trips.

Most trips last about a week, but many visitors need more time to see and do everything they want. An extended stay gives you more flexibility in developing your itinerary and working through a travel schedule.

Whether you’re traveling domestically or abroad, an extended stay requires a unique level of planning and preparation. Use this guide as your printable packing list and learn the travel essentials you’ll need for a long-term trip. 

Travel Essentials for Every Trip

Even if you’re going on a long trip, you may be aiming to pack light. For both savvy travelers and those who wish to bring as much as possible, you’ll need to focus on the following travel necessities:

  • Clothes
  • Toiletries
  • Entertainment
  • Purse or day bag
  • Cash and credit cards
  • Passport or country identification
  • Snacks and packaged foods

We’ll expand on each of these categories below. Overall, your travel essentials should be able to help you feel most comfortable throughout your extended stay.

Before you begin packing, consider your accommodations. Most extended stay options will provide ample closet space, daily service, and micro- or full-size kitchens. Filling your extended stay room with everything you need will make your trip easier and more enjoyable.

Packing Clothes for All Types of Weather

If you’re going on an extended trip, you’re more likely to experience a range of weather. A good rule of thumb is to prepare for anything. If you’re heading into a cold climate, you might still enjoy a warmer excursion like a spa day.

On the flip side, you’ll still need some cold-weather clothing in warmer climates. Many environments have a significant change in temperature once the sun goes down. Also, if you’ll be spending a lot of time indoors the AC may be blasting.

For any climate, you’ll also need to prepare for rain. Getting caught in a storm can derail your travel itinerary and affect your whole trip, but the proper gear will help you to keep moving.

We’ve put together a simple clothing pack list to make sure you don’t forget anything:

  • Undergarments
  • Socks
  • Lounge clothes and sleepwear
  • Bathing suit
  • Casual shirts
  • Athletic wear
  • Formal wear
  • Sweaters
  • Shorts and pants
  • Dresses and skirts for women
  • Rain jacket and boots
  • Sandals
  • Jacket and coat
  • Closed-toed shoes
  • Dress shoes
  • Accessories

The Ultimate Toiletries List

Your toiletries should include all the basics, while also accounting for grooming that you may not do on a shorter trip. If you’re gone for a week, you may be able to get away without having things like tweezers or nail clippers. Any longer, and you’ll probably need to go about your regular grooming and maintenance while you’re away.

Keep in mind that you may need to bring some full-size products for an extended stay, such as soap and toothpaste. You may also want to pack your toiletries in spill-proof containers or inside Zip-Loc bags to seal in moisture.

Be sure to pack the following:

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Dental floss
  • Face wash and skincare
  • Lotion
  • Sunscreen and aloe
  • Deodorant
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Body wash or soap
  • Makeup
  • Hair products
  • Hairbrush
  • Contact solution and extra lenses
  • Shaving cream and razor
  • Feminine-hygiene products
  • Nail clippers and nail file
  • Tweezers
  • Scissors
  • Clippers
  • First-aid kit
  • Medications
  • Pain relievers
  • Vitamins
  • Cold medicine
  • Allergy medicine
  • Sleeping pills
  • Insect repellent

Carry-On and On-the-Go

A universal packing list should include the items that you’ll need by your side. Our packing list includes items that you can bring in your carry-on. You can also take these in your day bag or purse while you’re sightseeing or out on the town: 

  • Cellphone and charger
  • Hand lotion
  • Chapstick
  • Pens and pencils
  • Portable charger
  • Laptop and charger
  • Books
  • Plug adapter
  • Wallet
  • Headphones
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Tissues
  • Earplugs
  • Eye mask
  • Travel documents
  • Maps
  • Umbrella
  • Hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes

Take It or Leave It

Some travelers like to pack light, while others wish to feel as comfortable as if they were at home. We’ve included a “take it or leave it” packing category to list some of the items that can improve your accommodations and the overall trip.

Keep in mind that the items you bring will be dependent on the type of trip you’re going on. If you’ll be backpacking, the extra weight probably isn’t worth the added luxuries. 

Furthermore, you’ll need to find an extended stay accommodation that fits your travel needs. Consider the accommodation’s amenities and any items they may offer so you don’t have to bring them yourself. Some hotels will come stocked with things like styling tools and perfume, while others will not.

Our packing list of non-essential items includes:

  • Extra pillows
  • Towels
  • Bedsheets
  • Hairdryer and styling tools
  • House slippers
  • Small decorations
  • Portable steamer
  • Portable fan
  • White noise machine
  • Candle or oil diffuser
  • Perfume and cologne
  • Portable massager
  • Portable speaker

Some of these items can help you feel more hygienic in your accommodation, while others will make space feel more like home. If you have trouble sleeping, something like a candle or white noise machine may feel more essential to your trip.

Enjoying Your Trip

Once you’re all packed, the best part of the trip is here – heading off to enjoy yourself! Packing all of your travel essentials can help your trip go as smoothly as possible.

As you’re packing, keep in mind that our pack list is customizable. What’s essential for one person may not be essential for another. It’s all up to where you’re going, where you’re staying, and what makes you the most comfortable. 

Check out Affordable Corporate Suites to make sure you have a home away from home while you’re traveling that is cost-efficient and comfortable.