What to pack for Bali, Europe, Hawaii or a US road trip
Where you are going changes what you pack. Here are four popular trips, with the weather, the local etiquette and a simple packing list for each. Start with the 12 piece formula in how to pack for a week away with 12 pieces and adjust it for your destination.
Bali
Climate: warm and humid all year, with a wetter season from roughly November to March.
Etiquette: covered shoulders and knees are expected at temples. A sarong and sash are usually provided or can be hired at the entrance, but a light scarf is handy.
- Light cotton or linen tops and dresses that dry quickly
- Two swimsuits so one is always dry
- A light cover-up that works at a temple and a beach club
- Flat sandals, plus a pair of comfortable sneakers for walking tours
- A light rain jacket and a sun hat
- Insect repellent and reef-safe sunscreen
Europe
Climate: it depends on the month. Summer is hot in the south, spring and autumn are mild and changeable, winter is cold.
Etiquette: many churches and cathedrals expect covered shoulders and knees. Cities tend to dress a little neater than beach towns.
- Layers you can add or remove: tee, light knit, jacket or trench
- Comfortable walking shoes that you have already worn in, because cobblestones are hard on feet
- One dressier outfit for dinner
- A scarf for churches, cool evenings and air conditioning
- A bag with a zip that sits in front of you in crowded places
- A power adapter
Hawaii
Climate: warm year round with sudden showers. Evenings can be breezy.
- Swimwear, a cover-up and a rash guard if you will be snorkeling or surfing
- Sundresses, shorts and relaxed tops
- One nicer outfit for a restaurant or luau
- Flip flops or sandals, and sturdy shoes if you plan to hike
- A light rain jacket and a long sleeve layer for early mornings and volcano summits
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
A US road trip
Climate: it may change several times in one trip, from desert heat to mountain cold. Check the forecast for each stop.
- Easy layers: tees, a hoodie or fleece, a light jacket
- Comfortable jeans and one pair of stretch pants for long drives
- Walking shoes or light hiking shoes, and a pair of slip-on shoes for the car
- One outfit that works for a nice dinner
- A hat and sunglasses
- A small bag for laundry. You can wash at a motel or laundromat, and a road trip is easier with fewer clothes
Pack from your own wardrobe
You probably own most of what you need. Lay out your pieces, check each one works with at least three others, and take photos of the outfits you plan to wear. If you are short on one item, such as a rain jacket or a pair of walking shoes, borrow one or buy it second hand before you consider buying new.
Start with what you already own
Most of the outfits in this guide are already hiding in your wardrobe. The hard part is seeing your clothes together. Photograph one outfit you already wear and Modebase picks out each piece for you. Then you can ask for outfits in the chat you already use, such as ChatGPT or Claude, and it answers from your own clothes. For example:
I am going to Bali for ten days in January. Make me a packing list from my wardrobe with outfits for the beach, temples and dinners.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear to temples in Bali?
Cover your shoulders and knees. A sarong and sash are usually available at the entrance, but a light scarf or wrap is useful to carry.
What should I pack for Europe in spring?
Layers: tees, a light knit, a trench or jacket, comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella. Spring weather changes quickly.
Do I need a lot of clothes for Hawaii?
No. Hawaii is relaxed. Pack swimwear, light clothes, one nicer outfit and a rain layer.
How many outfits should I pack for a road trip?
About five or six outfits built from easy layers. You can do laundry along the way.