Items to pack for each season of the year
What to pack in your suitcase is a frequent question among people who plan to take a vacation away from home, or even need to visit different places for work.
Travelling on vacation or for work always requires planning and preparation with accommodation, organizing your schedule and cutting down on shopping so that food doesn't go stale in the fridge. With our hectic routines, some steps are left until later and, before we know it, we have to pack at the last minute.
Whether in advance or in a rush, when it comes to sorting out and deciding what to take on a trip, many people feel lost. Some doubts are common, such as: do I have everything I need? Am I putting in too much? Should I include a certain item or not? That's why we've put together a list of what to pack for each season and tips on how to make the most of the space.
Remember: depending on where you're going, you may experience different climates in the same period! So before you pack your suitcase for an international destination, do your research to prepare your outfits. Now, let's move on to our tips for packing for all seasons?
What to pack for every occasion?
When organizing, it's common to think about what you should and shouldn't take, whether it will be useful or just take up space. In addition, there is a weight limit of 10kg for hand luggage and 23kg for checked luggage, which if exceeded will result in charges. With this in mind, we've prepared a travel bag checklist with a few things that are indispensable at any time and should always be taken. Check it out:
- Personal hygiene items: shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, hairbrush, toothbrush and toothpaste and towels (on domestic flights, you can take bottles of liquids up to 300ml, as long as they don't exceed 1.2l, for international destinations the maximum is 100ml per bottle and a total of 1l);
- Underwear;
- Sunscreen: even in winter, the sun can affect the skin and cause spots;
- Up-to-date original documents: ID, CPF, health card and passport for international travel;
- Medicines: especially those for controlled use;
- Cash and credit or debit cards;
- Cell phone charger;
- International chip (for trips abroad).
While we're on the subject, check out our article on how international SIM cards work and how to use them!
Tips on what to pack for each season: main items
Each season has its own characteristics and requires a set of specific items in addition to the essentials. After all, nobody wants to be cold or sweaty all the time. Before choosing what to take, it's also important to analyze what activities you'll be doing during your trip to decide which clothes and accessories to include. We've put together a few things that can't be left out of your suitcase at any time of year, check them out!
Spring packing checklist
In this season, the days can be hotter or cooler, so it's important to take clothes that can adapt to changes in the weather. It's also the time when pollen circulates more in the air, so if you have allergies, don't forget to take an antiallergic! Here's a list of essentials for those traveling in spring:
- T-shirts or short-sleeved blouses;
- light coat or jacket;
- jeans and leggings;
- dresses;
- shorts, skirts and shorts;
- swimwear;
- sneakers with breathable fabric;
- sneakers or sandals;
- slipper;
- allergy remedies.
Items to include in your summer luggage
When traveling during the hottest time of the year, opt for light, cool clothes with breathable fabrics. That way, you won't get hot and you'll be dressed comfortably for all the places you decide to visit on your trip. Summer suitcase checklist:
- T-shirts or blouses;
- shorts, skirts and shorts;
- dresses;
- swimwear;
- sneakers;
- sneakers or sandals;
- slipper;
- cap or hat;
- sunglasses.
Items to travel with in the fall
In the fall, as in the spring, there may be variations in temperature. That's why we suggest packing items that allow and facilitate layering. This way, you'll be able to adapt your outfit throughout the day, adding or removing items. Products to take:
- blouses or short-sleeved shirts;
- blouses or long-sleeved shirts;
- sweaters, jackets and cardigans;
- socks;
- scarf;
- a pair of gloves;
- a pair of boots;
- umbrella.
What to pack for winter
The coldest season of the year is the ideal time for snow lovers to travel. If you're planning to do any specific winter activities, you'll need certain items of clothing or accessories, such as ski masks. But in general, you can travel during this time of year without getting cold:
- second-skin blouses;
- blouses or long-sleeved shirts;
- waterproof jacket;
- sweaters and cardigans;
- thermal or second-skin pants;
- scarf;
- socks;
- sweatshirt set;
- ear muffs;
- caps;
- gloves;
- waterproof and non-slip footwear;
- cold and flu remedies.
What not to take on international trips?
When traveling internationally, you have to be careful because certain items can be detained at customs, causing inconvenience for the traveler who may end up having to discard some items. There are also things that are prohibited only in hand luggage or only in checked luggage. Below is a list of items banned by the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) from being carried on airplanes:
- explosive or flammable substances such as lighters;
- toxic chemicals;
- acids and corrosive liquids;
- radioactive materials;
- liquids with an alcohol content above 70%;
- compressed gases.
Although compressed gases in general are prohibited, deodorants can be taken in the suitcase, as long as the valves are protected and they do not exceed the limit of 4 aerosol cans of 500 ml per person.
Prohibited items in hand luggage
If you need to take any of the following items, they must be checked in. So don't forget to put them in the correct luggage so you don't run the risk of being denied boarding.
- weapons of any kind, even toy weapons and simulacra;
- pointed or sharp objects, including umbrellas with spikes;
- food that has been opened and is not in its original packaging.
Prohibited items in checked baggage
The following items can be taken out of the country as long as they are placed in hand luggage. So remember not to check them in, lest you be called by the airline and have to open your suitcase in the middle of the airport, running the risk of not being able to pack it properly afterwards and running out of space.
- battery-operated electronic smoking devices;
- electronic devices;
- personal documents;
- money;
- batteries and ion cells.
How do I pack my suitcase to fit more things?
Sometimes it can be difficult to organize your suitcase to make the most of its capacity. In some cases, clothes get wrinkled or the suitcase simply won't close. To make good use of all the space, without leaving anything important out or straining the zipper, we have some tips to follow when sorting and storing your things:
- take clothes in neutral colors so you can put together many different combinations with just a few pieces;
- assemble each day's outfits before putting them away, avoiding adding too many items;
- remove any duplicates, for example: two shirts of the same color;
- roll your clothes instead of just folding them, as they will take up less space;
- take a full suitcase inside an empty suitcase, so you'll have room for your purchases, especially if you're visiting an outlet in Orlando, for example.
As we've seen, in order to know what to pack for each season, it's important to pay attention to the destination and activities planned, opt for more neutral and versatile clothes and, of course, don't leave out essential items such as toiletries, up-to-date personal documents and money. It is also important to pay attention to the prohibitions on objects that are considered dangerous or harmful, as well as the quantity limits for food and drink and the total weight.
Now that you know how to pack your luggage, one tip to make the most of your trip is to rent a car and get around wherever and whenever you want during your stay!