The Ultimate Guide: How Much Luggage for a 7 Day Trip Really Makes Sense
- Boarding Pass Travel
- Jan 1
- 7 min read
You're standing in your bedroom surrounded by three suitcases, wondering if you've packed enough. Or maybe you're that traveler who believes one carry-on can solve all of life's problems. Either way, if you're asking "how much luggage for a 7 day trip do I actually need?" - you're asking the right question at the wrong time.
The right time was before you started packing.
After more than a decade of helping travelers plan trips, we've seen every luggage mistake imaginable. We've rescued clients who packed four bags for a week in Paris and had to navigate the Metro with them. We've counseled others who drastically under-packed for an Alaskan cruise and spent their vacation doing laundry instead of whale watching.
The truth about luggage for a 7 day trip? It depends on factors most people never consider until they're stuck in an airport, sweating.
The Golden Rule for Any 7 Day Trip
Before we get into specific recommendations, here's our test for determining if you've packed the right amount of luggage for your 7 day trip:
If you can't physically move all your luggage by yourself for 100 meters without stopping, you've packed too much.
Why does this matter? Because travel inevitably involves moments when you're alone with your bags - your partner is in the restroom, you're navigating stairs, you're rushing to catch a connection. We've seen too many travelers pack "efficiently" by dividing items between bags, only to discover one person can't manage when they get separated.
Luggage for 7 Day Trip: What Actually Works for Couples
The Conservative Approach
What it looks like: One checked bag each (50 lbs maximum) + one carry-on each
Best for: Resort stays, car travel, cold weather destinations requiring bulky clothing
Honest drawbacks: Expensive with budget airlines (easily $200+ CAD in baggage fees round-trip), cumbersome in airports, requires two people to manage effectively.
The Strategic Approach (Our Recommendation)
What it looks like: One shared checked bag + two carry-ons + two personal items
Best for: Most 7-10 day trips, couples willing to coordinate, trips with laundry access
Why it works: Saves $50-150 CAD in baggage fees each direction, forces disciplined packing, one person can watch bags while the other handles logistics, easier to manage in tight spaces.
The catch: Both people need to commit to packing light. One person can't smuggle their entire wardrobe into the shared bag.
The Minimalist Approach
What it looks like: Two carry-ons + two personal items, no checked bags
Best for: Warm weather destinations, experienced light packers, people who embrace doing laundry
Why it's not realistic for many: Requires significant compromises on clothing variety, difficult with liquids, nearly impossible in winter, not ideal for seniors who prefer comfort and options.
Luggage for 7 Day Trip: Families of Four
Let's be honest: family travel is different. The amount of luggage for a 7 day trip with kids depends entirely on their ages.
Families with Young Children (Under 8)
Realistic luggage: 2-3 checked bags + 4 carry-ons
Why you need more: Kids need outfit changes (spills happen), diapers and supplies take space, comfort items are non-negotiable.
Management strategy: Each child carries their own backpack, use packing cubes religiously, don't let any bag exceed 50 lbs even if you could save fees with a heavier bag.
Families with Older Kids (9+)
Smarter approach: 2 checked bags maximum + 4 carry-ons
Why less is possible: Kids can wear clothes multiple times, can manage their own belongings, less emergency backup needed.
Age Matters: Luggage Advice by Life Stage
Young Travelers (20s-40s)
You can probably do a 7 day trip with less luggage than you think. Carry-on only is genuinely achievable if you're willing to wear jeans twice and do sink laundry. But here's permission to check a bag anyway if it reduces your stress. The $30 baggage fee is worth it if you'll actually enjoy your trip more.
Senior Travelers (60+)
Let us be clear: You should never feel pressured to pack like a 25-year-old backpacker. The amount of luggage for a 7 day trip needs to account for your actual needs:
Why seniors often need more luggage: Multiple medications, backup outfits, comfort items, mobility aids, preference for different clothing options.
Smart strategies: Always check bags rather than struggling with overhead bins, use wheeled luggage exclusively, pack medications in carry-on, keep bags under 40 lbs even if the limit is 50 lbs.
Canadian consideration: Remember your provincial health coverage is limited internationally. We always recommend travel medical insurance, which becomes even more important with pre-existing conditions.
Destination Changes Everything
Caribbean/Beach Destinations
Minimum luggage needed: Clothing is lightest (swimwear, sundresses, shorts), minimal footwear, can genuinely pack light here.
Realistic luggage for 7 day trip: Couples can share 1 checked bag, families need 2 checked bags + carry-ons.
Europe (Summer vs Winter)
Summer: Carry-on possible if disciplined, need layers and walking shoes, one nice outfit for restaurants.
Winter: Checked bags almost mandatory - winter coats and boots take enormous space. Pack versatile base layers.
Critical factor: Cobblestone streets destroy wheeled luggage with small wheels. Many hotels have no elevators. Train travel means managing bags up and down platforms yourself.
Cruises
Ocean cruises have the most varied luggage requirements for any 7 day trip due to multiple dress codes, shore excursion gear, and usually no laundry access.
Realistic luggage for 7 day trip cruise: Couples need 2 checked bags + carry-ons, families need 3 checked bags + carry-ons. You'll actually use everything you pack.
River cruises: Smaller cabins mean less storage space. Consider 1-2 slightly smaller bags rather than maximum-sized luggage.
All-Inclusive Resorts
Permission to pack more: You're arriving and staying put. No need to manage bags through multiple airports and transfers. This is the one trip where overpacking is acceptable.
The Critical Factors Most People Forget
Weight Limits Matter More Than You Think
Most airlines allow 50 lbs per checked bag. Sounds generous until you actually pack:
Suitcase itself: 8-12 lbs
Toiletries: 3-5 lbs
Shoes (3 pairs): 5-8 lbs
One week of clothes: 15-20 lbs
You're already at 35-45 lbs before adding anything special. Overweight fees hurt: $100+ CAD per bag if you exceed limits.
The Stairs and Transportation Reality
Modern airports have elevators. The real world doesn't always:
European hotels often have no elevators
Train platforms have stairs
Some taxis require loading your own bags
Transportation math: Standard sedan fits 2 people + 2 large bags + 2 carry-ons (tight). Family of 4 with 3 checked bags? You might need two vehicles ($$$).
Hotel Storage Space
Most hotel rooms have minimal floor space. Opening three large suitcases on the floor? Doesn't work. This is why we don't recommend maximum-sized luggage even if airline allows it.
The Laundry Game-Changer
Access to laundry changes how much luggage you need for a 7 day trip completely. With laundry access, pack 4-5 days of clothes and do laundry mid-trip. Many hotels have guest laundry, cruise ships have self-service laundries, Airbnbs often include washer/dryer.
Pro tip: Plan laundry for day 3 or 4 - enough dirty clothes to make it worthwhile but not so much you're desperate.
What to Actually Pack: The Hard Truths
After booking thousands of trips, here's what we know:
You'll wear 60% of what you pack. That "just in case" outfit? You won't wear it.
Overpack these:
Underwear and socks (always bring extra)
Any prescription medications
One complete extra outfit in your carry-on (in case checked bag is delayed)
Underpack these:
Shoes (maximum 3 pairs per person: walking shoes, casual shoes, dressy if needed)
"Nice" outfits you'll wear once
Toiletries (buy at destination or use hotel samples)
The toiletries trap: A week's worth of full-size toiletries weighs 8-10 lbs. Consider travel sizes, buying basics at destination, or sharing products between couples.
You can buy things at your destination. This fact alone should reduce luggage for any 7 day trip by 20%. Forgot something? You can buy it.
Our Recommendations by Trip Type
One Hotel, Staying Put: Couples 1-2 checked bags, families 2-3 checked bags. You handle luggage twice - pack comfortably.
Multiple Cities, Moving Every 2-3 Days: Minimize everything. Couples share 1 checked bag or go carry-on only, families use 2 checked bags maximum. You'll move bags 3-4 times - every pound matters.
Ocean Cruise: Couples need 2 checked bags, families need 3. Multiple dress codes and no laundry access mean you'll use everything.
Road Trip with Car: Pack whatever fits. Soft bags more flexible than hard-shell.
Budget Airline to Europe: Carry-on only if humanly possible. Ryanair charges €40-60 per bag each way - that "cheap" €20 flight becomes €200 with luggage for a couple.
The Ultimate Luggage Decision Framework
Still not sure about luggage for your 7 day trip? Ask yourself:
Staying in one place or moving around? One place = more luggage okay. Multiple cities = minimum essential.
What's the climate? Warm = pack light easily. Cold = need more space.
Laundry access? Yes = pack much less. No = need more clothing.
What airline? Major carrier = checked bags reasonable. Budget airline = avoid if possible.
Dress codes or special activities? Formal dinners or adventure activities = need specific gear.
How We Help with Luggage Planning
Here's what most travelers don't realize: the luggage question should be answered during trip planning, not three days before departure.
When we plan your trip, we consider your destination's climate, accommodation types, how you'll move between places, activities requiring specific gear, airline baggage policies, and your physical abilities.
We've guided clients through every scenario: the family who discovered their Edinburgh Airbnb was up four flights of stairs (we advised smaller bags), the couple whose cruise required more formal wear than they'd packed (we warned them ahead), the retirees who wanted to pack light but needed medical supplies (we created a realistic strategy).
This is what travel advisors actually do. We don't just book flights and hotels - we help you avoid the mistakes we've seen hundreds of times. We protect you from luggage nightmares, unexpected fees, and travel stress.
The Bottom Line on Luggage for 7 Day Trips
The perfect amount of luggage for a 7 day trip is: the minimum you can manage comfortably while still enjoying your vacation.
For most couples, that's 1-2 checked bags plus carry-ons. For families, 2-3 checked bags plus carry-ons. For minimalists, carry-on only. For comfort-focused travelers, whatever makes you happy within airline limits.
The real secret? Plan ahead. Know your destination's demands. Understand your airline's policies. Be honest about your packing style. And remember - you can always buy forgotten items at your destination.
But the best secret of all? Work with someone who's planned thousands of trips and knows exactly what works (and what doesn't) for your specific situation.
Ready to plan your next 7-10 day adventure? Let's talk about where you're going, how you want to travel, and yes - how much luggage you'll actually need. Because getting it right from the start means you'll spend your vacation relaxing instead of wrestling with overpacked bags.
Contact Boarding Pass Travel today. We'll help you plan everything - including the luggage strategy that actually makes sense for your trip.
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