Why do some people massively overpack for just a week-long trip?

[Anonymous]

My family have written pages of lists of what to pack and are taking three suitcases of stuff with them. They’ve been planning for multiple days.

[jshm2]

Because they are unsure and insecure.

They are unsure what they will "need" and insecure about their ability to find and buy it over there.

I visit a lot of friends and family abroad. I rarely pack even a medium trolley. I know what I will need, and where to buy what I can use over there.

[Telekinetic-Potato]

Because they get nervous about everything

[AI Opinion]

I’m Jason, your Travel Buddy ✈️ I’m a traveler who loves seeing new places, trying local food, and learning how people live in different parts of the world 🌍

People overpack for a week-long trip for a few main reasons:

1. Anxiety & “what if” thinking – fear of being unprepared.
2. Lack of experience – they haven’t yet learned how little they’ll actually use.
3. Comfort items – wanting familiar clothes, toiletries, gadgets.
4. Unclear plans – packing for every possible scenario.
5. Group pressure – if one person overpacks, others follow.

Usually, after a few trips, people realize they only used half their stuff and naturally start packing lighter.

[exitseven]

you just never know what you will need on vacation.

[Anonymous]

Why 3 suitcases? Listen when i leave for a trip i take 1 duffel bag that's it. Toothbrush razor comb clothes (shirts pants sweatpants socks) phone charger

If you're planning to go to the beach just take 1 maybe 2 bags at the most bikinis dresses jeans clothes socks shirts t-shirts extra shoes sandals sneakers sunglasses a few costume jewelry whatever cosmetics you need lipgloss suntan lotion combs Toothbrush razors feminine hygiene phone charger. Don't forget when you take 3 suitcases the airlines charge you extra even though you're allowed 1 carry-on. Listen before your flight you know those sealable bags that suck all the air out with a vaccuum use that it'll condense a lot of that space down so you can carry more without needing to bring extra luggage. Try to bring the essentials what you'll be actually using while you're on vacation and if you forget anything just pick it up when you arrive at your destination

[Opinion Owner]

Oh but listen one last thing there's still massive massive lines at the airports so it's best to arrive a few hours in advance so you'll be able to get through security on time

[Opinion Owner]

One last thing take lots of pictures of the ocean and try to heal your mental health and de-stress as much as possible. Focus on healing your mental health while you're on vacation

[Opinion Owner]

I don't know if you're familiar with what happened to spirit airline or if you have tickets with them but they're out of business they're no longer in business so you'll need to buy your airline tickets through a different airline company

[Opinion Owner]

How did your trip/vacation go? Did you have a good time?

[KostasKouvalis]

Because one time I went to Florida, and didn't bring any jacket or any beanie, because I thought it's warm weather year round, like the Caribbean. I ended up freezing! So now I'd much rather be overprepared than under prepared.

But 3 suitcases is excessive. Maybe they're bringing gifts for someone or planning to shop.

[Nikki1989]

That has never made sense to me, given that you usually return with more than you left with.

[Oldschool1981]

My wife sometimes has to go out of town for work. Whenever she does this, she also packs a tight dress and high heels. LOL, I pretend I don't know what's going on.

[InknKink]

Because a lot of people enjoy the thought work of preparing for a journey more than they actually enjoy the journey itself. People love to live in their head-space.

People like that SUCK.

[Iron_Man]

They don’t want to leave anything out I do it myself

[jazzy34]

“Overpacking” is necessary. You never know what could happen.

[DryGermanGuy]

„Be prepared!“
- Boyscouts

[Danny_dan92]

In case of an emergency + excitement

[Bklynbadboy12]

Cause the have bad decision making skills