Knowing what to pack and what to leave behind is one of the most challenging parts of traveling, especially when you’re headed to a new destination. Luxury travel advisor Merissa Principe has crafted unforgettable experiences for clients like Alicia Keys and Justin Bieber in her role at SAVIENNE, a luxury destination dining membership club.
Principe is known for her expertise in curating unforgettable journeys that blend luxury, wellness, and style. Whether she’s uncovering a hidden wellness retreat in Bali or planning a bespoke itinerary for a red carpet client, Merissa brings passion, precision, and a world of experience to every journey she designs. Below, she’s divulged her expert travel packing tips to help you pack like a celebrity.
How high-profile celebrities are packing
“High-profile clients typically work directly with a stylist who plans and packs outfits tailored to each day or activity. This not only prevents overpacking but also eliminates the hassle of digging through a suitcase trying to decide what to wear. Each outfit is carefully folded into labeled packing cubes—organized by day or occasion,” says Principe. “This is something we offer at Savienne—the opportunity for clients to work with celebrity stylists to plan and pack for their trips. We can even arrange exclusive shopping experiences where clients preview private collections and enjoy VIP treatment.”
Principe also recommends using the Editorialist app, a wardrobe management tool in which a team can digitize your closet, help identify missing pieces, and suggest outfit combinations tailored to your travel itinerary. “This helps create smarter, more intentional packing without buying a whole new wardrobe for one trip,” she says.
Items to leave pack and items to leave behind
No matter where a client is headed, unless specifically traveling for a formal event, Principe says to leave the formal wear at home. “One or two elevated outfits for dinners or nights out are plenty, but comfort is key when you’re exploring and enjoying a destination.”
Instead, focus on packing items from a capsule wardrobe, such as high-quality neutral basics that can be mixed and matched into smart and stylish outfits. “Vacation shopping can be fun, but most of the time, those trendy items only get worn once and are forgotten by the next season,” says Principe.
Principe also shared two items that are always worth the suitcase space, no matter the destination. First, don’t forget to pack a light jacket. “I wore one almost every day during a recent trip through Europe. Even with high daytime temps, evenings—especially near the water—can get chilly.”
Also, she recommends packing a good sporty sneaker, which is perfect for airports, city strolls, or even light hikes. She also recommends packing any luxury travel gadgets and tech accessories that make your life easier on the road, such as charging accessories, battery packs, or foldable device stands for watching movies mid-flight.
In an effort to keep things light, she also recommends skipping packing any products you know your hotel or villa provides, such as body wash and sunscreen (unless you have especially sensitive skin). “Sunscreen is easy to find, and honestly, I find European sunscreens to be far superior in quality and formulation,” she shares. “Another common mistake I frequently see is overpacking shoes. I usually recommend three pairs max: a sneaker, a sandal, and one simple evening shoe that can transition to daytime if needed.”
Packing for trending destinations
As a celebrity travel advisor, Principe often gets asked for her best recommendations for visiting the most popular destinations — from Tuscany to Marrakesh.
Tips for Tuscany and Burgundy
“The best times to visit Tuscany are May to early July and September/October,” she shares. With this in mind, Principe recommends packing breathable fabrics, like linen and cotton, to ensure comfort and style during warm weather. “Italians are effortlessly stylish, so modest, well-tailored outfits help you blend in while staying cool and polished.” Meanwhile, destinations like Burgundy lean more casual during the day, but evenings at high-end restaurants call for more effort. For Burgundy, she recommends packing closed-toe shoes, slacks, and nicer tops. “You don’t need formalwear, but business casual is typically expected.”
Tips for Marrakesh and Provence
For trips to Marrakesh, travelers should focus on balancing cultural respect with personal style, while still considering the heat. “The best time to visit [Marrakesh] is March through May, when temperatures are warm but not extreme. Modest clothing—like long pants—is encouraged, especially when visiting religious sites or conservative neighborhoods. Dressing respectfully doesn’t mean sacrificing style, just be mindful and prepared,” Principe recommends. Meanwhile, for Provence, the dress code is more relaxed. “While Provence is often pictured as all linens and raffia baskets, the dress code is actually very relaxed. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics that keep you comfortable while exploring cobblestone streets or browsing open-air markets. Chic and effortless is definitely the vibe.”
