Getting ready to go on vacation? Start by downloading your travel packing checklist!
It doesn't matter if you're going away for a weekend break or a few weeks, a packing checklist is a must to ensure you have everything you'll need for your trip.
In this article, I've indicated the essentials you'll need to pack for your trip and provided a printable travel packing checklist for you to download in preparation for your next vacation.
The packing checklist is FREE when you join the Genie VIP Club, which provides monthly tips to help you manage your time, boost productivity, and have the BALANCE LIFE you've always wanted!
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Preparing to go on vacation can be a stressful experience and we all worry about forgetting items that we may need while we are away. Using a travel packing checklist is an easy way to make sure that you don't!
Use these travel packing tips when you go on your next trip. I can assure you, you won't regret it!
You can skip to specific sections of this article if you wish:
The most important items on your travel packing checklist are your travel documents. Without these, you may not be able to travel on the planned dates (especially if you're flying), or you may encounter problems when you arrive at your destination.
I keep my documentation in a travel document organizer (which I can hang around my neck when I travel). I also carry copies of important documents in a separate folder or as electronic files on my cell phone.
Depending on how and where you travel, you may need the following documents (especially if traveling overseas):
Take into consideration the weather conditions, trip duration, and the activities you plan to do on your trip when deciding what to include on your travel packing checklist.
It's also a good idea to check whether a specific dress code is required in the destination country. In some places, you may be refused entry if you don't comply with dress requirements.
When I travel, I like to take comfortable clothing that I can mix and match easily and also a nice outfit in case we decide to go somewhere special.
Here are the basics you'll need.
Clothes:
Accessories:
Depending on where you're traveling to, add the following items to your basic packing list as appropriate:
Travel packing list for winter:
Travel packing list for summer:
Toiletries are a very personal affair! Some people have a very stringent skincare routine and like to maintain it while on vacation. Others use very few cosmetic products and have no need to travel with many toiletries.
In my case, I'm somewhere in between and I choose the toiletries to take considering the duration of my time away. For a weekend trip, I'll take the bare minimum and for a longer trip, I take the things I need to maintain my normal skincare routine.
To avoid traveling with large quantities of cosmetic products, I use labeled, refillable travel containers (100ml or less) for creams and liquids. Before packing my toiletries, I check the contents of each container and refill as required.
Here are some toiletries many people include on their travel packing checklist when going on vacation. You don't have to take all of them, just the ones you feel necessary for your trip.
If you plan to take your toiletries in your hand luggage, make sure you comply with the Transport Security Administration (TSA) 3-1-1 Liquids Rule(1). These stipulate that each passenger may carry liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 ml).
Each passenger is limited to one quart-size (1 liter) transparent bag of liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols. All containers that are larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml) must be carried in checked-in luggage.
I usually carry toiletries in my hand luggage when I fly, to make sure I have them if the luggage is delayed. It also avoids soiling my clothes if the toiletries were to leak. That's my preference, but you may prefer to pack your toiletries in your checked-in luggage. If you do, I recommend putting them into a plastic bag to contain any leakages.
Depending on how you will be traveling or the type of vacation you'll be going on, some of the following items may be handy for your trip:
It's always best to travel with a small first aid kit and some medicines to combat minor ailments that may arise while you're on vacation. This is especially important when you travel to developing countries as you may have difficulty finding the items you may need.
I usually travel with the basics: plasters, small scissors, bandages, gauzes, antiseptic cream, and a thermometer. I also take medicines for minor illnesses such as headaches, muscle pain, and colds or flu.
I've provided a more comprehensive list down below. You don't need to take all of these items, just the ones you consider necessary for your trip!
First aid kit:
Medicines:
If you need to take prescription medicines make sure that you take them with you. Take sufficient medication for the duration of your trip and a few extra days in case flights are delayed or canceled.
I also advise taking proof of prescription to avoid problems when going through customs.
Consider packing the following medicines when you travel:
In this day and age, few of us can go without our electronic devices for very long. I must confess, I'm one of them!
Make sure you include charging cables for all devices and power adapters if you're traveling to a country that uses different voltage and power sockets.
It's also a good idea to take an external battery so you can charge on the move.
Here's a list of electronic devices you may want to include in your holiday packing list:
So you're all packed and ready to go!
Make sure you have the following items in your handbag before you travel:
Travel documents
A big must! As I mentioned before you may not be able to travel without them.
Money and credit cards
Don't forget to take your credit cards and ATM cards. Consider using an RFID blocking wallet to protect cards from contactless scanning.
It's also a good idea to take a small amount of local currency with you for taxis, tips, or to make small purchases. You may have to order certain currencies from your bank in advance.
Keys
Remember to take your house keys and two sets of luggage keys (kept separately). Make sure you lock your luggage before you go.
Notepad and pen
A small notepad and a pen are always handy in case you need to note something down when you're traveling or on vacation. Although I normally note things on my cell phone, I always keep a pen in my travel document organizer.
Miscellaneous items
Other useful items you may want to carry in your handbag include: tissues, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, face masks, lip balm, hand cream, snacks, an empty water bottle, a mini travel sewing kit, etc. Remember to comply with TSA requirements for liquids, creams, and gels.
Join the Genie VIP Club by filling out the form below and download your Travel Packing Checklist today!
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A travel packing checklist is an essential tool when preparing to travel. It helps you to plan ahead and ensures that don't forget anything important.
Take the stress and worry out of travel preparation! Download your travel packing checklist and use it when you prepare for your next trip.
Enjoy your vacation!
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