Travel Packing Checklist | No more Stress and Worry Before You Travel

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!

Read on to find out more…

Travel Packing Checklist

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:

Travel Documents

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):

Passport
Flight reservations
Taxis and local transport reservations
COVID documentation if required (Proof of COVID vaccines, recent negative COVID test)
Hotel reservations
Boarding passes
Travel insurance documents
Driver's license
Health Insurance cards
Emergency contact information
Bank contact information
Pet travel documents (if traveling with pets)
Document copies: passport, driver's license, flight and hotel reservations

Clothes and Accessories

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.

Clothes

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:

Underwear
Socks, stockings, tights
Shirts, blouses, tops
Pants, jeans, leggings
Skirts
Dresses
Pajamas
Sleeping cap
Towels (if you're staying in a hotel you may not need these)
Cardigan
Coat
Swimwear: swimsuit, goggles, swimming cap, flip-flops
Gym-wear: sports bra, gym shorts, gym tops, gym shoes

Accessories:

Comfortable footwear: walking shoes, heels or wedges, sneakers
Belts
Non-valuable jewelry
Hair accessories
Hats or caps
Reading glasses
Sunglasses
Handbag, rucksack, clutch purse
Umbrella

Depending on where you're traveling to, add the following items to your basic packing list as appropriate:

Travel packing list for winter:

Sweaters
Woolen hat
Scarf
Gloves
Warm coat
Thermal socks and underwear
Boots

Travel packing list for summer:

Shorts
Light tops, Tee-shirts
Swimsuit, bikini, swim shirt
Beach towels
Flip flops
Sandals
Sunglasses
Sarong
Hat or cap
Light anorak
Light coat, shawl, or cardigan (in case it gets chilly at night)
Beach inflatables
Beach toys and games

What Travel Toiletries to Pack

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.

Face wash
Facial cleanser
Toner
Cotton balls, cotton pads
Facial moisturizer
Makeup
Compact mirror
Makeup remover
Shower gel or soap
Loofah, washcloth
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body moisturizer
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Mouthwash
Shower cap
Hairbrush and comb
Hair dryer
Hair gel/ mousse
Hair ties
Bobby pins
Straightening iron, curling iron
Contact lenses and contact lens solution
Nail clippers
Nail file
Nail polish
Nail polish remover
Sunscreen, tanning oil
Aftersun lotion
Deodorant
Perfume
Hair removal cream or razor, shaving cream, aftershave (consider waxing before your trip so you can leave these behind)
Feminine hygiene products

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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.

Travel Accessories

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:

Travel pillow
Travel blanket
Sleeping eye mask
Earplugs
Travel games
Book or magazine
Travel guide
Purse belt
Selfie stick
Laundry bag
Foldable, handheld fan
Wet wipes
Tissues
Mini travel sewing kit

First Aid Kit and Medicines

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:

Plasters (different sizes and shapes)
Sterile gauze dressings
Triangular bandages
Crêpe rolled bandages
Safety pins
Tweezers
Small scissors
Sticky tape
Thermometer
Skin rash cream
Treatment for insect bites and stings
Antiseptic cream
Insect repellant
Eyewash and eye bath

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:

Prescription medicines
Multivitamins
Treatment for colds or flu
Treatment for stomach upset
Painkillers (paracetamol, aspirin, or ibuprofen)
Allergies (Antihistamine cream or tablets)
Sleeping aid (if you have trouble sleeping)
Contraceptives

Electronic Devices

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:

Cell phone
Camera
Tablet
Laptop
e-Reader
Headphones
Portable speaker
Power Adapter
Batteries
Portable external battery pack
Memory cards
Card reader for memory cards
External hard disk to back up photos

Items to Carry in Your Handbag

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.

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BOTTOM LINE

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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