The Ultimate Packing List

When packing for a trip, you don’t want to forget anything, especially things like phone chargers or crucial documents.

With this travel checklist, you can make sure whether you’re good to go or not.

Travel Checklist

Check all the things you've already got or you don't need.

Preparation

Even if you pack well, it won’t matter if your passport turns out to be expired. Be sure to prepare yourself before traveling.

Make sure that the baggage fits into the trunk, and that their weight does not exceed the airline’s allowed weight limit

Foreign currency might come in handy, and exchanging it locally can be more challenging and significantly less cost-effective.

Check for any unexpected events on-site (e.g. strikes, volcanic eruptions, etc.) and also check the weather to prepare your clothing and have a preliminary idea of how to organize your time.

A punctured tire, an unexpected traffic jam, or any other sudden incident are possibilities for which it’s worth having some extra time. It’s better to wait for your transportation for an additional hour than to be late.

Make necessary medical examinations, and ensure you have prescriptions for essential medications you need to take with you on your trip. For example, if you have issues with your ears getting clogged, it’s a good idea to visit a specialist for ear cleaning to reduce the likelihood of them getting blocked during your vacation when you first come into contact with water.

Documents

Always make sure that your documents are valid. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date.

Write down the local emergency phone numbers, your tour representative phone number, and your hotel name and address on a piece of paper. Put it in your wallet.

It’s not required, but it will help you pack back up and make sure you haven’t forgotten anything important.

Health

Take your most important medications with you, especially those with a prescription and those you may not be able to buy locally.

Money

Check what currency is used in a given location and take it with you. Local conversion rates may be way worse. Also, remember to take cash. There may be places where you won’t be able to pay with your credit or debit card.

For example, if you’re heading to the beach, you probably wouldn’t like to carry all of your documents and all of your cash with you.

It’s not a must-have, but it’s useful, especially if you’re walking without a bag and wearing pants without pockets.

Clothing

Check the weather, and even if it is generally sunny, be prepared for possible colder or rainy days. Take at least one set of warmer clothes with you.

Toiletries

Take a cosmetic bag with the most important things, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant. You can usually buy most of these things locally, but they are so small that it is not really worth it.

Find out what the situation is with them at your hotel. If they are provided and you can, for example, take them to the pool, it’s not worth taking up space for them in your baggage.

Technology

In different regions of the world, there are various plug types. For example, if you’re traveling to Europe or Australia, it’s a good idea to bring a suitable adapter with you, just in case, so you can connect your devices there.

With such a cable, you can charge various types of devices, so even if you forget a specific charger or someone does, you’ll still be able to charge the device.

If you don’t want to lose your vacation photos or videos, make backups, preferably immediately and to various devices.

If you’re traveling to another country, it’s a good idea to ensure you have access to the internet there. It’s best to look into this before your trip. You can often find various local data packages and SIM cards available for purchase at the airport right after landing.

Entertainment

General Stuff

Home Preparation

You don’t need to, but if you do empty your fridge, you will be able to unplug it and save the money and environment.

Just in case someone breaks into your home while you are away. In that case, it will be harder for them to find these items.

It may come in handy in case of a potential break-in, fire, earthquake, or flood to show the police or insurance company what has been stolen or damaged.

Print or Get the PDF

Print or get the PDF

How to pack for a travel?

Here are 4 simple steps to pack efficiently and avoid forgetting anything important:

1. Write down all the essentials you want to pack

If you have any specific items you need to bring with you (e.g. prosthetic cream, contact lenses, or your child’s favorite teddy bear), start by listing them.

You can do this on paper, or in any note-taking app.

2. Do the research on your travel location and update the list

Your packing and preparation list should largely depend on where you are traveling:

• Pack clothing appropriate for the local weather conditions.
• Find out if you need a visa and any specific travel documents (e.g., specific tests) and prepare them.
• Learn about affordable internet options at your destination.

3. Get our list and adjust it to your needs

Our list contains over 100 important items you probably want to pack.

You can either check if there are items you want to pack and add to your list, or check for items you want to bring with you and add them to your list.

You can use our list and include important items for yourself (if needed, you can print it with a selected number of empty fields).

4. Pack your things wisely

Here’s how to do this:

1. Choose the right suitcase sizes to suit the length of your trip and the transportation regulations.
2. Use solid suitcases that won’t fall apart after the first fall. Airport staff and bus drivers often do not handle them very gently.
3. Limit the number of things and clothes. You don’t have to use all the available space in your suitcases, because you won’t have enough room for souvenirs and other purchases later.
4. Weigh your luggage and make sure it is within the carrier’s limits. Also, check the dimensions and number of your suitcases.
5. Organize your baggage. For example, pack toiletries in a cosmetic bag and medicines in a special bag. This will make it easier for you to find everything.
6. Limit the amount of cosmetics. Most hotels should provide them.
7. Pack heavier items at the bottom.
8. Put your most important items in your carry-on baggage. Thanks to this, you will always have them with you and reduce the likelihood of loss if, for example, your suitcase is damaged.