Never Forget a Thing: Ultimate Packing Checklist
Brief Overview
Although the act of packing for a trip can feel like an insurmountable task, it can actually be rather simple with the correct amount of planning and organisation. To make your next trip one to remember, we’ve put up the definitive packing list. This detailed guide will help you pack light and efficiently for any trip, whether it’s a weekend break or a month-long expedition.
Think about the weather and the kinds of things you’ll be doing on your trip before you start packing. This will guide your decisions on what to wear and what equipment to carry. Make sure you have enough time to get everything you need by making your packing list at least a week before you go.
Grab a pen and notepad (or our FREE Travel Planner), lets get this checklist started!
Choose The Right Travel Bag
Choose a travel bag that is as adaptable as you need it to be, can hold everything you need to bring on your trip, and is comfortable to carry before you even start thinking about what to bring. Which bag is best for you depends on a number of factors, including the length of your trip, whether or not you will be travelling internationally, whether or not you will be flying on a budget airline, and the main activities you plan on engaging in while away.
4-Wheels: The more you pack into your 2-wheel suitcase, the more of a burden it becomes, especially if you have a long way to walk. Think about getting a bag with four wheels so you can roll it easily alongside you without straining your wrist.
Duffle Bag: Eagle Creek’s duffel bags are extremely lightweight and sturdy despite their minimalist design. Throw it over your shoulder or attach wheels and you’ll be good to go. From traditional duffels to convertible backpacks with wheels and more, this collection has every type of travel solution imaginable.
Backpack with Wheels: A bag that can be rolled or carried like a backpack or duffel is convenient if your travels will take you across a variety of surfaces, such as from airport floors to city sidewalks.
Travel Backpack: If you’re not interested in lugging about a set of wheels, a traditional backpack will provide you with effortless portability and flexibility.
Cabin Bag: Try to avoid checking bags if you can. Because of this, you may avoid the hassle of checking a bag, avoid paying extra at the airport, rest certain that your belongings will remain safe and sound throughout your trip, and avoid having to wait around at baggage claim. I could keep going on and on.
Clothing
Items of clothing that may be worn in a variety of contexts should be prioritised when packing. The following items are encouraged for your suitcase:
- Comfortable walking shoes: Choose a pair of shoes that are comfortable for walking and can be worn for extended periods of time.
- Sandals or flip-flops: For warmer climates, pack a pair of sandals or flip-flops for the beach or pool.
- Dress shoes: If you plan on going to a fancy restaurant or event, pack a pair of dress shoes.
- Jacket or sweater: Even if you’re travelling to a warm destination, it’s always a good idea to pack a light jacket or sweater in case the temperature drops.
- Pants or shorts: Pack a mix of pants and shorts depending on the climate and activities you have planned.
- Shirts: Bring a combination of t-shirts, dress shirts, and tank tops depending on the climate and activities you have planned.
- Underwear and socks: Pack enough underwear and socks for the duration of your trip, plus a few extra pairs in case of emergencies.
- Swimsuit: If you plan on swimming or lounging by the pool, pack a swimsuit.
- Scarves, hats, and gloves: for colder destinations
- Belts: Keep those pants tight!
- Accessories: Sunglasses
Toiletries
When packing toiletries, take only what you will actually use. To avoid taking up too much room in your bag, packing travel-sized versions of your toiletries and other necessities is a must. The following items are encouraged for your suitcase:
- Toothbrush, paste, dental floss
- Deodorant
- Tweezers (not in carry-on!)
- Soap, shampoo, conditioner
- Towels
- Nailcare
- Lip balm with SPF and lipstick or lip gloss
- Tissues, toilet roll
- Feminine hygiene
- Makeup, makeup remover
- Shaving supplies
- Skin products (moisturiser)
- Brush, comb, hairproducts
- Glasses and contact lenses
- Prescription medication with the label
Extras
- Aftershave /perfume
- Personal mini mirror
- Hair products like hairspray, hair gel, and beard oil
- Clothesline and detergent
- Sewing kit/clothing care kit, stain remover
- Wet wipes
- Anti-bacterial hand gel
Electronics
It is crucial in today’s digital world to have a constant online presence even when travelling. The following electronic devices are strongly suggested for packing:
- Mobile (cell) phone and charger
- Laptop, iPad, or E-reader and charger(s)
- Headphones
- Camera and GoPro/video camera, memory card, and chargers
- Electrical converters and adapters
- Electronics or cable organiser
- Travel iron
- Torch (flashlight)
Comfort & Entertainment
If you want the journey to your destination to go quicker make sure you have these essentials to keep you entertained:
- Deck of cards and travel games (crosswords etc. Don’t forget a PEN)
- Water bottle (most airport’s will have filling stations in the terminal)
- Guide books, travel guides, maps, language guides, etc. (if you will need any of these upon arrival at your destination, put it in your carry-on)
- Travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, and ear plugs
- Books and magazines
Recommended Entertainment
Health
Your health is very important when you are on your travels, you don’t want to ruin your trip by not bringing these essentials:
- Multivitamins
- Sunburn relief
- Insect repellent and mosquito net
- Motion sickness pills or bands
- Altitude sickness pills
- Eye drops
- Medicines specific to the region (malaria tablets etc)
- First aid kit (bandages, gauze, plasters, etc)
- Prescription medications
- Pain and fever medicine
- Thermometer
- Throat lozenges
- Diarrhea/laxative medicines
- Oral rehydration salts
- Allergy medicines
- Hydrocortisone cream/antibacterial ointment
- Ear plugs, an absolute must!
- Sunglasses
Recommended Health Products
Documents
A pretty obvious one:
- Passport and Visa if required for your destination
- Tickets (Printed and on mobile device)
- Copies of passport, tickets etc
- Boarding pass
- Drivers licence
- Health insurance card
- List of medications, letter prescriber
- Travel insurance
- Student card (most countries will offer discounts for students)
Safety and Security
Pickpockets are a constant threat in the crowded streets of most major cities. If you want to protect your valuables, it’s best to keep them out of sight and close to your person. Putting valuables in secret locations is a good strategy. In addition, make sure your luggage are secure and that people can see you at night by adding reflective tape or other details.
- Money belt or hidden pocket
- Undercover Bra Stash for credit cards and cash only
- Leg wallet
- Incognito Money Belt which looks like a real belt!
- Luggage Travel Lock
- Reflective clothing and luggage accessories
Recommended Travel Products
Before you leave
Before leaving for an extended period of time, it’s important to make sure your house is in order. Please consider these few basic items before you leave for the airport.
- Arrange for the care of pets, lawn, and plants
- Pre-pay your bills or set-up direct debits
- Prearrange school absences for children and get any home study assignments required
- Empty refrigerator of things that will go off
- Unplug appliances
- Turn off central heating
- Turn off washing machine taps
- Lock all doors and windows
- Set up timed lights
- Store valuables in a safe place
- Leave house key and trip itinerary with a trusted friend
- Leave flight and hotel itineraries with a relative
- Check-in online with airline before you Uber, train, or shuttle to the airport
Final Thoughts
Packing with confidence for your next trip is possible with the help of the definitive travel packing list. You may save time and space by only carrying the necessities with you on your trip. Create your packing list at least a week before you leave, taking the weather and your itinerary into account. Safe travels!
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