The Ultimate Trip Packing Checklist
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Vacations are made for relaxing, but prepping for them can be anything but easy. From deciding whether to check a bag or stick with carry-on luggage to making sure your toiletries are properly sealed to Tetris-ing everything into your suitcase, packing can be almost as stressful as airport traffic. But if you’re armed with the right information, it doesn’t have to be. As a travel writer who is away from home for weeks at a time, I’ve mastered the art of the trip-packing checklist, and I’m here to help you make sure you have everything you need when you’re on the road. I’ve also tapped an industry expert to weigh in with her tips, too.
Below, you’ll find the ultimate vacation packing checklist to reference so you don’t miss a step. Whether you’re jet-setting on a spring break vacay, taking a road-trip to sightsee with family, or planning a much-needed staycation, the items on this list encompass everything you’ll need while you’re away from home. Bookmark this page, and come back to it every time you’re planning a getaway to make your pre-trip prep as seamless as possible. Bon voyage!
Clothes
Packing for a trip starts with what you’re going to wear. “The best way to pack for any adventure is to plan for unexpected weather,” says Megan Ayres, brand manager at Tripped Travel Gear. “Think through your trip and ask ‘what if’ questions. ‘What if I am too cold?’ or ‘what if I am too hot?’ Packing to answer these ‘what if’ questions will make you feel prepared.”
- Underwear and bras
- Socks
- Pajamas
- Exercise clothes
- Short-sleeved shirts
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Cardigan and/or light jacket
- Swimsuits
- Dress shirts
- Jeans
- Dress pants
- Shorts
- Skirts
- Jacket
- Sneakers
- Sandals
- Dress shoes
- Belts
- Jewelry
- Sunglasses
- Hat
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Bags
Depending on your travel agenda, you’ll likely need a variety of bags to get you through the trip. “A travel pouch is a great way to keep items organized at your seat,” Ayres says. “If you’re checking your bag, include a compression cube of essentials like a change of clothes and a bathing suit if you’re traveling somewhere tropical in case your luggage gets lost.”
- Backpack and/or day bag
- Purse and/or evening bag
- Travel pouch
- Tote bag
- Laundry bag
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Toiletries and Health Essentials
When you’re assessing what toiletries to bring with you, think about which specific products and brands you can’t live without, and fill in the gaps when you get where you’re going. “Luckily a lot of toiletry and hygiene items can be purchased at your destination,” Ayres says. Pro tip: Seal your liquids with a strip of duct tape to prevent leaks.
- Prescription medications
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Mouthwash
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Hair styling products
- Hair bands and/or barrettes
- Lip balm
- Body soap and body lotion
- Face soap and face lotion
- Razor
- Deodorant
- Brush and/or comb
- Sunblock
- Bug spray
- Makeup and makeup remover
- Hand sanitizer
- Cotton swabs
- Lint roller
- Band-aids
- Tweezers
- Stain remover
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Electronics and Travel Accessories
Phones, laptops, and tablets are hard to pack ahead of time, making it way too easy to forget something important as you’re walking out the door. If you realize too late that you don’t have a charger or other accessory, don’t panic! You can almost always find what you need in airports, gas stations, pharmacies, and hotel shops.
- Phone and charger
- Tablet and charger
- Laptop and charger
- eReader and charger
- Backup phone battery
- Flashlight
- Headphones or earbuds
- Travel pillow
- Journal and pens
- Duct tape
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Documents
You never know when an emergency will strike, so be prepared with all of the important information you might need while you’re away. Save these items to your phone, and email them to yourself for backup.
- Real ID and/or passport
- Health insurance card
- Auto insurance card and/or AAA card
- List of prescriptions
- Itinerary
- Cash
- Credit cards
- Emergency contacts
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