Getting ready for your next trip but feeling overwhelmed about packing? Forgetting an essential item can lead to unnecessary stress, wasted money, and lots of frustration. Plus, I know how stressful it can be when you’re trying to cram everything in the bag last minute…only to have to your suitcase opened at the airport check-in counter to rearrange your items because your bag above the weight limit! That’s why I made this travel packing checklist to make your packing so much easier & stress-free!
However – with a well-organized packing checklist, you can streamline the process and ensure you have everything you need for a smooth journey. Packing for a trip is almost like an art and I’m here to help you master it!
This comprehensive travel packing checklist will help you stay organized, minimize overpacking, and make sure you’re prepared for any situation. From clothing and toiletries to travel documents and tech gadgets, this packing checklist covers all the essentials you need to pack efficiently.
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Travel Documents & Essentials
Before you pack anything, make sure you have all of your important documents in a safe & organized place. You can’t travel if you don’t have your documents! Each airline and country has it’s own travel requirements, so make sure you double check and review the proper websites before you travel. It’s important to do this a few months before your travel in case you need a visa, immunization, or something else that may take a few weeks to obtain.
Another pro-tip I have learned over the years is that it’s very important to keep both digital and printed copies of your passport & other travel documents. The printed copies will come in handy in case you don’t have Internet connection (especially in foreign countries) and the digital copies will be helpful in case you lose or misplace your printed copies. Make sure that the digital copies are available even when offline – I like to save them to Google Drive and use the “make available offline” option.
Make sure you keep everything organized and safe but easily accessible. This is one of my favorite travel document organizers from Amazon, but you can also just use a folder or large pouch that you have at home.
- Passport
- Driver’s license or ID
- Boarding passes
- Travel visa (if necessary)
- Travel insurance details
- Travel itinerary
- Copy of airline ticket
- Copies of hotel, rental car, & other reservations
- Credit/debit cards
- Cash in local currency
- Emergency contact information
- Pen (for filling out forms, customs, etc.)
Check out this post for other travel gear & travel essentials!
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Clothing & Accessories
Before packing your clothes, make sure to check the forecast at your destination so you can pack accordingly. Count out how many outfits you will need for your trip and opt for versatile, layer-friendly pieces that can be mixed and matched. No matter what you will be doing, it’s always a great idea to bring comfortable walking shoes! It’s also a good idea to pack a swimsuit – especially if you have a pool at your hotel or may end up going to a beach or lake at your destination.
- Tops (varied based on destination & climate)
- Bottoms (jeans, shorts, skirts, or leggings)
- Underwear & socks
- Sleepwear
- Swimsuit
- Outerwear (jacket, coat, or raincoat based on weather)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Dress shoes or sandals (if needed)
- Accessories (hats, scarves, gloves, sunglasses, belt, jewelry)
Toiletries & Personal Care
The toiletries and personal care items that you pack will depend on if you are doing carry-on only or if you will have a checked baggage. Of course, you can add more products to a checked bag but it’s also very easy to go carry-on only! I love getting a set of empty travel bottles so I can add my favorite sprays, lotions, serums, etc into TSA-compliant packaging! You can also find great travel bottle sets at the Dollar Tree!
In 2021, I got a horrible ankle fracture and a bad laceration while hiking. Ever since then, I make sure to pack a basic first-aid kit everywhere I travel! Check out my downloadable travel packing checklist which includes a list of basic first-aid kit items!
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Body wash or soap bar
- Razor & shaving cream
- Skincare products (moisturizer, sunscreen, lip balm)
- Makeup & remover wipes
- Hairbrush or comb & hair ties
- Feminine hygiene products
- Prescription medications & pain relievers
- First-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, motion sickness tablets)
Tech & Gadgets
Of course we can’t forget out tech gadgets when traveling! Make sure to pack chargers for all your devices. If you’re traveling abroad, bring an appropriate travel adapter. Another great investment for traveling is a portable charger, which has been such a lifesaver for me! If you’re taking a camera with you, make sure to pack extra memory cards for all the lovely snaps that you will be collecting. You can purchase a travel cord organizer case similar to the one above on Amazon.
- Smartphone & charger
- Laptop/tablet & accessories
- Headphones or earbuds
- Power bank/portable charger
- Travel adapter & voltage converter (if traveling internationally)
- Camera & memory cards
- E-reader or book
- Smartwatch & fitness tracker (if needed)
- Portable Wi-Fi hotspot or SIM card (if needed)
Travel Comfort & Miscellaneous
Travel can be exhausting, so small comfort items can make a big difference. A travel pillow, eye mask, and earplugs can help you rest during long flights or bus rides. Having a reusable water bottle ensures you stay hydrated, while a tote bag can be handy for day trips or shopping. Packing a few snacks from home is also a great way to avoid overpriced airport food!
- Travel pillow & blanket
- Eye mask & earplugs
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks & gum
- Foldable tote bag or backpack
- Ziplock bags for liquids & wet items
- Travel laundry detergent (for longer trips)
- Lock for luggage
- Books for reading
- Notebook & pen
- Guidebook or maps (if needed)
Some Helpful Packing Tips
- Use packing cubes – These help keep your suitcase organized and maximize space.
- Follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids – If flying, ensure carry-on liquids are under 3.4 oz and stored in a clear, quart-sized bag.
- Roll, don’t fold – Rolling clothes helps prevent wrinkles and saves space.
- Pack a day’s worth of essentials in your carry-on – Just in case your luggage is delayed or lost.
- Check airline baggage restrictions – Avoid unexpected fees and weight issues.
Looking for a FREE editable & printable packing checklist?
Download a FREE editable PDF of the packing checklist!
This PDF is a part of my travel freebie library, which contains FREE travel checklists, resources, guides, & more!
You will also be added to my monthly email list to stay notified about the latest free content & travel tips!
Click here to subscribe & get access to the travel freebie library
I hope you found this checklist helpful in packing for your next adventure! Let me know your thoughts below and if you have any other travel necessities that you can’t leave home without! I’d love to hear from you & happy travels!
