No matter how much you travel, there are times when you still manage to forget your toothbrush. It’s an item that you use every single day but with the stress of trying to remember all of your travel essentials there’s always something left behind.
Not anymore! We have created the ultimate packing list so that you’ll always know what to pack for a trip.
Whether you’re getting ready for an adventure excursion in the mountains, are jet setting to a business meeting or want to have everything you need in your carry on, you’ll be fully stocked with all of the essential items for travel. Read on for the full ultimate packing list, or download the printable packing list here.
But before we get into the details, don’t miss these travel essentials you didn’t even know you needed (but now that you do, you’ll never travel without them):
Clear Nail Polish
Not only can you throw a coat on your nails for a natural gloss but you can also add a dab to your hosiery to stop runs from getting worse or stop your shoelaces from fraying. Is that ring that you picked up at a stand during your trip turning your finger green? No need to toss it, cover the inside of the metal with clear polish to create a barrier against your skin.
Large Scarf
When you’re traveling to cold weather you may automatically wrap yourself in a scarf, but this should be on your ultimate packing list for every trip. Not only can you use it to bundle up in inclement weather but it’s a must-have on the plane. Cold? Use it as a blanket. Tired? Wrap it around your head rest for support. Backache? Stuff it behind your lower back for more comfort. Spilled your coffee on your shirt during turbulence? Instant cover up. The list goes on, but you get the point.
Once you get off the plane its uses don’t stop, especially when traveling through different climates or countries. For Nabeena Mali, co-founder of Soulscape it’s one her essential items for travel:
“The one thing I don’t travel without is a scarf. In a continent like Asia, it not only provides shade from the sun but warmth during the evening. It’s also extremely useful for covering your shoulders or legs when entering religious spaces and can even be folded in such a way to act as a bag.”
Door Stop
Before you go, grab a door stop and throw it into your suitcase. While you’re traveling you can wedge it under your door as an added security measure. This ultimate packing list item can give you an extra piece of mind if you’re staying in a shared house or hostel but have rented a private room. You can also use it in your hotel room or at the front door of your rented apartment.
Power Strip and Plug Adaptor
The world is full of so many different things to marvel at, including outlets. The U.S. has very different outlets from Europe and even places within Europe have distinctive plugs. Think about all of the devices you’ll have to charge – your international cell phone, your camera, your tablet, and more. A universal adaptor plug will become an essential part of your ultimate packing list especially if you’re planning to travel to different countries throughout your trip.
Add a multi-plug power strip or USB charging station so that you’ll be fully charged no matter how many devices you have. You can even help out some fellow travelers along the way. BJ Enoch of SocialSEO shares:
“There’s something about airports that switches people into Lord of The Flies mode when it comes to power outlets, but almost anyone is happy to let you plug in a power strip and have them plug into it. Suddenly you’re everyone’s friend.”
Packing Cubes
Once it’s time to put your travel essentials to use there’s nothing worse than endlessly digging through your bag to try and find them. Before putting anything in your suitcase get your things sorted and easier to find with packing cubes. Travel blogger Julianna Barnaby of The Discoveries Of uses them to make getting dressed a breeze:
“For short trips, I generally pack a cube with each day’s clothing etc, so I can quickly grab that day’s cube with everything I’ll need for that day. I also pack a separate cube with all my leads and electronic devices so they don’t end up everywhere in my case. They save so much time and the hassle of having to dig through everything in your suitcase to find one item of clothing.”
The Ultimate Packing List for Vacation
No matter what the weather might be, what activities you have planned or what destination you’re traveling to, this list is full of all the travel essentials you’ll need!
Carry With You
| Passport/ID/visa | Bandaids | Empty water bottle |
| Boarding pass(es) | Medications (labeled) | Phone charger |
| Itinerary | Pain relievers | Portable power bank |
| Guidebook | First-aid ointment | Earplugs |
| Hand sanitizer | Tissues | Sewing kit |
| Credit cards | Insurance cards/documents | Cash |
| Sanitizer wipes/spray | Eye mask | Neck pillow |
| Books | Pen and paper | Lip moisturizer |
| Food/snacks | Valuables | House/car keys |
| Extra outfit | Emergency contact list |
Personal Items
| Toothbrush | Toothpaste | Floss |
| Mouthwash | Facewash | Face lotion |
| Deodorant | Moisturizer | Soap |
| Body wash | Shampoo | Conditioner |
| Hair styling products | Hairbrush | Comb |
| Cologne/perfume | Mini mirror | Tweezers |
| Thermometer | Antibacterial/hydrocortisone cream | Moleskin |
| Contact lenses/case/solution | Prescription glasses/sunglasses | Glasses case |
| Eye drops | Makeup | Makeup remover |
| Razor | Shaving cream | Vitamins |
| Birth control | Feminine-hygiene products | Sunscreen |
| Clear nail polish | Nail clippers/ file | Travel towel |
| Dental emergency kit | Travel size liquid containers | Clear quart-size bag |
Gadgets
| Phone | Camera | Camera bag/accessories |
| Camera battery | Action camera | Tablet |
| Detachable keyboard | Laptop | Device chargers |
| Charging station | Travel speaker | Noise cancelling headphones |
| Earbuds | E-book reader | Humidifier |
| Multi plug power strip | Universal adapter plug | Unlocked cell phone/SIM card |
Clothes & Accessories
| Underwear | Socks/hosiery | Bras |
| Undershirts | Sleepwear | T-shirts |
| Long sleeve shirts | Sweaters/sweatshirts | Jeans |
| Shorts | Dresses | Skirts |
| Athletic shoes | Casual shoes | Sandals/flip-flops |
| House shoes | Belts | Scarf/bandana |
| Dress shirt | Formalwear | Ties |
| Dress shoes | Purses | Backpack |
Warm Weather Destinations
| Sunscreen | Tanning oil | Lip balm with SPF |
| Sunburn spray | Cooling spray/mist | Sunglasses |
| Hat/visor | Insect repellent | Beach bag/backpack |
| Small waterproof bag | Portable fan | Flip-flops/sandals |
| Swimwear | Cover-up | Beach towel |
Cold Weather Destinations
| Scarf | Warm socks | Hand and feet warmers |
| Thermal tops | Thermal leggings | Neck warmer |
| Fleece/jumpers | Waterproof outerwear | Jacket/coat |
| Non-slip shoes/boots | Gloves | Hats |
| Umbrella |
Adventure Destinations
| Flashlight | Dry bag | Waterproof outerwear |
| Medical kit | Goggles | Anti-fog spray |
| Face mask | Protective gloves | Sunglass with UV lenses |
| Helmet | Pads for elbows/knees | Waterproof clothing |
| Padded clothing | Hiking boots/shoes | Waterproof socks |
| Water shoes | Waterproof bag cover | Poncho |
| Snorkel gear | Water purifier | Motion sickness medicine |
| Combination lock | Travel safe wallet | Snowboard/skis |
Packing Aids and More
| Luggage scale | Packing cubes | Stain remover |
| Laundry bag | Laundry detergent | Dryer sheets |
| Clothesline | Door stop | Resealable bags |
| Silk sheet/sleeping bag | Reusable straws | Travel case with document |
Carry On Only Ultimate Packing List
| Passport/ID/visa | Undergarments | Lip moisturiser |
| Boarding pass(es) | Sleepwear | Deodorant |
| Cash/credit cards/insurance cards | Socks/hosiery | Eye mask |
| Electronic devices | Shoes | Ear plugs |
| Device chargers | Purses/travel bag | Eye mask |
| Power bank/adapter | Travel size liquids (face wash, bodywash, lotion, etc.) | Neck pillow |
| Tops | Vitamins/medicines/birth control | Books |
| Bottoms | Hair brush/comb | Valuables |
| Jumpers | First aid kit | Emergency contact list |
Wish you had a printable packing list to check off your items? Well, now you can! Download the ultimate packing list pdf here.
Flight delays happen, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept them. You may be entitled to a much as $700 in compensation if your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked within the last three years.
