This post contains affiliate links, my click a link, and making a purchase; we earn a small commission.
Whether traveling on a family vacation or for work, it is super easy to forget essential items. I often get pretty forgetful when it comes to packing, so having a printable travel packing list to work from as I pack comes in handy a lot! So sit back, and in this blog post, I’ll go over the basics of what you’ll need for your next trip. And make sure you grab our free printable packing list. It is comprehensive and will ensure you are well-equipped and will not forget anything on your next adventure, giving you peace of mind.
This ultimate packing list will be super helpful when it comes to travel tips!
Let’s start with essential travel documents you’ll need to make sure you do not forget these essential items on your next trip. Of all the items on this list, these are the most crucial because if you forget them, you are SOL, and they can derail your plans and trip immediately.
Travel Documents
- Drivers License – expect a long, drawn-out delay with TSA if you forget this one.
- Passport
- Boarding Passes
- Event tickets -If you are going to shows or theme parks, do not forget these! We once had to turn around halfway to the airport because we forgot our Shawn Mendes concert tickets.
- Credit Cards
- ATM debit cards
- Health Insurance card
- Cash
- Change
- Keys
- Itinerary/ booking confirmations
- Maps/guide books for travel inspiration
- Call Credit Card Companies beforehand and let them know you will be traveling especially if you are headed out of the country.
*Covid Related: Immunization records/ and or Covid test results
We are dependent on technology, and forgetting any of these specific items below could cause issues, especially if you need to stay connected to your work. I love to write when I travel, so forgetting my laptop would be frustrating. So review this section to ensure you do not have any issues or annoyances of tracking down the right charger when traveling. I like to keep these items in my carry-on bag, especially for long-haul flights.
Technology
- Cell phone / Mobile Device + Charger
- Ipad/Tablet + charger
- Lap top+ charger
- E-reader + charger
- Charging cords
- Fuel rods or another backup battery pack
- Earbuds/headphones
- Camera + charger + memory card
- Voltage Converters if traveling internationally
Now we are getting to the fun stuff, and my favorite part; what to pack to wear? Every trip is going to require different things. I always say the first step to packing clothing is to check the weather of your destination. Then I consider if I need to pack for warmer or cold weather. Then I go from there. Will I need different looks, fancy, casual, business? This section of your complete packing list will depend on your personal preference but use this list as a general guide. Also, make sure and pack enough clothing items for the duration of your trip. Remember to consider any special activities you may be participating in. Another great tip? Use packing cubes to help organize your items.
Clothing Items
Women/girls
- T-shirts
- Blouses
- Tops
- Tunics
- Sweatshirts
- Sweaters
- Cardigans
- Work out tops and sports bra
- dresses
- Shorts
- Skirts
- Skorts
- Jeans
- Pants
- Leggings
- Yoga pants
- Jogging shorts
- Pajamas
- Swimsuit
- Cover up
- Undies
- Bras
- Lingerie
- Shapewear
- Socks
- Tights
- Jackets
- Raincoat
- Vests
- Coat
Footwear for women
- Gym shoes
- Sandals
- Dress shoes
- Boots
- Ballet Flats
- Heels
- Flip flops
- Best travel shoes
Men/Boys
- T-shirts
- Button-down shirts
- Sweatshirts
- Sweaters
- Polos
- Workout shirts
- Shorts
- Jeans
- Pants
- Sweat pants
- Pajamas
- Swimsuit
- Boxers
- Undershirts
- Socks
- Dress socks
- Suits
- Cuff links
- Ties
- Sports Jacket
Footwear for men
- Gym shoes
- Sandals
- Dress shoes
When packing your toiletries, forgetting these personal items we adore can be problematic. I like to pay attention to what I use daily, no matter what. So for shorter trips, I only pack my bare essentials. I will pack more of the favorites I may use less frequently but still want access to on longer trips. You may opt for a travel size option to save on space. Our “stuff” can take up valuable space very quickly. It is a good idea to use toiletry bags or store items in plastic bags to avoid a leak or spill.
List of Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Contacts
- Contact case
- Contact solution
- Eye drops
- q-tips
- shampoo
- conditioner
- hair gel
- hair spray
- lotion
- night cream
- facial sunscreen
- facial moisturizer
- toner
- makeup
- Makeup remover
- Nail clippers
- Nail file
- Tweezer
- Perfume
- Razors
- Shaving cream
- Pads
- tampons
- Deodorant
- Brush
- Comb
- Hair ties
- Sunscreen
- Aloe vera
- Lip balm
It is important to think about the type of trip you are going on. It may require extra travel accessories you may not think of. Here are some creative ideas you may not have thought of.
Accessories + Extra Items
- Jewelry
- Hat/cap
- Sunglasses
- Glasses
- Belts
- Gloves
- Scarves
- Watch
- Apple watch + charger
- Purse
- Bag
If you take any supplements or prescriptions, it is an important thing to make sure and pack them! I have made this mistake in past years of travel and regretted it immediately. You are usually a long way from home, and getting in touch with your family doctor and getting a prescription filled can be a pain. Nor do you want to find yourself in an emergency situation. (ie. no epi-pen, and you have a severe allergy)
Prescription medicine + Over the counter medicine
- Band-aids
- Neosporin
- Small first aid kit
- Tums
- Ibuprofen
- Melatonin
- Earplugs
- Eye mask
- c- Pap Machine
- vitamins
- inhaler
- Health and sleep aids
The following items on our travel items list include all the things you may want for your journey to your destination—these items you’ll want to pack in your travel bag or carry on. You know which items you’ll enjoy easy access to while traveling especially if it will be a long trip or flight.
Travel Essentials + Travel Gear
- Glasses
- Travel pillow
- Books
- Latest version of your favorite magazines
- Snacks
- Pen
- Notebook
- Cards
- Games
- Gum
- Candy
- Tissues
- Sanitizing wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Face masks
Well, there you have it, our complete travel packing checklist! Having a packing list to work from makes travel less stressful and helps ensure that you do not have any issues once you reach your destination. And for your convenience, we made this FREE printable travel packing list. Simply click the photo below, enter your email, and our printable vacation packing list will be on its way to your email! Then you can save it and print it for your next adventure and all your future adventures.
*Please note this is for personal use only.
Happy Travels!
Awesome tips! This list makes it foolproof to make sure we have everything we need!
This is so helpful! Thank you so much for sharing!
This list is amazing, I will never ever forget anything ever again!! I am going to keep a printed list with all my travel documents!