There is no one perfect packing list as each destination and type of travel will have you packing a variety of different things to meet the weather conditions and activities you plan so I have put the most important things I never leave home without for my travels. Also it is important to reference where you are going and the ease of buying things you find necessary in those places. Another big factor that plays a role in my packing conditions is my baggage allowance. A great tip is always to verify the baggage sizes and weights allowed for the airline you are flying before packing. Of note, a lot of budget airlines make you pay for carry on sized luggage and only allow a personal item and even some have weight restrictions – the cost of the bags will be significantly more at the airport so it is much better to book ahead of time. Also I strongly encourage you to check out the TSA carry on policy so you are sure which items can be allowed on a carry on or not (for example crampons/spikes and tripods are allowed on in carry on while hiking poles are not and must be in checked baggage only).
Clothing
- Underwear
- Undershirts/bras
- Socks/stockings
- Shirts
- Pants/Jeans/leggings/shorts
- Dress/skirt
- Swimsuit/cover-up
- Hat
- Gloves
- Scarf/wrap
- Belt
- PJs/sleepwear
- Formalwear if needed (dress/suit/tie)
- Collapsible day bag or tote
- Laundry bag
Shoes
- Causal/walking shoes
- Hiking/athletic shoes
- Flip-flops/sandals
- Dress shoes/Heels
Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Deodorant
- Hair Brush/Comb
- Sunscreen
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Body lotion
- Shaving supplies/razor
- Contact lens/solution
- Feminine hygiene products
- Nail clippers/nail file
- Tweezers
- Hand sanitizer
- Band-Aids/bandages/moleskin
- Make up/make up remover
- First aid kit
Health and Medications
- Any prescription medications
- Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
- Vitamins
- Motion sickness prevention medication
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Electrolyte packets
- Anti acid medications
- Birth Control
- First Aid Medications/lotion
- Tissues
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen
- Insect Repellant
- List of medications
Carry- On Checklist
- Cell phone
- Laptop/tablet
- Electronic chargers
- International adapter
- Wallet (money/credit cards/ID)
- Passport
- Empty water bottle
- Headphones/ear buds
- Snacks
- Pen and Paper
- Sleep accessories (travel pillow/blanket/eye mask/earplugs)
- Hand sanitizer
- Change of clothes
- Medications
- Camera
- Copies of credit cards/insurance cards/passport/IDs
- Book or E-books.
- Itinerary and lodging address
Beach specific vacation
- Swimwear
- Cover-up
- Sandals/flip-flops
- Collapsible beach tote
- Snorkel and Fins
- Underwater camera/Go-Pro
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Towel
- Beach toys/games
Hiking specific
- Hiking shoes
- Quick dry clothing in layers
- Raincoat
- Waterproof pants
- Hiking poles (must be checked)
- Crampons (if winter)
- Hat
- Gloves
- Camel-back or other water carry backpack
- First Aid Kit
- Headlamp or torch
- Snacks
- Charging bank
