Summary of the Ultimate Packing List
The Perfect Packing Checklist
Packing can be one of the most frustrating elements of traveling. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first trip or your tenth, you always seem to miss something. We put together this ultimate packing list to help you avoid those packing mistakes on your next trip.
It is important to note that we compiled this ultimate travel packing list from 10 years of being professional travelers and bloggers. The goal of this packing list is to provide you with packing tips that will allow you to travel as efficiently and as comfortably as possible.
Travel Packing List for Luggage
Choosing what type of luggage you are going to use is a personal choice. We have used everything from hi-tech wheeled luggage to the latest backpacks. These are our top recommendations for checked luggage and carry-on luggage that is durable and lightweight.
Aluminum Roller: Known as the Rolls Royce of Luggage, Sterling Pacific is the top choice for luxury travelers, frequent fliers, and pilots. Its aluminum body is lightweight and the Italian leather handles enhance its style. Plus, it has a lifetime warranty.
4 Wheeled Roller: Our yellow Voyageur Check-In 28 turned heads. We didn’t worry about anyone mixing up our bags on the conveyor belt with our unique color and design. While we found the 28-inch a bit too large, you can order 24″ or 26″. With the large handle and ultra-quiet 360° spinner wheels, it was super easy to navigate through the airport.
Carry-on Roller: Pro Carry-on with Laptop Pocket by Level8. We felt chic going through the airport with these hard cases and modern design; it was easy to pop out our laptops and documents right from the front hard case pocket when going through security.
Travel Backpack: For less developed destinations, a reliable backpack is essential. Look for something around 55L that is comfortable on your back. We recommend the Osprey Fairpoint for men and the Osprey Fairview for women.
Rolling Duffel Bag: Eagle Creek Rolling Duffel – Duffel bags are lightweight and durable for rough terrain. We appreciate the separate compartments for hiking boots and how it can still look elegant when entering upscale hotels.
Messenger Bag: Travelon Anti-theft Messenger Bag – This over-the-shoulder bag crosses over the body, keeping valuables secure from theft while the RFID component enhances cybersecurity.
Carry-on Backpack – We’ve recently started using this versatile bag by Standard Luggage. The 3-in-1 design converts to a backpack, suitcase, or shoulder bag. It meets all airline cabin rules and expands from 35 to 45L, plus it’s water-resistant to protect valuable electronics and camera gear.
In addition to your luggage, staying organized is crucial.
Organizing Your Luggage
The first essential item is packing cubes. These lightweight compression bags help separate different types of clothes and maintain organization in your bag.
- Other recommendations include:
- Electronics Organizer
- Toiletry Bag
- Shoe Bags
- Foldable Day Pack
- Document Organizer
Pro Tip: When checking in at the airport, take your computers out of your carry-on bag and place them in a collapsible tote bag (which can be folded into the front pocket of your carry-on). This keeps your load lighter should you be weighed, without appearing as an extra piece of luggage.
Travel Packing Lists for Clothes
Packing clothes can be a confusing experience. Over the past decade, we learned to create a capsule wardrobe — a set of clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched. From there, we add items based on the trip’s length, destination weather, and whether we’re traveling with carry-on only.
Capsule Wardrobe for Women
- 1x Travel Skirt
- 1x Convertible Pants
- 2x Casual Pants (1 pair of leggings and 1 versatile pair)
- 1x Long-Sleeved Shirt (may add depending on cultural norms)
- 4x Short-Sleeved Shirts or Blouses
- 2x Shorts
- 1x Bathing Suit
- 1x Merino Wool Sweater or Fleece
- 4-6x Sports Bras and Underwear
- 1- Dress/Sundress
- 2 Pairs of Shoes (1 casual pair and 1 hiking pair)
- 4x Pairs of Socks (at least 2 Merino Wool Hiking Socks)
Travel Accessories for Her
- Sunglasses
- Buffs or Headbands
- Hat
- Silk Scarf
- Rain Jacket or Outer Shell
Capsule Wardrobe for Men
- 1x Long Sleeve Shirt
- 3x Short Sleeve Shirts
- 2x Convertible Pants
- 1x Lightweight Pant or Jeans
- 2x Shorts (1 doubles as a bathing suit)
- 4-6 Exofficio Underwear
- 4x Pairs of Socks (at least 2 are Merino Wool)
- 1x Merino Wool Sweater
- 2x Pairs of Shoes (1 casual and 1 for hiking)
Travel Accessories for Him
Checklist for Packing Toiletries
No travel packing list would be complete without a comprehensive checklist for toiletries. Begin by ensuring you have a good toiletry bag. We recommend one that is spacious, light, and hangs on any door. Below is a breakdown of travel essentials and extras.
Toiletry Essential Checklist
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Shampoo and Conditioner (We transfer ours into GoToobes for easier storage)
- Tweezers and Nail Clippers
- Hand Sanitizer
- Gold Bond Medicated Powder (for hot climates)
- Face/Body Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
- Chapstick/Lip Balm
- Prescription Medication
Toiletry Extras Checklist
- Hair Products like Hairspray and Hair Gel
- Travel Mirror
- Shaving Kit and Razors
- Pegless Clothesline
- Travel Towel
- Hairbrush or Tangle Teezer
- Toothbrush Sanitizer
Packing Checklist for Electronics
When it comes to electronics, various factors will determine what you bring and what you leave at home. In today’s world, certain items are essential for everyone, most of which fit easily into your carry-on luggage. This comprehensive checklist will help you pack light while ensuring you capture great memories.
- World Travel Adapter: Different countries may have unique plug configurations; this adapter covers them all.
- Belkin Mini Surge Protector: This essential protects electronics against surges, with 3 plugs and 2 USB outlets for convenient charging.
- iPhone/Smartphone: We use the iPhone 11 Pro — a necessity in today’s world, serving multiple purposes like sharing itineraries and keeping in touch with others.
- Travel Camera: We recommend the small, lightweight Sony RX100 VII, perfect for capturing memories.
- Noise Cancelling Headphones: Essential for sleep during plane or bus rides. We use Beats Studio 3, but choose high-quality earbuds if preferred.
- Portable Power Bank: Ensure your electronics remain charged while traveling.
- Memory Cards: Always pack extras to ensure you capture every moment without running out of space.
Optional Electronics
- E-Reader or Kindle: Great for those who enjoy reading.
- Laptop (recommended for extended trips): We take ours everywhere for business. For longer trips or avid photographers, we suggest the MacBook Air.
- External Hard Drive: Essential for backing up photos and videos.
- Drone: We recommend the Mavic Pro 2 for unique photographic memories.
- Portable Bluetooth Speaker: Bring one along for music enjoyment in your hotel room.
- Travel Tripod: Perfect for selfies and night photography.
Packing List for Comfort
Over the years, we’ve learned that comfort greatly enhances the travel experience, especially while traveling on airplanes and buses. By incorporating these travel accessories, comfort is assured.
- Travel Pillow: After flying over 500,000 miles, we found the Trtl Neck travel pillow to be the best option — it’s comfortable, supports well, and takes minimal space in your bag.
- Eye Mask and Ear Plugs: Essential for blocking out distractions; we recommend the padded Pretty Care Eye mask.
- Foldable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated on flights is crucial; fill up after security for easy access.
- Sarong: Ideal for warmth when plane blankets fall short.
- Chapstick and Hand Moisturizer: Combat the dryness of airplane cabins with this moisturizing duo.
- Flight Flap Phone and Tablet Holder: A game changer for comfortable movie watching on long flights.
- Travel Socks: Compression socks are vital for preventing DVT on long journeys.
Packing List for First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is an essential component of travel gear. While we have an extensive kit for adventures, most travelers can get by with the essentials. You can buy pre-made kits, or create your own using items from your medicine cabinet to ensure you pack only what’s needed.
- Prescription Medication (with photocopy of prescriptions)
- Insect Repellent
- Sunscreen
- Advil or Tylenol for Pain Relief
- Gravol for Nausea
- Bandaids
- Benadryl and Claritin for Allergic Reactions
- Allergy Eye Drops
- Imodium for Mild Diarrhea
- Rehydration Tablets and Electrolyte Supplements
- Topical Ointment like Polysporin for Cuts
- Antiseptic Spray
- Moleskin for Blisters
- Thermometer
Travel Documents
Keeping essential travel documents organized can significantly reduce travel stress. A travel organizer can house everything needed in one convenient place.
- Passport and Visas: Ensure you have electronic copies to avoid complications.
- Personal ID (like a driver’s license)
- Bank Cards and Credit Cards: Store contact numbers for banks in case of emergencies.
- Emergency Cash: We recommend carrying one day’s worth of USD.
- Frequent Flyer Cards
- Travel Insurance Documents: Include policy number and contact information.
- Immunization Records (if needed)
- Itineraries or Reservations: Keep either printed copies or stored digitally.
- Boarding Passes
- Emergency Contact Information
- Guide Book or Maps: In either hard copy or digital format.
Travel Security
Travel security is crucial for all travelers. Most issues occur in large cities through pickpocketing or petty theft. Incorporating these items into your packing list can help deter thieves.
- RFID Wallet: Protects against RFID skimming — a theft method by wireless transmitters.
- Money Belt or Neck Wallet: Useful in cities with high pickpocket incidents.
- Pacsafe Luggage Lock: Ideal for hostel or guesthouse stays.
- Luggage Tracker: Provides peace of mind by enabling luggage tracking if lost.
Pre-Trip Checklist
Whether planning for an extended adventure or a two-week getaway, certain tasks should be completed prior to boarding your flight. Our comprehensive pre-travel checklist provides a reminder of important steps.
- Notify banks and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid transaction blocks.
- Review baggage restrictions
- Check visa requirements
- Confirm any necessary immunizations
- Share itineraries with a friend or family member.
- Online check-in or verify flight details before leaving for the airport.
And there you have it, our complete international travel packing list. We hope that our extensive experience helps you in your packing decisions for your next big adventure.
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