Packing list: The checklist I use for every trip I take
...aka how I don't forget things when I travel.
I’m a professional travel writer. I’ve been to dozens of countries (and lived in three). I’ve explored hundreds of cities with wildly different climates, cultures, and customs. And in all the places I’ve traveled, I’ve never been let down by this packing list.
Over the years, I’ve learned to use this travel checklist as a base, adding seasonal or occasion-based specifics as each trip dictates—swimsuits and sun protection for seaside excursions, thermal socks and weatherproof boots for winter adventures, cocktail dress and mini garment steamer for destination weddings, etc.
Aside from those trip-centric particulars, this general travel packing list ensures that all of my basic needs are covered no matter where I’m headed. It eliminates that dreaded pre-departure anxiety—that nagging “I feel like I’m forgetting something, but I don’t know what” feeling that often accompanies my ADHD not just during my travels but in my daily life—and lets me shift my focus to enjoying each moment of my travel experience in real-time.
Care to join me in the land of stress-free packing? You can find the full packing list and a free printable checklist below.
General travel packing list
Save this post to use this checklist for your next trip and thank me later.
Physical Documents
Driver’s license
Passport
Credit card(s)
Debit card(s)
Cash
Health insurance card
Vaccination info
Digital Documents
Copy of driver’s license
Copy of passport
Copy of vaccination info
Copy of flight information
Copy of hotel reservation
Electronics
Phone
Laptop
Kindle
Apple Watch
Headphones
Mobile power bank + USB-C cord (laptop, Kindle, headphones) + Lightning cord (phone)
Surge protector (one with both outlets and USB connectors)
If needed: International adapter
Toiletries
Prescriptions (in their original bottles with pharmacy information)
Any other daily medications/vitamins/supplements
Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
Spare contacts, contact case, and contact lens solution
Skincare routine (make-up remover, face wash, toner, moisturizer, etc)
Hair care routine (shampoo, conditioner, etc.)
Body care routine (soap, lotion, etc.)
Deodorant
Perfume or cologne
Sunscreen (face, body, etc.)
Lip balm
Hair styling routine (brush, comb, hair elastics, hairspray, etc.)
Hair styling tools (hair dryer, curling iron, etc.)
Make-up routine (concealer, mascara, etc.)
Shaving supplies (razor, shaving cream, etc.)
Nail care (clippers, file, etc.)
Tweezers
Cotton swabs or rounds
First aid kit (bandages, antibacterial cream, anti-inflammatories, allergy meds, anti-nausea meds, etc.)
If needed: insect repellent
If needed: menstrual products
If needed: contraceptives
Clothing
Undergarments (underwear, bras, etc.) - aim for two pairs for each day of the trip + a few extras just in case
Socks (athletic, dress, etc.) - aim for one pair of comfortable walking socks per day of the trip + any dress socks you may need for more formal events
Shoes (walking, dress, etc.)
Casual clothes (shirts/blouses, jeans/pants, etc.)
Formal clothes (dresses, suits with dress shirts and ties, etc.)
Outerwear (light jacket, rain jacket, winter coat, etc.)
Nightwear (pajamas, robe, slippers, etc.)
Accessories (belts, purses, etc.)
Jewelry (watches, rings, necklaces, etc.)
If needed: Cold weather (hats, scarves, gloves, etc.)
If needed: Warm weather (swimsuits, cover-ups, sandals, etc.)
Everything Else
Hand sanitizer
Hand lotion
Disinfecting wipes
Empty water bottle
Umbrella
Sunglasses
Notebook
Pen
Neck pillow
Sleep mask
Ear plugs
Tissues
Gum/mints
Sewing kit
Stain remover pen
Lint roller
Travel iron or mini steamer
Bag for dirty laundry
Free printable packing checklist
Here’s a simple printable PDF version of this packing list, too. This version is view-only, FYI—but you can go to File > Make a Copy to create and save your own editable version.
Pro tip: Laminate it, and leave it in your carry-on with a dry-erase marker to check off each time you travel.
What other travel packing lists would be useful?
I’ve already shared everything I bring in my personal item to make flying suck less, as an AuDHDer with sensory issues. What other travel packing lists would be helpful for your upcoming adventures? Let me know in the comments below!