A Packing Guide for Every Type of Trip

You’ve chosen your destination, reserved a hotel, and purchased your aircraft tickets. All that remains is to pack. But what do you need to carry with you on your trip? Starting with packing recommendations, here’s an easy-to-follow packing guide to help you prepare for your next holiday.

Whether this is your first trip or you are a seasoned Globetrotter, a rundown of the travel essentials you may wish to pack for your vacation is always helpful.

Before you pack your luggage and head out on a road trip, take a time to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything crucial. To assist you with planning your next vacation, we’ve compiled a comprehensive travel packing list.

Choose the right travel bag for your trip

Before you even think about what to pack for your vacation, you should locate a travel bag that is as adaptable as you need it to be while also fitting all of your belongings and being easy to carry. Consider the length of your trip, as well as if it’s an international holiday, whether you’ll be flying on budget airlines, and your principal activities—all of these factors will influence which bag is best for your trip. This packing guide will help you choose a right bag for your trip.

Rolling Luggage: The wheels look great. If you know you’ll be traveling in a city with paved roads and walkways, there’s no need to carry all of your baggage on your back or in a duffle bag. You could also want to consider a bag with off-road wheels, which make them particularly tough for travels even when the path isn’t smooth.

Duffel Bag: Duffel bags are simple, lightweight, and extremely sturdy. Sling it over your shoulder or put wheels on it and go moving. These are the most adaptable travel options, featuring everything from traditional duffels to convertible backpacks, wheels, and more.

Travel Backpack: If you know you don’t want the added weight of wheels, a classic travel pack will provide you with hands-free mobility and optimum versatility.

Carry-On Luggage: Travel with carry-on bags whenever possible. It means you can save time at the airport, save money on check-in fees, ensure the airlines don’t lose your bag, have everything you need with you at all times, and avoid long lineups at baggage claim.

What to Pack in Checked Luggage – a Packing Guide

Toiletries: No matter how long you’re gone, you’re going to need some toiletries. Pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, face and body soap, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, a hairbrush, sunscreen, and any cosmetics you desire in your toiletries bag. Don’t forget to include hair styling tools and products if you use them.

Footwear: Before you travel, consider every situation you’ll encounter. This will assist you in determining your footwear requirements. Taking a stroll across a city? Pack a pair of comfortable footwear. Are you going out on the town? Bring your formal shoes. Hiking? Definitely sturdy boots. But only bring what you need, as shoes can take up a lot of room.

Socks: Bring a pair for each day of your trip. To minimize space, roll or fold them and place them in your packed shoes.

Undergarments: Resist the urge to bring too many “just in case” undergarments. Pack one pair of shoes for each day.

Pants: Once again, situation awareness is essential. Are you going somewhere warm? Bring a pair of loose slacks. Cold? Jeans are an excellent choice. Bring one or two pairs of travel pants that will go with multiple tops.

Shorts: If you’re traveling somewhere warm, bring at least one pair of shorts to avoid overheating.

Cold-weather clothes: Bring warm clothing, such as long-sleeve tops, sweaters, or sweatshirts, on colder travels. To minimize luggage space, wear your jacket, gloves, hat, and scarf on the plane.

Sleepwear: Remember to bring your jammies. A single pair (or two) should be adequate.

What to Pack in Carry-on Luggage – a Packing Guide

Electronics: Your carry-on bag should contain anything you might need or want while flying. If you’re going on a business trip, this could include your laptop for work, a cell phone to stay connected, or an e-reader. Just remember to bring the necessary chargers.

Emergency medications: Bring at least a few days’ worth of medications with you.

Travel documents and identification: Keep your ticket information available (both soft-copy and a hard-copy just in case), as well as directions to your lodging upon arrival and any relevant visa information. Bring your passport and another form of identification for overseas trips, as well as a credit card and some cash in case of an emergency.

Sunglasses or reading glasses:  Bring your sunglasses and any additional eyewear you may need.

What to Do Before You Leave for a Trip

• Request that your mail be held at the post office.
• Stop newspaper delivery until you return.
• Create an email autoresponder (unless you intend to stay connected).
• Make arrangements for pet, yard, and plant care.
• Pay your bills in advance.
• Children’s school absences should be planned ahead of time, and any homework assignments should be completed.
• Empty refrigerator of all that will expire.
• Unplug all appliances.
• All doors and windows should be locked.
• Keep valuables in a secure location.
• Reconfirm/check-in with the airline online before taking an Uber, rail, or shuttle to the airport.
• Confirm your reservations.

What Clothes to Pack for a Trip

• Shorts and/or pants.
• Belt.
• Wool socks  (ideal for hiking and camping).
• Walking shoes that are both comfortable and stylish.
• Windbreaker, raincoat, or umbrella.
• Pajamas/sleepwear.
• Underwear.
• Sunglasses and a case for them.
• Skirts and/or dresses.
• Jewelry (sort into a compact cube or sac).
• Sun visor or a hat.
• Bandana or scarf.
• Swimsuit or swim trunks.
• Eye mask, travel cushion, and ear plugs.

What Toiletry Things to Pack for a Trip

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash.
• Hair ties, barrettes/bobby pins, and a brush or comb.
• Deodorant.
• Shampoo & conditioner.
• Sunscreen and face lotion.
• Makeup in a washable bag.
• Face cleanser,and makeup removal wipes.
• Moisturizer/lotion for use at night.
• Lip balm, lipstick or lip gloss.
• Items for personal hygiene.
• Perfume.
• Miniature mirror for personal use.
• Shaving kit and extra razors.
• Hair products such as hairspray, gel, and beard oil.
• Toilet paper and/or facial tissues.
• Travel towel.