Packing Tips and Checklist

Whether you are traveling for a weekend getaway or a week-long international adventure, you need to pack a bag.  To the “Team Carry-on” only people – I salute you.  I can’t figure out how to get everything I need, yes need, into a carry-on, much less how to make the journey home if I buy something.  I am a recovering hardcore over packer, and now I just over pack a little.  I typically travel with one large suitcase that starts the trip somewhere between 30-35 lbs, one medium size backpack, and a crossbody purse.  This combo has worked really well because the backpack does double duty as a carry-on and hiking pack.  The backpack carry-on and crossbody purse allows me to be handsfree in airports and when we are on the go.  It’s also a lot easier to wear the carry-on weight, than literally carry the weight.  A 15-20lb bag gets really heavy when you’re walking miles through airport terminals – and yes, I learned this the hard way.

 

I could wax on poetically as to why you need or may want all of these items, but if your anything like me you probably wouldn’t read the poetic waxing and, deep down in places you don’t want to talk about, you too need to learn things the hard way.  So, this list covers everything you may need for a short trip, road trip, international trip, or hiking trip.  Notice I did not include camping, that is a whole separate list.  Tailor the list to your needs, taste, and trip.  Happy packing.

 

Packing List

• CLOTHES
  • Daytime
    • Pants/Shorts/Dress
    • Socks
    • Tops (Short/long sleeve)
    • Jacket
  • Night Time
    • Collared Shirt
    • Nice Jeans/Slacks/Dress
    • Jacket
  • Sleeping
    • Pants
    • Shorts
    • Shirt (short/long sleeve)
    • Eye mask
  • Hiking
    • Pants/shorts
    • Tops (short/long sleeve)
    • Sports bra
    • Fuzzy
    • Socks
    • Windbreaker
    • Gloves
    • Hat
  • Exercise
    • Pants/shorts
    • Tops (Short/long sleeve)
    • Underwear
    • Sports Bra
    • Socks
  • Underwear and Bras
  • Lounge wear
  • Belts and Ties
  • Swimwear/Spa
  • Gloves and fuzzy/beanie hat
• SHOES
  • Hiking shoes
  • Water shoes
  • Exercise sneakers
  • Flip flops/slippers for hotel room
  • Comfortable shoes for driving and walking around
  • Nice shoes for upscale outings/meals
• GLASSES/Eyewear
  • Sunglasses
  • Hiking glasses
  • Night time glasses
  • Reading glasses
  • Contacts and accessories
• TOILETRIES
  • Face: cleanser, wash, mask
  • Cotton pads,
  • Q-Tips
  • Dental (Floss/Toothbrush/paste/ mouthwash)
  • Face creams (day/night/eye/acne)
  • Lip care
  • Body lotion/oil
  • Hair (Shampoo/conditioner)
  • Hair styling (Leave-in conditioner/ gel/creams/etc.)
  • Body wash/Scrubber
  • Razor
  • Deodorant
  • Perfume
  • Hair ties, tweezers, scissors, nail file
  • Sunscreen
  • Makeup
  • Femine products
  • Mouth guard
• VITAMINS, PILLS, MEDICINE
  • Vitamins
  • Prescriptions
  • Cold and Flu medicine
  • Cough Drops
  • Headache medicine
  • Pain reliever
  • Allergy medicine
  • Stomachache medicine
  • Motion sickness medicine
• FIRST AID KIT
  • Band-Aids (various sizes)
  • Disinfect
• HIKING GEAR
  • Bag/pack
  • Water bladder(s)
  • Map(s), Permits, Compass
  • Hand warmers
  • Insect repellant
  • Knife (Remove if flying)
  • Bear spray (Remove if flying)
  • Head lamp, batteries
  • Emergency Beacon
  • Kayaking/Water Activities: insulated bladders, water proof bag, towel
  • Fire starter
  • Sunscreen, lip cream, nail file, dental floss
  • Life straw
  • Waste removal items (Gallon size bag, extra napkins, hand sanitizer, shovel)
  • First aid kit (band aids, disinfectant, vet wrap, tourniquet, pain reliever, allergy/headache/stomach medicine)
  • Binoculars
  • Waterproof camera
• FOOD AND DRINK
  • Snacks (Plane/Car/Hike)
  • Bottle opener/corkscrew
  • Bags sandwich/quart/gallon size (lunch/extra)
  • Paper plates
  • Plastic utensils
  • Napkins
  • Paper towel
  • Trash bags
  • Water/beverages
  • Sandwich Making Materials
    • Bread/wraps
    • meat/cheese
    • mayo/mustard
  • Water bottle (accessible in car)
  • Ice
  • Insulated bag – small
• ELECTRONICS
  • Watch/Fitness wearable devices and chargers
  • Phone charger wall plug-in
  • Phone charger car
  • Headphones
  • Batteries
• MISC
  • Paper copies of reservations/permits
  • Trip itinerary
  • National Park pass
  • Travel Purse
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Stain wipes
  • Journal, Stamps, Pen
  • Pillow
  • Blanket
  • Umbrella
  • Bank and credit card contact info and login info
  • Towels (water sports)
  • Bubble wrap
  • Bottle bags
  • Sleeping white noise machine
  • Right credit cards in wallet
  • Debit card with money in right account (and you know your PIN)
• ROAD TRIP CAR KIT
  • Jumper cables and battery box
  • Ice scraper
  • Paper towel
  • Trash bags
  • Tire Pressure Fill Kit
• ITEMS FOR CARRY-ON BAG (FLIGHTS ONLY)
  • Headphones
  • Batteries
  • Charger
  • Book – load on phone
  • Medicines
  • Sweater
  • Eye mask, Neck pillow
  • Liquids for carry on – liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container, and they must be stored in one quart-sized, clear plastic, zip-top bag
• INTERNATIONAL ONLY
  • Passport
  • Travel docs
  • Electronic chargers/adapters
  • Language apps
  • Adjust cell phones service for international use
  • Bag Scale
• THINGS TO DO BEFORE DEPARTURE
  • Arrange for pet care if needed
    • Write detailed care instructions
    • Include veterinarian contact details
    • Include an emergency contact
    • Make sure there is ample food, treats, toys, litter, etc. easily accessible for your sitter
    • Ask your sitter to send you pictures/videos!
  • Empty coffee pot and kettle
  • Open dishwasher
  • Empty ice and turn off
  • Water outside plants
  • Water indoor plants
  • Set sprinklers
  • Check mail or hold mail for long trip
  • Pre-pay bills
  • Empty fridge
  • Set or turn off thermostat
  • Take out trash