THE ONLY PACKING CHECKLIST YOU NEED FOR A VACATION

Vacation Packing Checklist

Packing for a trip always seems like it should be simple, until you’re halfway to the airport and suddenly remember you left your charger plugged in at home. Or worse, your passport’s still in your desk drawer. Most of us have had a travel hiccup or two, but it’s amazing how much smoother everything goes when you’ve got a list. Not the kind of list with 65 things you won’t need. Just a real, honest checklist with everything that matters, the things you’ll use. So here’s one that works for most kinds of getaways, whether you’re heading to the beach, a quiet inn, or somewhere in between. We have our team of experts preparing the only checklist that you will need.

Most important things

Start with the must-haves. These are the non-negotiable items. The things that’ll derail your whole trip if they’re left behind. Sounds dramatic, but if you’ve ever forgotten a passport, you know.

• Passport / ID / Driver’s license
• Travel documents (boarding passes, hotel confirmation, etc.)
• Wallet with some cash and cards
• Phone & charger
• Medications (especially prescriptions — with labels)
• Glasses or contacts, if you wear them
• Health insurance card (just in case)

Make a separate space for them in the bag or your carry-on. Do not ignore them by thinking you will grab them last minute. Start with them and then proceed to the other things.

The outfits

The make-it-or-break-it part of the trip. You don’t need to pack your whole closet. You just need options that make sense for the place and time of year. And if you’re checking the weather, check it twice. A lot of people forget how quickly temperatures can change.

• Two comfortable outfits for exploring
• One dressier outfit
• Lightweight jacket or sweater (even in warm places)
• Sleepwear and undergarments
• A swimsuit, even if you think you won’t swim
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
• Flip-flops if you’re heading somewhere warm

It helps to mentally walk through your trip, day by day. Think: What would I wear for breakfast? What about that hike or dinner out? You can pack according to the days, and it will make it easier.

Totliteris

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Sunscreen
• Razor
• Comb or hairbrush
• Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner
• Makeup or skincare (whatever your go-to is)
• Lip balm and lotion both come in handy on long travel days

Pro tip: keep a small bag always packed with these basics. It’ll save you time for your next trip, too.

Final walkthrough

Once you’re done packing, do one final walk-through. Open your bag and glance through each section. Think about the first night and morning of your trip. Do you have what you’ll need without digging through everything? Are your must-haves somewhere easy to reach? If it feels like you packed too much, you probably did. But don’t over think it either. Most places have stores. You can always buy an extra tee or forgettable item. What you want is peace of mind, knowing you’re not going to arrive and immediately start stressing over something you forgot.