Vacation packing list
Packing for vacation can be intimidating whether you're going away for the weekend or on an extended trip. You find yourself constantly checking and double checking to make sure you have everything, squeezing in that last pair of shoes – only to find out your bag is over the airline weight limit. While packing is never going to be as enjoyable as your actual trip, here are some tips that will help ease the packing process:
Planning your journey before leaving home
- Ask friends or neighbors to empty your mailbox and give them your mailbox key (depending on your relationship with them)
- If you have pets, do not forget to leave behind food and instructions about how your pet needs to be fed and cleaned
- Inform yourself about currency exchange rates
- Read about what the climate will be like where you are headed
- Make paper copies of important travel documents, such as your passport, your ID, your driver's license (if applicable) and your vaccination papers
- Put all of your valuables in a safe location
- Pay any outstanding bills
- Change the time on your alarm or switch it off depending on your needs
At home before leaving
- Turn off all electronic appliances in and around the house.
- Empty the refrigerator
- If applicable, leave a message on your answering machine to inform people that you will be out
- Park your car inside a garage or secure location if you own one
- If you do own a car, make sure it is locked and all electronic functions are switched off
- Depending on your circumstances you may want to consider giving your keys to friends or neighbors so they can take care of your plants, pets, etc.
- Turn the heating down or off depending on the season and for how long you will be out
- Wash the dishes and take the trash out
- Close all windows and lock the door(s)
- Turn off all lights and set the automated light and blind settings (if applicable)
Clothing
- Socks/Hosiery
- Underwear
- Sleepwear
- Bras/Undershirts
- T-Shirts
- Dress Shirts
- Casual Shirts
- Jeans
- Dress Pants
- Shorts
- Dresses Skirts
- Swimsuits
- Rainwear
- Outerwear
- Hats
- Gloves
- Athletic Wear
- Backpack
- Casual Shoes
- Hiking Boots
- Running Shoes
- Dress Shoes
- Sandals
- Belts
- Ties
- Purses
- Hidden Document Holder
- Watches
Documents
- Flight tickets or Confirmation
- Passport/ Visa/ Birth certificate
- Snail mail and e-mail addresses
- Phone and Skype numbers
- Travel insurance documents
- Business cards
- Cash/ Credit cards/ Bank card/ Traveller's cheques
- Copy of Vacation Packing List
- Driver's license/ International driver's license
- Emergency numbers/ Embassy address
- Pre-paid phone card
- Medical information/ Vaccination documents and copies of prescriptions
- Vouchers/ Coupons/ Tickets
- Itinerary
- Travel Guide(s)/ Maps and directions
- Pocket Journal/ Notebook and pen
Electronics
- Cellphone or Smart phone/charger
- 2 way radios (optional)
- Kindle Reader
- Camera, manual, charger, extra chip/film
- Laptop/ iPad/ and charger
Medical
- Polysporin
- Immodium
- Laxative
- Antacid
- Band-Aids/ Moleskin
- Liquid bandage
- Benadryl/ Antihistamine
- Contraception/ Protection
- Insect repellent
- Contact lens solution/case
- Anti-itch cream
- Foot powder
- Extra pair of eyeglasses
- Gravol or motion sickness remedy
- Lubricant
- Analgesic - Ibuprofen, Tylenol etc.
- ASA
- Wide spectrum antibiotic (some trips)
- Prescription medications
- Vitamins/ Herbal remedies
- Sunscreen
Miscellaneous
-
Sunglasses
- Anti-bacterial wipes or gel
- Small sewing kit/ safety pins
- First Aid kit
- Crazy Glue
- Mini duct tape
- Keys
- Luggage locks
- Massage oil
- Plastic Zip-Loc bags
- Garbage bags
-
Playing cards/ Crib board/ Dice
- Q-Tips
- Scented candle
- Sports gear
- Ear plugs
- Umbrella
- Reading material
- Tweezers/ Nail clippers
- Small mirror
- Small flashlight
- Book light
- Night light
- Eyeglass repair kit / Lens cloth
- Speedsew (or some fabric glue)
- Toothpicks
- Stain remover pen or wipes
- Leatherman all purpose tool
What to pack in your carry-on
- Books or E-Books
- Video/MP3 Player
- Headphones
- Travel Blanket
- Travel Pillow
- Eye Mask
- Earplugs
- Tissues
- Lip Balm
- Change of Clothes
- Snacks
- Gum
- Empty Water Bottle
- In-Flight Medication
- Valuables
- Camera
- Passport/Visa/ID
- Paper/Pen
- Cash
- Credit/ATM cards
- Insurance Cards
- Itinerary
- Maps/Directions
- Guidebook
- Glasses
- Sunglasses
- House Keys