You’ve chosen your destination, you’ve booked your hotel, and you’ve got your flight. Now all that’s left is to pack your bags. But what exactly do you need to bring with you on your adventure? Here’s a simple and easy-to-understand travel checklist to help you prepare for your next vacation, starting with tips for packing your bags.
Packing Tips
Consider the weather: Check the weather at your destination a few days before your trip to help determine your packing strategy.
Check to see if laundry services are available at your property: Are you staying in a vacation rental? Check to see if there is a washing machine and dryer in the house. Staying in a hotel? Ask about laundry services. This can help you reduce the amount of items you need so you can cut your luggage in half and do your laundry while you’re on the go.
Pack in a single color: To reduce the number of bags, try to pack all your clothes in a single color so that everything can be easily mixed and matched.
Organize before you go: make a list of what you want to pack and leave for at least a few hours. Go back and ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” “Ask about each item.
What to Pack in Your Checked Baggage
Toiletries: No matter how long you’ve been away, you’ll likely need some toiletries. In your toiletry bag, don’t forget to pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, facial and body wash, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, comb, sunscreen, and any makeup you may need. If you need hair tools and products, don’t forget to have them on you.
First aid and medications: Bring prescription medications and any over-the-counter medications you may need. If you still have space, you can also bring a small packet of first aid supplies, including some band-aids, hand sanitizer, pain medication, tweezers, and alcohol wipes.
Footwear: Before you travel, consider the various situations you encounter during your trip. This will help you determine your footwear needs. Walking around the city? Bring comfortable sneakers. Out of town? Bring dress shoes. Hiking? Be sure to bring sturdy boots. But only bring what you need, as shoes will take up a lot of valuable space.
Socks: Bring one pair per day when traveling. Roll up or fold your socks and put them in your packed shoes to save space.
Underwear: Try to avoid the temptation to carry too much “just in case” underwear. When you go out, bring one set with you every day.
Pants: Again, being informed is key. Going to a warm place? Bring a pair of loose slacks. Is it cold? Jeans are a great choice. Try to bring one or two pairs of travel pants that will fit with a few tops.
Shorts: If you’re going somewhere warm (you’re in luck!) Be sure to bring at least one pair of shorts to avoid overheating.
Dress or slacks: If you’re planning a nice dinner or a night out, be sure to bring a more elaborate piece of clothing to make you feel your best. Try packing it in your own garment bag to keep it fresh, or consider bringing a portable steam engine to make sure it’s in tip-top condition when you arrive.
T-shirts: For warm-weather vacations, t-shirts are king. Bring two or three pieces depending on the length of your vacation (don’t worry about wearing duplicate clothes).
Cold-weather clothing: On a colder holiday, be sure to bring warm clothing, including a long-sleeved top, sweater, or sweatshirt. Wear a jacket, gloves, hat and scarf on board to save valuable luggage space.
Pajamas: Don’t forget to bring pajamas. A pair (or two) is enough.
Swimwear: If your vacation involves a pool, hot tub, or the sea, don’t forget to bring a swimsuit and cover-up.
Jewelry: Bring any jewelry you want to match your outfit. Can’t afford to bring a real engagement ring or wedding ring? Try swapping for a cheap fake ring so you don’t have to fear losing it.
What to Pack in Your Carry-On Baggage
Electronics: Carry-on baggage should contain anything you need or want during your flight. If you’re traveling for work, this can include a laptop for work, a phone for staying connected, or an e-reader. But don’t forget to bring a suitable charger.
Emergency medications: Carry at least two days’ worth of medication to ensure you can get any medication you need if your checked baggage is lost.
Travel documents and identification: Have your ticket information (including mobile phone and printouts ready in case), as well as directions to your accommodation after landing and any relevant visa information. Also, bring your passport and another ID for international travel, as well as a credit card and a small amount of cash in case you need it.
Masks: Many airlines may no longer mandate masks for passengers, but it’s always good to have one with you in case you want to add an extra layer of protection or when your destination requires one.
Sunglasses or reading glasses: Bring sunglasses and other glasses you need to look at (including a spare pair of contact lenses in your carry-on case).
What to Do Before You Travel
Notify your credit card or bank: Most credit cards and banking institutions allow you to change your status to “Travel” on their apps or websites. But if you need to, contact them by phone so they don’t accidentally turn off your access while you’re traveling.
Also check your mobile plan: make sure your mobile plan is suitable for travel and doesn’t have to pay hefty roaming charges.
Confirm your reservations: Double-check that all of your bookings are secure to avoid any confusion on arrival.
Take out the trash and clean up your home: Take out the trash (including leftovers from the fridge) and at least clean the house and vacuum it. That way, when you get home, you’ll have a fresh space.
Set up security measures, or tell trusted neighbors that you’re leaving: Set up alerts from security companies, and if you don’t have alerts, at least tell trusted neighbors about your plans so they know to look out for anything suspicious. If they can still receive your mail, that’s even better.
Pause Email: Do You Have to Wait a Time? Ask your postman to suspend the service to avoid a mountain of mail piling up in your absence.
Lock the garage door: we don’t want to be in a “home alone” situation, right? Also, if your car is parked outside, consider covering it to protect it from the elements.