Packing for a trip—whether it’s a business trip or a vacation—can feel overwhelming. Thoughts like: “Do I have all my toiletries?” or “Did I pack my charger?” can quickly pile up. But you can make your life easier with a well-organized travel packing list.
We’ve put together a travel packing list with all the essentials you need for any trip. To simplify things, we sorted everything into categories, from travel essentials to what to pack in your carry-on.
Travel essentials
These are travel essentials that no vacation or business trip can do without. For example, you can easily replace a forgotten toothbrush, but there’s no quick fix if you leave your money behind.
Must-haves (items you must bring on any trip):
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Visa (if applicable)
- Flight details
- Vaccination certificates (if applicable)
- Emergency contacts
- Credit cards and cash
- Local currency (at least a small amount for arrival expenses)
- Digital/printed copies of essential docs
- Phone and SIM card
- Hotel/accommodation info
Nice to have (handy items that can enhance your trip):
- Copies of your itinerary
- Business cards (especially for business trips)
- Translation app
Toiletries
Pack your toiletry bag smartly by using leakproof containers. They help avoid spills and save you from carrying bulky bottles that add unnecessary weight to your luggage.
Personal hygiene:
- Body wash
- Deodorant
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Shaving kit
- Feminine hygiene
Skincare products:
- Facial cleanser
- Moisturizer
- Face lotion
- Eye cream
- Sunscreen
- Makeup remover
Beauty & fragrance:
- Everyday makeup products
- Hair products and styling tools
- Hair brush or comb
- Hair dryer
- Nail care
- Perfume
Miscellaneous:
- Accessory bag
- Glasses, contact lenses
- Sunglasses
- Razor
- Grooming tools
- Tweezer
Clothes
Pick versatile clothes that you can easily mix and match to create different outfits. This approach helps you travel light while still being ready for different weather conditions.
Tops:
- T-shirts
- Sweatshirts
- Hoodies
- Shirts
- Blouses
- Tank tops
Bottoms:
- Jeans
- Pants
- Shorts
- Skirts
Footwear:
- Sneakers
- Comfortable shoes
- Sandals
Swimwear:
- Swimsuits
- Coverups
Outwear:
- Lightweight jacket
- Raincoat
Undergarments:
- Socks
- Underwear
- Bras
- Sleepwear
Sportswear:
- Athletic clothes
- Sneakers
Accessories
Go for accessories that can be mixed and matched with multiple outfits, such as simple jewelry, neutral-colored hats, and classic belts.
- Hat
- Belt
- Sunglasses
- Scarf
- Tie
- Gloves
Carry-on must-haves
Ensure your passport, phone charger, and other essential items are easily accessible. Plus, consider wearing the bulkiest items like jackets and boots to save space in your carry-on.
- Passport and visa
- Hand sanitizer
- Credit card and cash
- Tickets for airline, boat, train, bus
- Driver’s license
- Health insurance documents
- Travel pillow
- Sleep mask
- Earplugs
- Lip balm
- Gum
- Headphones
- Books/eBooks
Travel health
Prepare your travel health kit to avoid the stress of last-minute shopping. Also, remember to check local regulations regarding medications and medical devices.
- Vitamins and supplements
- Pain reliever
- Fever reducers
- Cold medicines
- Diarrhea/laxative medicines
- Personal prescriptions
- Sunburn reliever
- First aid kit
Tech and navigation
Ensure your smartphone and charger are easy to grab as soon as you leave the plane.
If you’re traveling abroad, remember to pack a travel adapter and converter so your devices can work with local power outlets.
- Phone and charger
- Laptop or tablet and charger
- Camera and charger
- Universal travel adapter
- Power bank
- Portable charger and cables
Travel gear
You can secure your luggage using combination locks or key locks, depending on your preference. Combination locks are convenient because they don’t require carrying keys, but key locks offer an additional layer of security.
- Travel bag
- Packing cubes
- Day bag
- Travel locks
- Luggage tags
10 travel packing life hacks
Here are 10 tips and tricks to pack smoothly:
1. Use packing cubes
Packing cubes will reduce chaos in your suitcase and maximize space. Pack by category (e.g., tops, bottoms, toiletries), and you won’t waste time searching for what you need.
2. Roll your clothes
Roll clothes tightly, especially lightweight fabrics like T-shirts, long sleeves, and leggings. This method will save a lot of space and reduce wrinkles.
3. Pre-pack toiletries
Keep a pre-packed toiletry bag with travel-sized containers ready to go. This approach saves you from last-minute scrambles for what you need and helps you avoid over-packing.
4. Use a checklist
Create a checklist in advance to avoid forgetting key items. Review it during packing and before leaving.
5. Use the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method
If you want to travel light, use the 5-4-3-2-1 packing formula. This simple trick helps you pack as little as possible while having multiple outfit options.
Here’s how it works: the numbers in this formula represent the number of certain clothing items. For example, your suitcase should contain five tops, four bottoms, three dresses and three shoes, two bags, and an accessory set consisting of a hat, sunglasses, and jewelry.
6. Keep essential items in your carry-on
Keep your passport, money, important documents, and a change of clothes in your carry-on. This way, you can access essentials if your checked luggage gets delayed.
7. Plan to shop? Pack a tote bag
If you love shopping during your trips and bringing back extra items, don’t forget to pack an extra foldable tote bag. It’s lightweight, packs flat, and expands when you need it.
8. Pack a power bank
Pack a compact power bank that can charge multiple devices simultaneously. It will keep your phone and devices charged on the go, especially useful during long flights or business events.
9. Use layering technique
The use of layers helps you adapt to changing weather without packing bulky clothes. Choose lightweight layers that are easy to add or remove.
This technique keeps you comfortable during temperature changes, gives you more outfit options, and saves space in your luggage.
10. Place heavy items at the base
Pack heavier items like shoes or books near the wheels of your suitcase. This method keeps your luggage stable when standing or rolling and prevents other things from getting smushed.
Life hack: if you have a meeting or dinner right after your flight, plan your outfit and pack it last. This way, you can quickly grab it without causing chaos in your suitcase.