Packing List for your next Vacation

Making a packing list is the most important part of taking a trip once you have completed the planning portion. Packing the day of or the night before can be a huge fail. Personally, I start planning in my head what to pack about a week before. I lay it out 2-3 days before and put it in the bag the night before. Besides making a packing list ideally a week in advance, I also make sure all the potential clothes that could go on the trip are clean… NO laundry the night before. When everything is clean this also helps me figure out if there is something I need to buy for the trip, nothing stinks more than packing the night before and you do not have what you need. Here I will guide you through the various trip essentials that will keep things running smoothly throughout your trip. Some of the items listed below you may not need depending on your destination, so just pass those up.

Short on time to read the whole blog? You can download the full packing list in a FREE printable PDF. Just click button below.

   

Let’s Start with the BASICS

• Lightweight clothing that can be layered
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Sweaters or fleece jacket
• T-shirts and tank tops
• Pants and/or shorts
• Socks
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Pajamas/sleepwear/Lounge wear
• Underwear/Bras
• Dresses and/or skirts
• Jewelry/Hats/Sunglasses
• Swimsuit/Coverup
• Workout Wear/Sports Bras

 

Then There is the BATHROOM Stuff… let’s not forget these!

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash
• Hair brush or comb, hair ties, barrettes/bobby pins
• Deodorant
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Sunscreen
• Make up/Make up remover
• Moisturizer/Lotion
• Soap/Body Wash
• Feminine hygiene products
• Extra contacts, solution, and contact case
• Eyeglasses, case, cleaner
• Cologne/perfume
• Personal mini mirror
• Hair products like hairspray, hair gel
• Shaving cream and extra razors
• Sewing kit/clothing care kit, stain remover
• Facial tissues and/or toilet paper
• Baby Wipes

 

Make sure to pack a MEDICAL BAG/SUPPLIES/KIT

• Scissors, nail clippers, and tweezers
• First aid kit (band-aids, bandages, gauze, antiseptic)
• Personal prescriptions
• Pain and fever relievers (don’t forget the kids’ stuff if you are traveling with kids)
• Thermometer
• Cold medicines and throat lozenges
• Diarrhea/laxative medicines
• Allergy medicines
• Hydrocortisone cream/antibacterial ointment
• Multivitamins
• Sunburn relief
• Insect repellent/mosquito net/sting reliever
• Motion sickness pills or bands
• Eye drops
• Moleskin
• Safety pins
• Hand sanitizer or wet wipes

Let’s not forget the ELECTRONICS

• Laptop, iPad, or E-reader and charger(s)
• Cell Phone and charger
• USB Cords
• Flashlight
• Camera and charger, extra memory card
• Electric converters and adapters
• Headphones
• Small Carry Fan

 

Important Documents – Don’t forget the PAPERWORK

• Passport/visa – if needed
• Personal ID/Driver’s License
• Loyalty program card numbers (hotels, airlines, etc)
• Cash and credit card
• Health insurance cards
• Travel insurance information
• Reservations and itineraries
• Hotel and/or tour contact information
• Transportation tickets
• Emergency contacts and important addresses
• Copies of all these things in case you lose your wallet or luggage

 

Other Useful Items

• Travel pillow
• Blanket
• Travel Games
• Books/Magazines
• Water Bottle/Travel Mug
• Notebook & Pen
• Travel Guides

 

What about a ROAD TRIP?

  First make sure to take your car and have the oil checked, tires checked and a good travel once over inspection done.. getting stranded is no fun. Make sure you start with a full tank of gas and know where you are going, running out of gas, again… NO FUN

• Car Safety Kit (Jumper Cables, 2 Light Sticks, Reflective Vest, Emergency Rain Poncho, Warning triangle, Whistle, Tire Pressure Gauge, Window Breaker)
• Blanket/Pillow
• Case of water
• Reusable Shopping Bag
• Gallon zip plastic bags
• Tissues/Extra toilet paper/Paper towels
• Travel Games
• Road trip play list
• Umbrella
• Plastic bags for trash
• Snacks, snacks, snacks!
• Cooler for longer trips to keep food cold
• Tweezers
• Swiss Army Knife

 

Going on a long trip?  Make sure to do these things.

  Doing these things will help make your life easier upon return. The top thing I do before we leave this house is tidy up. Nothing stinks more than coming home, tired and over relaxed from vacation than walking into a dirty unorganized house. That feeling can make taking a vacation feel like something you should avoid instead of look forward to. Here are a few more things I suggest doing before you leave.

• Have the post office hold your mail
• Set up an email autoresponder
• Arrange for care of pets, lawn, and plants
• Pre-pay your bills
• Empty refrigerator of this that will expire
• Turn off heater/air conditioner
• Lock all doors and windows
• Set up timed light system
• Store valuables in a safe place
• Leave house key and trip itinerary with a trusted friend
• Leave flight and hotel itineraries with a relative
• Reconfirm/check-in online with airline before you Uber, train, or shuttle to the airport
• Call your credit card companies and bank before you travel to let them know so they don’t put a hold on your card thinking it could be fraud.

  There ya go! My best packing list for most any vacation!   There are a few vacations that may require a special packing list like a Disney Trip or a Cruise. If you are planning a Disney vacation anytime soon, I have a full 25 page Disney Vacation Planner that includes a very detailed packing list, planning checklist and so much more. Get yours here for 40% off the original price just for visiting my blog.  

Don’t forget to download your FREE Vacation Packing List below!

    The planning stage of your vacation or any trip can be instrumental in its success and an enjoyable part of the experience itself. You have a world of options…and plenty to consider.   If you’d like personalized help, consider booking an appointment with Enchanted Woods Travel to discuss your travel needs. Not sure if you need a travel agent or think you can do it yourself for cheaper, check out this blog I wrote called Should I use a Travel Agent or Book Online Myself discussing why its actually beneficial to use an agent.   Do you have any great packing tips? Can you think of anything I might have forgotten? If so, please leave a comment below!   If you’ve found this content beneficial please recommend the site to your family and friends. And if you liked this post, please tweet, pin and share – I’d really appreciate it! You can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter!