The Ultimate (but basic) Packing Checklist

Back to Traveler’s Toolkit Map or Back to The Road Map…

Jani’s Last-Minute Look Around:

☐ Passport, ID & wallet
☐ Phone, charger & power bank
☐ Medications
☐ Keys & sunglasses
☐ Coffee in hand… because we’re civilized

The Ultimate (but basic) Packing Checklist

Packing doesn’t have to feel like a game of “What did I forget?” Whether you’re headed out for a weekend road trip, a Caribbean cruise, or the vacation you’ve been counting down to for months, this checklist covers the essentials. Not everything will apply to every trip, but it’s a great place to start.

Travel Documents

☐ Passport (if required)
☐ Driver’s license or government issued ID
☐ Boarding passes
☐ Hotel confirmations
☐ Cruise documents
☐ Tour confirmations
☐ Travel insurance information
☐ Emergency contact list
☐ Copies of important documents
☐ Credit cards
☐ Debit card
☐ Cash
☐ Foreign currency (if needed)

Electronics

☐ Cell phone
☐ Phone charger
☐ Smart watch and charger
☐ Tablet or eReader
☐ Laptop and charger
☐ Camera
☐ Camera batteries
☐ Memory cards
☐ Portable power bank
☐ Charging cables
☐ International plug adapter (if needed)
☐ Extension cord or small power strip

Medications & Health

☐ Prescription medications
☐ Vitamins
☐ Pain reliever
☐ Allergy medication
☐ Motion sickness medication
☐ Antacids
☐ Bandages
☐ First aid essentials
☐ Sunscreen
☐ Aloe
☐ Insect repellent
☐ Hand sanitizer

Toiletries

☐ Toothbrush
☐ Toothpaste
☐ Dental floss
☐ Deodorant
☐ Shampoo
☐ Conditioner
☐ Body wash
☐ Razor
☐ Makeup
☐ Makeup remover
☐ Hairbrush or comb
☐ Hair products
☐ Hair dryer (if needed)
☐ Contact lenses and solution
☐ Glasses
☐ Lip balm

Clothing

☐ Underwear
☐ Bras
☐ Socks
☐ Pajamas
☐ Shirts
☐ Shorts
☐ Pants
☐ Dresses
☐ Skirts
☐ Jacket
☐ Sweater
☐ Swimsuit
☐ Cover up
☐ Workout clothes
☐ Belt
☐ Hat
☐ Sunglasses

Shoes

☐ Walking shoes
☐ Sandals
☐ Dress shoes
☐ Water shoes
☐ Flip flops

Beach & Pool

☐ Beach bag
☐ Beach towel (if needed)
☐ Waterproof phone pouch
☐ Sunglasses
☐ Reusable water bottle
☐ Book or Kindle

Carry On Essentials

☐ Medications
☐ Wallet
☐ Passport or ID
☐ Phone charger
☐ Headphones
☐ Snacks
☐ Empty reusable water bottle
☐ Pen
☐ Light jacket
☐ Change of clothes
☐ Toiletries (TSA compliant)
☐ Important valuables

Before You Leave Home

☐ Check in for flights
☐ Download airline apps
☐ Download offline maps
☐ Charge all electronics
☐ Empty refrigerator of perishables
☐ Take out the trash
☐ Lock doors and windows
☐ Set thermostat
☐ Hold mail or ask a neighbor to collect it
☐ Arrange pet care
☐ Water plants
☐ Unplug unnecessary electronics

Optional Extras

☐ Laundry bag
☐ Reusable shopping bag
☐ Small flashlight
☐ Travel pillow
☐ Eye mask
☐ Ear plugs
☐ Notebook and pen
☐ Playing cards
☐ Sewing kit
☐ Zip top bags
☐ Luggage scale
☐ Airtags or luggage tracker

Happy travels!

XOXO, Jani

Did you know?
For detailed packing strategies, tips on choosing luggage, carry-on versus checked bags, TSA rules, and more, visit the Traveler’s Handbook for the complete guides.

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