Essential Things To Pack For Traveling

Have you ever gone on a vacation, or trip, or traveled to your destination only to find that you forgot to pack several items that cost you additional money you didn’t plan on spending?

When at home we tend to take things for granted because everything is right at our fingertips.

For instance, if you need to shave, the razor and cream are available in the vanity.

On the flip side, if you were to go on a vacation and forgot to pack those items, you’d have to find a store to purchase them. This could be a big deal when you’re on a schedule, especially when you’re tired from the trip. And you know that wherever you buy the items you forgot at home from will most likely price gouge.

The best way to minimize your chances of forgetting essential items is to create checklists.

There are a variety of ways to create checklists including the following:

Old-Fashion Pen and Paper
Tablet
Mobile App
Printable Travel Packing List

A good tip to remember is that as you pack your bags, make a list of what you are taking.

Expand the list if you buy anything while on your trip that will be going home with you.

On the way home, having this checklist with you will help you avoid leaving or forgetting something along the way, in a bathroom or hotel drawer!

It’s pretty obvious that you must use some type of travel packing list to ensure that you don’t forget any of your essential items.

Below I’ve provided a list of the most common items that you may want to consider packing to help make your journey as seamless as possible.

A typical packing checklist

2 pairs of pants
3-4 shirts
A dark-colored sweater that is best to wear en route
Clothes for a dressy occasion, for comfort, while traveling, and suitable to the climate
One sport jacket for men (some restaurants require them)
Swimsuit
Cover-up for beach or pool
Raincoat and galoshes
Hat, beret, or sun hat
3-5 pairs of underwear
5 pairs of socks – cotton or wool
Sleepwear
1 pair of sturdy well-broken boots or sandals
If for winter travel include a down jacket, waterproofed boots, gloves, and hat, and long underwear

Other Suitable Items For Purse Or Carry-On Luggage:

Passport
Mobile devices (e.g. cell phones, tablets)
Pens and pencils
Tickets
Camera, film, batteries
Itinerary
Multi-media accessories
Traveler’s checks
Zip-lock or plastic bags (seal)
International certificate of vaccination
Dictionary or phrasebook
Maps
Laundry items (e.g. detergent)
Money belt of pouch
Clothes brush
Extra glasses, contact lenses, and prescriptions
Inflatable hanger or two
Combination lock
Rubber sink stopper
Address, notebook or journal, and a small pad of paper
First aid kit
Daypack
Moleskin for blisters
Pocket flashlight for each traveler
Analgesic
Net shopping bag
Antiseptic towelettes
Travel alarm clock
Insect repellent
Sunglasses
Anti-malaria pills
Thermometer in hardcase
Nail clipper & Tweezers
Toiletry Kits
Toothbrush and paste, extra dental floss
Ear plugs and eye shade
Soap and soap dish
Binoculars in hardcase
Shampoo
Roll of transparent tape
Moisturizer
Adapters for electronics
Lip balm
Portal radio
Small towel and washcloth
Musical instrument (if appropriate)
Hairbrush or comb
Razor, blades, and shaving cream

Checklist When Traveling With Children:

Car seat with cloth liner
Small packets of tissues
Disposable diapers
Nightlight
Wet wipes
Flashlight
Change pad
Extra juice
Garbage bags
Child's cup with drinking spout
Diaper rash ointment
Collapsible cup
Fork and spoon
Drinking straws
Familiar foods (e.g. cereal, crackers, and noodles)
Finger foods (e.g. cubes of cheese, vegetable sticks)
Vitamins of fluoride drops
Bibs
Small toys
pencils and pads of paper
Favorite animal or doll
Pacifier
Compass
Transparent tape
Insect repellent
Baby shampoo and soap
Favorite books

Smart Packing Tips

Tip 1: Maximize Luggage Space

Maximize the packing space you have in your luggage. While packing and making your checklist, put small items such as spare glasses, dress accessories, socks, and other small items inside your shoes.

Shoes are usually rigid and can protect items that might otherwise be broken. You will need every inch of your suitcase upon your return to avoid the battle of the ‘bulging’ suitcase that will not close until you go sit on it and struggle with the clasp until it finally shuts!

Tip 2: Avoid Overpacking

One of the most common mistakes made by travelers is packing too much of everything.

Except for the inconvenience, there are also charges and fees for overages.

You have to deal with having to ship personal belongings home, leaving some items at the airport, packing and unpacking bags, removing items, and more!

All these actions are responsive and costly options. Pack and travel light. Think minimalism when packing. Pick items that will suit and serve you well, are multi-purpose, functional, mix and match well, durable, and easy to care for.

Essentials rather than outfits and accessories, fashion, and color-coded planning dictating the bulging suitcase.

To avoid having to pay more, incurring unplanned, additional costs, and penalties for luggage overages, pack smart!

In preparing for your trip, after packing your luggage, lift it up, carry it around a block or two or down the stairs, and see how it feels.

Remember, you will have to handle these eventually! This is a useful technique to re-evaluate and re-pack the amount you are taking with you.

You will not be sorry. Also, leave some room for purchases while on your trip, as you would not like to have to buy additional pieces of luggage you do not really need, or want, or incur costly shipping charges or duties, or other fees!

Luggage Scales On Amazon

Tip 3: Put Liquids In Plastic Bags

Another word to the wise when packing your luggage: All things fluid and liquids in plastic bottles or containers should be placed in sealable plastic bags that will not leak.

It is always wise to place bottles into well-sealed plastic bags as well. Wrapping a bottle in a towel or clothing will not protect it or keep it from leaking and staining your clothes.

The damage could be permanent and lead to unnecessary costs for laundry services and or replacement for clothes you really did not need or want.

Tip 4: Pack A Wake-Up Kit

Start the day off right by packing a "wake-up kit,” which typically contains items like a travel mug, spoon, instant coffee or tea, sweetener, dry creamer, and a plug-in immersion heater.

It is a great way to start the day and you will save on the morning cup of coffee or evening tea.

It’s smart to make every dollar count and to save, when possible, even while on a vacation.

Tip 5: Pack Layers

Always layer and/or take a sweater or multi-purpose jacket with you, wherever you go. It can get cool pretty fast, and a tourist location is not the place to have to buy this item.

They will be priced a little higher obviously and you would probably spend too much without a second thought just because you need one!

Not a good decision for your travel budget necessarily – especially if it is an unbudgeted item.

That is where your Travel Packing List comes in handy when packing your suitcase in the first place.

Planes can also be very cool spaces, so ask for a blanket and pillow when you sit down in your seat as this will prevent you from taking up space in your luggage by bringing your own.

Conclusion

No matter where you’re traveling to and for what purpose, packing can be a royal pain in the rear, even if it’s for a vacation.

The secret to successful travel is to pack light, adaptable, and comfortable clothing that is washable and durable and can be mixed and matched.

Pack comfortable shoes, and cotton or wool socks as you will be doing a lot of walking, underwear, and accessorize to add variety, layer, and adjust to the climate.

I recommend avoiding expensive clothes that could be ruined.

Your trip begins with packing.

Just imagine getting to your destination knowing that you haven’t forgotten any of your essential items, all because you used a simple Travel Packing List.

Have fun on your trip!