My go-to packing list

Packing for a trip, whether for a few days or a few weeks, can be a daunting, tiresome task. Over the years, I have, through trial and error, made a go-to packing list in my mind, and now I am finally writing it down, so I can share it will you all as well.

My rule of thumb is generally to see what things I need throughout a normal day, plus some extras depending on the circumstances of the trip. It’s very different to be going home to visit your family for a week, than if you are trekking through a remote wilderness, obviously. Since I usually am not the wilderness type, I usually assume that wherever I am going I could probably find anything I really needed while I was away, however I still try to be prepared so as not to waste precious vacation time looking for a pharmacy or bemoaning that I didn’t bring comfortable walking shoes.

To Check or Not to Check?

Back in the “too much stuff” era in Bangkok

When traveling by plane, I know the carry-on/checked bag debate can be divisive. Personally, if I am traveling for only a few days, I can try to travel with a just carry-on, if it is light enough. I put this caveat because outside of the US, it is very common that you do not board the plane via a jet-way, but instead can find yourself having to walk down flights of stairs, taking a bus across the tarmac, walking to your airplane, and then climbing up a flight of stairs to board the plane. There, of course, you will then have to load your bag into the overhead bin. After many years of struggling with heavy luggage, I have decided that for me this is just not worth it. I choose to check my luggage and I only go through the airport with a small bag for my essentials, valuables, and anything I will be needing while en route. If it is a quick trip, I may be able to simply pack a backpack or small duffel bag as my main luggage and carry that on with me as well. For my luggage itself, depending on the length of the trip and how much I will need, I have small and large suitcases for different occasions that I will check. That way I can drop them off at check-in, and not lug around a heavy bag or backpack through the airport for hours, having to carry it around with me everywhere I go. Instead I arrive at my destination comfortably, without having strained my back and neck and calmly pick up my suitcase at baggage claim.

I packed everything in my small backpack for a weekend trip to Siracusa

If you are traveling by train, I would also think carefully about how much luggage you are bringing with you, since if you cannot check the bag, you must load it onto the train, find a place to store it, potentially in a space far away from your seat where you may not be able to see it, and then prepare to disembark, with maybe only minutes to do so if your stop is not the final destination. I used to have a lot of luggage with me when I was younger, but eventually I got so sick of lugging luggage around that I had to become a better packer. Plus, if you cannot see your luggage, say you have to store it at the entrance to the cabin, it is possible that someone could mistakenly or otherwise take it when they disembark at one of the other stops. For me, it makes me very anxious to not be physically with my luggage on the train, unless I can check it.

Always keep your essentials (documents, medicines, and valuables) in a small bag with you that you are able to keep an eye on, like a cross-body bag. First, to keep these items close to you always, and second, because in any journey you may become separated at the last minute from your main luggage. Your carry-on backpack could need to be gate-checked on the plane, and on buses larger bags have to be stowed underneath. While they are most likely going to be fine, there is always the risk of theft, loss, or damage, and you will want to have peace of mind that you at least have the important things with you.

Bag security

I always travel with little padlocks. I use them mostly for my checked bags, but I keep one or two in my backpack, just in case. For example, if you are seated in the first row or some exit rows on a plane, you cannot put your bags under the seat in front of you, and you will have to put them in the overhead bin. In general, if my bag is going in the overhead bin, then I will put a lock on it, because I may fall asleep, or my bag may be in a bin far away from my seat, and in any case I cannot see it. Likewise, make sure all your luggage has your name and contact information so that if it is mistakenly taken or lost, it can be returned to you. Once I arrived to baggage claim to see another woman walking away with my suitcase! I went up to her, and she simply had not checked the name written on the bag! As well, I once got through the security lane at the airport to see a man taking my laptop out of the security bin and walking away with it! I stopped him, and he told me it was his laptop, and I proceeded to show him the decorative glitter stickers with my initials. It was an a honest mistake, but these things do happen, especially in travel situations where people are stressed and in a hurry. I try now to make my items very distinctive both to hopefully prevent people for mistaking them as theirs, but also to make them easily recognizable to me.

Small bag/carry-on

Documents, ID, passport, visa, and vaccination records as necessary

Medicines, prescriptions as well as a small tin that has a mix of over-the-counter pain relievers

Phone, headphones and charger

I also recommend traveling with a portable charger, because you never know when you will need to charge your devices while out and about. It is also not recommend to use USB ports such as on airplanes and in airports, so it’s best to have your own power source.

Chapstick, tissues, gum/mints/candies, travel-size hand lotion, hair ties, a band-aid or two, and any feminine products

If one a long-haul flight, I also bring a little bag with make-up remover wipes, travel-size face cream, travel-size toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, and deodorant so that I can freshen-up in-between flights or in the airplane bathroom, and an eye-mask and earplugs to sleep on the plane. Don’t forget a travel-size SPF - the sun’s rays are incredibly powerful when you are on an airplane.

I always pack any valuables and electronics with me in my small bag or locked in my carry-on (see section on bag security above).

Any other electronics, charging cords, and adapters if necessary

Small, TSA-approved padlocks that I put on any luggage and as well as backpacks/small bags, also for hostel lockers

Always bring a pen, you never know when you will have to fill out a form or doodle on a napkin

Masks, if necessary

Tissues

Sunglasses

I usually travel with a book as well, and if it will be a long trip, maybe a sudoku book and pen, too. I download shows from Netflix in case there is no in-flight entertainment, or to watch while waiting at the gate.

Since you can be flying from destinations with different climates, and every airplane has different temperatures, I like to travel with a scarf or shawl that I can wear if I am cold, and in the warmer temperatures, I always have a fan in my purse to cool off if it gets too warm.

I like to take a reusable water bottle as well, empty if I am flying by plane, that I can fill up once I’ve gone through security.

Remember if you are traveling by plane that any liquids/creams that you will take with you on the plane must be under the size/volume limits and in their own separate bag. Anything larger than the allowed amount must go in your checked bag.

My friend Nancy reminded me that you can also consider packing change of clothes in your carry-on, if you have room. This is in case the airline loses your luggage, you will at least have a fresh pair of undergarments and change of clothes until your bag is recovered, or at least to get you through a day or two before you may need to go out a get a few things to get you through your trip. Losing your luggage can be a stressful experience - I know, it has also happened to me. Hopefully your luggage will be found, but it can take a few days! Try to enjoy your vacation in the meantime, and take advantage of an excuse to go shopping somewhere new! Again, this is a good reminder to try not to check anything you would be devastated to lose.

General packing

Clothes

Undergarments - socks, underwear, bras (always bring a few more pairs of than you think you will need!)

Shoes - these can take up a lot of room, be honest with yourself - if you think you will really need different types of shoes than bring them, but if you don’t, don’t. I will also add that the best shoes to bring are the ones you are already used to wearing, and that are comfortable. You do so much more walking when you on vacation, and now is not the time to be getting a blister.

I find it helpful to pack in layers and bring things that can be mixed-and-matched. This way you can also bring less clothing if you are able to reuse pieces for different outfits. I always leave some space in my bag for souvenir shopping, which for me is usually books, clothing, or small trinkets and gifts for myself and others that have a connection to the place I was visiting.

Pajamas

A bag to store dirty laundry

Toiletries

Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss

Hairbrush, comb, hair ties and other hair accessories

I generally will fill small travel-size bottles with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash to avoid the extra weight of full size bottles.

Generally I won’t pack a towel unless there won’t be one provided wherever I am going. Towels are super annoying to pack, and usually you can rent them from hostels. If you are doing a backpacking through Europe trip, for example, you could bring a quick-drying microfiber towel just in case.

Flip flops, if staying in hostel

Eye mask and earplugs for sleeping, especially if staying in a hostel

Deodorant

Skincare - SPF and face cream, sunscreen for body if needed

Make-up - My make-up routine is pretty basic, especially when traveling

Perfume - I like taking perfume samples or travel-size bottles when traveling

Make-up remover wipes - As they are terrible for the environment, I only use these when I am traveling for convenience; you can also use them to freshen-up when on the plane

Safety razor, if necessary

Feminine products as needed

Misc.

If you are going to a beach destination, obviously a swimsuit, cover-up, beach shoes, a tote bag, sunscreen and aftersun lotion, a sunhat, and a micro-fiber or quick-drying beach towel.

If you are going somewhere cold, obviously your winter accessories: snow-boots, heavy undergarments, scarves, gloves, hats, winter coat, etc.

Generally, when traveling I don’t want to bring anything I am going to worry about losing. I don’t travel with precious jewelry, and I don’t bring my computer if I am only going to be away for a few days. You want to enjoy your vacation, not be thinking about the items you left behind in your hostel locker. The less you have to keep track of, the more time you’ll be able to spend immersing yourself in a new destination, making new friends, and enjoying your holiday.

Even though I now pack way less than I used to, I always come home with clothes unworn, and toiletries never used. And even though I now have this comprehensive list, I almost always end up forgetting something at home. Ultimately, I have found a balance between being prepared, but not being overzealous. Between being prepared and being human.

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that people live everyday where you are going, and they have everything they need. You can also likely go without something for a few days if you really had to. When it comes time to leave for the airport, there are only a few things that are really essential and I imagine nearly everyone will say the same three things out loud before they leave the house: “phone, wallet, passport.” But, it’s always nice to be prepared.

Coming Home

One last tip that I was reminded of myself when I just came home from my last trip. When you arrive home from a trip, you will likely be tired, if not exhausted, and may have to jump right back into the swing of things. Therefore, do your future self a favor and try to leave the house in order. Make sure you have clean clothes still in your drawers that you can put on. When I travel, I usually bring travel-size accessories with me, therefore I will still have my toothbrush, toothpaste, and skincare all in the bathroom closet. If I have the energy, I will start to unpack right away, put dirty clothes from the suitcase into the laundry, etc. But this way if I do not have the energy, I still have everything I need at hand and I do not have to go rummaging in my suitcase just to find some floss.

Note: Header image taken of me in the Sahara Desert, Morocco, where I somehow still managed to overpack.