Packing mishaps range from inconvenient (heading to the Caribbean without a swimsuit) to disastrous (discovering you left the country without your wallet), but most are preventable. We’ve created this ultimate packing list to help you pack well every time.
The Ultimate Packing Checklist
To see the ultimate packing list, scroll down the page or click here for a PDF version that you can save or print out. To customize the list, simply print it, then add or cross out items. You can even use the packing list to help you decide what to separate out into a carry-on.
Clothes to Pack
-
- Underwear
- Socks/stockings
- Undershirts/bras
- Sleepwear
- T-shirts
- Dress shirts
- Casual shirts
- Jeans
- Pants
- Shorts
- Dresses
- Skirts
- Sweaters/sweatshirts
- Suits
- Swimsuits/cover-ups
- Coats/jackets/rainwear
- Hats
- Gloves
- Scarves
- Umbrella
- Laundry kit (soap, stain remover)
- Laundry bag
- Leisure shoes
- Hiking/athletic shoes
- Snow/rain boots
- Dress shoes
- Sandals/flip-flops
- Belts
- Ties
- Jewelry (if valuable, put in carry-on)
- Purses
- Collapsible totes
- Under-clothing document holders
Toiletries to Pack
-
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Soap
- Deodorant
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Brush/comb
- Hairstyling appliances
- Face cleanser
- Face lotion/gel/etc.
- Sunscreen
- Moisturizer
- Contact lenses/solution
- Shaving supplies
- Makeup
- Makeup remover
- Feminine-hygiene products
- Birth control
- Nail file/clippers
- Tweezers
- Hand sanitizer
- Bandages
- First-aid ointment
- Insect repellent
- Medications
- Pain relievers
- Vitamins
Miscellaneous Items
- Cell phone
- Laptop/tablet
- Electronics chargers
- Voltage adapter
- Film/memory card
- List of medications
- Emergency contacts
- Credit card/bank contacts
- Copies of passport/credit card/etc.
What to Pack in Your Carry-on
- Books or e-books
- Video/MP3 player
- Earbuds/headphones
- Pashmina/travel blanket
- Travel pillow
- Ear plugs/eye mask
- Tissues
- Lip balm
- Change of clothes
- Food/snacks/gum
- Empty water bottle (fill post-security)
- In-flight medications
- Valuables, such as jewelry
- Camera
- Passport/visa/ID
- Paper/pen
- Cash
- Credit/ATM cards
- Insurance cards (medical, travel)
- Itinerary
- Maps/directions
- Guidebook
- Glasses/sunglasses
- House keys
Check This Out: 3 Jewelry Packing Hacks
More from SmarterTravel:
- Carry-on Bags That Take the Stress Out of Travel
- The Essential Beach Packing List
- Pack Right: Carry-on Bag Packing List
- The Ultimate Cruise Packing List: What to Pack for a Cruise
Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2013. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.
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