The Ultimate Packing List

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—now editable—that you can save or print out. To customize the list, simply download or print it, then edit for your specific needs. You can even use the packing list to help you decide what to separate out into a carry-on.

We’ve added a brand-new feature … you can now download an editable, mobile-friendly version of the ultimate packing checklist; click here and save to the files section on your phone.

 

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
  • Facial 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
• Earplugs/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.