Your Ultimate Travel Packing List

Who doesn’t love a good packing list? Especially when it means that you do not have to sit and make one for yourself. A lot of the time, I am considered to be an “over” packer. There is no such thing as packing light when it comes to me packing for any time away from home.

Personally, I do not believe that I overpack, I simply feel prepared. However, sometimes I do have to check myself and unpack things because I go overboard with “just-in-case” items. (I’m a packer that likes to be prepared for almost anything.)

Either way, I will try not to overwhelm you with this post. Use this packing list as a guide for you when traveling. Fine tune it to meet your needs, and enjoy your trip!

Using a Good Bag

This is the key to any good/great packing list. If you do not have a good bag, then get one. Whether you’re leaving for a weekend or an extended period of time, without a good, sturdy bag, you might as well carry everything in your hands.

You need a bag that is universal. It should be able to hold everything you need without the worry of it falling apart. The wheels should be stable and able to withstand being on different types of floors and the ground. It should be a water-resistant bag.

Those hard-shell bags are heaven sent. If it rains, you won’t have to worry about your clothes getting soaked. If you are a duffle- and weekender bag kind of person, then make sure to buy a fabric-based bag. Most times, the fabric is thicker, and tougher, and is able to hold all of your things.

Electronic Devices

I go nowhere without my phone (and now my Apple Watch). (I don’t own any other watches, so I don’t have to worry about switching it out.) Most importantly, I keep my phone with me at all times. It is too much going on in the world for people to be without phones. Should you need to access someone, you should have it available.

What about if there’s an emergency? People will need to contact you immediately. It does them no good to try to inform you if you never have your phone on your person.

Additionally, when I travel, I always bring my iPad. Sometimes I can get away with leaving my laptop behind. My iPad? I won’t go on a trip without it. It is my backup should I leave/lose my phone. Plus, sometimes I deem it necessary to download and watch movies from it. Especially if the flight does not have decent movies for me to watch, or if it has WiFi that sucks. AND I love to read my books. I have about 5 reading apps on my iPad, and I take a pick of which one I will use.

Clothing

This goes without saying, but I still have input to add. You should always pack more than enough underwear/undergarments. Additionally, it is easy to forget sleep clothes (aka pajamas). I’m notorious for having to use a spare outfit just for me to sleep in. Additionally, you should always bring an extra outfit or two. You never know what you might need them for. Accidents happen, so be prepared with extra.

On top of that, I always make sure to bring some kind of “dressy-casual” outfit that can be dressed up or down. You might find yourself spontaneously deciding to go to a nicer place/restaurant. Some of them may even have dress codes. By having this extra dressy outfit, you will be prepared and won’t have to panic and do last-minute shopping. (I like my shopping to be stress- and panic-free.)

Toiletries and Makeup

I have always been a bag and shoe lover. Recently, I have gotten into the makeup and makeup bags. I have about six travel makeup bags in my arsenal. I’ve put all but one of them to use. (The one that I haven’t used is a recent purchase.) If makeup isn’t your thing, that’s okay.

EVERYONE needs to have some kind of toiletry bag. You can find small, clear, TSA-approved toiletry bags almost everywhere. Always remember their 3-1-1 rule. If you need more information, check it out here. For those who do not feel it is necessary to spend money on these bags, it’s not a problem. Go ahead and use the quart-sized ziplock bags. They comply with the TSA standards.

In New York, I was able to find the portable, travel-sized containers of Charmin toilet tissue and Bounty paper towels (napkins). I bring them with me everywhere. I, also, bring small packs of facial wipes, hand and body wipes, hand sanitizer, and Clorox wipes. Of course, you will always need your toothbrush and toothpaste, shower gel/soap, lotion, mouthwash, etc. I sometimes go overboard with toiletries. (Then again, I go overboard with a lot of things.)

Shoes and Accessories

Again, like clothing and toiletries, this should be a given. However, what some people miss is bringing appropriate shoes. They bring shoes that may not be the best, as far as comfort. ALWAYS bring comfortable shoes, and a lot of times, those are tennis shoes. If you will be doing a lot of walking, TOMS and sandals may not be the best. However, you know your body, and you know how much you can handle.

Do some research on where you will be visiting to help you figure out what kind of shoes you will need. Also, beware of what kind of accessories you bring. Often people travel with their most valuable jewelry, and they may come up missing at some point on the trip. That’s the reality, so just be careful.

Book(s) to Read

Like my iPad, I rarely travel without a book to read. Most of the time, I prefer to have a physical copy of a book when I am traveling. It helps me conserve my phone and iPad battery. It can become difficult to find an outlet that is not taken in the airport. Therefore, I prefer to leave my electronics alone and use the least amount of battery power possible. I will always recommend that people bring a book, even if it’s a book of puzzles. Or even a coloring book. Just bring something to read.

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What Are Your Go-To Travel Items?

What are your must-haves when you pack and travel? Let me know in the comments below. Until next time!

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