Smart Travel Packing
Packing your suitcase with what you need to travel can make any vacation trip carefree and enjoyable. First, the key to smart packing is to start with a general travel packing list and then add items for specific destinations.
Importantly, using a general packing list you will remember the small items that are sometimes overlooked.
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Travel Packing Starter List
Here is my general packing list that I then customize by destination when traveling to a tropical island, an all-inclusive resort, a winter ski climate, a Caribbean cruise, or European city.
Once it is time to pack special clothing for the destination try Amazon’s Prime Try Before You Buy program.
Travel Packing Necessities
On the top of the list as part of travel necessities for packing are your passport, a credit card, and your phone.
With a passport and a credit card you can get along with forgetting almost anything else to most destinations you may travel. However, this becomes less of a truism in remote locations and some items are very expensive in popular travel spots.
Keep in mind, it is important to always verify you have identification, either a driver’s license for domestic travel or passport for international, and a credit card for at least emergencies right before you walk out the door for your trip.
Always carry your passport with one credit card and a small amount of cash securely and easily accessible at the airport. I carry my other credit cards and money in a money belt.
Travel Packing Security Measures
Upload Important Documents to the Cloud
Take a photo of your passport and/or driver’s license and upload it to the cloud. Equally important is to do the same for your medical insurance card and screenshot your travel insurance information. As a side note, if you park your car at the airport take a pic of where you parked it.
In case of loss, you can also bring a printed copy of your passport and carry it securely but separate from your passport, have a travel companion pack it, or leave it with family or friends at home. While having a copy makes replacement easier if your passport is lost or stolen while traveling.
If you plan on driving internationally and using a rental vehicle, verify if you need an International Driver’s License to rent a car or legally drive at your vacation destination. In general, you can obtain one at AAA.
Packing Phone Accessories for Travel
Phone Charger
Next is a phone. Most of us cannot live without our phone and its camera and video features. It is recommended to bring a charger and plug and a backup charger and plug in case one stops working or you forget your phone charger at the airport, in the plane, at a hotel, or that cafe where you charged your phone during lunch.
Replacement chargers for your model of phone are not always available at your destination or can be costly or time consuming to replace so pack a second phone charger.
Brightly colored phone cords can help you spot them when doing a last check of the room before leaving your hotel.
Pack an extra long cord that reaches the hotel bed as the plug could be on the other side of the room.
Cross Body Phone Carrying Case
After leaving my phone on the plane I now use a phone carrying case with a cross body strap on travel days. I also found it handy while traveling so I did not lose my phone or have it stolen from my back pocket.
Packing for the Plane Trip
Headphones
When flying as part of your travels you want to pack your phone headphones and the older model plane headphones or an adaptor. Many planes only offer movies on your personal device now and then other flights offer back of the seat devices that require using standard headphones or buying a set on the plane.
Although you may be able to check how entertainment is available on your flight prior to departure, if the airline changes the plane for your flight later then your entertainment options and therefore required style of headphones may change as well.
Global Entry and TSA Cards
On a few recent international trips I was required to show my Global Entry card to enter the expedited line when returning to the United States. TSA lines also sometimes check for your card so if you have either pack that card as well.
International Electricity and Traveling
If you travel international then you may need a converter and adaptor for any electrical devices. The adaptor will allow you to plug in a US electrical plug into an international outlet. The convertor will convert the electricity so what you plug in does not burn up or fry the outlet.
Pack this in your carry on bag so you can use it to charge your devices at the airport especially if your plane is delayed or you are at an international airport for an extended time.
Some devices convert themselves but I recommend packing an adaptor with convertor anyway.
There was that time I caused a blackout of the entire floor at a hotel in London when I assumed my phone would convert as the device features promised. Luckily, my phone was not damaged and I had packed that extra phone charger since my charger was fried.
Handy Items to Pack on the Plane
Motion Sickness
If you get motion sickness on planes, trains, cars, or boats then pack a pair of sea bands. These non-medication pressure point bands work very well without the drowsiness.
Dry Plane Air
Consider taking eye drops and a small hand and face lotion for long flights as the in flight air can dry out your eyes and skin.
Backpacks as Carryons
A backpack is a travel packing necessity as it can be used as a convenient carryon that frees your hands during travel days as well as a daypack while at your destination. Having your hands free is highly valuable while you navigate airports, train stations, cars, staircases and doorways.
You will likely be using restrooms, buying sundries, and eating all while managing your carry on luggage. A roller bag is handy unless you are looking up at five flights of Metro stairs, pulling your bag down a sandy beach road, or dragging it across a cobblestone street.
If I check a bag I at least leave one hand free and use a backpack for my carryon.
Depending how much room and weight I have available I may also pack a small day pack that is lighter weight than the backpack I use as a carryon.
Secure Your Travel Belongings
Checking luggage when traveling or even when only using a carry on I recommend getting a TSA approved luggage lock for your travels. You can use a TSA luggage lock at the airport as well as in your hotel room. Although large hotels usually provide safes, this is less common in some countries, remote areas, and budget accommodations. Locking your luggage is an alternative.
Zip ties can be substituted for TSA approved travel locks. You will need a knife, scissors, or lighter to remove the zip tie when you reach your travel destination. Make sure anything you bring to remove the zip tie is accessible outside of the locked luggage and permitted to carry on the plane.
Pack for the Unexpected
When traveling I often plan for the unexpected based on travel misadventures that have occurred over my decades of travel to dozens of countries. Therefore, one of these precautions is to pack printed copies of travel details including flights, transportation, and accommodation reservations.
Often I have been where there is no WiFi and I do not have cell service when I need to find out where I am going or provide proof of purchase for prepaid transportation. Due to this, taking a photo or screenshot is another option as long as you arrive with a charged phone. Since charging capabilities on planes and availability at airports is unreliable.
Travel Money
How much local currency you need will depend on where your travels take you. Yet wherever you go I always recommend getting at least a days worth of local currency in cash from your bank prior to leaving.
You may need to order the currency ahead of time especially if it is not a common currency in the United States such as Euros, Mexican Pesos, or Canadian Dollars.
Therefore, having at least a day’s worth of currency when you arrive ensures you can get some food or a bottle of safe water at the airport.
Consequently, it has also saved me when my ride share app would not work and I had to pay cash for a taxi in a foreign country. As well as when our plane was delayed and there were no taxis still working in the middle of the night in Rome. We had to take a bus to our hotel that would only take local currency.
Credit Cards for Traveling
If you are traveling international I recommend a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees to save money on your trip. You can verify this by checking your card benefits or calling the credit card company.
Second, you should check to see if credit cards are widely accepted where you are going on vacation to determine how much cash you will need. Depending where you go credit cards may be widely accepted or not at all. Or, it may not be the norm to accept cards that are not Visa and Master Card.
ATMs for Traveling
Also, search for information on ATMs. Cash machines can be easily available and your top source for getting the best foreign conversion rate at a bank ATM. Or, the ATMs could frequently run out of cash, e.g. Mexico, or charge high fees, for instance casinos.
U.S. Dollars may be accepted as widely as the local currency but you may get very poor exchange rates if you do not use the local currency adding to the cost of your trip.
Travel Wallets
To simplify life I bring a small foreign currency wallet with coin purse. It is easier to put away your local currency and use a travel wallet. Many countries use coins more than they do in the United States and a coin purse is handy.
An inexpensive wallet that I use only to carry enough cash and two credit cards for the day is also a safety measure. Two credit cards because inevitably when I travel one of my cards gets blocked for security even though I have notified my credit cards of my travel plans ahead of time.
I leave at least one other credit card, an ATM card, and any additional cash back in the hotel room in the safe or in a money belt when traveling to and from destinations.
Travel Necessities List
- Statue of Liberty
- Passport
- Passport Image and/or Copy
- 2-3 Credit Cards
- Global Entry or TSA card
- Driver’s License
- International Driver’s License (if needed)
- Phone
- Phone Charger and Plug
- Phone Charger and Plug Backup Set
- Phone Headphone
- Plane Headphones or Adaptor
- Electrical Adaptor with Converter for International Travel
- Backpack
- Foreign Currency Wallet with Coin Purse
- Money Belt
- Travel Details
- Prescriptions in Original Bottles
- TSA Approved Luggage Lock or Zip Ties
- Sunglasses
- Prescription Glasses and Readers with a photo of your glasses prescription uploaded to the cloud
- Local Currency in Small Bills
- Hat – type based on weather
- Clothing as needed by destination
- Any shoes or gear needed for excursions
Packing Travel Clothing
Travel clothing will vary greatly depending on where you are going, the weather, and your planned activities. Here are some travel basics to start your travel clothing list.
You can try Amazon’s Prime Try Before You Buy program for clothing.
Pack Lounge Wear for Your Trip
Lounge wear, or something comfortable to wear in the hotel or tent or wherever you end up at the end of the day can be a welcome change from dirty or wet clothing. Something comfortable to change into after a day of exploring or even a day relaxing on a lounge chair by the resort pool is a travel item I love to pack.
If your packing very light, only a backpack, lounge wear might not make the cut but if you are taking at least a carry on bag I recommend travel clothes that are comfortable for the end of the day that are not your pajamas. After all, you will likely be wearing the same pair of pajamas for the duration of your trip.
Pack a Fleece or Jacket on Your Vacation
Even when I travel to the tropics I bring a light sweater or fleece. Weather is unpredictable worldwide and even in warm climates you often find a sweater, fleece, light jacket, or hoodie is used at night or on a boat ride or when you go to see that view whether it is the top of a skyscraper or a mountain.
Planes can be cold especially on long flights or overnight when you want to sleep so this is a packing item I take in my carryon luggage.
Pack Comfy Pajamas for Your Trip
Pajamas are one of those travel packing items that get pulled from my packing list when I am traveling with only a backpack. Otherwise, having pajamas is nice to include. Consider the weather where you are going.
If you are going to the tropics or places in the world where mosquito borne illnesses are common then pack a long sleeve pajama shirt and long pants.
Remember to Pack the Basics on Your Vacation
Underwear is on the list because there have been times I have forgot to pack the basics like a toothbrush, underwear, or deodorant so now all those items are on my list. Moisture wicking and breathable underwear are appreciated when traveling.
For the ladies, consider what bras you would need and try to limit the number you need to pack. Do you need a sports bra, a dress bra, a second clean one? Make sure you have a comfortable bra for long travel days.
Pack a Nice Vacation Outfit
Traveling almost anywhere and you will want to include at least one nice outfit for a special occasion or a nice restaurant. Traveling to an exclusive resort and you will need more. Taking a cruise and you will want to check the number of formal nights and the dress code recommendations for that cruise line.
Yet, even when you cannot think of when it will be required at least a dressier shirt will often come in handy. On the other end of the scale, if you find your luggage is overweight and you have multiple nice outfits consider if you can wear them more than once to save space and weight.
Always Pack a Bathing Suit and Sarong Traveling
Always pack a bathing suit for a pool, hot tub, river, or ocean.
A sarong or pareo comes in handy as a lightweight, quick-drying beach towel, a scarf, a dress, a picnic blanket, a plane blanket, and so many other uses. I never travel without one.
Travel Packing Clothing Starter List
- Lounge wear
- Sweater, Fleece, or Jacket
- Pajamas
- Underwear
- Bras
- Socks
- Dressier Outfit
- Bathing Suit
- Sarong
Travel Packing Toiletries
Toiletries is often the area where you can save the most space and weight. Anything you plan to take can likely be found in a travel size. Traveling light is so much more convenient and easier than lugging heavy suitcases.
Also, if you are only taking a carry on check current TSA requirements as well as requirements for any foreign airports you are traveling through. Currently, liquids must be in less than 3 oz containers and all liquids must fit in a sealed quart sized bag like a zip closing baggie for airports in the United States. Recently I started using a TSA approved toiletry bag and found it much more durable than a baggie.
One of my favorite travel tips is to try new sample products and subscribe to a sample beauty products delivery service. For facial cleansing while traveling I use facial wipes. They are handy to carry in your daypack as well. I swear by powder for humid, hot climates. This travel toiletries list may seem extensive yet with every piece in a travel size all the travel toiletries fit in a small travel cube and a TSA-approved liquids bag.
Travel Packing Toiletries List
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Hand Sanitizer
- Hand Lotion
- Body Lotion
- SPF Facial Moisturizer
- SPF lip balm
- Dry Shampoo
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Face Wash Wipes
- Eye Drops
- Sunscreen
- Body Wash
- Powder
- Perfume
- Over-the-Counter Medications
- First Aid Basics
- Sleeping Mask
- Hairbrush
- Q-tips
- Zip Closing Baggies
- Make up
- Tissues
- Razor
- Hair Ties
- Small scissors
- Nail Clippers
- Emory Board
- Tweezers
- Sea Bands
- Waterproof Bag
Furthermore, waterproof bags are great for boat rides to keep your stuff dry and they can be used to pack wet bathing suits in your suitcase on the way home. You can also use them inside your backpack in rainy weather and for camping and hiking.
Finish Packing for Your Vacation
Next, from this list you can add to your travel packing based on your destination. To start, consider the weather, the time of year, and your travel destination. Second, what activities are doing and do you need special items? Third, where you are staying and what type of clothing is appropriate? For instance, how formal or casual of clothing will you need? Lastly, do you need any special travel gear or travel clothing for this trip?
In addition, stick to colors that match to limit the number of shoes and accessories needed. Likewise, review our recommended packing list for tropical and beach vacations.
Pack Your Carry On Luggage
First, lay everything out that you want to take and then see if it fits in your suitcase. Next, weigh your packed suitcase to make sure it is under the weight restrictions for the most restrictive flight you are taking on your travels. Allow space and weight in your suitcase for souvenirs on the way home.
As a final test try carrying your suitcase around the house, up and down some stairs, or around the block and then reconsider if you really need everything you packed!
