Really Simple Travel Packing List
A list I use whenever I'm packing my bags for a trip of any length.Categories: [lists]
Here's a really simple packing list for domestic or international travel that I use regularly.
Remember to stay flexible and adjust this list to your own needs and the length of your trip. Don't over-pack and keep your life simple. If it's not here, there's a good chance you won't need it or can buy it when you get there.
Clothes
Aim to bring just enough clothes for the trip. They're by far the most bulky thing you'll carry. No one is going to judge you for wearing the same t-shirt twice, so don't over-pack in this category. Remember that you'll be wearing perfectly good clothes on your body. You can do laundry during your trip if needed.
FYI My sister got me a few of these compression bags over the winter holiday, and I never travel without them now. They save a ton of space.
Item | Notes & Recommendations |
---|---|
2 pairs pants | one more dressy (dark denim), one more functional |
2-4 shirts | consider some nicer ones and some grubbier ones |
3-5 pairs socks | one durable, one liner (like these), and a few regulars |
2-4 pairs undergarments | anti-microbial makes them last longer |
night-wear | like sweats and/or a long t-shirt |
swimsuit | even in cold climes, the hotel might have a heated pool |
nice sweater | quick way to look classy or stay warm |
[optional] umbrella | pocket umbrella, collapsible jacket, or water-proof jacket (below) |
warm jacket, scarf | preferably water-proof, definitely toasty |
gloves / mittens | you want these below 2°C (35°F) |
hat | useful for shade, preventing sunburn, and hiding that you haven't showered |
walking shoes/boots | these should be more durable |
[optional] dinner shoes | for looking sharp |
sandals or flip-flops | lightweight and easy |
belt | I recommend this elastic type for size & versatility |
Toiletries
Staying clean and hygenic while out and about.
Item | Notes & Recommendations |
---|---|
toothbrush, paste, floss | your breath is worse than you think |
comb/hairbrush | |
shampoo, bodywash, container | I recommend these containers for all liquids and gels below. TSA hasn't complained. |
sunscreen, chapstick | suns don't kill people, people with suns kill people |
razor (shaving cream) | |
deodorant | because you might smell |
antibacterial wipes/gel | sometimes you can't find soap |
tweezers | yes, these are allowed by TSA now |
nail clippers | yes, these are allowed by TSA now |
gentlemen's/ladies' products | you know what I mean |
washcloth or small towel | |
unbreakable mirror | |
clothes detergent | in case you do your own laundry |
collapsible hangers | in case you do your own laundry |
flat sink stopper | like these ones here |
Accessories & Personal Care
Item | Notes & Recommendations |
---|---|
rope or paracord | a length of rope is very handy, e.g. as a clothesline |
Ziploc bags, garbage bags | a couple can be useful in so many ways |
sewing kit | a large needle can thread dental floss! |
portable hangers | dry clothes or keep fresh ones wrinkle free. Try these. |
collapsible water bottle | unless you want to buy water bottles |
vitamins, necessary medications | |
painkillers | tylenol, aspirin, or other |
malaria tablets | depending on where you're going |
travel pillow | especially if you're on a plane >6 hours |
earplugs/sleep mask | |
contact lens case & solution | |
dark glasses & case |
Cellphone
Just because your phone might not have connectivity, doesn't mean it can't be incredibly useful.
Item | Notes & Recommendations |
---|---|
headphones | don't get bored |
portable battery | I recommend this one |
universal charging cable | I recommend this one |
flashlight | your phone probably has one built-in |
offline maps | here's how to take maps offline (Android, iOS) |
offline translation | here's how to take languages offline (Android, iOS) |
Luggage & Security
Item | Notes & Recommendations |
---|---|
shoulder bag or backpack | use a versatile travel pack as your TSA-allowed 2nd carry-on |
daypack/waist-pack | bring a collapsible daypack for smaller adventures |
luggage lock(s) (cable?) | in case you need to lock up your gear |
emergency whistle | |
door lock | you can buy an extra door lock for hotel rooms |
insect repellent/netting | mosquitoes are serious business in some places |
Paperwork & Cash
Item | Notes & Recommendations |
---|---|
badges, tickets | work badge, tickets to the show |
pen & small notebook | |
maps, guidebooks | |
phrase books | |
restaurant lists, membership cards | |
book to read | |
passport, visas | always bring a printed copy just in case |
copies of important documents | this includes travel itinerary (template) |
travel tickets | |
foreign currency | |
2 personal checks |
Misc
Item | Notes & Recommendations |
---|---|
camera & accessories | lenses, tripod, extra cards & batteries, charger, download adapter |
laptop computer | power cord/adapters, extra cables, flash drives, etc |
jump rope | this gives you the cardio, see body-weight fitness for the strength |
snacks | for the plane |
gifts | for your friends/family |