When packing for vacation, bring the essentials. A packing list can help you remember everything you need and save you time. We came up with a list of over seventy items for you to consider taking on your next trip. No wonder packing takes so long!
Below are a few tips and packing lists of essentials for different types of vacations – packing for skiing, packing for the Bahamas, or packing for any vacation!
If you are a paper and pen type of person, print out the list and feel free to check it off. Here is a link to the google doc for you to print. Lists are sorted by tabs at the bottom of the sheet.
Before you leave for your trip:
- Make copies of the credit cards you are taking, your driver’s license, and your passport.
- Create an emergency contact list and let those on your list know where you are going. If you have a good relationship with your travel agent, make sure they have your contact list, too.
- If you are traveling overseas, you might want to take local currency. Identify where to get cash for your destination and shop rates.
When thinking about what to take with you, ask yourself:
- How many days will you be gone on vacation?
- How many nights will you be staying and will you need evening clothes?
- Do you have unique plans like an opera or a special dinner that requires a unique outfit?
- What do I need, and what can I leave behind?
Your Vacation Packing List
Must brings
- Money
- ID, Passport & Visas
- Travel Docs
- VAX cards and docs
- Emergency contact information
- Tickets for tours, shows, busses, trains, planes, or events
- Jewelry (maybe more of a nice to bring)
Electronics – Plug ’em in.
- Phone Charger
- Phone
- Computer or Tablet
- Computer or Tablet chargers
Accessorize!
- Glasses or Contact lenses
- Sunglasses
- Hats
Toiletries for _____ days
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body Wash or Soap
- Face wash
- Face moisturizer
- Washcloth or scrubby
- Hairstyling products
- Sunscreen
- Hairbrush or comb
- Dryer, curling irons, flat irons
- Deodorant
- Perfume or Cologne
- Lotion
- Razor & Shaving Cream
- Ladies products
- Insect repellent
- Makeup
- Medicine and Vitamins
The Basics
- Underwear (tops and bottoms) for _____ days
- Sleeping wear for _____ days
Casual Daywear for _____ days!
- Shirts
- Shorts/Pants/Jeans
- Skirts
- Dresses
- Sox
- Belts
Evening or Business Wear for _____ nights
- Collared shirts
- Slacks
- Jackets
- Dresses
- Blouses
- Sox or stockings
- Suits
- Belts
- Ties
- Gown or Tux
Exercise clothes for _____ days.
Besides counting the number of days you plan to exercise. Are you also committing the number os push ups you’ll do?
- Exercise Tops
- Exercise Bottoms
- Exercise Sox
- Exercise undergarments (tops and bottoms)
A splash perhaps at the pool…
- Bathing suits for _____ days
- Coverup
- Plastic bag for a wet suit
Rain & Cold Weather Gear
- Coat
- Jacket
- Umbrella
Shoes – it can so hard to choose which shoes.
- Tennis, athletic, or hiking shoes
- Pool shoes or flip flops
- Walking around during the day shoes
- Going out at night shoes
- Business meeting shoes
Emergency/other travel items
- First aid kit
- A power converter for international travel
- Laundry wash
- Laundry bag
- Binoculars
“When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.” – Susan Heller
Stuff Beaching or Cruising
- Bathing suits
- Beach coverups
- Snorkel and mask
- Goggles for swimming
- Dive gear and dive card
- Fins
- Sunhat
- Beach bag
- Reusable water bottle
- Key card lanyard or key holder
Extra Stuff for Skiing and Boarding
- Specialty shoes like snowshoes, ski boots, snowboard boots
- Helmet
- Goggles
- Ski/Board Glasses
- Mittens/Gloves
- Neck gator
- Hat, headband, and/or earmuffs
- Face cover
- Body braces or wraps like a knee brace
- Long Underwear (tops and bottoms)
- Fleece shirts
- Ski/Board Jacket
- Ski/Board pants
- Sweaters
- Bathing Suit for the hot tub
- Skis or snowboard
- Ski bag or board bag
- Walkie Talkies
We hope our lists will help you pack more efficiently and avoid forgetting anything. A packing list might include clothes, toiletries, medications, technology, and other items, depending on the length of the trip. Here are some packing lists for different types of trips – packing for skiing or packing for the Bahamas! If you’re not sure where to start with your own packing list – print out one from our google doc (list tabs at the bottom) and leave comments for things we may have missed. Happy Trails!
