The Ultimate Vacation Packing Checklist
The 2022 Vacation Confidence Index noted that more Americans traveled in 2022 than seen in previous years. Indeed, vacationing is becoming much more accessible, however, packing for your vacay can certainly be a stressful ordeal. How can you be sure exactly what to bring? And heaven forbid you forget something crucial like your passport or phone charger! Well, you needn’t worry any longer. We have put together the ultimate vacation packing checklist for you! Keep reading to discover all the essentials to pack, plus a few extras depending on your type of trip.
What to consider when packing?
Before you start packing, consider how long your trip is. This will determine if you’ll need checked luggage or just carry-on. Once you’ve decided how much luggage you’ll need, some other factors to consider include:
- the climate of your destination;
- the kind of activities you’ll be doing;
- if toiletries are included in your accommodation;
- and how much you’ll be traveling once at your destination.
Considering all of the above, you can start to compile a checklist based on your specific vacay needs. Scroll down for some packing checklist inspo!
Essential Clothes to pack
These are the most essential clothes, regardless of your type of vacation. Be sure to bring extra panties, socks, and t-shirts- you can never have too many!
- Panties
- Socks
- Bras
- P.Js
- Jeans
- T-shirts
- Sweatshirts
- Day dresses
- Gym clothes
- A jacket or coat
- A fanny pack or small bag
- Jewelry
- Sneakers
Toiletries to pack
If you’re only bringing carry-on luggage, check with your airline for your liquid allowances. Remember, items like shampoo or shower gel, you can purchase at your destination to save on some space.
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Shower gel
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Hairbrush
- Hair comb
- Hair straightener or dryer
- Face wash
- Facial moisturizer
- Sunscreen
- Body lotion
- Shaving products
- Make-up
- Make-up remover
- Contact lens solution
- Period products
- Birth control
- Pain killers
- Bandaids
- Sewing kit
- insect repellent
- Nail file
Electronics to pack
Depending on the length of your trip, you may not need all of the below. But, in general, here are some of the electronics you should pack.
- Mobile phone
- Mobile phone charger
- Laptop
- Laptop charger
- Ebook
- Ebook charger
- Headphones
- Memory card
- Plug adapter
- Extension cord
- Universal adapter
Carry-on luggage
Most airlines allow you to have two carry-on items, a small suitcase, and a backpack or bag. Check with your airline the size guidelines for each item. In your backpack or bag, you’ll want to pack the below.
- Mobile phone
- Wallet
- House keys
- Passport
- Boarding pass
- Itinerary
- Map
- Travel pillow
- Eye mask
- Earplugs
- Headphones
- Book or Ebook
- Gum or hard sweets
- Tissues
- Wet wipes
- Lip balm
- Change of panties
- Change of socks
- Sunglasses
- Glasses
- Hand sanitizer
- Face mask
Extras for a beach holiday
If you’re planning to spend a lot of time on the beach, don’t forget these essentials. If you’re short on space, some of these you can buy upon arrival.
- Bikini or swimsuit
- Flip flops
- Beach throw
- Microfiber towel
- Beach bag
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Tanning oil
- After sun
- Cover-ups
Extras for a hiking holiday
Or, if you’re planning to do plenty of hiking, be sure not to forget any of these essentials.
- Hiking boots or sneakers
- Waterproof jacket
- Appropriate clothes (think waterproof and layers)
- Backpack
- Fanny pack
- Small first aid kit
- A torch
- An empty water bottle
How to pack like a pro
Savvy packing can save you some money and helps you avoid overpacking. To pack like a pro and only bring what you need, follow these tips below.
- Bring versatile clothes: rather than packing outfits, pack items you know you can wear differently on multiple occasions.
- Plan what to wear: have a vague idea in your head of what you’ll wear each day and night. This way you’ll avoid bringing clothes that never leave your suitcase.
- Find out about the facilities: if you’re staying in an Airbnb or hotel, find out what’s there. Maybe they provide toiletries and beach essentials? Or have a washing machine on-site? Knowing can help you save precious space.
- Avoid packing heavy items: it can be tempting to bring a couple of pairs of shoes or your speaker. But these items are often heavy and take up too much of your weight allowance.
- Buy what you can there: to save on space, purchase items on arrival. You can buy things like toiletries, beach throws, or anything else non-specific once you arrive.
- Keep some space spare: don’t forget to leave some space for any souvenirs or ornaments you’ll most likely want to bring back with you.
Packing made easy
As long as you plan and pack according to your needs, it’s a lot less stressful! It’s also a good idea to create a packing checklist and bring it with you. So, when you’re packing to return home, you don’t leave anything behind. For more travel tips and guidance, check out our World Travel blog catalog, only at Beginnng.com.