The complete travel packing list (2024)

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Want to make sure that you’ve packed everything you need for your trip? Super! Here’s a free printable vacation packing list that’ll help you do just that!

The complete travel packing list (1)

This week I wanted to make you another printable that’ll simplify your traveling. It’s a complete vacation packing list so that you can feel at ease that you won’t forget to pack anything important.

I absolutely love traveling and it’s one of those things that’s always on my “dreams and goals list”.

But the packing part is the one that stresses me so much.

And I can’t tell you how many times I double-check that I have my passport and wallet with me on the departure day. Only after I’ve gotten rid off the checked luggage and have my boarding pass in my hand I start enjoying the trip… if even then. But at that point I can’t do much about anything anymore so I just “surrender” and accept that I’ve packed what I’ve packed and that’ll have to do.

So if you’re anything like me and you worry about your packing, then you’ll love this ultimate packing checklist!

I want you to enjoy every bit of your trip and the time before your departure day should be equally enjoyable.

So I hope this printable packing list will simplify your traveling and give you a bit more peace of mind so that you can have the best trip ever.

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Packing properly is one of the biggest things you need to take care of so that you can enjoy your vacation. But it’s not the only thing. There are different things you’ll need to do and arrange

  • before booking
  • a few weeks before your trip
  • just before your departure day
  • and on the departure day

I’ve also made you achecklist for all those things you need to do so that you can feel at ease when you’re planning your trip and that you get to enjoy your travels without worrying if you forgot something.

But in this post there’s a complete list of things that you might want to pack on your next trip.

I’ll guide you through this complete travel packing list so that you can be organized and stress-free and feel confident that you remembered to packed everything needed.

Note! I made you also a pre-written packing list printable, but because I know that different trips and situations need different items to be packed (like you don’t need a beach towel if you’re going skiing), so there’s also a blank packing list that you can customize to your needs.

So here we go!

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The categories on the printable packing list

I’ve categorized the vacation packing list into four categories: clothes, miscellaneous, toiletries and carry-on bag.

And here are the sub-categories for each main category. I’ll go into details after I’ve introduced these categories for you.

Psst! If you’d like to make your own packing list, these are a great starting point for that purpose.

Clothes

  • Basics
  • Casual/formal
  • Outerwear
  • Other

Miscellaneous

  • Footwear
  • Accessories
  • Other
  • Health
  • Important info

Toiletries

  • Hair
  • Dental care
  • Personal care
  • Beauty

Carry-on

  • Must-haves
  • Electronics

Packing tips: And the best suitcase brandis this one. Without a doubt. They last forever.

Packing list for vacation – all Items

Here’s the complete list of items, products, papers and other things you (might) want to pack. You can also find all of these in the pre-written packing list printable. Or you can use the ones that you need and create your own packing list (there’s also a blank packing list printable for you to do so).

Clothes

Basics

  • Underwear
  • Bras/undershirts
  • Socks/tights
  • Nightwear
  • Bathrobe

Casual everyday clothes & formal

  • T-shirts
  • Casual shirts
  • Dress shirts
  • Sweaters/sweatshirts
  • Jeans
  • Pants
  • Slacks
  • Shorts
  • Skirts
  • Dresses
  • Blazers
  • Suits
  • Formal weal

Outerwear

  • Jackets/coats
  • Raincoats
  • Hats
  • Gloves
  • Scarves

Other

  • Sports wear
  • Swimsuits
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Miscellaneous

Footwear

  • Athletic shoes
  • Casual shoes
  • Dress/formal shoes
  • Sandals/flip-flops
  • Slippers

Accessories

  • Belts
  • Ties
  • Jewellery
  • Backpack/day bag
  • Purses
  • Tote bags

Other

  • Umbrella
  • Plastic bags
  • Laundry bag
  • Sewing kit
  • Torchlight
  • Beach towel

Health

  • Small first-aid kit
  • Medication
  • Vitamins

Important info

  • List of medications
  • Credit card companies contacts
  • Emergency contacts
  • Address book
  • Phone numbers

Packing tips: Check out also the free printable travel checklist I’ve made for things to do at home before your travels. You can print it out from this post. And order a set of packing cubes. These luggage organizers are awesome and affordable.

Toiletries– what to pack in your toiletry bag

Hair

  • Shampoo+conditioner
  • Hairbrush/comb
  • Styling products+tools
  • Hair accessories

Dental care

  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Dental floss

Personal care

  • Soap/shower gel
  • Deodorant
  • Perfume/cologne
  • Moisturizer
  • Sunscreen
  • Shaving products
  • Face cleanser
  • Face lotion
  • Lip balm
  • Nail file/clippers
  • Tweezers
  • Contact lenses+case
  • Feminine hygiene products

Beauty

  • Makeup
  • Makeup remover
  • Cotton buds
  • Compact mirror

Packing tips: If I travel light and have to choose what to take with me, then this is THE product I go nowhere without.

What to pack: carry-on luggage / Personal item

Must-haves

  • Wallet/cash
  • Credit cards
  • Passport, visa & ID
  • Travel documents
  • Insurance cards
  • Keys
  • Glasses + cases
  • Sunglasses + cases
  • Valuables
  • Travel pillow
  • Travel blanket/shawl
  • Sleeping mask
  • Earplugs
  • Medication
  • Notebook + pen
  • Book
  • Trip itinerary
  • Guidebook
  • Maps & directions
  • Bottled water
  • Snacks
  • Tiessues
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Chewing gum
  • Footrest

Packing tips: I don‘t travel anywhere anymore without this footrest. This is the best few bucks I’ve ever spent. And the people sitting next to me always ask what it is and secretly (and sometimes openly) wish they would have one too.

Electronics

  • Phone + charger
  • Laptop + charger
  • Tablet + charger
  • Camera + charger
  • Travel plug adapter
  • Video/music player
  • Headphones
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How to use the free printable packing list for vacation

So there are three versions to choose from:

  • The pre-written one with all items and categories on it.
  • A blank one with the main categories on it
  • And a totally blank one with just checkboxes on it that you can customize to your needs

The ultimate packing list PDFs come in US letter size, but you can resize and use it for example as half letter or A4 size paper (or A5).

You can also keep the packing lists in your planner, in your travel binder or in your home management binder so that you can revisit them and use them multiple times.

Thecomplete travel packing listhas a place to write

  • Your destination
  • When you’re traveling
  • And who you’re traveling with

And then there are four different categories.

  • Clothes
  • Miscellaneous
  • Toiletries
  • Carry-on

You can either use the pre-written one or customize your own and use the complete packing list as an inspiration.

Psst! Check out also the complete traveling checklist for things to do at home before your travels.

And this is how the complete travel packing lists look like.

This is the pre-written ultimate vacation packing list:

The complete travel packing list (6)

And this is the blank packing list with the main categories:

The complete travel packing list (7)

And this is the totally blank packing list:

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The complete travel packing list (9)

How to download vacation packing list template

You can download the ultimate packing list printables by clicking the download links under the images. These are printable gifts so please feel free to print out as many as you need for your personal use.

The printables (of course) come without the big bow logo.

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DOWNLOAD: Complete Travel Packing Lists(ALL THREE IN ONE PDF FILE)

© SaturdayGift Ltd. For personal use only, not to be copied, distributed, altered or sold.

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The complete travel packing list (2024)

FAQs

What is the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method? ›

Its version of the 5-4-3-2-1 method includes "five tops, four bottoms, three accessories, two shoes (a practical pair and a nice pair), and one swimsuit," though like the Times this formula allows the wiggle room to swap out accessories based on your destination and type of travel.

What is the most forgotten item when packing for vacation? ›

So here's a list of the most commonly forgotten vacation items.
  • Underwear. ...
  • Warm Clothing. ...
  • Toiletries. ...
  • Glasses, Contacts and Solution. ...
  • Your Phone Chargers and Power Cords. ...
  • Your Prescription Medications. ...
  • Your Swimsuit. ...
  • An Umbrella & Ziplock Bags.

What is the rule of 3 travel packing? ›

While we've covered other packing systems here on Inc.com, Appelt's is even easier and boils down to a simple principle we'll call the "Rule of 3." "Appelt says the key to a light, functional travel wardrobe is having pieces that can be worn in at least three different ways," reports Insider.

How many clothes for a 1 month trip? ›

Choose versatile items you can mix and match.

Some people swear by the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method -- five tops, four bottoms, three pairs of shoes and dresses, two swimsuits and bags, and one watch, hat, and pair of sunglasses.

What is the 333 packing rule? ›

The concept of this packing rule is that you choose three tops, three bottoms, and three pairs of shoes to create more than a dozen outfit looks that fit easily into your carry-on.

What is the 333 packing method? ›

What is the '333 packing' method? The concept is fairly simple: Choose three tops, three bottoms and three pairs of shoes to create different outfit combinations. The result is more than a dozen looks that fit easily in your carry-on luggage.

What is that one thing that you will never forget to pack on a trip? ›

Don't forget the first aid kit

We're not asking you to prepare for ER, just a small bag with the most necessary pills and medicine you might need. After all, nobody wants to suffer a punishing headache, high-climate fever, upset stomach or all three during a holiday.

What not to bring when traveling internationally? ›

  • Excessive Valuables: Leave expensive jewelry and unnecessary valuables at home.
  • Unnecessary Gadgets: Think twice before packing items you rarely use.
  • Too Many Clothes: Overpacking can make your luggage heavy, make travel difficult and limit space for souvenirs.
Oct 17, 2023

How do I not overpack for a 10 day trip? ›

How to Avoid Overpacking for Vacation: 10 Useful Tips
  1. Make a checklist beforehand.
  2. Pack a mini capsule wardrobe.
  3. Choose outfits ahead of time.
  4. Replace full-size toiletries for travel size.
  5. Book a destination with a laundry service.
  6. Consider packing multipurpose footwear.
  7. Avoid packing items “just in case”
Jul 12, 2022

What is the golden rule of packing? ›

2: THE GOLDEN RULE

The heavier the item, the smaller the box! It's much easier to carry heavier items when they're in smaller boxes. Save the larger boxes for things that are lighter, but hard to carry on their own. Never over-pack a box.

How not to overpack for a trip? ›

You can pack more efficiently by either rolling your clothes individually or packing everything into a bundle. Rewear your clothing more than once, use travel-sized toiletries, and avoid packing a suitcase. Take a rollaboard or carry-on bag instead.

What is the 1 to 6 packing rule? ›

Embrace minimalist packing

Heard of the 1-2-3-4-5-6 packing rule? Many seasoned travellers swear by it. Simply pack one hat, two pairs of shoes, three bottoms, four tops, five pairs of socks, and six pairs of underwear and you'll have enough outfits for a week away.

How many bras to pack for 2 weeks? ›

If you have unlimited suitcase space and don't want to do any laundry, a two-week trip means packing 14/2 = 7 bras and at least 14 pairs of underwear. That consumes a lot of valuable suitcase space! To reduce the number of pieces that need to be packed, simply commit to doing laundry on the road.

How many pajamas should you bring for a week trip? ›

Sleepwear. Whether you sleep in t-shirts and sweatpants or complete pajama sets, about two pairs of pajamas will be enough for a weeklong vacation. However, if you're someone who likes slipping into fresh pajamas every night, then you may want to pack extra loungewear, space in your luggage permitting.

How many pants to pack for 2 weeks? ›

It is best to have two pairs of bottoms (pants, shorts, or skirts) for each week that you'll be staying. Plan on bringing four shirts per week, and two jackets to layer for warmth (if you're traveling to a cool or cold destination). For a two-week trip, you need four bottoms and eight tops.

What is the 1/2, 3/4, and 5/6 rule packing? ›

Consider the 1-2-3-4-5-6 Rule

One general guideline is to pack one hat, two pairs of shoes, three bottoms, four tops (short or long-sleeve or outer layer), five pairs of socks, six pairs of underwear. This should be enough to last you for two weeks.

What is the 5 4 3 2 1 packing method for cold weather? ›

5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 dresses, 2 pairs of shoes, 1 swimsuit. Going somewhere cold? 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 sweaters, 1 coat.

Which packing method is best? ›

Your packing technique of choice will very much depend on your priorities. Vertical folding is the best compromise for those short on time, while bundling is the ultimate technique if you have an hour or two at your disposal and want to maximize space without creating wrinkles.

What is the 5 1 rule for travel? ›

For every 1 trip you want to take, say no to 5 materialistic items. How? People who prioritise travel say no to impulsive shopping, fast fashion, expensive alcohol, gourmet food orders, 100s of beauty products and makeup.

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