Somebody drew their packing list – brilliant! Image via underconsideration.com
A couple of weeks ago I wrote a post about my packing philosophy: My Maximalist Packing Manifesto. I probably sound like I pack 1,000,000 things in my suitcase, which isn’t true. I just believe that you should pack the things you will need and will use on the trip, not skimping for the sake of traveling light. In other words, I don’t start with a small suitcase and pack things into it. I start with a pile of things I want to bring and then I decide on the bag(s) to put that stuff into. I think it lends to a more civilized way to travel.
In order to make packing less stressful it is critical to have a good packing list. Over the years I have customized a packing list for myself — see below. I update it after every trip. I often want to skip items on the list, thinking I won’t need them, but experience has taught me to pack it all. It’s better to be prepared.
So, here is my all purpose packing list (good for work or vacation) — feel free take it and customize it for your needs!
Note: You can download the list at the bottom of the post — just scroll down.
Basics
☐ tickets
☐ cash/foreign currency
☐ passport (and photocopy of passport, kept in separate bag)
☐ immunization booklet (if needed)
☐ international drivers license (if needed)
☐ itinerary – multiple copies
☐ maps and travel books
☐ notebooks and pens
☐ tea bags and snacks
☐ emergency contact info
☐ travel pillow (this is one item I actually skip most of the time)
☐ reading material
☐ umbrella
☐ business cards
☐ extra duffel bag
☐ extra Ziplocks/dirty laundry bags
☐ luggage scale
Electronics
☐ phone and charger
☐ ear buds and audio splitter
☐ tablet and charger
☐ laptop and charger
☐ camera, charger, mini USB cable and extra battery
☐ Flip video camera
☐ travel power strip – you won’t have to worry if your hotel room has enough outlets
☐ travel speakers (if needed, I like having them for long trips)
☐ foreign power converter (if needed)
☐ flashlight/headlamp
☐ jump drive (wiped!)
☐ travel battery (to re-charge devices on the go)
Personal
☐ make up (lipstick, concealer, blush, eyebrow pencil, eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow, powder)
☐ contacts/saline
☐ deodorant
☐ comb/hair ties
☐ astringent/acne cream
☐ moisturizer w sunscreen
☐ hand sanitizer/handi-wipes
☐ birth control
☐ toothpaste/toothbrush
☐ shampoo/conditioner/body wash/face wash
☐ cotton balls/Q-tips (I bring 1 Q-tip for each day of the trip)
☐ nail file/scissors/polish
☐ first aid kit
☐ Woolite packets
☐ insect repellent/sunscreen
☐ tampons
☐ razor
☐ sewing kit and safety pins
☐ dry shampoo
☐ Sigg water bottle
☐ sunglasses
☐ wallet
☐ (2) large plastic envelopes for collecting receipts, postcards, misc.
☐ notebook and pens
Clothing
☐ pants (1pr jeans, 1pr leggings, +?)
☐ shorts (1pr for gym, 1pr for wearing out/lounging hotel room)
☐ coat/jacket/fleece/rain coat
☐ cardigan sweater(s)
☐ blazer
☐ tennis shoes/hiking boots
☐ sandals/flip-flops
☐ boots/heels/flats
☐ dresses – pack 5+ (easy to dress up/down, takes up little space, make dressing easy)
☐ bras/panties/lingerie – enough for a week
☐ socks (as needed) and 1 pr black opaque tights
☐ bikini and sarong (I always bring a bikini even if I’m not sure if I will need it)
☐ purses: black clutch and large high quality tote bag (this works well for a vacation or business trip)
☐ all purpose cotton/silk scarf (multicolored stripes go with everything)
☐ belts (I usually bring a red belt and a reversible black/gold belt)
☐ statement jewelry (x3) – a chunky necklace, cocktail ring, etc.
☐ t-shirts (neutral t-shirts and tank tops of various styles/necklines, plus some colorful ones)
☐ seasonal: hats, gloves, wool scarves
Download a copy of the list:
Download Packing List (.pdf)Download Packing List (.doc)
Have fun exploring the world!
What are your BEST packing tips?