A packing list for people who forget things and let it ruin their vacation

Somewhere over the Atlantic or something, September ‘22 // 5 minute read

I went to both Germany and Spain this summer (only a couple of weeks apart!) and on my first trip, there were a few tiny things I forgot to bring and it was annoying every single day that I was there. I looked through old packing lists in my Notes app and made this master list so that you don’t go through the same thing. 

Obviously, you should add in anything specific you’ll need (since this is just the list I used consisting of items that work for me) but after packing my own bags for over a decade (and traveling relatively frequently, both domestically and internationally), I’ve finally gotten to the point where I can get every thing I need in an intelligently-designed carry on (I have the standard Away suitcase) and a large backpack as a personal item (look for one with lots of pockets and a suitcase strap so you don’t have to wear anything). I also highly recommend items like packing cubes and a shoe cube, since you don’t want your shoes to get everything else dirty. 

Also, as a disclaimer, most of the trips I go on are to cities where I spend the majority of time shopping, going to museums, eating, drinking, and walking by foot. Don’t forget to tweak this list to whatever needs you have.

Bon voyage! :) 

Packing List

Priority/safety items:

◦ Passport/ID

◦ Travel docs downloaded and in an envelope/Ziploc

◦ N95 Masks

◦ Foreign and local currency (get before airport so you don’t get ripped off, this can take a few weeks)

◦ Wallet

◦ Keys to your house

◦ Medications

◦ Luggage locks and keys

◦ Tile/Airtag trackers in bags

◦ Downloaded map of destination on phone

◦ COVID test if needed (schedule a PCR at your destination or pack a rapid)

Baggage:

◦ Carry-on suitcase (Don’t check a bag. Just don’t do it.)

◦ Personal item with a suitcase strap that can also fit small purse or belly bag for daily use and airport

◦ Packable tote bag for shopping & day bag to carry your stuff around

◦ Foldable duffle bag to check to home for shopping

Plane outfit:

◦ Tank top

◦ Leggings

◦ Compression socks so you hopefully don’t get a blood clot and die before the fun begins

◦ Sweatshirt/vest/stylish jacket

◦ Big scarf (cold weather)

◦ Bulkiest shoes (weather boots)

Clothing/accessories in packing cubes (plan these by the day):

◦ 5 shirts/sweaters

◦ 2 bottoms/1 belt

◦ 2 dresses/skirts

◦ Black tank top

◦ Bike shorts

◦ Pajamas

◦ Socks/Tights

◦ Bras/Underwear

◦ Travel jewelry case and jewelry

◦ Stylish scarf

◦ Formal wear if needed (don’t forget a nice bag)

Shoes (in packing cube, these don’t include your bulky ones you’re wearing on the plane):

◦ Nicer shoes

◦ Walking shoes

◦ Flip flops

Weather Items (depends on season):

◦ Beanie/gloves

◦ Sunglasses(prescription)/sun hat/sandals

◦ Swimsuit/cover-up/flip flops/towel

◦ Packable jacket appropriate for weather

◦ Umbrella

◦ Wet bag for exploring if precipitation is in the forecast

Tech:

◦ Phone/laptop/chargers

◦ Charged AirPods

◦ Travel adapter for destination

◦ USB block and USB cord (for use in airports and on older planes)

◦ Portable charger with cord, charged

◦ Charged eReader with books downloaded

Wellness:

◦ First Aid (Ibuprofen, cold medicine, cough drops, Bandaids, Emergen-C, melatonin, etc.)

◦ Travel yoga mat and wrist weights for workouts

Entertainment:

◦ ONE book (preferably thin paperback… be honest with yourself. You’re not going to read more than one book on this trip)

◦ Movies/TV Shows/Music downloaded

◦ Travel journal if you like to remember everything you did

Miscellaneous:

◦ Slim Glasses/sunglasses case

◦ Snacks (not too many that you end up having to lug them back home!)

◦ Travel Pillow

◦ Empty water bottle

◦ Guidebook

◦ Lint roller and sewing kit/safety pins

◦ Travel hair straightener (to be curly or straight)

◦ Extra plastic baggies

◦ Gifts (if applicable)

◦ Glossier pink bubble pouch for safekeeping of postcards and mementos

◦ Tide pen

◦ Laundry detergent powder if on long trip

◦ Binoculars for sightseeing and maybe looking at animals

In-flight pouch:

◦ Gum for takeoff/landing

◦ Tissues

◦ Period supplies/Ibuprofen/melatonin

◦ Lip balm

◦ Hand lotion/sanitizer

◦ Wet wipes to clean hands and disinfect tray table

◦ Mini notebook and multi pen for customs/journaling

◦ Compact mirror

◦ Small toothbrush and solid toothpaste, floss

◦ Small deodorant

◦ Cord headphones

◦ Eye mask

Toiletries in Dopp kit:

◦ Toothbrush and floss

◦ Retainer

◦ Q-tips

◦ Deodorant

◦ Period supplies

◦ Solid perfume

◦ Razor, tweezers, eyebrow razor, nail clipper

◦ Hairbrush/comb

◦ Hair accessories

Liquids, gels, and aerosols in a clear reusable case, wrapped in a gallon Ziplock bag to prevent leaks:

◦ Contact lenses and solution/drops

◦ Toothpaste

◦ Shampoo/Dry Shampoo/hair products

◦ Conditioner

◦ Face wash

◦ Body wash

◦ Face/body lotion

◦ Lip mask and sleeping mask

◦ Sunscreen

◦ Makeup

Trip-specific items:

◦ Whatever else you might need to have a safe, fun, and convenient vacation :)