Don’t pack it all, but use this packing list as a guideline and reminder about what might go into your bag on that next getaway! I keep printed copies of this in a file and every time I go away, whether it’s for a weekend or a month, a business trip or an adventure, I use this packing list to decide what comes and what stays behind:
Clothing
- Short sleeve shirt(s)
- Long sleeve shirt(s)
- Sweater
- Jeans and/or long light pants or capris
- Skirt or sun dress
- Shorts
- Pajamas
- Underwear
- Jacket (lightweight or heavy depending on weather)
- Sandals
- Walking or hiking shoes
- Swimsuit
Accessories
- Passport
- Travelers checks
- Cash
- Credit/debit cards
- Reading materials (e-reader, magazines, books, etc.)
- Guidebooks
- Maps
- Eye shade
- Notepad/journal
- Pens
- Sunglasses
- Travel documents (boarding passes, contact info, directions, printouts with reservations, confirmations, etc.)
- Alarm clock
- Binoculars
- Flashlight
- SteriPEN (to purify your own water)
- Water bottle (for your own purified water)
- Gifts for locals
- Postcards from your home city (to share with locals)
- Games (card or other small games
Electronics
- Cell phone (make sure it is “unlocked” by your carrier so that you can use a local SIM card with it).)
- Cell phone charger
- Camera
- Camera charger
- Memory card(s) for camera
- Video camera
- Video camera charger
- Mp3 player
- Mp3 charger
- SteriPEN water purifier
- XShot camera extender
Toiletries
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Hairbrush
- Deodorant
- Hand lotion
- Face lotion
- Facial soap
- Makeup
- Razor
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Tweezers & nail clippers
- Dental floss
- Feminine products
First aid kit
- Tiger balm or pain reliever
- Prescription medicines
- Anti-diarrheal
- Mosquito repellent
- Tea tree oil (for cuts)
- Sunscreen
- Antibiotic cream
- Ace bandage
- Handi-wipes and/or anti-bacterial gel
- Safety pins
- Lip balm
- Band-aids
Pack as little as possible and bring only one carry-on if you can manage. Wear your heavier clothes and shoes on the flight.
Dress in layers when there’s a wide range of temperatures at your destination expected.
Note — Educate yourself on what’s appropriate to wear at your destination. For women, baring your shoulders, knees and elbows might not be appropriate in some countries. For men, shorts might not be appropriate. The more you can blend in with the locals, the more accepted and respected you’ll be treated.
Photo credit:
Packing list: lindyi
