Your Ultimate Packing List for Vacation + Digital Checklist

packing list for vacation - suitcase being packed

Are you getting ready to go on a vacation?

Whether it’s a beach getaway, a city break, or a camping trip, planning and packing for your vacation can be stressful. That’s why we created the ultimate packing list and digital checklist – so you don’t forget anything important for your next trip!

This ultimate packing list covers everything from clothes and toiletries to electronics and documents. Plus, the digital checklist makes it easy to keep track of what needs to be packed so nothing gets left behind.

Let’s jump in!

Packing List for Vacation: What to Include?

The “Containers”

When I am packing, I like to start by thinking about which bags I’m going to bring. This helps me structure my thought process around what to bring and where to put things. Here are some “containers” (aka travel bags) you might want to bring on your trip.

Carry-On Bag

A carry-on is a must-have item for any trip. It should be large enough to hold all of your essentials, but small enough to fit in the overhead compartment on a plane.

This can also be a small duffle bag, backpack, or a weekender if you’re traveling by car, bus, or train for a short vacation getaway.

Checked Bag

If you’re going on a longer trip, you may want to bring a checked piece of luggage. This should be large enough to hold the majority of the items for your trip.

Just make sure that it’s within the size and weight restrictions of the airline you’re flying with.

One of my favorite packing tips? Never pack your bag 100% full and always leave some room to bring back souvenirs or other purchases you might make during your vacation.

Personal Item

In addition to your carry-on, most airlines allow you to bring a personal item, such as a small bag, purse, or laptop bag. This is a great opportunity to bring any additional items you may need during your trip, such as a water bottle, cell phone, and a book to read or watch movies on.

Toiletry Bag

A toiletry bag is essential for any trip. Pack your toiletries, including body wash, travel toothbrush, and toothpaste. If you were curious, you can pack a basic razor in your toiletry bag while flying, but not a safety razor.

Consider bringing a small first aid kit with band-aids, pain relievers, and any necessary medications.

Optional: Document Organizer

Consider packing a travel document organizer to keep all of your important documents in one place. This can include your passport, driver’s license, travel itinerary, and hotel confirmation.

Optional: Money Belt

You may also want to bring a money belt or another secure place to store your extra cash and credit cards. I did this for a recent trip I took when I was carrying extra cash. Knowing I wouldn’t accidentally forget the cash or risk it falling out of a bag made me feel more comfortable while traveling.

What Goes Inside

items to pack in a suitcase

Documents

In the world we live in documents are essential for traveling. Like it or not, you need to be prepared with all your papers (or digital documents) for a smooth trip.

Here is a list of important items to bring:

  • Passport
  • Visa (if necessary)
  • Driver’s license
  • Boarding passes / train tickets / etc.
  • Hotel confirmation
  • Trip itinerary
  • Travel Insurance
  • Health Insurance Card
  • Emergency contact information

Clothing

When it comes to clothing, it’s important to pack for both the weather and the activities you have planned.

For warm weather destinations, pack a bathing suit, a few t-shirts, and shorts. If you’re traveling to multiple destinations, make sure you pack clothing appropriate for each location. If you’re hiking or doing any outdoor activities, don’t forget to pack your hiking boots.

Shoes

When packing shoes, consider the activities you have planned. Pack a pair of dress shoes for formal events, a pair of hiking boots for outdoor activities, and a pair of sandals or flip-flops for the beach.

Make sure to pack a separate bag for dirty shoes to keep your clean clothes free from dirt and debris.

Accessories

Don’t forget to pack travel essentials such as a watch, sunglasses, and a hat. For those who like to stay organized, a small day bag can be useful for carrying items during the day.

Tech Accessories

If you’re traveling internationally, it’s a great idea to bring a travel adapter for your devices.

Other accessories that are important to pack are a phone charger and a power bank, so you can keep all your devices charged while on the go.

And don’t forget your headphones – they can come in handy for long plane rides, car trips, and leisurely strolls throughout your vacation destination. An absolute must for me!

Entertainment

I always love to pack a deck of cards when I go on vacation. This is a great way to pass the time while you’re in transit or waiting at the airport.

If I know I’ll have downtime in the hotel and am traveling with a group of friends or family members, I also like to pack a portable board game or two.

You might also want to bring a kindle or e-book for some vacation reading, instead of packing a tone of books

Comfort

A sleeping mask and neck pillow are always useful when traveling long distances. They can help you get comfortable during a long flight or car ride, and they might even help you catch up on some rest.

Bringing a small blanket can also be helpful if you need to keep warm on the plane or in other settings.

I have some friends who never travel without slippersa fun comfort travel accessory I plan to try out soon. They’ll even change into their slippers on the plane for a more relaxed and comfortable travel experience.

Miscalenious

Packing snacks is essential for me when traveling. It always makes me feel happier knowing I won’t get stuck without any food! 🙂

Don’t forget to pack an umbrella, hat, and a small day bag for all the sights you’ll explore. A small tote or crossbody bag has worked great for me.

Staying hydrated is also super important on any vacation, and a reusable water bottle helps reduce plastic waste and saves money on bottled water.

And finally, a small bag to keep your dirty laundry separate during your travels!

Packing Tips

Packing Tip 1

To make the most of your carry-on space, consider using compression packing cubes – a really helpful travel accessory!

They help keep your clothes organized and save space.

Packing Tip 2

Opt for a capsule wardrobe in fun colors that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits.

But also, don’t be afraid to take some risks and be creative! That’s one of the most fun things to do on vacation. When you’re away from home, you can be anyone you want.

Packing Tip 3

Don’t overpack. Really. If there’s something you forgot or realized you didn’t bring enough of, you can always purchase it at your destination.

But to be honest, most of the time I’m traveling I realize I don’t need that much stuff. I’m too busy exploring and soaking up the atmosphere to be worried about wearing the same shirt two days in a row.

Digital Travel Checklist

Packing checklist in progress
I love using the iPhone Notes app to organize my packing list!

To help ensure you don’t forget anything, copy and paste this ultimate packing checklist below into a notes app on your phone and check things off as you start packing.

Containers:

  • Carry-On Bag
  • Checked Bag
  • Personal Item
  • Toiletry Bag
  • Optional: Document Organizer
  • Optional: Money Belt

Inside:

Documents:

  • Passport
  • Visa (if necessary)
  • Driver’s license
  • Boarding passes/train tickets
  • Hotel confirmation
  • Trip itinerary
  • Travel Insurance
  • Health Insurance Card
  • Emergency contact information

Clothing:

  • 5 to 7 tops (a mix of t-shirts, short-sleeve shirts, and a lightweight sweater)
  • 2 to 3 bottoms (a pair of shorts, a pair of pants, and a skirt)
  • 1 to 2 dresses
  • 1 swimsuit
  • 7 to 10 underwear and socks
  • 2 pairs of shoes (dress shoes and hiking boots or comfortable sneakers)

Accessories:

  • Watch
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Small day bag

Tech:

  • Phone
  • Laptop
  • e-Sim or travel sim
  • Travel adapter
  • Phone charger
  • Power bank
  • Headphones

Entertainment:

  • Deck of cards
  • Portable board games
  • Kindle/e-book

Comfort:

  • Sleeping mask
  • Neck pillow
  • Small blanket
  • Optional: Slippers

Whether you’re packing only a carry-on or for a month-long trip, this vacation packing list will help you stay organized and clear-minded during your travels.

FAQs

What do you need for a 7-day vacation?

For a 7-day vacation, the following packing list should provide you with enough options for comfortable and versatile outfits:

  • 5 to 7 tops (a mix of t-shirts, short-sleeve shirts, and a lightweight sweater)
  • 2 to 3 bottoms (a pair of shorts, a pair of pants, and a skirt)
  • 1 to 2 dresses
  • 1 swimsuit
  • 7 to 10 underwear and socks
  • 2 pairs of shoes (dress shoes and hiking boots or comfortable sneakers)

Additionally, pack a light jacket or hoodie for cool evenings, and a hat and sunglasses for sun protection. When it comes to toiletries, pack travel-sized versions of essentials such as toothpaste, shampoo, and body wash. Don’t forget a first aid kit and any necessary medications.

It’s also important to consider the climate and activities planned for your vacation. If you’ll be hiking, bring a pair of sturdy hiking boots. If you’re traveling to a warm-weather destination, pack more lightweight clothing and swimwear.

It’s always a good idea to pack a laundry bag for dirty clothes and to pack extra items such as hair ties and a water bottle. With this packing list, you should have enough options for comfortable and versatile outfits for your 7-day vacation.

Wrapping Up & My Experience Packing for Vacation

Packing for vacation doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With the right tools and tips, you can make sure that your trip is well-prepared with everything from comfy clothes to important documents.

When I pack, I try to give myself enough time so that I’m not rushing around my apartment at the last minute. And most of all, while I’m packing I get really excited about my vacation and start imagining all that I’ll get to do and see during my trip.

If I’m feeling especially unmotived, I might watch a fun Vogue vlog about packing for a vacation to get my creative juices flowing.

Whether it’s a long weekend getaway or an extended holiday abroad, following the advice in this article will help ensure that all of your needs are met while on vacation so you can truly enjoy yourself!

So don’t let packing overwhelm you – follow these simple rules and create an unforgettable travel experience.

Bon voyage!

Similar Posts