Packing list free printable

Note: A link to the high-res pdf printable packing list template is at the bottom of this post. Below I have included my favourite packing tips as well as links to my favourite products on the list. If you love Trello, Ive also got a link below to the same list in Trello. Let me know if youd love to see this packing list in a different format and Ill see what I can do

UPDATED FOR COVID:I was resisting updating this printable packing template to include a COVID section but it looks like well be in a COVID world for a while yet [sigh]. I have travelled [safely, responsibly and not as much as normal] during the pandemic and I have some tips to share on what to pack for COVID travel, beyond the obvious hand gel and masks. See the section at the bottom as well as the new, updated template. Im eternally hopeful that well be able to return to non-mask-wearing flights one day, at which point Ill switch us back to the original mask-free list.

NEW Now on Trello:If Trellos your way to get things done [me too], you might be thrilled to know that Ive put this packing list onto Trello. All for free. You can access the packing template on Trello here. Save a copy and get packing. Any feedback welcome on whether you find this useful or not. Click here to pin this packing list template on Pinterest

Travel Packing List

Ive used this packing list template for a 14 day trip and a 14 month trip. The difference:I take my clothes to a laundry service about every 2 weeks when Im away for longer. And if youre looking to pack carry-on only, focus on those items with a * next to them.

This list is suitable fora wide variety of destinations. You might want to do a little adaptation a second base layer instead of a second bikini if youre off to cold climes but otherwise this packing list template is essentially the same regardless of your destination, which is what makes it so useful.And it can even be used regardless of your travel style with a few small changes. For example, youre more likely to need to pack a travel towel if youre staying in hostels compared to hotels.I originally put this list together for my own purposes and Ivetweaked it over several years of almost full-time travel. So, you can be confident its been tested over and over again.

Clothes & Shoes

Packing tips:I havent recommended particular products for every clothing itembecause things like beachwear and underwear arehighly personal and clothing changes with the season. Beyond the technical active wear and my cold weather clothes, I usually just pick up pretty cheap clothes that I dont mind ruining with beer, sweat and hot sauce. By all means, pack yourDiane von Furstenberg and Burberry but be prepared to say goodbye to them if youre taking them away to any developing countries or for an extended period of time.

Active wear

• Packing tips:Opt for technical active wear and spend a bit more if you can. In return, youll get anti-wicking, long lasting, quick drying products, all of which youll want while youre travelling.
• Running shorts great for hiking and daywear, I pack a pair that can also be used for swimming in case the hike takes me to a waterfall.I love myNike running shorts.Buy it here.
• Quick dry t-shirt same as above. Also great as a cover-up at the beach to protect from sun rays and sand flies.Buy it here.
• Sports bra horse riding, sky diving, running, hiking or sitting for 6 hours on a bus over broken roads, a sports bra can make the difference between comfort and discomfort. Also doubles as a bra if your others break.Buy it here.
• Sports socks 1-3 pairs depending how active you plan to be. Can also keep your feet warm in-transit/tents/over air-conditioned spaces. Get a pair with extra material by your ankleto prevent them slipping down.Buy it here.
• Running shoes essential if youre going to do any decent hiking or outdoor activities. And, if you dont care about clashing vivid neons with your everyday clothes, you might be able toalso use your running shoes as your everyday shoes. I packNew Balance running shoes for their fit and light weight.Buy it here.
• Hiking boots [optional]Ive never packed a pair and Ive never regretted it. In fact, Ive walked the Inca Trail and hiked plenty of volcanoes on my travels, all in running shoes. Just pick a pair with good grip.Buy it here.

ColdWear

• Packing tips:Another area of kit where I invest a bit more money for better quality is my cold wear. I survived an arctic snap in the USA a few years ago with just a thin windbreaker and a top quality base layer to supplement my normal winter clothes.
• Windbreaker / jacket pack one thats waterproof and windproof with a hood. I pack a light windbreaker by The North Face.Buy it here.
• Base layer top merino wool, though more expensive, gives the best insulation.Buy it here.
• Base layer bottoms if your destination isnt hyper-cold, a pair of leggings and a pair of tights worn together can do the same job.Buy it here.
• Fleece pack one with a hood for extra warmth. Another The North Face item for me. Buy it here.
• Hat choose one thats wool with fleece lining for maximum warmth.Buy it here.
• Gloves go for function [wool and/or layers of lining that fit snuggly] over beauty/cutie styles [leather/mittens]. If you use your phone for photos, get a pair that can go touch screen without having to remove them. Buy it here.
• Scarf this item could go in lots of places on this list. Get a large, cotton scarf and it will give warmth but also can double as a blanket for flights/buses, sarong, beach cover-up, towel and sleep sheet.Buy it here.

Beachwear

• Bikini / Swim suit I can get by with just one in a hot country [wash it and it dries over night] but if you have space, 2 is better.
• Sarong pick a practical one [cotton] that is bigger than your body but lightweight and quick drying. Test it in the laundry at home and check the colour doesnt run if you do laundry while youre away it will probably go in with all your other items.Buy it here.
• Beach dress / outfit whether its a dress to pop over your bikini or shorts and t-shirt, your beach outfit will end up getting covered in salt, sand and sun cream so you probably wont want to pop it back on post evening shower. Also think about getting to/from the beach do you want to wear something sheer to take public transport?
• Sun hat [optional] I personally hate sun hats they make my brain feel like its about to boil. I prefer shade and hydration. But they definitely can shield you from the sun if youve got no escape.

Underwear

• Packing tips:Small smalls are your packing friend. Think: non-padded bras and thongs or at least underwearthat was designed after the 1950s. Quick dry synthetic knickers with cotton gusset [wow, I hate that word] is a good compromise. Beware of lace: it doesnt perform well in washing machines. Also, dont pack anything white.
• Knickers/Panties 7 pairs, with sink washing at least once, will get me through 2 weeks until I need to do laundry. Pack 14 pairs and you dont need to sink wash. Obviously. Also, far be it for me to tell you what underwear to wear but the seamless microfibre knickersby Italian brand Intimissimi are brilliant for travel quick dry, comfortable and pack small all without looking ugly.
• Bras I pack 3 especially if Im away for more than a couple of weeks because industrial laundry service always cause at least one to break and shopping for your size in foreign countries can be a challenge.
• Pyjamas a pair of pyjama shorts and vest top works well and packs small. Afleece and leggings will double as PJs in cold weather. Running shorts and your t-shirt: same.For that reason, I only pack one pair.
• Socks I pack black running socks which also work withboots and everyday shoes.Buy it here.

Everyday Clothes

• Packing tips:Think about your colour scheme. The best capsule wardrobe sticks to one or two colours that works together giving you the best number of wardrobe combinations. If youre going on a longer trip or to a developing country, dont pack your favourite items. Most travel clothes end up getting ruined whether its by a spill, tear or sweat. If you do choose to take your expensive clothes, check your travel insurance. Most policies have a low limit for what theyll pay out if your case goes missing.
• Jeans or jeggings jeans are great in cold weather but they suck for laundry because they take forever to dry. Jeggings are a better option. They pack lighter, dry quicker and can be warmed up with leggings underneath. Pack a smart colour [black/dark blue] and they can also be dressed for nice bars/restaurants.
• Leggings as well as being light to pack, its nice to have a comfortable option, especially for travel days and night transport.
• Shorts in a hot country, I usually pack about 3 pair. One denim [robust and versatile], one casual [can be used for sightseeing] and one smarter [e.g. black] that can be dressed up.
• Skirts A brilliantly versatile item, skirts keep you cool in summer, can be worn with tights to warm up and can be dressed up.
• Dresses the all in one outfit, I travel with about 3 dresses. One jersey/casual for the day, one longer [below the knee] that can be worn to temples, one smarter that can double in cities during the day and dressed up at night.
• Casual tops Im messy as hell so I pack about 5 cheap tops [at least one black one is dedicated to noodle slurping] in a range of straps [spaghetti, wider strap etc.].
• Smart tops I usually pack one or two smart tops for evening wear.
• Shirt or t-shirt with collar useful to protect against the sun [go for short sleeve] or wind [go for long sleeve]. Also great if youre carrying a backpack prevents rubbing on skin.
• Long sleeve top packing a smart, black merino wool base layer, I dont usually bother with a long sleeve top but its a good idea for warmth if youre without a base layer.
• Cardigan or jumper because you dont want to wear your bright pink fleece over your nice evening dress. Pick a versatile style and colour that will work with all of your evening clothes.
• Tights try to buy technical, high denier tights if you want warmth. Otherwise, tights are usually highly available overseas.
• Belt unless you need it for function, pack a cute belt that willsmarten up your travel wardrobe for evening wear.

Shoes

Packing tips:Try to commit to just 3 [maximum 4] pairs of shoes otherwise your packing is going to get out of hand pretty quickly. If you pack the right pairs, theyll double up for different occasions and activities. Just make sure all your shoes have decent arch support if youre going to walk a lot in them [especially if youre hefting a backpack] and good grip so you can take them on off-road adventures if you need to.

Whatever you do, make sure you wear your shoes in back home rather than on that 12 hour wander around Hong Kong.

You can read my post on the best shoes for travelling here.

• Everyday walking shoes I know this is a bit vague but youll need to choose your everyday footwear according to the weather. In warm weather I love myBirkenstocks fantastically comfy and they look cool. In Spring weather I wear Vans orConverse, though the grip and arch support isnt great so any alternative recommendations welcome. Buy Birkenstocks here. Buy Vans here.
• Boots If Im travelling in autumn or winter, I pack boots. Unless youre specifically going on a snow holiday, I wouldnt bother with anything more robust than leather boots with a good sole.
• Flip-flops because of my unwavering commitment to Birkenstock, which come with a suede-style insole, I also have to pack a pair of flip-flops for beach trips and dodgy communal showers. Favourite brand: Havianas. Buy it here.
• Ballet flats pick a pair that can fold so you can pop them in your bag for thoseimpromptu fancy bar stops. Butterly Twists and Sidekicks are perfect.Buy it here.
• Heels [optional]Another item Ive never travelled with. Sure, if youre on a 2-week holiday and youre using your full 25kg luggage allowance, throw in as many pairs as you can fit. If youre looking to pack light or travel long, skip the heels. As a 5ft tall girl who used to wear heels all the time, trust me: youll get used to it.

Health & Beauty

Medication

Packing tips:If youre the kind of person who never gets sick and prefers not to pop pills, dont get freaked out into packing a first aid kit. Ive not been to a destination yet, including many developing countries, where there hasnt been a pharmacy within easy reach [exception: jungle treks and the like] and in an emergency situation, youre more likely to head to the pharmacy or hospital worst case than run back to your room for your sew-your-own-stitches kit.

However, if you do take medication regularly, pack what you tend to use at home to make sure you have your familiar pills with you.Pick what you think youll need from this list. Its not a suggestion that youll need everything.

• Your prescription medicine pack a couple of days dosage into your hand-luggage just in case your main bag goes on a wander for a day or two.
• Anti-malaria pills[if needed] you can read more about anti-malarials and whether you need them in my related post:Malaria Faces Every Traveller Should Know.
• Headache pills because, when a headache appears, you probably wont want to track down a pharmacy.
• Anti-inflammatory pills if you have a dodgy knee or similar that keeps inflaming [like I do].
• Antihistamines another item youre probably going to want to take quickly if a reaction grabs you. Helpful for heat rash and bites/stings as well as minor food reactions and the usual hayfever and dust problems.
• Decongestant I cant fly without taking this thanks to sinus problems. Try to find a brand that doesnt include pain relief unless you need that too. A menthol inhaler is a drug-free alternative. Buy it here.
• Imodium as a general rule, you should let you body work through its problems rather than trapping those problems inside. However, sometimes you just need a dose of imodium [18 hour night bus or to keep antibiotics inside]. Make sure youre using it properly or youre [literally] storing up stomach problems for the future.
• Motion sickness pills if youre going to take transport that makes you feel sick, best to pack your preferred anti-dote.
• Antacid especially if you suffer from heartburn, new, rich or spicy foods and alcohol can trigger any heartburn problems
• Sleeping pills go for something herbal like Kalms, especially on a flight or bus, especially if youre on your own.
• Antiseptic cream a small tube of this in hot, developing countries can stop those mosquito bites becoming infected.Buy it here.
• Flight Ear Plugs if you also suffer sinus problems or pain when flying, get a pair of EarPlanes. Best purchase ever. Buy them here for adultsandhere for children.
• Rehydration salts I pack a small tube of effervescent pills that rehydrate me. Largely for hangovers, I confess. However, most countries haverehydration drinks [or coconuts!]readily available.Buy it here.
• Antibacterial hand gel Golden Rule: put it on your hands any time youre about to put your hand into or near your mouth. Buy it here.
• Plasters / Band Aids pop a couple in your purse in case you forgot to wear your shoes in before you set off.Buy it here.
• Anti-fungal foot cream hot countries + water based activities can wake up a bout of athletes foot.Buy it here.

Health

• Sunscreen one small bottle of UVA/UVB 40 or 50 works for me and I replenish as I go.Buy it here.
• Mosquito repellentI have the type of blood that screams all-you can drink to mosquitoes so Ive tried every repellent going. Heres my review of the best repellents to use.Buy it here.
• Tiger balm great for warding off mosquitoes, easing strains, unblocking sinuses, sniffing before entering a foul public toilet, this magical, non-medical balm has a host of uses and is a great addition to your bag. Go for the white tiger balm the red ointment has a hint of colour to it.Buy it here.
• Foot file [longer trips] if you are going to be in sandals for a while, your feet will rapidly turn into pigs trotters, no matter how beautiful they were before they left home. Regular filing can prevent dry and cracked heels.Buy it here.
• Elizabeth Arden 8-hour cream another of my favourite non-medicinal products, Ive used this balm on bites, burns, sunburn, cracked lips, dry skin and more. I dont know how it works, it just does and its worth the price tag because of it.Buy it here.
• Contact lenses I use Acuvue Oasysfortnightly lenses. They pack smaller than dailies but dont get as gritty as monthlies. Plus, they have UVA/UVB protection.
• Contact lens solution if youre a lens wearer, Id recommend packing your own saline because Ive struggled to find it in a few countries. I usually pack 2 small travel size bottles and with conservative use they can last a month each. Buy it here.
• Contact lens cases I usually pack 2 lens cases because I invariably end up losing one. Most travel packs of lens solution come with free lens cases but if you need spares, buy it here.
• Glasses its good to have a backup even if you wear lenses all the time. Ive had more than one eye infection on the road that meant I simply couldnt get my lenses in.
• Glasses case try to find something small but with hard sides to give protection in your bag.Buy it here.
• Tweezers as much for keeping your eyebrows in shape as pulling out splinters. I have a small pair in my Swiss Army knife [see below] so dont pack a separate pair. If you do want a separate pair, go for travel size.Buy it here.
• Nail scissors youll be surprised how often you use scissors while youre away. Again, I have a pair in my Swiss Army knife but many people prefer to pack a separate, more robust pair. Buy it here.
• Contraception you know, in case you fancy some fun in the sun or that kind of aprés ski.
• Tampons / sanitary pads although you can get sanitary pads in most countries, including developing countries, tampons can be much harder to come by and the brands may not be what youre used to/trust. I tend to carry a months worth of tampons and start looking well in advance when I need to replace them. Non-applicator tampons pack smaller.
• Moon cup they are a great travel option and alternative to tampons or pads. You can read a reviewof different brands by Jac the Occasional Traveler here. Buy it here.

Toiletries

• Packing tips:Toiletries are available all over the world so Id recommend packing on the lighter side and replenishing as you go.
• Shampoo one bottle of travel shampoo lasts me about a week [long hair, washed daily]. On longer trips, I pack a small bottle of normal sized shampoo. I love Kerastase Soleil to protect my hair from the sun and because its a premium product [meaning smaller bottle sizes], you dont have to pack a litre of it.Buy it here.
• Conditioner a travel size can last me a month if my hair isnt too dry. For a short trip, Id always pack a travel size. For longer trips, I stick to my Kerastase Soleil.Buy it here.
• Soap / shower gel soap is less bulky and better for longer trips, though you cant beat the lather of shower gel or cream.My favourite soap bar is Dove it doesnt get sludgy or dry your skin out.Buy it here.
• Soap holder [optional] youre only going to need this if you pack a bar of soap. Obviously.Buy it here.
• Deodorant roll-on/stick deodorant is smaller to pack through compression deodorant canisters are still pretty small. A travel size stick deodorant will be enough for most trips.Buy it here.Or try a crystal deodorant stick.Buy it here.
• Toothbrush I pack a sonic toothbrush because I dont want to revert to a manual brush while Im away. Plus, those brush head protectors never work whereas my sonic has a full case to keep my toiletry bag clean.Buy it here.
• Toothpaste travel toothpaste is seldom worth it. Even for a long weekend, I run out long before my trip does. Pack a normal size tube.
• Dental Floss smaller than more elaborate flossing tools and just as effective. Buy it here.
• Razor because, you know, fuzz. Travel sizes are better and take up less bag space without having to resort to cheap blades that will hurt your skin.Buy it here.
• Shaving foam[optional] to be honest, I just lather up my soap or shower gel and it works fine.If you do pack a can, make it travel size.Buy it here.Or, consider shaving oil, which packs smaller.Buy it here.
• Hair brush I travel with a small, compact folding travel brush, which comes with a mirror inside. It works for my long hair even after a trip to a windy beach.Buy it here.
• Hairbands see aforementioned reference to windy beach. Go for the no-damage kind.Buy it here.
• Hair styling products [optional] the last time I put product in my hair was some time in the 90s but if its your thing, pack it. However, opt fortravel sizes unless youre likely to chew through a whole can of hairspray in a week.
• Travel hair dryer [optional] most accommodation includes a hair dryerso I wouldnt pack one unless you definitely need one and your accommodation has confirmed they dont have one available.Buy it here.
• Travel hair straighteners[optional] also not something I travel with but more useful for its dual function of drying and straightening in one go if youre committed to packing some sort of hair styling device. Buy it here.Or if you prefer a duo pack of travel hair straighteners and a curling iron, buy it here.
• Body moisturiser again, a travel size usually does me even on long trips.Buy it here.
• Cotton buds / Q-tips if youve used one in the last month, pack some for your trip otherwise youll end up having to buy 1,000 of the sods whiles youre away [they are never sold in small numbers these things].Buy it here.
• Travel tissues just a pack or two for your purse and those public toilet moments when theres no loo roll.Buy it here.

Make-Up

• Packing Tips:Remember that make-up moves in heat. So, do you really need to pack your entire make-up kit? Better: pick a couple of items that are more likely to stay on your face.
• Face moisturiser try to get one with SPF if youre heading into the sun.Clinique City Block is great if you want a bit of tint in your moisturiser. Buy it here.
• Lip balm again, one with SPF will work best. Beware of cheap lip balms that will drag you into an addictive loop of drying your lips, requiring constant reapplication. Two brands I like that avoid this are Elizabeth ArdenandBurts Bees.
• Face make-up keep in mind that foundation turns into a mud slide in hot weather. Also consider if your face colour will change in the sun and change your shade accordingly.
• Concealer for those moments when you cant keep your foundation on your face but you need to cover up the jet-lag thats evident under your eyes.My favourite is by Christian Dior small, neat packaging and rich enough to cope with sun and wind drying.Buy it here.
• Mascara I hate waterproof mascara because you can spend half your life taking it off. Just pack normal mascara and dont wear it in the ocean. Simple.The travel size BenefitTheyre Real mascara is perfect.Buy it here.
• Eye shadow dont go crazy. A small palette will usually do for any trip. You might be getting a sense that I like Diors make-up and the compact eye shadow palettes are no different. Buy it here.
• Eye liner I often travel with eye liner instead of eye shadow to give a bit of wake up to my face without full on make-up.If you can buy travel size eye liners, you can take more than one colour on your trip.
• Lip / cheek stain skip the blusher and get a lip and cheek stain which will be hardwearing, even in the heat.Benefit does a brilliant range of lip and cheek stains. My favourite is their trio travel pack.Buy it here.
• Lipstick one will usually be enough if youre trying to pack light. If you want more than one colour, consider travel sized lipsticks.Clinique does a good range of travel lipsticks, which are best picked up at the airport.
• Make-up remover depending how much make-up you apply, you might be able to get away with using your moisturiser as a cleanser. I do this frequently and it cuts down on a whole extra bottle to pack.Otherwise, take a travel pack of pre-soaked make-up remover wipes theyre smaller and great for carry-on. Buy it here.
• Nail polish go for travel size. There is no way youll get through a whole bottle, even on a longer trip.O.P.I.s travel range come in such beautiful colours youll struggle to pick which ones to pack.Buy it here.
• Nail polishremover pre-soaked pads are small, compact, unlikely to spill and therefore perfect for travel.Buy it here.
• Compact mirror if you dont have one elsewhere [compact hair brush, eye shadow palette], pack a small, palm sized make-up mirror. Make sure it han a protective cover so you dont end up with shards in your bag.Buy it here.
• Perfume travel size perfume is more expensive than diamonds [guestimate] but it saves packing a huge bottle, which you risk smashing. I love Chanels twist up range 3 travel size bottles protected in ametal canister.A travel atomiser is a great alternative to travel sized perfume. Buy it here.
• Jewellery if you really must pack your favourite Cartier, get it insured and dont flash it around.Soft material jewellery rolls are perfect for packing.Buy it here.

Travel Kit

Packing tips:Youll want to pick and mix off this list depending on the type of trip youre taking. For example, youre not going to need a torch if youre off on a city-break and pack a smartphone.

You might be interested in my related article: 10 Travel Essentials I wouldnt Travel Without

Travel Essentials

• Ear plugs because even in the best hotels, thin walls and a loud neighbour can make for a really bad nights sleep.Buy it here.
• Eye maskif you need complete darkness to sleep, pack an eye mask so you wont be forced to do what I saw one traveller do stick a sanitary pad over her eyes.Buy it here.
• Umbrella if Im off on a city trip to a place that has a reputation for rain, an umbrella is more pleasant than getting wet in my raincoat. Buy a travel umbrella forits light weight and small body. Buy it here.
• Sunglasses I pick up the cheap ones on the street but if you are packing your Oakleys or Ray Bans, make sure theyre insured.
• Collapsable water bottle perfect for long-haul flights, hikes, beach trips and sightseeing days. Buy it here.
• Swiss Army knife I pack one of these for so many reasons: tweezers, scissors, corkscrew, bottle opener, can opener, saw [great for picnics involving baguette], knives becausewell, Im a solo female traveller. Obviously, you wont be able to pack this if youre going caryy-on only.Buy it here.
• Padlock for hostel lockers and also day packs when youre leaving them in left luggage and youre not sure how secure your things will be. Make sure you get one thats TSA compliant.Dont get one with a key because youll very probably lose it, requiring a pair of bolt cutters. Buy it here.
• Torch [hiking trips] most smartphones have a torch light included but if youre on a hiking trip, a head torch is a must.Buy it here.
• Sewing kit every time I choose not to pack a sewing kit, my favourite top/bag/anything breaks. So lightweight [especially if you pick one up up from the hotel amenities basket], you may as well throw it in.Buy it here.
• Sleep sheet [hostels/camping] give it a spritz of permethrin and youll keep bed bugs away. Also great for an extra lawyer of heat if youre in a dorm and some fool has put the AC onto 10 degrees. Opt for silk for the best heat and cooling performance. Buy it here. Buy permethrin here.
• Travel towel [hostels/camping] although you can hire a towel in most places, that dollar here and there adds up over a longer trip. Get a microfibre towel otherwise your bag will smell like wet dog within days.Buy it here.
• Travel bike lock [longer trips] ideal for leashing your bag to a bunk if you dont have a locker in your hostel and also on public transport like night buses and trains if you want to get some sleep without worrying whether your bag will be there when you wake up.Buy it here.
• Spork [longer trips] if your travel budget means lots of picnic meals and leftovers, a titanium spork means you can spare yourself having to eat with your fingers.Buy it here.
• Ziplockbags [optional] great for carrying snacks and fruit which might otherwise spill or squash in your daypack.Buy it here.
• Travel chopsticks [Asia trips] more environmentally friendly than the disposables you get so much. Pick a set that has a travel case so you dont end up putting used chopsticks back in your bag.Buy it here.
• Travel iron [optional] most hotels offer an iron so only pack this hot anvil if absolutely necessary.Buy it here.
• Travelpillow [optional] I personally dont see the need but I know a lot of people cant travel without one.Buy it here.
• Laundry detergent [optional] Ive not been to a country where I couldnt find a travel-size pack of detergent. Only pack this if you have skin sensitivities.Buy it here.
• Travel washing line [optional] youre usually going to be able to make do with hooks and other places to hang wet clothes so unless you plan on washing all of your clothes all of the time, you can probably do without this.Buy it here.
• Deck of cards [optional] someone usually has a pack of cards to loan you or they are cheap to buy if you have a specific urge. However, if you have cool trick, pack a pack because youll make instant friends.Buy it here.
• Reading book[s] for fiction, I do use aKindlethese days. However, thats mainly because I get through a lot of books and travel for long stretches. Looking for some travel reading? Check out my list of the 50 best travel books of all time.
• Religious itemse.g. prayer beads / skullcap.
• Binoculars a late addition because someone rightly pointed out that Id forgotten to add it to the list even though its on my Safari packing list [oops]. Apologies its not on the printout.

Documents

Check out my related post: Are you Ready to be Robbed 12 Holiday Safety Tips?With tips for making sure that youre able to still enjoy your trip even if the worst happens.

• Packing tips:Beyond the essentials, where a copy wont cut it [e.g. passport, driving licence and visas], I take a photo of all the other documents and store it in my Google Photo storage online and also email a copy of the documents to myself, meaning I dont need to weigh my bag down with paper.
• Passport check youve got at least 6 months validity left on your passport thats 6 months from the day you get home, not the day you leave. Do this BEFORE you book your trip.
• Driving licence even if youre not hiring a car, its a good second form of ID if you dont want to take your passport on a boozy night out.
• Visas one of the most frequently forgotten yet most essential travel items. Use Visa HQ and its quick-check facility to see if you need a visa for your trip.
• Passport photos [optional] pack at least 4 spares if youre taking a longer trip and will apply for visas as you go, or youre going somewhere that has a visa on arrival that requires photos e.g. Cambodia.
• Travel insurance details I dont bother packing the policy through I do keep the electronic copy in my emails so I can access it if I need to. Before you book insurance, check out my article Travel Insurance: Dont get Screwed by the Small Print. World Nomads is an incredibly well-regarded travel insurance provider. Get a quote here.
• Vaccination record another document I keep a photo of rather than travelling with it. I had cause to look at mine to see whether I needed a tetanus while I was away once.
• Yellow Fever certificate [selected countries only] there are two things you need to check i] are you going somewhere/have you been somewhere that has a risk of yellow fever; if yes get vaccinated; ii] are you then going somewhere else that requires you to show a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever? If yes, youll need to carry your little Yellow Fever certificate, which you get once youre vaccinated. In all my years of travel, Ive never been asked to show this but I still carry it because the second I dont, Ill get stopped, for sure. You can check details about yellow fever here.
• Optician prescription if you break your glasses or lose your lenses, its good to know what prescription you need for your replacement.
• Credit and debit cards make sure you tell your bank youre going away so they dont bock your card, assuming its gone to Paris all by itself.
• Currency I personally pick my currency up as I go but if you change money before you leave, dont forget it!
• Tickets / booking confirmations these days an electronic ticket will do but check whether you need to print stuff out and do it before you go. Trust me, its easier than locating and grappling with printing facilities in foreign countries.
• Discount / loyaltycards because why pay more when you dont have to?
• Contact list [bank, insurance, someone helpful at home] if you lose your smartphone, all your useful numbers and your ability to access the web go with it. Scratch a few phone numbers down and youll at least be able to make a start on fixing things.

Electronics

• Packing tips:My advice is to go light on the gadgets. Not only with it push your travel insurance up, it can make you more appealing to thieves if youre carryinghalf of an electronics store around. Also think realistically about connectivity for online gadgets and the amount of downtime youll have available. Youll find you use some itemsless than you think.
• You might like my related post: 10 Travel Gadgets I Wouldnt Travel Without.
• Laptop + charger unless you plan on working while youre away, Id recommend leaving the laptop at home. Heavy and incapable of fitting in most hotel safes, do you really want to pack this on your trip? Because I tend to work while Im away, I travel with a 13 Macbook Air which is lightweight and the perfect size for travel.Buy it here.
• Tablet + charger tablets are a much better option if you want to access the web on your own device while youre away. Check out Amazons tablet buying guide to help you decide which tablet is best for you.
• Phone + charger even lighter and more portable with many more functions [phone, torch, alarm clock, erphone], most people can get by with just a smartphone for travel planning these days and there are trips where my iPhone 7 is my only camera. Choosing a brand is highly personal the most vital thing for travel is making sure you phone is not locked to a network. Find out more about buying unlocked phones here.
• eReader+ charger if youre not a reader, skip down. If you are, consider converting to an eReader if you havent already. Lightweight and with the ability to pack an entire library, I thought Id hate my Kindle but its by far the best option for travel.Buy it here.
• Camera + charger if you want more umph than a smartphone camera can give you, but still wantto pack light,Compact System Cameras are just as good as traditional DSLRs without the bulk. I love my Sony Nex [latest version is the Sony Alpha].I get high quality photos from a camera that I can still fit into my handbag/ purse. Its also less likely to scream rob meBuy it here.
• Memory card if youre packing a traditional camera, make sure you pack your memory card.With many people using their cameras for video these days, Id recommend a high-speed, high capacity [64GB or higher] card. If you dont shoot video, a 32GB card will probably do. In both cases, a back-up card is recommended.Buy it here.
• External hard drive[longer trips] For any trip longer than 2 weeks, I take an external hard drive to back up my photos. I use the Seagate Backup Plus Slim. My version is 2TB and in years of travel, I still havent filled it. But you may as well buy the 4TB version as prices have reduced a lot since I shelled out for mine.Buy it here.
• USB drive[longer trips] a small pen drive can come in handy if you want to get a document printed or for storing a small number of photos or essential documents.Buy it here.
• Portable battery +charger if youre using your smartphone for music plus camera plus social media plus maps, your battery probably wont last a whole day.I love the Anker Powercore. I can get 1-2 full charges on my iPhone and its smaller than my hand so easy to slip into my bag.Buy it here.
• Plug convertors although you can pick these up overseas, having watched one fry in a socket in Colombia [with my Mac attached to it]. I now buy all my convertors at home where I know theyve been safety checked.If youre an Apple fan, the World Traveler Adaptor Kit is perfect.Buy it here.Otherwise, a universal plug is a great purchase choose one with plenty of USB ports as youll find you use these a lot and it saves bulk which can pull some chargers out of the wall.Buy it here.
• Headphones go small. Yes, your Beats may sound better, but do you really want to drag them around with you?Buy it here.
• SIM card holder if you plan on buying one or more local SIM cards, pack a holder so you dont lose the one from your home network.Buy it here.

Packing

Check out my related post: 15 Long Haul Flight Essentials

Planning

• Travel guide books I remain old school on this topic and still travel with a heavy, paper guide book they just dont work on eReaders IMO. My favourite brand: Lonely Planet. Buy it here.
• Diary [optional] if youre on a longer trip or working to a detailed itinerary, a paper diary can help you keep organised. I write hotel addresses and directions in mine and use it to show taxi drivers. Saves me handing overmy $1000 phone for them to check my emails. I love Moleskine diaries because they have a handy blank page next to each week, which is ideal for making travel notes.Buy it here.
• Journal/notebooks [optional] if youre the kind who likes to journal, think carefully about what you pack. Moleskine is my notebook of choice for its small size, soft backs and narrow lines [less paper used].Buy it here.
• Pen you will use this more than you think. Landing and immigration cards, scratching down recommendations, swapping contact details. Pack two. Again, one will always go missing.I love mySwarovski Crystaline Stardust Pen, which has a twist closure meaning no ink spills in your bag.Buy it here.

Packing

• Packing tips:Keep your packing organised and you wont spend half your trip looking for that gadget that youre sure must be in there somewhere. This is even more vital if youre taking a top-loading backpack.
• Wallet dont underestimate your ability to leave your most useful item at home. I dont pack a special travel wallet but I do make sure my wallet is small [palm sized] and light, carrying only the essential cards I need for my trip.
• Airline liquids bag pack two. One will break. Guaranteed. Especially if you only pack one.
• Packing cubes I wouldnt travel without these little miracles by Eagle Creek. Small, ultra lightweight and with compression function, I can generally get an extra 25% in my case by using these. Buy it here.
• Foldable backpack market trips, beach days, hiking where I dont want to empty out my bigger day pack, a folding daypack is one of my most used items.Buy it here.
• Dry sack for boat trips, beach time and even torrential downpours, I stash my valuable electronics inside and dont need to worry about the water.Buy it here.
• Toiletries bag Ive triedso many of these. In the end, I have settled on a classic drawstring bag thats thin, light, has a waterproof interior and it big enough for my essentials without the bells and whistles of pockets and dividers. I pack two [different colours]. One for my toiletries, the other for medication. You can usually pick them up in the supermarket /drug store for a couple of dollars. If you do want something with compartments, Eagle Creeks range is light and robust.Buy it here.
• Make-up bag go for function over style. The Sea to Summitmake-up bag is an excellent size and will barely add any bulk or weight to your packing.Buy it here.
• Document organiser because its much easier to put your hand on a document wallet than the disparate travel papers youll otherwise have floating around your bag.Buy it here.
• Bank bags for currency [optional] particularly useful if youre off to several countries you can keep your currencies separated. These bags are usually freely available from your bank.
• Money belt [optional] personally, I think nothing screams rob me louder than a money belt which, trust me, we can all see, especially when you fiddle in it to pay your bill. Nevertheless, some people swear by them. Buy it here.

Bags

You can read my thoughts on the best luggage for travel here.

• Main suitcase or backpack Stick to one main bag [easier to move around/fit in tiny hire cars/avoid airline excess baggage fees] or backpack and go as small as you can. My favourite backpack is just 55 litres and my biggest suitcase is 48.5 litres.
• Day pack depending on what you pack, you may be able to get away with just a folding daypack. As I pack a travel office on every trip, I need something bigger. Look for a day pack that has exterior mesh pockets for a water bottle if you plan on doing any hiking.
• Cross-body handbag/purse cross body bags are so much harder to snatch and I wouldnt travel with any other kind. Buy one small enough and it can be used for evenings too.
• Evening bag go for a flat, light structure so your evening bag can fit easily into your luggage.
• Dirty clothes bag I just use a plastic bag because theyre simple and easily available.

COVID Packing

Ive travelled by air twice during coronavirus. The first time was an emergency repatriation when the worlds borders suddenly closed back in March 2020 and I was in the middle of an open-ended trip in Central America. The second time was a more intentional trip to Greece during summer, when travel corridors were temporarily in place. Heres what I learned about what to pack for a pandemic.

Tips for Packing Masks

Obviously youre going to need masks to travel. Most [all?] airlines require that you wear then on the flight for the entire duration. I had to wear one from door to door Uber, Airport, flight, hire car office. And then there are going to be local rules for wearing them, typically indoors.

My tips:

• at least 2 disposable masks one for each leg of your flight. This is the time youll be in closest proximity to strangers for the longest time. Pick a mask that is water-resistent [coughs and sneezes] but also breathable. Its a long time on your face! Then throw that nasty germ bed away when youre done.
• a few washable masks [or more disposable masks] for day to day again, go for breathable and wash them each day if theyre washable. I ended up with horrible mask rash wearing a non-breathable cloth mask in the heat of Greece.
• Hand-santiser I only ended up needing one travel size for a week. Most restaurants and shops have it free at the door so there is no need to fill your suitcase and you can pick up a replacement if you need it.
• Hand-moisturiser I swear sanitiser and moisturiser should be sold in duo-packs. All that alcohol is going to strip your hands to a wrinkle. Take away the pain with a purse-sized moisturiser.
• Face scrubflannel or buffer or exfoliant for your face that mask rash was thanks to suncream sweating under a mask. I wish Id taken something to better exfoliate or clean my face at the end of the day [besides my hands].
• Boiled sweets/hard candy something to keep the hunger at bay on a long flight while you are allowed to remove masks for eating, I wasnt too keen on doing this to keep my perpetual snacking satisfied. Long-lasting sweets did the trick. Bonus, choose mints becausebreathing the remains of your own cheese sandwich [poor choice] for 4 hours on a flight aint no fun.

Click Here for the Original Printable Packing List Template

Click Here for the Printable Packing List Template UPDATED FOR COVID

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Want more travel packing inspiration? Check out my Travel Store on Amazon.

Thats my packing list template? Did I miss anything? Do you pack anything else? Would you add any other items to this packing list template? Let me know in the comments below.