Every successful vacation starts with a packing list and
luggage that's right for the trip. By drawing up a packing list, you can prepare ahead of time and have the confidence of knowing you are unlikely to leave anything important behind. Having a vacation packing list will allow you to stay organized, and hopefully prevent you from packing items that you don't need on vacation or are too heavy to carry.
I recommend that couples divide their vacation packing list into three categories: His, Hers, and Ours. If you're going on a trip of any length, you may find that having three suitcases — his, hers, and ours — and a carry-on with mutual valuables — is the way to go.
OUR VACATION PACKING LIST ITEMS
Media
- Cellphone and charger
- Digital camera, batteries, memory cards, manual
- iPod/MP3 player and headphones, batteries, mini-speakers
- Disposable underwater camera
- Camera case
- Foreign-language dictionary or phrase book
- Journal/notebook and pen
- Maps and directions
- Mini-DVD player or DVD-capable laptop and DVDs
- Reading material
- Travel guide(s)
Medical
- Antibiotic cream
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Band-Aids
- Birth control
- Bug repellent
- Cortisone 1% anti-itch cream
- Extra pair of eyeglasses
- For cruisers: Sea-sickness bands or pills
- Lubricant
- Pain reliever
- Prescription medicines
Money & Documents
-
Addresses for sending postcards/e-mail
- Auto insurance card
- Business cards
-
Cash
-
Copy of marriage license
-
Copy of medical history, if necessary
-
Copy of vacation packing list
-
Driver's license/international driver's license
-
Emergency numbers and embassy address
-
Frequent flyer/frequent guest cards
-
Paper airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation
-
Passports and visas, if necessary
-
Photo ID
-
Pre-paid phone card
-
Travelers checks and receipt (keep separate)
-
Vaccination certificates, if required
-
Vouchers/coupons/tickets
-
Your itinerary
Miscellaneous/Extras
- Anti-bacterial wipes
- Bubble bath
- Binoculars
- Currency converter
- Duct tape
- Keys
- Krazy Glue
- Lint roller
- Luggage locks approved by TSA
- Massage oil
- Plastic Zip-Loc bags
- Playing cards
- Q-Tips
- Scented candle
- Sports gear (tennis racquets, golf clubs, swim goggles)
- Sunscreen/SPF
- Sunglasses
- Travel alarm clock
- Umbrella
- Zip ties
HIS VACATION PACKING LIST ITEMS
Menswear
-
Athletic or walking shoes
- Belts
- Boxers / Briefs
- Casual shirts
- Dress shoes
- Hat
- Oxford shirts
- Pants
- Pajamas / Robe
- Sandals
- Shirts
- Shorts
- Sports jacket
- Swim wear
- Tie
- T-shirts / Undershirts
- Workout clothes
Men's Toiletries
- Comb / Brush
- Deodorant
- Floss
- Lip balm
- Rogaine, if necessary
- Shaving kit / Shaving Cream
- Shampoo / Conditioner / Styling Products
- Toothbrush/toothpaste/mouthwash
HER VACATION PACKING LIST ITEMS
Women's Clothing and Accessories
- Bathing suit
- Bras
- Panties
- Lingerie
- Costume jewelry -- earrings, necklace, bracelets
- Fake diamond engagement ring (leave the real one in a safety-deposit box till you return)
- Dress
- Heels
- Pareo/sarong/big scarf
- Robe
- Sandals
- Shorts/Capris
- Skirt
- Slacks
- Slip/Bodyslimmer/Spanx
- Sneakers or walking shoes
- Socks
- Stylish shirt
- Sweater
- Straw/wide-brimmed hat
- Tank/halter/sleeveless tops
- Thongs
- Workout clothes
Sundries
A vacation packing list is especially important when you're traveling to a new place for the first time. While most items left behind can be secured elsewhere, you may not have the time or budget to shop for them on your vacation.
It's unlikely you'll need everything on this A-to-Z packing list, but I've tried to make it as comprehensive as possible to help you get organized. Obviously, the same vacation destination may not call for both a bathing suit and gloves or mittens...but you never know. It may occur to you that I've left jeans off the list. In tropical climates, they're too hot to wear. In Europe, they're too informal. But if you're going to some place casual, pack a pair. Good luck, and happy packing.
In the worst-case scenario, your luggage disappears. Forever. But if you have a copy of your vacation packing list on you — or leave a packing list with a trusted friend or family member while on vacation, you'll have a complete record of any loss.
More tips for packing for your vacation:
Buy the Right Luggage
Plan Ahead for a Great Getaway
Advice on Vacation Packing
Vacation Budget Worksheet
Event Finder
Passports & Visas
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