Any time you go on a trip, you probably worry “am I missing something?” – well you are not alone! In this guide I will share everything I pack for my trips! Make sure to check out my Tropical Packing List for more specific things I pack for those types of trips.
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are a must for me when traveling. They help to organize your clothes by category and can fit many items. They fit well in suitcases and help keep everything compact. Once you arrive at your destination, you can place the cubes directly in drawers for easier unpacking and access. If you are like me and do not like to hang up your clothes in hotels, these are a wonder. You can just keep your clothes in the cubes throughout the whole trip!
This is the set that I use (LINK). I get two different colored sets for me and my partner so we know whose stuff is whose.
Clothes, of course
You might want to take your whole wardrobe “just in case”, but as long as you preplan your outfits you will be glad you did not overpack!
- You’ll need at least one outfit per day, and throw in an extra one if you have different activities per day. Example: you are going on a long, sweaty hike in the morning but bar hopping in the evening.
- Undergarments (socks, underwear, bras, etc) – I like to bring 1 pair of socks and underwear per day plus a couple extras just in case.
- A sweater/jacket – the type you bring will depend on the environment you’ll be in. Even if you’ll be somewhere hot, I recommend bringing a light jacket.
- Pajamas – something light and comfy to lounge and sleep in.
- A pair of walking shoes, sandals, and maybe a formal pair of shoes if you’re having a night out or a nice dinner.
- One dressy outfit in case you find yourself going to a nice restaurant or event.
- Bathing suit if there’s a pool/jacuzzi!
Electronics
- This includes phones, cameras, gopro, laptops, chargers (including portable charger), extra memory cards, extra batteries for cameras, outlet converter if going out of the country.
- All accessories for cameras/GoPro – waterproof case, grip handles, lenses, bags/cases, etc.
- Tripods for camera/phone – here are my favorites: linked for camera and phone.
I personally cannot travel without packing my (white noise machine? portable humidifier? something like that lol) – here is my fav one “link here”.
Medications
Be sure to pack any prescribed medications along with over the counter medicines that you may find useful or need. These include Advil/Aleve (pain/fever medication), birth control, asthma inhalers, nausea pills/patches, allergy medicine, topical medications, vitamins/supplements, etc. You can never be too safe. I like to pack a small first aid kit with these medicines, bandaids, sunburn reliefs, etc. You can make your own or buy one.
You will likely be able to purchase the over the counter stuff at your destination, but it may also be more expensive and/or hard to find. Always be prepared!
Toiletries
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Body wash
- Body lotion
- SPF (reef-safe if you will be in the ocean or natural bodies of water). This is our favorite SPF.
- Skincare routine (don’t skip your skincare routine on vacation!!)
- Makeup + makeup bag
- Q-tips, cotton pads, face towels
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Hairbrush, rubber bands, hair clips, other hair accessories
- Any hair products you might use
- Shaving razor
Due to TSA restrictions, you are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item (per TSA website). This also includes makeup. These are my favorite travel-sized containers.
You are allowed to take full-sized products in your checked bag.
Miscellaneous
- Hair tools – most hotels will have a blow dryer, you can check the hotel room details when booking. Hair straightener, curling iron, etc.
- Jewelry
- Sunglasses/reading glasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Wallet/ID/passport
- Money, cash, debit/credit cards
- Books (reading, or travel guide books)
- Medical insurance card
- Backpack/fanny pack/beach tote – something to carry your personal belongings in daily
As long as you plan your packing list in advance, you should have no issues and have everything you need!
