Vacation Packing Checklist

Why Use a Vacation Packing Checklist?

Many people attempt to pack for a vacation as quickly as possible, and rely on their memory alone to remember everything that should be needed during the vacation. However, the human mind is never perfect, and inevitably something important gets forgotten. Use the following guide when you are packing for your vacation, and rest at ease knowing that you've remembered every last detail.

Traveling Essentials

The most important and critical part of a vacation is the traveling. Trips typically include a combination of trains, buses, airplanes and taxis. These methods of travel usually require reservations and tickets, which you'll need to have with you and at the ready when you board.

A shoulder back or satchel is extremely useful for these items, and you can also add snacks and other items that are useful on the plane. Essentials which should be included in this "easy-access" bag include passports, all currency, emergency and health information, tickets for train or air travel, all reservation paperwork, any critical medication, and your cellphone. This bag will need to be searched through at the airport, so make sure it is well organized, and follows all FAA rules and regulations when packing it, such as using a clear plastic bag and acceptable sized bottles for liquids.

Clothing

Clothing is often the most difficult to pack. Most vacations involve a mixture of environments, weather, and even locations. You may be visiting a tropical region, but you need to consider the possibility of rain storms, especially during the rainy season. Or maybe you're going on a warm cruise, but part of the trip includes a slightly colder climate. Properly researching the area you are visiting and determining all possible weather possibilities will make your clothing selections much easier.

The basic essentials you need to consider are undergarments, socks, swimwear, footwear, shirts and pants, pajamas, jewelry, formal wear, sweaters and warmer clothing, rainwear and any necessary outerwear such as coats, gloves, and hats. A good rule of thumb if you are new to packing for vacation is to take out the clothes that you think you need to take, and then put half of those away. The reason for this is that most people over pack too many clothes. Having what you need is important, but when it comes to clothing, packing light is almost just as important. Anything you feel you're lacking during the vacation, you can usually find somewhere where you can buy it.

Toiletries

There is nothing worse than arriving at a hotel and realizing that you've forgotten your medicated skin lotion, or you left your contact lenses near the sink at home. This part of the checklist is probably the most important, because toiletries are critical to our comfort level when we're away from home. Keep in mind that because getting many toiletries through airport security can be such a hassle, many people forgo packing toiletries and just plan on purchasing the items upon arrival, or using whatever is available at the hotel. The most important items in this category include:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant and perfume or cologne
• Soap, body wash, and face wash
• Hair brush and hair spray (if you use it)
• Your favorite shampoo and conditioner
• Electric shaver or supply of razors and shaving gel
• Nail clippers, files, and polish
• Face and body lotions for dry skin
• Suntan lotion and insect repellent
• Medication and vitamins
• Contact lenses and lens cleaning solution
• Feminine products

Miscellaneous

While most people remember toiletries, clothing and travel paperwork, it's usually the miscellaneous items that get forgotten until they are needed during the vacation. These items are usually ones that you just don't use everyday, so you don't think about it until you absolutely need it.

A few of the most common items that are forgotten when packing for vacation include an electricity converter when traveling to another country that uses a different voltage and standard wall outlet, an iron for clothes, cameras with batteries and extra film or memory cards, a video camera, sunglasses, a guidebook or maps of the area, games and books to stay entertained during long flights, snacks, laundry soap for extended vacations, binoculars, and a compact first-aid kit.

Get Your Free Printable Vacation Packing Checlist

Remembering all details when planning a family vacation can sometimes seem overwhelming. The person planning the trip needs to handle hotel reservations, plane tickets and travel itinerary, bus routes and tickets, subway maps and tokens, available taxi service and rules, and sometimes cruise or ferry boat reservations and rules. All of those responsibilities are often very distracting and easily add to the likelihood that during the process of packing for the trip, you will forget something. The easiest way to avoid that is to remove the necessity of having to remember what to pack.

Print out our free printable vacation packing checklist and enjoy worry-free vacation packing.