Forgetting your charger, passport copy or medication can turn a great trip into a stressful one. A good packing list saves time, reduces stress and helps you avoid overpacking. This guide gives you a complete checklist for most trips, plus tips to pack light and smart. Adapt it to your destination, trip length and activities.

Before You Pack

Ask yourself:

  • How long is the trip? For trips longer than a week, pack for about a week and plan to do laundry.
  • What's the weather? Check the forecast and typical conditions.
  • What activities are planned? Hiking, beach days, business meetings or nights out?
  • What luggage allowance do I have? Check your airline's size and weight limits.
  • What's the culture? Some places require modest clothing for religious sites.

Travel Documents and Money

  • passport (valid for at least six months beyond your trip in many countries) or ID card,
  • visas and entry documents, if required,
  • flight, train and accommodation confirmations (digital and printed),
  • travel insurance details,
  • driving licence (and international driving permit if needed),
  • credit and debit cards, plus a backup card stored separately,
  • some local currency,
  • copies of important documents stored securely online,
  • emergency contact information.

Check entry requirements for your destination on official government websites before you travel, as they can change.

Clothing Packing List

Choose versatile clothes in colours that mix and match. For a one-week trip:

  • 5–7 tops or T-shirts,
  • 2–3 bottoms (trousers, jeans, shorts or skirts),
  • 1–2 outfits for dinners or nights out,
  • 1 warm layer (jumper or fleece),
  • 1 lightweight waterproof jacket,
  • underwear and socks for 5–7 days,
  • sleepwear,
  • 1 swimsuit,
  • comfortable walking shoes,
  • 1 extra pair of shoes (sandals or smarter shoes),
  • a hat and sunglasses.

Wear your bulkiest items, like boots and jackets, on travel days to save space.

Toiletries

Keep liquids within airline carry-on limits. Many airports restrict liquids in hand luggage to small containers inside a clear bag, though rules vary by airport, so check before you fly.

  • toothbrush and toothpaste,
  • deodorant,
  • shampoo and conditioner (or solid bars to avoid liquid limits),
  • body wash or soap,
  • skincare and sunscreen,
  • razor,
  • hairbrush or comb,
  • makeup (if you use it),
  • contact lenses and solution or glasses.

Health and First Aid

  • prescription medications in original packaging, with a copy of your prescription,
  • pain relief,
  • plasters and blister patches,
  • antiseptic wipes or cream,
  • rehydration sachets,
  • motion sickness tablets if needed,
  • insect repellent,
  • hand sanitiser,
  • any personal medical items.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist about vaccines and health precautions for your destination well before you travel.

Tech and Electronics

  • phone and charger,
  • power bank,
  • universal travel adapter,
  • headphones,
  • e-reader or tablet,
  • laptop and charger (if needed),
  • camera and memory cards (optional),
  • charging cables in a small pouch.

Back up photos regularly. Our guide on how to back up your phone explains how.

Carry-On Essentials

Keep these with you in case your checked bag is delayed:

  • passport and documents,
  • wallet and cards,
  • phone, charger and power bank,
  • medications,
  • a change of clothes and underwear,
  • basic toiletries,
  • snacks and an empty water bottle,
  • a light jumper or scarf for cold planes,
  • eye mask and earplugs,
  • pen for arrival forms.

Handy Extras

  • reusable shopping bag,
  • small daypack,
  • packing cubes,
  • laundry bag,
  • travel pillow,
  • quick-dry towel,
  • padlock for hostel lockers,
  • zip-lock bags,
  • reusable water bottle.

Packing List Additions by Trip Type

Beach Holiday

Extra swimwear, cover-up, reef-safe sunscreen, after-sun, sandals and a beach bag.

City Break

Comfortable shoes, a small crossbody bag, a compact umbrella and one smart outfit.

Hiking or Adventure

Hiking boots, moisture-wicking layers, a rain jacket, a hat, a first aid kit and a headlamp.

Business Trip

Business outfits, laptop, chargers, business cards, notebook and a portable steamer if needed.

Travelling With Kids

Snacks, entertainment, favourite toys, spare clothes, wipes and children's medicines. See our family travel tips.

Smart Packing Tips

  1. Lay everything out first, then remove a third.
  2. Use packing cubes to organise and compress clothes.
  3. Roll soft clothes to save space and reduce creases.
  4. Stuff shoes with socks and small items.
  5. Pack a laundry plan instead of extra clothes.
  6. Put liquids in leak-proof containers inside a zip bag.
  7. Weigh your bag before leaving home.
  8. Leave space for souvenirs.

For more on travelling light, read our guide to travelling carry-on only.

What Not to Pack

Leaving things behind is as important as remembering essentials. Most travellers can skip:

  • full-size toiletries – buy them at your destination if needed,
  • more than two pairs of extra shoes – they're heavy and bulky,
  • "just in case" outfits you rarely wear at home,
  • expensive jewellery that could be lost or stolen,
  • hairdryers – most hotels provide them,
  • too many books – use an e-reader or phone instead.

A lighter bag makes airports, stairs and public transport far easier, and it leaves room for souvenirs.

Packing for Different Climates

For hot destinations, choose loose, breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen, and pack a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen. For cold destinations, rely on layers: a thermal base layer, a warm mid-layer and a waterproof, windproof outer jacket, plus gloves, a hat and warm socks. Layering is more flexible and packs smaller than one heavy coat.

  • Passport and documents
  • Cards and cash
  • Phone and charger
  • Medications
  • Adapter and power bank
  • Keys for home
  • Online check-in completed
  • Home secured and appliances off

Final Thoughts

A good packing list turns packing from a last-minute scramble into a quick, stress-free task. Start with the essentials, pack versatile clothing, keep important items in your carry-on and resist the urge to pack "just in case" extras. Save this checklist and adapt it for every trip. Explore more practical advice in our travel tips section.