Have you Packed These Essentials? A Must-Have Packing Checklist for Every Traveler

Jennie Vandegrift
Mar 6
3 min read

Updated: Apr 24

Every great journey starts with smart packing. To ensure a smooth and stress-free trip, it’s essential to start with the basics and make sure you have all the essentials covered. From clothing and toiletries to travel documents and must-have accessories, having a well-thought-out packing list can make all the difference. Let’s dive into the fundamentals of packing and go over the key items that every traveler should include for a seamless adventure.

📄 Travel Essentials

✅ Licenses / IDs

✅ Credit cards & cash

✅ Travel itinerary

✅ Hotel & flight confirmations

✅ Travel insurance details

✅ Emergency contact list

🧳 Luggage & Organization

✅ Carry-on bags (with essentials)

✅ Checked luggage (if needed)

✅ Packing cubes (for organization)

✅ Lightweight foldable bag (tote or backpack)

💡This can serve as your day trip essential, and then easily convert into an extra luggage piece on your way home to carry souvenirs or any other items you’ve picked up during your trip!

✅ Luggage tags & locks

👕 Clothing & Accessories

General Clothing

✅ Comfortable travel outfits

✅ Casual daytime wear

✅ Dressier outfits (for nicer restaurants/events)

✅ Weather-appropriate layers (sweaters, jackets, etc.)

✅ Rain jacket/poncho (if applicable)

✅ Swimsuits (if needed)

✅ Pajamas

✅ Undergarments (underwear, bras,etc.)

✅ Socks

Shoes

✅ Comfortable walking shoes

✅ Sandals or flip-flops (if needed)

✅ Dress shoes (if needed)

✅ Water-resistant shoes (for rainy climates)

Accessories

✅ Sunglasses

✅ Hats/caps

✅ Belt

✅ Umbrella

🪥 Toiletries & Medications

Basic Toiletries

✅ Toothbrush & toothpaste

✅ Deodorant

✅ Shampoo & conditioner

✅ Hairbrush & hair ties

✅ Razor & shaving cream

✅ Makeup & skincare

✅ Feminine hygiene products

Health & Medications

✅ Prescription medications (in original packaging)

✅ Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)

✅ Motion sickness meds

✅ Allergy meds

✅ Digestive aids (antacids, probiotics, anti-diarrhea meds)

✅ First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, etc.)

✅ Bug spray

✅ Sunscreen

📱 Tech & Entertainment

Electronics

✅ Phones & chargers

✅ Tablet & headphones

✅ E-book reader or books

✅ Power bank

✅ Laptop (if needed)

✅ Travel camera or GoPro

Entertainment & Comfort

✅ Snacks & wet wipes

✅ Downloaded movies, books, or music

✅ Small games, coloring books, or toys for kids

💡Grab a restaurant menu cover from Amazon, print out worksheets or games, and bring along a dry erase marker for endless entertainment on the go!

💡When packing crayons, choose the triangular ones so they don’t roll around. They stay in place better on the tray, and if they do fall, they won’t end up at the back of the airplane!

🧒 Kid-Specific Essentials

✅ Travel stroller or baby carrier

✅ Child car seat (if required)

💡Consider travel vests as a convenient alternative to traditional car seats (Ride Safer offers an excellent option). These vests provide the same level of safety, pack down to a compact size, and are much easier to carry through airports!

✅ Favorite blanket and/or stuffed animal

✅ Extra clothes (kids can be messy!)

💡Pack a ziplock bag in your carry-on to store soiled clothing during travel days or day excursions, keeping everything neat and separated.

✅ Diapers & wipes

💡For flights, try strapping a diaper one size up over your baby's regular diaper. If there’s a blowout on the plane, it helps contain the mess and can save you from needing a clothing change (for baby and you!).

✅ Bottles & formula (if required)

✅ Breastfeeding essentials (if required)

✅ Nursing cover

✅ Breast pump

✅ Cooler for breastmilk

🎒 Miscellaneous Extras

✅ Reusable water bottles

✅ Laundry bag for dirty clothes

Now that you’ve got the foundation covered with this all-purpose packing list, it’s time to take things a step further. Every trip is a little different, and your packing should reflect the unique experiences each journey brings. Whether you're heading off on a beach vacation, a mountain escape, an urban adventure, or traveling internationally with kids, I’ll be breaking down specific add-on packing lists tailored to your destination and travel style. Follow along as I dive into each one—because the right extras can turn a good trip into a great one.