Feeling overwhelmed by what to pack for your vacation? Worried about leaving the plants unwatered or forgetting to take out the trash? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! With this checklist, you’ll be sure to have everything you need for your trip and return to a well-prepared home.
Vacation Checklist
Take care of these essentials before you leave, and you can relax once you arrive at your destination. With this checklist, all you’ll have to do is dive into the pool and unwind!
- Check if your ID or passport is valid, and renew it in time if needed.
- Verify entry requirements; you might need a visa.
- Do you need vaccinations?
- Reserve a parking spot at the airport.
- Book a rental car.
- Purchase travel insurance.
- Check the currency of your destination and ensure you have some cash on hand.
- Research the local area for charming towns or beaches nearby.
- Know which restaurants you absolutely must visit.
Departure Checklist
There’s nothing better than coming home to a tidy and clean house after a relaxing vacation. Use this list to ensure everything is in order before you leave:
- Empty the trash bins.
- Water the plants.
- Check the fridge for perishable items and throw out fresh products.
- Lock all windows and doors.
- Turn off the heating.
- Switch off all lights and unplug electronics.
- Vacuum the house one last time.
- Strip the bed and let it air while you're away.
- Arrange care for your pets.
- Set a light on a timer to give the appearance that someone is home and help deter burglars.
Packing List for Your Suitcase
What you pack will depend on your destination and the length of your vacation, but with this checklist, you won’t forget anything:
Clothing and Shoes
- T-shirts
- Underwear
- Bras
- Pajamas
- Sweater
- Pullovers
- Socks
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Tops
- Tank tops
- Jacket
- Dresses
- Skirts
- Pants
- Shorts
- Swimwear
- Party clothes
- Evening outfits
- Sportswear
- Sneakers
- Slippers
- Optional: boots, heels, or sandals
- Optional: thermal clothing for colder destinations
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Shower gel
- Facial cleanser
- Razor or electric shaver (don’t forget the charger) and shaving cream
- Aftershave
- Sunscreen
- After-sun lotion
- Contraceptives
- Condoms
- Deodorant
- Body lotion
- Lip balm (with SPF)
- Face cream (day and night)
- Hair gel or hairspray
- Contact lenses and solution
- Dental floss or toothpicks
- Makeup
- Small mirror
- Nail polish and remover
- Nail clippers
- Perfume
- Tampons and sanitary pads
- Tissues, cotton pads, and cotton swabs
Accessories
- Sunglasses
- Bag
- Belt
- Jewelry
- Watch
- Hat or cap
Important Documents
- Passport or ID
- Copy of important documents like your passport
- Printed flight tickets (always handy in case your phone dies)
- Driver’s license
- Visa
- Debit card
- Credit card
- Cash
- Booking confirmations for rental cars or accommodations
- Travel insurance papers
- Health insurance card
Health
- First-aid kit
- (Blister) band-aids
- Painkillers
- Allergy medication
- Hand sanitizer
- Insect repellent and/or mosquito net
- Activated charcoal tablets
- Tick remover
- Personal medication
Electronics
- Laptop
- Powerbank
- Chargers
- Camera
- Tablet
- Hair straightener/curling iron
- Hairdryer
- E-reader
- Universal adapter
Other Items
- Beach towel
- Towels (if the accommodation doesn’t provide them)
- Games
- Badminton set or other beach games
- Ball
- Books and magazines
- Beach bag
- Travel guide
- Snorkeling gear
- Journal
- Sports equipment
Traveling with Babies and/or Children
Heading out as a family? Make sure you don’t forget their favorite toys! With this checklist, you’ll be all set:
- Kid's passports
- Diapers
- Diaper bag
- Wet wipes
- Pacifier
- Stuffed animals
- Stroller
- Car seat
- Floaties
- Swim diapers
- Toys
- Coloring books and pencils
- Children’s medication
- Baby food
- Bibs
- Nightlight
- Clothes: onesies, shirts, pants, socks
- Hat and other sun protection
- Baby monitor
- Parasol
- Bottles
- Breast pump
- Baby carrier
Hand Luggage Packing List
Always handy to keep within reach:
- Phone
- Wallet
- Book, magazine, or e-reader
- Water bottle (empty for the flight)
- Passport or ID
- Earbuds or headphones
- Snacks
- Chewing gum
- Travel pillow
- Extra sweater or jacket
- Flight tickets
- Earplugs
- Eye mask
- Pen and notebook
- Extra sets of clothes
- Small toiletry bag with toothbrush, toothpaste, mirror, and face wipes
Travel Light
Checked off everything? Then you’re all set for your trip. Want to keep it compact and limit yourself to just one bag? Go for the Airback, a backpack with a built-in compression system. It allows you to pack up to 50% more than usual!
