Packing List

There's a difference between being an over-packer and being prepared. An overpacker may pack things that are not necessary for the type of trip you are going on. This might look like packing Ugg boots for a tropical vacation or packing a bathing suit for a cold destination. A prepared packer may have all the things needed for the vacation, even if they do not end up using it. Nevertheless, packing the right items for a vacation is beyond crucial. I will cover an overall packing list, as well as different items you will need depending on your travel destination.

BACKPACK

Every trip you go on, it is recommended to bring a backpack. There, you can carry small, easy, and accessible items that you may need during your travel time.  

Some essential items to put in your backpack are: 

Water bottle  Snacks Hand sanitizer Lip Balm Wipes Headphones Sunglasses

Extra set of clothes Menstrual products  Charger for electronic(s) Activities to keep you occupied Speaker Documents Reading book

Other items you may need depending on your travel destination may include: 

TROPICAL	OUTDOOR	COLD
Aloe vera Hat Sunscreen Waterproof phone pouch	Bug Spray Hat Sunscreen Umbrella	Beanie Gloves  Hand warmers

Regardless of your destination, having a backpack has many purposes. While you are traveling to the destination, whether on plane, water, or car, it can be used to carry things. These items you may need while you are traveling, but also for when you arrive because you may not always have access to your luggage (if applicable) right away. This is why it is important to carry an extra set of clothes. Once you reach your destination, you can empty what you do not need until you travel back, and use it as an everyday bag. 

DOCUMENTS

Depending on your destination, you will need a couple documents. When you are traveling domestically (within the United States), you will need some sort of government issued ID. This may be a driver's license, or a passport if you do not have your driver's license. When you are traveling internationally (outside of the United States), you will need a U.S. passport. 

TECHNOLOGY

In today’s world technology is very important. During vacation, technology can be used in many different ways. It can help you stay connected with family, friends, and coworkers, who are in different parts of the world. Technology can also help you capture moments that you can look back at in the future.

Some technology you may bring on vacation are:

• Phone (iPhone, Samsung, Android, etc.)

• Headphones (Airpods, Beats, Sony, etc.)

• Tablet (iPad, Samsung, Amazon Fire, etc.)

• Watch (iWatch, Fitbit, G-shock, etc.)

• Computer (Macbook, Asus, Lenovo, etc.)

• Charging chords for all electronics  

• Portable charger

Other technology: digital camera, GoPro, Amazon fire stick

TOILETRIES 

Toiletries are one of the most important things to bring on a vacation. They are essential to help  you stay clean and up to date with your personal hygiene. 

Some basic toiletries you should bring are:

Toothbrush and toothpaste Hair brush (and comb) Menstrual products Deodorant Body Lotion

Shampoo Conditioner Body wash Razor Cotton swab

Extra toiletries you might bring could be: skin care products 

By taking care of your body, it can help decrease the risk of infection, bites, and rashes.

CLOTHES

Clothes are more than just the material. They are arguably the most important items for your vacation. Clothes are not only fashionable and comfortable, but they are also essential because you do not, at least I hope, want to be walking around naked. Clothes also give you a sense of security, as well as an identity. 

Personally, when I am packing for vacation, I like to give myself more options when it comes to outfits. I usually pack an extra set or two of everything. For example, if I am traveling for 8 days, I would pack about 9 or 10 outfits. 

Below is a list of the amount of clothes you may possibly bring for a week-long trip, and it may vary according to how long your personal vacation is. 

TROPICAL	OUTDOOR	COLD
Tops x9* Bottoms x9*  Pajamas x4 Going out x6* Swimwear x6 Undergarment x10	Tops x9* Bottoms x9* Pajamas x4 Jackets x4* Undergarment x10	Tops x9 Bottoms x9 Pajamas x4 Jackets x5 Thermals x6 Undergarment x10

*Depends on time of year and season you visit location

SUITCASE

Your suitcase is the primary home for everything else you do not put in your backpack. In there, you should put your clothes and toiletries, as well as a few other items. In order to minimize your space, you should fold your clothes in an efficient way. This may be rolling them or folding them a few more times than normal. Another method to create space would be to use packing cubes. Packing cubes can help you organize your items, as well as help you manage your space. 

Some other items you may want to add into your suitcase are:

TROPICAL	OUTDOOR	COLD
Sandals Flip flops  Water shoes Extra pair of flip flops Beach towel(s) Waterproof bag Beach bag Snorkel gear (if you have any)	Tennis shoes  Hiking shoes Water shoes Flip flops  Trekking poles	Tennis shoes Snow boots Warm boots

MISCELLANEOUS 

There are a few more items that you may want to bring for your trip. 

Medicine is an item you should definitely consider. Depending on your destination, it is better to be prepared with your medicine when you arrive because in some cases, that location's medicine is not the most reliable. Some basic medicines you may want to bring are: ibuprofen (advil or motrin), acetaminophen (tylenol), allergy medicine (zyrtec or claritin), inhaler for asthma, eczema medicine, and motion sickness tablets (dramamine). You may also want to bring a stomach reliever (pepto bismol) and a mini first aid kit, just in case an incident happens. 

Another miscellaneous item may be hair supplies, like blow dryer, curling iron, straightener, hair  gel, and hair spray.