Travel Packing Tips
We travel several times a year. I still use a check list every time. It makes it so much simpler. I have different lists for different trips. Start with the basics and build from there. Even the little things you always have. In the flurry of packing, good organization is key. I love excel and use it for my packing lists. That way I can change them as needed and then print them. You can have them on your phone, but I still like a printed copy. I don’t travel super light. So don’t look here for those type of tips. I like to be comfortable. I am not backpacking around and suitcases wheel easily.
My favorite tip is, take an extension cord. The plugs in the hotels never seem to be where you want, plus you can plug in more than one thing at a time to charge on one converter. I like to take ziplock bags. If you think something you bring back might leak.
We mark our cords with decorative masking tape, so when we are traveling with others our cords stand out. If we are traveling by car to a stay with relatives, we might bring our own towels and sheets. That saves our hosts from extra laundry.
Here is a sample of a list if I am traveling out of the country
| Notes | suitcase | Category | Description |
| Carry on | clothes | one outfit, in case your checked bags are delayed | |
| Carry on | documents | Flight and travel info/Hotel Confirmations | |
| Carry on | documents | Important papers and travel documents | |
| Carry on | documents | passport | |
| Carry on | documents | photo copy of Passport and other doc | |
| Carry on | electronics | Camera ( Charge it) | |
| Carry on | electronics | Camera gear, extra memory cards, batteries | |
| Carry on | electronics | ear phones for music | |
| Carry on | electronics | I Pad | |
| Carry on | electronics | I phones | |
| Carry on | electronics | lap top, mouse and Charger | |
| Carry on | electronics | phone chargers- one in checked | |
| Carry on | electronics | video Camera/ go pro and cables | |
| to buy | Carry on | food | gum or mints |
| Carry on | food | snacks | |
| Carry on | glasses | Eyeglasses, lens cleaners | |
| Carry on | glasses | Sunglasses | |
| Carry on | medicine | blood pressure | |
| to buy | Carry on | medicine | Enzymes |
| Carry on | medicine | eye drops | |
| Carry on | medicine | Ibuprofen | |
| Carry on | medicine | medicines, in their original, labeled containers | |
| checked | clothes | 7 pants | |
| checked | clothes | 7 shirts | |
| checked | clothes | comfortable, casual clothing | |
| checked | clothes | nightgown | |
| checked | clothes | shoes, Comfortable walking shoes | |
| to buy | checked | clothes | shoes, Dressier |
| checked | clothes | socks | |
| checked | clothes | undies | |
| checked | clothes, Weather | gloves | |
| checked | clothes, Weather | leggings | |
| checked | clothes, Weather | Lightweight jacket/warm sweater/sweatshirt | |
| checked | clothes, Weather | lightweight rain gear | |
| checked | clothes, Weather | scarf | |
| to buy | checked | clothes, Weather | shoes, water-resistant |
| to buy | checked | clothes, Weather | umbrella |
| checked | clothes, Weather | Winter hat | |
| checked | comfort | bubble wrap- for souvenirs | |
| opt | checked | comfort | heating pad |
| checked | comfort | pillows- never leave home without my favorite pillow | |
| checked | comfort | ziplock bags | |
| checked | doc | Travel journal/notepad and/or reading material | |
| checked | electronics | Electric converter/adapter for North American appliances (220V) | |
| checked | electronics | extension cords | |
| checked | electronics | Selfie stick | |
| checked | food | instant coffee | |
| checked | medicine | alka seltzer | |
| checked | medicine | Allegra | |
| checked | medicine | bandaids | |
| to buy | checked | medicine | imodium |
| checked | medicine | inhaler | |
| checked | medicine | vitamins | |
| opt | checked | misc | day back pack |
| checked | misc | sun hat or visor | |
| checked | Toiletries | Earplugs | |
| checked | Toiletries | gold bond powder | |
| checked | Toiletries | laundry pen | |
| checked | Toiletries | laundry soap | |
| checked | Toiletries | nail clippers | |
| checked | Toiletries | nail file | |
| checked | Toiletries | q tips | |
| checked | Toiletries | scissors | |
| checked | Toiletries | Small, basic sewing kit/extra buttons; pack scissors in checked bags | |
| checked | Toiletries | sun screen | |
| checked | Toiletries hair | curling iron | |
| checked | Toiletries hair | Hair dryer | |
| checked | Toiletries hair | Hairbrush | |
| checked | Toiletries hair | ponytail holders | |
| checked | Toiletries makeup | make up | |
| checked | Toiletries shower | body wash | |
| checked | Toiletries shower | conditioner | |
| checked | Toiletries shower | Deo | |
| checked | Toiletries shower | Face soap | |
| checked | Toiletries shower | razor | |
| checked | Toiletries shower | shampoo | |
| checked | Toiletries teeth | Toothbrush | |
| checked | Toiletries teeth | Toothpaste |