The Power of Packing Lists for Your Vacation Planning

Why You Should Make a Packing List—Every Time

After months of scheduling and hundreds of dollars spent, packing is often the final step before vacation bliss. There’s no need to dread the sight of your empty suitcase—creating a travel checklist while you plan your vacation makes the process a breeze. Not convinced? A packing checklist has a lot of benefits—some of which might not even occur to you right away:

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• Save time. Instead of spending hours sorting through your closet, following a packing list allows you to quickly pack the items you need. Once you’re on your trip, you’ll save time getting dressed by planning your outfits ahead of time.
• Save money. You already own your most essential items like underwear, toothpaste, and deodorant. With a packing list, you won’t have to replace your medicine cabinet every time you travel. Plus, you don’t need to settle for cheap alternatives or ill-fitting options.
• Save space. Whether you’re traveling by car or taking a flight, overpacking wastes your time and takes up precious luggage space. When you know you have what you need, you won’t need to throw in extra items you’ll never use.
• Reduce stress. A vacation should be a relaxing break from your everyday life, but there are bound to be stressful factors you can’t control. Creating and following a packing list minimizes your need to worry.

What to Include in Your Packing Checklist

Your perfect packing checklist depends on your vacation and should change each time you travel somewhere new. You won’t need to pack formal attire for a family camping trip and a swimsuit won’t get much use during an urban excursion (unless the hotel has a pool). Before you start writing your checklist, take note of how long you’ll be gone, the average local temperature and weather, and whether you’ll need to fit everything in a checked bag.

Clothing

Planning your outfits ahead of time makes it easy to look stylish in every Instagram post without taking your entire closet. The types of clothes you pack will depend on your personal style, but as a general rule, you’ll want to include items that can work for multiple outfits.

• One casual outfit per day. Make sure to the include days you’ll be traveling when deciding how many outfits you’ll need to pack. Mix and match tops and bottoms to save space but consider whether you’ll need to wash items before wearing them again.
• One dressy outfit. If you might go to a nice dinner or a show during your vacation, bring a fancier outfit that you’ll feel confident wearing.
• One sweater or jacket. Even warmer locations cool off at night or inside air-conditioned stores and restaurants.
• Underwear, socks, and pajamas. Pack at least one pair of socks and underwear per day of travel, but you’ll be able to wear your pajamas more than once.
• Miscellaneous items like swimwear or hiking boots. Different vacations require different types of clothing. If you’re traveling in winter, make sure to bring a warm coat and necessary accessories like a hat, gloves, and a scarf.

Toiletries

While you’ll find some personal care items available at hotels, it’s a good idea to pack them yourself just in case. Remember to never pack liquids over three ounces if you’re traveling by plane. Most toiletries you use on a daily basis should earn a spot on your travel checklist.

• Shampoo or conditioner
• Hairbrush or comb
• Hairstyling products
• Face wash and body soap
• Deodorant
• Dental hygiene items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
• Makeup
• Razors
• Shaving cream
• Lotion
• Contact lens solution
• Sunscreen

Essentials

Some of the most essential travel items end up being the most easily forgotten. Pack your credit or debit cards, cash, and passport or ID in a safe, easily accessible place. Print or download plane or bus tickets ahead of time and don’t forget your cellphone or laptop chargers.

Your travel checklist should also include any prescription medications you take and over-the-counter medicine that could come in handy, like pain relievers or cold medicine.

Whether you’re planning a working vacation or preparing for your next family reunion, creating a packing list saves you time, money, and a headache. With a carefully packed carry-on, you’ll start your next trip on the right foot.