✈️ Packing Panic? We’ve All Been There.
- Tricia Kampert
- Jun 18
- 4 min read
You know that creeping suspicion that you're forgetting something crucial? Yeah—welcome to pre-travel anxiety, population: you.
But fear not, globetrotting friends. I’ve got you.
This is the ultimate, no-fluff, actually-helpful travel essentials checklist—designed for every type of traveler and every kind of destination. Whether you're chasing sunsets in Santorini or sprinting through JFK because your mom forgot socks (true story, ask her), this list will keep you covered—literally.
We’ll start with the basics: the things you’d swear you’d never forget… until you're halfway to the airport without them. Trust me, it happens to the best of us. (Looking at you, underwear.)
🧳 The Absolute Non-Negotiables (Yes, Even Socks)
Passport / ID (duh, but double check anyway)
Travel documents (most are now digital BUT print a hard copy JUST IN CASE!):
1. Hotel Reservations
2. Plane tickets
3. Excursion confirmations
4. Transportation confirmations (trains, taxis, etc)
Wallet (with cash & cards. Pro tip: don’t be the "Venmo doesn’t work here" person)
Phone AND accessories:
1. Chargers
2. Adapters for other countries! These are always forgotten.
3. PORTABLE CHARGERS! You may think you’re responsible with your battery life,
but I promise.. you’re not!
4. eSim if you’re traveling to other countries and your provider does not offer unlimited International! Stay tuned for another blog about which ones are best, how to install, and how to use!
Undergarments (enough to last + a spare… or two):
1. Underwear
2. Socks
3. Bras
4. Shapewear
5. Tights (You never know if you’ll need it for an impromptu fancy night out!)
6. Stockings
Medications:
1. Daily meds prescribed by your doctor
2. Pain relievers
3. Tums or other antacids
4. Gastrointestinal meds (You may not think you need them, but it’s better to have
them and not need them than to need them and not have them. Here’s looking at
you, Kenya)
For my friends in need of extra help to see!
1. Glasses
2. Glass case
3. Contacts WITH AN EXTRA PAIR!
4. Contact Solution
Travel insurance info (if you bought this. print & digital copy)
👚 Clothes: The Realistic Capsule Wardrobe
Comfy walking shoes. To my ladies, I promise you do NOT need 15 pairs of shoes to tour Rome or lay on the beach in the Bahamas! Is it a hard habit to break? YES! But the less you bring, the better!
One “nice” outfit (yes, just one—you’re not doing a red carpet tour)
Weather-appropriate layers:
1. Tshirts
2. Tank tops
3. Shorts
4. A pair of jeans
5. Raincoat AND/OR Umbrella
Sleepwear
Swimsuit (even if you're not expecting water—trust the travel gods)
Flip flops/slides (for showers or beach or late-night snack runs)
Hat
🛁 Toiletries: TSA-Friendly & Sanity-Saving
Let’s just be clear, make sure ALL of your liquids are less than 3.4 ounces and can all fit in a quart-sized clear plastic baggie to go through TSA. MAKEUP DOES NOT COUNT!!! For my girlies… you will not need to put your makeup in a separate bag. Keep it in your makeup bag and you’re good to go!
Toothbrush + toothpaste
Deodorant
Face wipes / travel-size cleanser
Moisturizer (face + body if you’re extra)
Sunscreen (yes, even in winter. Yes, even in Iceland.)
Razor and shaving cream
Hairbrush/comb + travel hair products
Feminine hygiene products (even if you “won’t need them”)
Lip balm (because airplane air is basically sandpaper)
If you’re super extra, your skin care routine
🎒 In-Flight / On-the-Go Survival Kit
Headphones/earbuds (noise-canceling = elite move)
Neck pillow
Eye mask + earplugs (only for those with sensitivity to noise and can’t sleep on planes with the engines roaring)
Snacks! No one ever thinks of snacks, but trust me… you won’t regret this tip!
Refillable water bottle (empty through security, refill later)
Book / iPad / offline Netflix downloads
Hand sanitizer + travel tissues
Pen (you literally never know when you’re going to need one)
Gum or mints (especially after long flights—your seatmates will thank you)
🛠 Just in Case: The Bonus Round
Mini first-aid kit (band-aids, ibuprofen, etc.)
Power adapter / voltage converter
Extra tote bag or foldable backpack (for spontaneous shopping or laundry)
Laundry bag (or plastic bag for dirty stuff)
Ziplock bags (infinitely useful—snacks, wet clothes, leaky bottles)
Lint roller (especially if your travel wardrobe is 70% black)
Safety pins + mini sewing kit
Copies of important documents (digital and printed)
💡 Pro Travel Extras (a.k.a. “I Travel Too Much” Items)
Travel towel (dries fast, packs small, and might save your butt)
Vacuum bags to create more room for your carryon! (So you can avoid paying for extra checked luggage... GREAT hack!)
Portable door lock or wedge (for solo travelers and sketchy hostels)
Luggage scale (for people who always push the baggage limit)
AirTag for luggage! This eliminates the paranoia and thoughts of “Did my luggage make it?”
Portable Wi-Fi hotspot or local SIM card
Travel journal (for remembering the weird stuff later)
And there you have it! the ultimate travel packing list to keep you sane, stylish, and (mostly) sand-free. Whether you're heading to a beach paradise, mountain escape, or just your in-laws’ guest room with questionable Wi-Fi, these essentials have your back.
Remember: if you forget something… it’s probably sold at the airport for five times the price. 😅
So pack smart, triple-check for your passport, and for the love of all that is TSA-approved, don’t wait until the night before to do laundry. You’ve got adventures to chase and overstuffed suitcases to sit on.
Bon voyage, travel warrior. May your charger cords never tangle and your liquids always be under 3.4 ounces (unless you’re boujee and packed the full sized versions in your checked bags). ✈️🧳✨
FINAL NOTE: for your convenience, I have attached google doc and printable version of this comprehensive packing list for any type of travel! Stay tuned, I will tailor It to specific travels in future blog posts!
PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR ALL TRAVEL TYPES
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