After years of trial and error, countless trips across different climates, and learning from both successes and packing disasters, I’ve refined my travel packing approach to what I believe is an optimal baseline. This isn’t a rigid checklist that everyone must follow—it’s a comprehensive template that you can customize based on your specific travel plans, destination, and personal needs.
The beauty of having a solid packing list template is that it saves you from the pre-trip panic of “What am I forgetting?” Instead, you can focus on adjusting quantities and specific items based on your unique journey. Whether you’re planning a two-week backpacking adventure or a business trip, this list provides a strong foundation.
Remember: This template assumes non-winter travel. If you’re heading somewhere cold, you’ll need to add appropriate layers and winter gear.
1、Gear
Essential Electronics
- Laptop (if needed for work/extended travel)
- Smartphone with protective case
- Universal power adapter/converter
- External battery/portable charger (high capacity recommended)
- Charging cables for all devices
- Camera (if you want more than smartphone photos)
- Headphones/earbuds
- E-reader or tablet (for entertainment and travel documents)
Power & Connectivity
- Backup charging cables
- Power strip (compact, travel-friendly)
- SIM card removal tool
- USB flash drive (for document backups)
Customization Notes: Business travelers might add a portable monitor or presentation remote. Adventure travelers might prioritize waterproof cases and extra batteries.
- Clothe
Base Wardrobe
- 5-7 t-shirts (mix of colors, quick-dry material preferred)
- 1-2 long-sleeved shirts (versatile for sun protection and cooler evenings)
- 1 pair of jeans or durable pants (despite being heavy, many travelers find them essential)
- 1 pair of shorts (quick-dry material)
- 1 pair of lightweight travel pants (synthetic fabric, wrinkle-resistant)
- 7-10 pairs of underwear (quick-dry, antimicrobial if possible)
- 1 swimsuit/bathing suit
- 8-10 pairs of socks (include both regular and hiking socks)
- 1 dress shirt or nice blouse (for upscale dining or business meetings)
Footwear
- 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes/sneakers
- 1 pair of sandals with back straps (more secure than flip-flops)
- 1 pair of dress shoes (optional, depends on itinerary)
Outerwear
- 1 lightweight jacket or fleece
- 1 rain jacket or compact umbrella
- 1 warm layer (merino wool or synthetic base layer)
Customization Notes: Adjust quantities based on trip length and laundry access. For tropical destinations, reduce warm layers. For business travel, add more formal attire.
- Toiletries
Personal Care Essentials
- Toothbrush (compact, travel-sized)
- Toothpaste (travel-sized or solid tablets)
- Dental floss
- Deodorant (solid stick travels better than aerosol)
- Razor and spare blades
- Shampoo (travel-sized or solid bar)
- Body wash/soap (travel-sized or solid bar)
- Moisturizer (small container)
- Sunscreen (appropriate SPF for destination)
- Lip balm with SPF
Specialized Items
- Contact lens solution and case (if applicable)
- Prescription medications (in original containers)
- Birth control (if applicable)
- Feminine hygiene products
- Nail clippers and small scissors
- Tweezers
Convenience Items
- Quick-dry towel (microfiber, compact)
- Wet wipes (multipurpose)
- Tissues (travel packs)
- Hand sanitizer
Customization Notes: Minimize liquids for carry-on travel. Consider solid alternatives for shampoo and soap. Pack extra of items that may be hard to find at your destination.
- Small Medical Kit
Basic Medications
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Antihistamine (for allergies)
- Throat lozenges
- Electrolyte packets (for dehydration)
- Probiotics (for digestive health)
First Aid Supplies
- Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
- Antiseptic wipes
- Antibiotic ointment
- Hydrocortisone cream (for itching/rashes)
- Thermometer (digital, compact)
- Elastic bandage (for sprains)
- Safety pins
Specialized Items
- Prescription medications (bring extra)
- Emergency contact information
- Copy of prescriptions
- Medical insurance card/information
- Motion sickness medication (if prone to travel sickness)
Customization Notes: Research destination-specific health risks. Consult a travel medicine specialist for tropical destinations. Adjust quantities based on trip length and access to medical care.
- Miscellaneous
Security & Organization
- Luggage locks (TSA-approved)
- Money belt or hidden wallet
- Packing cubes (for organization)
- Ziplock bags (various sizes)
- Laundry bag (or separate packing cube)
- Travel wallet for documents
Comfort & Convenience
- Eye mask and earplugs (for quality sleep)
- Neck pillow (inflatable to save space)
- Portable water bottle (collapsible or lightweight)
- Water purification tablets or portable filter
- Headlamp or small flashlight
- Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife (check airline regulations)
- Duct tape (small roll, incredibly useful)
Documents & Backup
- Passport and visa (if required)
- Driver’s license or ID
- Travel insurance documents
- Copies of important documents (stored separately)
- Emergency contact information
- Hotel confirmations and travel itineraries
- Credit cards and some cash
- Business cards (if networking is part of your trip)
Entertainment & Personal Items
- Journal and pen
- Small gifts from home (for hosts or new friends)
- Photos to share (digital or printed)
- Playing cards or small games
- Snacks (non-perishable, travel-friendly)
Customization Notes: Adjust based on accommodation type (hostel vs. hotel), trip purpose (leisure vs. business), and personal preferences. Solo travelers might prioritize security items, while family travelers need different entertainment options.
How to Use This Template
- Start with the full list as your baseline
- Remove items that don’t apply to your specific trip
- Adjust quantities based on trip length and laundry access
- Add specialized items for your destination or activities
- Consider the climate and season of your destination
- Check airline regulations for restricted items
- Leave room for souvenirs and purchases
Final Thoughts
This template has evolved from years of travel experience, but it’s not set in stone. Your perfect packing list will be unique to your travel style, destinations, and personal needs. Use this as a starting point, then refine it based on your own experiences.
Remember: you can buy most things you’ve forgotten at your destination. It’s better to pack light and purchase items as needed than to overpack and struggle with heavy luggage throughout your trip.
The goal isn’t to have everything—it’s to have everything you actually need while maintaining the freedom and flexibility that makes travel so rewarding. Happy packing!