The Essential Packing List for Traveling

Knowing exactly where these key items are at all times whilst on vacation is a good idea. Even though you can buy another travel guide or map in the country you visit, it’s still nice to carry your own from home if you’ve made notes in the pages. Keep these items safe under your clothing if you’re traveling to a place known for high theft with pickpockets.

Printed tickets*
Travel wallet*
Passport*
Cash and credit cards*
Cell phone and charger*
Travel info/itinerary/photocopy of passport*
Travel guide with map and phrases*

The following items would come in handy in your carry-on as you can access them during that long nine hour flight as being comfortable on a plane shouldn’t be a pain if you pack the right items.

Earplugs
Eye mask
Travel pillow
Sunglasses/glasses
Hat
A large scarf or sarong
Flip-flops/foldable flats
Face cloth/face wipes

Toiletries

You can always rely on complimentary hotel shampoos, lotions, etc, but for those who want to bring their own, pack items no larger than 100 grams of liquids, creams, or gels if you plan on placing them in your carry-on bag. Since the air-cabin pressure changes during a flight, it’s best to put all your liquids and creams into a zip lock bag in case of spillage. Wrapping the top with plastic wrap and an elastic can work too.

Toothbrush, floss, and travel sized toothpaste*
Shampoo/conditioner (optional)
Moisturizer (optional)
Makeup
Deodorant*
Travel wipes
Q-Tips (travel sized pack)
Shaver plus travel sized shave gel (don’t have this in your carry-on)
Medications (prescriptions, allergy pills, pain relief tablets, etc.)*
Chap stick*
Tissues*
Eye drops*
Hand sanitizer*
Hair elastics (2)*
Zip lock with laundry detergent (optional)
Blow dryer (optional)
Travel sized hair straightener (optional)
Quick-dry towel (optional)

Snacks

Having something to snack on, besides the delicious airplane food, is important to keep your energy up and hunger down. Most of the time, passengers are only given small cups of water, juice, or soda for the entire flight, and unless you want to keep asking the flight attendants repeatedly for more refreshments, take an empty water bottle with you through the gates and fill it up at a fountain before boarding. Also chewing gum while the plane is taking off and landing will help pop the pressure in your ears.

Water bottle*
Protein/granola bars*
Nuts*
Gum*

Gadgets

To save on space and to help you organize your bag, place all your device’s chargers inside your spectacle case or in a small plastic container so that you don’t have chords everywhere. If you choose to bring your gadgets, pack them in the centre of your suitcase to protect them from damage. Also, if you put a ‘fragile’ sticker on your bag, it will be kept on the top of the pile and will not be thrown around by baggage men.

Voltage wall adapter
Laptop or tablet* (optional)
Camera and with extra batteries
Chargers for each electronic device

Entertainment

Whether it’s to keep your mind busy while en route to your destination, document your travels, or keep you entertained, having one of the items below could be your best travel companion. Having noise-cancelling headphones also helps on long journeys when you need to have a break with some peace and quiet.

Journal and pen*
E-book reader, magazine, or book*
Headphones*
Travel speaker

Miscellaneous

These are items that will come in handy if you plan on doing a lot of shopping, or if you’re traveling to different places with pools or beaches around and the laundry service isn’t easily accessible.