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The Ultimate Packing List for Every Trip

Writer: Jenny O
Jenny O
Oct 13
4 min read

Updated: Oct 14

Sound familiar? You’re sitting on the train or plane, finally leaning back, and suddenly it hits you: your charging cable is still on the bedside table. Or the sunscreen. Or, the classic, the adapter...


I plan trips for other people, and that’s exactly why I know: the best trip starts with a relaxed mind. And you’re most relaxed when you know you’ve thought of everything.

That’s why I’m sharing my personal packing list here. It’s not a rigid template but a foundation you can adapt to your trip, whether it’s a weekend in Lisbon or three weeks in Southeast Asia.



Before you even open your suitcase: 3 questions


Before packing, I always ask myself these three questions:

  • Where am I going, and what weather can I expect? The climate determines more than half of your packing list.

  • What am I planning to do? Hiking, city, beach, business, a wedding? Every activity comes with its own must-haves.

  • How am I travelling? Flying with carry-on only comes with different rules than travelling by car.


Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll automatically pack more purposefully and much lighter.


Checklist: Documents and organization = the most important part


This is the most important category, because you can buy almost everything else on the road if you have to.


  • Passport or ID (check the validity, many countries require 6 months!)

  • Visa or entry authorisation (e.g. ESTA, ETA, eVisa)

  • Flight, train and hotel confirmations (saved offline)

  • Health insurance card

  • Credit and debit card, plus some cash in local currency depending on the country

  • Driving licence (international driving permit if needed)

  • Vaccination record, if required (depending on the country)

  • Emergency contacts and the address of your accommodation written down


My tip: Take photos of your passport, cards and bookings and save them to the cloud or email them to yourself. If something gets lost, you’ll still have everything at hand.


Clothing: Less is more


Most of us pack too many clothes, and I used to as well (and sometimes still do). My rule: mix-and-match pieces in 2–3 basic colours that you can wear several times.


  • Underwear and socks (for the length of the trip, max. 10 days, after that it’s laundry time)

  • 2–3 pairs of trousers, skirts or shorts

  • T-shirts and tops

  • 1 warm layer (jumper or fleece, also for chilly planes!)

  • 1 light jacket or rain jacket

  • 1 outfit for the evening

  • Sleepwear

  • Swimwear

  • Comfortable walking shoes + 1 pair of sandals or smarter shoes

  • Scarf or wrap (an all-rounder: sun protection, blanket, head covering for temples)


My tip: If push comes to shove, wear your heaviest items (jacket, shoes etc.) while travelling. That saves space and weight in your suitcase.


Toiletries


  • Toothbrush, toothpaste

  • Shampoo, shower gel (or solid versions, they save space and hassle at security)

  • Deodorant

  • Sunscreen and after-sun

  • Insect repellent

  • Face and body care

  • Hairbrush, hair ties

  • Make-up as needed

  • Menstrual products

  • Razor

  • Contact lenses/glasses

Travel first-aid kit


  • Personal medication (in sufficient quantity + a reserve)

  • Painkillers and fever reducers (paracetamol, ibuprofen)

  • Remedies for diarrhoea and nausea

  • Plasters and blister plasters

  • Disinfectant

  • Treatment for insect bites / itching

  • Antihistamines

  • Electrolytes

Tech and gadgets


  • Phone + charging cable

  • Power bank

  • Travel adapter (check beforehand which plug type is used at your destination!)

  • Headphones

  • Camera, memory cards, batteries

  • E-reader or book

  • eSIM or local SIM card


The perfect carry-on

Remember that liquids in carry-on luggage are usually limited to a maximum of 100 ml per container (unless the airport, Zurich for example, has the new scanners). I pack my carry-on so that I could manage for 24 hours without my suitcase if necessary. Yes, it has actually happened to me that my suitcase arrived 3 days late! And I had practically nothing with me except a spare pair of underwear... Since then, the following always goes in my carry-on:


  • All documents and valuables

  • Medication

  • Charging cable and power bank

  • Headphones

  • Spare underwear, socks, a fresh shirt and shorts (and flip-flops, depending on the country)

  • Basic skincare like moisturiser and make-up

  • Jumper

  • Camera


Little helpers I never leave at home anymore

These things are small but make a huge difference:

  • Packing cubes: order in your suitcase and quick to find things

  • Laundry bag: keeps dirty clothes separate from clean ones

  • Foldable backpack or tote bag: for day trips and shopping

  • Zip-lock bags: for liquids, wet swimwear, odds and ends

  • Suitcase lock



Before you close the door behind you

It’s not just your suitcase that needs attention, your home does too:

  • Close the windows, turn down the heating

  • Unplug electrical appliances

  • Empty the fridge (get rid of anything perishable!)

  • Take out the rubbish

  • Take care of your plants or ask someone to water them

  • Have someone empty your letterbox (for longer trips)

  • Leave a spare key with someone you trust

  • Turn on your out-of-office ;-)


My conclusion

A good packing list takes the stress away before your trip has even started. Use my list as a starting point, cross out what you don’t need and add whatever is essential for you. After one or two trips, you’ll have your very own personal list that comes with you wherever you go.


And if you'd like someone else to take care of all the planning for you, just get in touch with me. ShePlans customizes your trip exactly to suit your needs and even provide you with a travel checklist. ✈️


Which item can never be missing from your trips? Let me know in the comments.




 
 
 

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