The Ultimate Packing List: What to Pack for Every Type of Vacation
Updated: Mar. 13, 2024
The only packing list you’ll ever need
The thrill of travel comes with a few hassles, many of which occur prior to departure. If you’re jetting off to your destination, you’ll need to find the best deals on plane tickets (or cruise tickets) and coordinate hotel stays. Then you’ll have to make sure your passports, Global Entry cards and vaccinations are up to date. Traveling with pets or kids? That’s a whole other layer of stress and planning—and you haven’t even started thinking about your packing list yet. You might not think a packing list is your biggest concern, but it can truly make or break your trip.
What you ultimately decide to pack, of course, depends on what you’re doing, where you’re going and how you’re traveling. “When traveling domestically, in a pinch you can repurchase almost anything you’ve forgotten,” says Shelby Howe, owner of the boutique tour company MissAdventures. “This isn’t the case with international travel, particularly when visiting a remote destination.”
Keeping track of the to-dos and must-haves can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve made it easy for you by compiling comprehensive packing lists with four types of trips in mind: beach trips, international trips, cruises and road trips. All you have to do? Download the list you need, and pack accordingly in one of the best luggage sets. As a bonus, check out some expert-recommended packing tips, and learn exactly how and what to pack in a carry-on.
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Beach vacation packing list
Before you can sink your toes into the sand and sip your fruity drink under the sun, you need to think about these elements in relation to what you’re going to bring with you. Laura Cyrille, a travel and tourism publicist for ocean destinations, says that the perfect packing list goes beyond the requisite bathing suit, sandals and sun hat. “Here’s what I take into consideration: length of stay, itinerary and the destination’s climate, which, even for a beach location, can vary drastically.”
And one thing Cyrille never packs her suitcase without? Packing cubes. “They’re great for organizing your suitcase and keeping shoes from touching clothes,” she explains. Here’s what else should go in your suitcase for a beach trip.
Clothes
- Bathing suits
- Dress
- Tops (at least 3)
- Blazer
- Skirt
- Beach cover-up or sarong
- Casual pants
- Business casual pants
- Workout clothes
- Hoodie (for cold flights and chilly nights)
- Pajamas
- Undergarments
- Socks
- Raincoat or all-weather jacket
- Hat or visor
- Purse
- Jewelry (pack this in your carry-on)
Shoes
- Open-toe shoes
- Closed-toe shoes
- Sandals/flip-flops that can do double duty at the pool and in the shower
- Comfortable walking shoes
Toiletries
- Sunscreen with high SPF
- Face wash
- Contact lenses and solution
- Extra glasses
- Prescription medication
- EpiPen, if needed
- Vitamins
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Dental floss
- Deodorant
- Face and body moisturizer
- Hand lotion
- Hand sanitizer
- Shampoo, conditioner and body wash
- Feminine-hygiene products
- Birth control
- Hairstyling products
- Brush and comb
- Hairstyling tools
- Hair ties and clips
- Razor
- Aftershave/perfume
- Cosmetics (concealer, mascara, lip gloss/balm, setting spray)
- Nail clippers and files
- Tweezers
- Insect repellant
- Travel-size tissues
Electronics
- Cellphone
- Computer
- Tablet
- Noise-canceling earbuds or headphones
- Device chargers
- Hairstyling tools
- Camera with charger, extra batteries and memory cards
Miscellaneous
- Luggage tags
- Sunglasses
- Umbrella
- Binoculars
- Waterproof day bag or backpack
- Dry bag for cellphone or camera
- Laundry bag
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Books/magazines
- Journal
- Pen
- Antibacterial wipes
- Sewing kit
- Lint roller
- Flashlight
- Reading light
- Copies of ID, vaccination info
- First-aid kit (painkillers, antacids, allergy meds, bandages, etc.)
- List of emergency contacts, plus contact numbers for credit cards and banks
International travel packing list
Howe has been traveling to the Himalayas for decades, and her love of the region inspired her to launch MissAdventures, which leads solo women’s trips to Nepal. To ensure everything goes smoothly for her clients, Howe has some specific advice for traveling internationally. “As a guest in another country, it’s important to be respectful of the local culture and customs,” she says. In a culture that values modesty, especially in clothing, this can mean wearing muted colors or having the right attire for visiting religious sites.
Something else to bear in mind: “In many countries, it’s customary to remove shoes at the doors of people’s houses, religious sites and even some restaurants—and slip-on shoes are time savers,” Howe says. “Also, if you need to dress up, skip stilettos in favor of a blockier heel that will still look pretty but won’t wreck your feet if you end up dancing the tango in Buenos Aires until four in the morning.”
Other good packing directives involve packing items in neutral, dark colors, since they do a better job of hiding spots. Plus, “a neutral palette allows for creating different outfits with minimal pieces.” Think of it as the perfect capsule wardrobe! The right fabric makes a difference too. “If spending time in the backcountry, trade cotton for synthetic fibers,” Howe adds. “They tend to be lighter, dry much quicker and can help regulate your temperature better.” There’s even a way to pack for a two-week international trip in a carry-on, or you can go the more traditional route with checked luggage. Either way, find out how to roll clothes for wrinkle-free packing.
Clothes
- Cargo pants
- Leggings
- Jeans
- Casual pants
- Belt
- Shorts (if in warm climates)
- T-shirts (long and short-sleeve)
- Sweater
- Little black dress that doesn’t wrinkle
- Undergarments
- Thermal underwear
- Pajamas
- Well-fitting socks (dry-wicking are excellent for hiking)
- Raincoat
- All-weather jacket
- Scarf
- Shawl or pashmina
- Hat or visor
- Gloves (for cold climates)
Shoes
- Slip-on shoes
- Hiking boots (broken in on terrain similar to your destination)
- Comfy, post-hiking shoes
- Chunky heels
- Flip-flops/shower shoes
- Water shoes
- Sandals (for warm climates)
Toiletries
- Hydrating facial spray and lotion
- Sunscreen
- Contact lenses and solution
- Extra glasses
- EpiPen, if needed
- Vitamins
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Mouthwash
- Deodorant
- Feminine-hygiene products
- Birth control
- Brush and comb
- Hairstyling products
- Hair ties and clips
- Razor
- Aftershave/perfume
- Cosmetics
- Lip balm
- Travel-size shampoo and conditioner
- Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Liquid Soap, a peppermint-scented multitasker that can be used as shampoo, body wash and laundry detergent
- Insect repellant
- Hand sanitizer
- Nail clippers and files
- Tweezers
- Travel-size tissues
- Prescription medications in their original packaging, plus a copy of the prescription
Electronics
- Universal travel adapter
- Cellphone
- Headphones or earbuds (consider noise-canceling)
- USB hub
- Charging cords
- A power bank (ideally one with a solar panel)
- A water purification device like a Steripen
- Rechargeable hand warmers (which can also be used for warming up a cold sleeping bag and even extending the life of a phone or camera)
- Camera with charger, extra batteries and memory cards
Miscellaneous
- Passports and visas
- Driver’s license/photo ID
- Vaccination info
- Sewing kit
- Lint roller
- Journal
- Pen
- Binoculars
- Flashlight
- Reading light
- Waterproof day bag or backpack
- Dry bag for cellphone or camera
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Travel documents, including insurance paperwork
- List of emergency contacts, plus contact numbers for credit cards and banks
- First-aid kit (painkillers, allergy relief, antacids, bandages, etc.)
- Small gifts to show appreciation to people you encounter along the way
Cruise vacation packing list
One reason to love cruises? Even though you’re visiting multiple destinations, once you’re on the ship, you don’t have to deal with your luggage again. But your packing list has to be thorough, of course, because it’s not like you can run to the corner store in the middle of the night. There are also a plethora of potential activities to consider, from formal nights and theme nights to on-shore expeditions.
Jill Whelan, Celebrations Ambassador for Princess Cruises, grew up taking cruises. Name ring a bell? Whelan played Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki, on the Love Boat TV series. Through her many years on the high seas, she’s become a cruise packing expert, and one of her best tips is something you probably never thought about. “From curling irons to computers, a million gadgets require outlets,” Whelan says. “I learned early on that a good power strip takes up virtually no space and makes ship life much easier.” Just be aware that some cruises prohibit these, so check in advance.
And here’s another unexpected item Whelan packs: magnets. “The walls of cruise ships are magnetized and great for keeping things organized and easy to find—like the ship’s daily newsletter, excursion tickets and spa reservations.” Whelan’s luggage also includes fairy lights and battery-operated candles to add some romance to her cabin.
Clothes
- Smart, casual sportswear (golf polos, collared shirts)
- Skirts/dresses, slacks, blouses and sweaters for women
- Pants and collared or dress shirts for men
- Loose-fitting clothes in cotton or linen for hot climates
- Shorts
- T-shirts
- Bathing suits
- Bathing-suit cover-up
- Fitness clothes, leisure wear
- Evening gown, cocktail dress or elegant pantsuit for women
- Little black dress
- Tuxedo, dark suit or dinner jacket, and slacks for men
- Fun costume attire for theme nights
- Raincoat and/or all-weather jacket
- Pashmina
- Hat or visor
- Gloves (for cold climates)
- Belts
- Purses
- Jewelry
Shoes
- Dress shoes
- Loafers or flats
- Pool-deck shoes/flip-flops
- Low-heeled, rubber-soled shoes (for strolling on deck)
- Walking/hiking shoes
- Sandals
- Water shoes
Toiletries
- Sunscreen with high SPF
- Insect repellent
- Contact lenses and solution
- Extra glasses
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Mouthwash
- Deodorant
- Face and body moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Cosmetics
- Lip balm
- Face wash
- Shampoo, conditioner and body wash
- Hairstyling products
- Brush and comb
- Hair ties and clips
- Razor
- Aftershave/perfume
- Nail clippers and files
- Tweezers
- Feminine-hygiene products
- Birth control
- EpiPen, if needed
- Prescription medication in its original packaging, plus a copy of prescriptions
Electronics
- Cellphone
- Computer
- Tablet
- Headphones or earbuds
- Device chargers
- Hairstyling tools
- Magnets
- Power strip (see if approved on your ship)
- Universal plugs/adapters for international travel
- Camera with charger, extra batteries and memory cards
Miscellaneous
- Luggage tags (most cruise lines will supply in advance)
- Sunglasses
- Umbrella
- Binoculars
- Waterproof day bag or backpack
- Dry bag for cellphone or camera
- Laundry bag
- Reusable water bottle
- Passports and visas
- Driver’s license/photo ID
- Travel documents, including insurance paperwork
- Electronic System for Travel Authorization confirmation paperwork for cruise
- First-aid kit (painkillers, antacids, allergy relief, bandages, etc.)
- Sewing repair kit
- List of emergency contacts, plus contact numbers for credit cards and banks
- Copies of ID and vaccination info
- Flashlight
- Reading light
- Books, magazines
- Journal
- Pen
- Antibacterial wipes
- Face masks
- Thank-you notes for staff, tipping, etc.
- Lint roller
Road trip packing list
A road trip packing list may seem like the easiest to tackle. After all, “you don’t have to deal with flying restrictions or worry about your bags being too heavy,” says Elisabeth Abrahamson, an editor for Westways and AAA Explorer. This packing list, however, has its own requirements.
Of course, every road trip is different, and you need to take the weather and terrain into consideration. She says, “bring chains for your tires if you might be traveling through snow, or a visor to keep the windshield cool in warmer climates.” And don’t forget about the practical, old-school tactics you used to use before the days of GPS. “If you’ll be traveling through an area where you might lose cell service, bring a paper map, or print out directions in advance,” she adds.
When packing the car, Abrahamson groups belongings. “Items that don’t require direct access, such as extra clothing, go in the trunk. Essentials, such as a phone charger, sunglasses and water, should be up front.” While the items you pack will vary depending on your destination and trip length, the list below is a good place to start. The key? Layers—all of which coordinate with one another!
Clothes
- T-shirts
- Sweatshirts, hoodies and sweaters
- Jeans
- Khakis
- Cargo pants
- Shorts
- Sundresses or casual dresses
- Little black dress
- Undergarments
- Pajamas
- Comfy socks
- Sunhat
- Waterproof outerwear (for cold destinations)
- Bathing suit
- Bathing-suit cover-up
Shoes
- Comfortable tennis shoes
- Hiking shoes
- Running shoes
- Flip-flops and sandals (for warm destinations)
- Boots (for cold destinations)
- Water shoes
- Nice shoes
Toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Antibacterial wipes for cleaning hands after snacking
- Contact lenses and solution
- Extra glasses
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Mouthwash
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Face and body moisturizer
- Face and body wash
- Cosmetics
- Lip balm
- Feminine-hygiene products
- Birth control
- Hairstyling products
- Hair ties and clips
- Brush and comb
- Razor
- Aftershave/perfume
- Nail clippers and files
- Tweezers
- Vitamins
- Prescriptions
- EpiPen, if needed
- Travel-size tissues
Electronics
- Cellphone
- AirPods/headphones, especially if you’re traveling with a crew
- Kindle/iPad
- Power bank, device chargers
- Camera with tripod
- Hairstyling tools
- Digital air compressor
- Tire-pressure gauge
- Cellphone charger that’s compatible with your car
- Extra camera chargers, batteries and memory cards
Miscellaneous
- Sunglasses with UV and blue-light protection
- Books, magazines
- Reading light
- Journal
- Pen
- Umbrella
- Binoculars
- Backpack
- Laundry bag
- Travel pillow
- Blankets for picnic or beach stops
- Towels for beach swims
- Water bottle
- Sewing kit
- Lint roller
- Face masks
- Copies of ID, vaccination info
- Road trip snacks (popcorn, individually wrapped cheeses, water, juice, sodas)
- Snow chains
- Sun visor for windshield
- Flashlight
- Mini cooler for front seat, larger cooler for longer stays
- First-aid kit (painkillers, antacids, allergy relief, bandages, etc.)
- List of emergency contacts, plus contact numbers for credit cards and banks
Vacation must-haves
No matter where you’re traveling, certain packing list items always ensure a better journey. And one thing you shouldn’t neglect? Packing your suitcase properly. Compression packing bags are great for adding space as well as organizing clothing, and an organizer tote for toiletries, electronics or power cords is essential too. Beyond that, you’ll never want to leave home without noise-canceling headphones or earbuds. You’ll be thanking us for this tip if you end up seating next to the airplane engine—or a chatty road trip companion!
What shouldn’t you include on your packing list?
Of course, there are certain things you can’t take on a plane—in either your carry-on or checked luggage. If flying, visit the TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” page for the dos and don’ts of specific items and any other restrictions. Cruise lines also have a no-pack list, and of course, international travel can present other obstacles. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs can help put you on the right path for the latter.
Here’s a list of common no-pack items. Check your destination, airline or cruise line for additional details.
- Fireworks, flares and pyrotechnics
- Flammable substances and hazardous chemicals
- Weapons and ammunition
- Drones and any remotely controlled flying devices or toys (these have been prohibited on many cruise ships)
- Compressed gas tanks, bottles and cylinders, including dive tanks, propane tanks and aerosol cans
- Electric steamers
- Lasers and laser pointers
- Any items or amounts of currency prohibited by customs regulations
- Balloons (many cruise lines don’t allow them to ensure the safety of marine life)
On the other hand, these carry-on items could save your life, so make sure to pack them!
Sources:
- Shelby Howe, owner of the boutique tour company MissAdventures
- Laura Cyrille, a travel and tourism publicist for ocean destinations
- Jill Whelan, Celebrations Ambassador for Princess Cruises
- Elisabeth Abrahamson, an editor for Westways and AAA Explorer
Originally Published: March 13, 2024
