When I first started travelling, packing was a difficult task. How did I know what I would need in Bangkok? The idea of being in a completely different country, not able to pop home if you forgot something, totally freaked me out. But now, many trips later, I actually enjoy packing, and find it much easier to do! We have been travelling full-time for the past two years throughout Europe and Asia, all whilst packing carry-on only. And one thing that makes this easier is having a printable packing list.
Why Use A Travel Packing Checklist?
The more I travel, the more I realise a few things…
One.
Only a small group of items are actually ESSENTIAL that you pack.
Two.
Everything else, you can choose to pack or get where you are going.
Three.
The more you travel, the more you realise you’ll have a better holiday if you’re carrying less (see why and how we first went carry-on only for 9 weeks and watch us pack for Europe).
And Lastly.
Once you live out of a small bag for a while, you realise you don’t actually NEED much.
But…
No matter how many times I travel, I still walk out the door convinced I have left something behind.
The difference is, now I know that list of things that I absolutely need, so once I tick them off, I feel much better! The rest… I don’t lose sleep over.
Having an international travel packing list is one thing that helps to make packing for travel easy. The hard work is taken out of it, you don’t need to spend too much time or energy on thinking “what do I need to pack?”.
So here I will detail a universal packing list, and you can also get your Printable Packing List PDF that you can download and print off! This packing list should be used as a guide only. Some things on here you may not need… whilst there may be things not listed that you need to add. But it should give you a great foundation for any trip.
What To Pack For Any Trip
Travel Documents
Passport + Passport Wallet | Flight Tickets | Travel Insurance Details | Accommodation Booking Info | Photo ID or Drivers Licence | International Drivers Licence (If you plan to drive overseas) | Credit or Debit Cards or any other form of accessing money | Local Currency (just enough for a few days) | Trip Planning Notes | Emergency Numbers | Check Visa Requirements | Copies of Important Documents
Read More:
Book Your Accommodation With Booking.com
Luggage
Luggage Tags | Secure Day Bag (preferably cross shoulder handbag or day backpack) | Luggage Locks | Zip Ties | Main Bag (this can be checked or you could go carry-on only) | Carry-On Bag (Check plane size restrictions with your airline)
Read More: Our Antler Luggage Review
Health
First Aid (Bandaids, antiseptic, tweezers) | Prescription medications | Pain Relief | Gastro Relief | Hand Sanitizer | Insect Repellent | Prescription Glasses/Contact Lenses (If required) | Sunscreen | After Sun Spray | Sunglasses | Hat | Sea Sickness Tablets (if going on a boat)
Clothing
T-shirts | Dressy Top | Shorts | Light Long Pants | Jacket (type depends on climate) | Underwear | Socks | Pyjama’s | Swimmers | For Females: Casual Skirt/Dress, Night-Time Dress
Shoes
Joggers | Thongs/Flip-flops | Dressy Shoes/Nice sandals | Ballet Flats | Day Shoes
Toiletries
If you’re looking to pack carry-on only, make sure your liquids are 100 ml or less. That might seem daunting, but it’s really surprising how far 100 ml can go, and you can always buy toiletries at your destination.
Shampoo + Conditioner | Toothbrush + Toothpaste | Deodorant | Hair Brush + Comb + Hair Ties | Shaving Items | Cleanser + Moisturiser | Cosmetics | Travel Hair Dryer
Technology
Camera + Memory Card | iPad and/or Laptop (if you wish) | Chargers | Electrical adaptors | Phone
Travel Accessories
Book or Audible (Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks
) | Zip Lock Bags | Pocket Tissues | Pen | Notepad | Headphones | Compression Socks | Travel Washing Line
Your Printable Packing List
Download your Printable Packing List here.
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Printable Travel Packing Lists For Europe And Asia
We have printable packing lists for Europe and Asia, including Croatia, France, Italy, Vietnam.
Happy Packing! Do you find packing easy or difficult?
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