Packing like a pro: Your ultimate guide to what to take

Congratulations! You’ve finalized your travel plans and booked your next adventure. With all the details sorted, your bags are practically packed in spirit.

Now there’s just one hurdle left between you and your journey: the actual packing. For many, this is the most anxiety-inducing part of preparing for a trip. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Here are our expert tips for packing like a pro, along with links for specific packing advice for different occasions:

• Pack like a pro for a backpacking adventure

• Pack like a pro for any festival

Destination-specific tips:

• Pack like a pro for your trip to Ireland

• Pack like a pro for your adventure in Spain

• Pack like a pro for a journey to Italy

• Pack like a pro for an expedition to Antarctica

Pre-Departure Checklist

Before you head out, ensure you’ve checked off the essentials. Here are key items to include in your pre-departure checklist.

Your passport

Alright, you’ve likely already considered this, but double-check your passport’s expiration date. Many countries require it to be valid for at least six months. If you need to renew, plan ahead—especially during busy travel seasons. Also, keep in mind that visa requirements can change, so don’t assume past arrangements still apply if you’re revisiting a familiar destination. You can verify visa needs at www.iatatravelcentre.com.

Book in advance and save

Booking early can often lead to savings—this includes reserving things like airport parking ahead of time. Even booking on the day of your trip can help you save. The same goes for ordering currency in advance. If you’re picking up pre-ordered currency, bring the card used for the booking and note any specific pickup location for your cash.

Safety

Stay informed about your destination by checking for any current issues that may impact your travel plans. Useful resources include the US Bureau of Consular Affairs (travel.state.gov), the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (smarttraveller.gov.au), and the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (fco.gov.uk).

Get insured

Travel insurance should be a key part of your packing strategy. Coverage for trip interruptions, baggage delays, or cancellations can safeguard your travel investment in case of unexpected disruptions.

A significant aspect of travel insurance is health coverage. Don’t assume your home country’s insurance will cover you abroad. Costs may rise as you approach retirement age. Make sure to declare all pre-existing conditions; otherwise, your policy might be void, leaving you with hefty bills. Also, confirm that any planned activities are included in your coverage.

Medical Considerations

Begin with a checkup at your doctor’s office and dentist’s—it's much easier to address any health concerns before your trip. Try to schedule these visits well in advance, especially if you need to complete a series of immunizations. Most local health clinics can provide necessary vaccinations, but specialized travel health clinics are also available in major cities worldwide.

Discount and membership cards

If you qualify, consider getting an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) or an International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) before your journey to save money at various locations—check out www.isic.org for more information. Travelers of all ages can benefit from a Hostelling International membership (www.hihostels.com). Additionally, senior travelers may be eligible for discounts with certain airlines and ground transportation in numerous countries. Sometimes simply showing an ID is enough; other times, you might need to enroll in a local program.

Five tips for traveling light

Doug Dyment, the mind behind OneBag.com, shares his insights on minimizing baggage:

1. The key to traveling light is a solid personal packing list. It’s a commitment to yourself not to include anything that isn't on it. For most, this list can comfortably fit into a carry-on and work for a variety of destinations, from India to Inuvik.

2. Understand luggage. Many bags are designed for sales appeal rather than lightweight travel. Familiarize yourself with design (shapes, configurations) and construction (fabrics, zippers). You might find that a wheeled bag’s main purpose is to stand upright, not efficiently carry your belongings!

3. Steer clear of liquids; they are the nemesis of light travelers. Liquids (and gels) add weight, bulk, and are prone to leaks (especially in-flight), not to mention they can raise security eyebrows. Did I mention they’re heavy?

4. Be ready to do laundry. This doesn't have to be a chore; with the right approach, it can become as routine as brushing your teeth. With a travel clothesline, powdered detergent, and a universal sink stopper, three pairs of underwear can suffice for any trip.

5. Match your colors. A great way to maximize the utility of a limited wardrobe is to ensure that all your clothing items coordinate with each other.

Backpacker’s packing checklist

Make sure you don’t forget anything with our convenient checklist

Must-Haves

• Passport

• Boarding Passes

• Foreign currency

• Credit/ATM cards

• Maps/directions/itinerary

• Guidebook resources

• First aid kit

• Travel insurance paperwork

• Regular and travel medications

• Folder for all important documents

• Large backpack

• Small combination lock

Electronics

• Camera and charger

• Smartphone and charger

• Tablet and charger

• Headphones

• Plug adapters (see below)

• Headlamp and batteries

• Waterproof compact camera

• External hard drive

Clothing Essentials

• Light jacket

• Waterproof raincoat

• Light sweaters

• Thin hoodie

• Casual shirts

• Tank tops

• T-shirts

• Loose-fitting pants

• Leggings

• Shorts

• Skirts

• Dresses

• Sandals

• Flip-flops

• Sneakers/comfortable footwear

• Belt

• Lightweight socks

• Underwear

• Sleepwear

• Sun hat or cap

• Swimsuit

• Sarong or shawl

• Hidden zipper belt

Cosmetics

• Sunscreen and after-sun lotion

• Body moisturizer

• Insect repellent

• Deodorant

• Fragrance

• SPF lip balm

• Razor and shaving cream

• Shampoo and conditioner

• Soap or body wash

• Toothbrush

• Toothpaste

• Makeup and remover

• Hairbrush or comb

• Hair styling products

• Disposable wipes

• Sanitary products

• Nail file or clippers

• Tweezers

• Bug spray

• Laundry kit: travel detergent, portable clothesline, sink stopper

• Hand sanitizer

• Dental floss

• Small liquid containers

• Tissues

Miscellaneous

• Pain relievers

• Glasses

• Contact lenses and solution

• Travel journal and pen

• Books

• Sunglasses

• Water-resistant watch

• Beach towel or quick-dry towel

• Waterproof bag

• Water purification bottle

• Sleep sack

• Earplugs

• Refillable water bottles

• Travel neck pillow

• Playing cards

• Pocket sewing kit

• Sleeping bag

• Portable stove

• Cutlery

• Bowl or cup

International Plug Adapters

Here's an overview of various plug sockets and fittings around the world. In addition to a converter, you can purchase specific plugs for different countries. For example, instead of using a converter for your iPhone, you could buy the plug specific to that country and swap it out. These can often be found on sites like Amazon or local stores. Additionally, check with your device's manufacturer; for instance, Apple offers a World Travel Adapter Kit that includes plugs for all regions.

Here’s a summary of countries and their corresponding plug types (see the graphic above for visuals):

Australia: Type I

Brazil: Type M

Canada: Types A and B

China: Type I

Europe: Types C, E, F *-Except for Switzerland and Liechtenstein (Type J, compatible with C); Denmark (Type K, compatible with C); Italy (Type L, compatible with C if the socket is 10A)

Ireland: Type G

India: Type D

Japan: Types A and B

Malaysia: Type G

New Zealand: Type I

Singapore: Type G

South Africa: Type M

Thailand: Type O

United Kingdom: Type G

United States: Types A and B

This information is sourced from Dinogo Planet’s Ultimate Travel Guide