Travel Packing Checklist - Travel List 2023

With the lowered checked luggage allowances airlines are offering these days, it is more important than ever to pack light, while still being sure to pack all the essentials you need for your trip. We've split this packing list by category, to make it easy to pack and make sure you have everything you need. Be sure to check your baggage allowance before you pack, to know how much weight you'll be allowed to bring. Happy Travels!

Clothing

Let's start with clothing. Depending on where your travels will take you, be sure to pack appropriately for the weather and season. Don't forget to take into account what activities you have planned, and pack accordingly. The clothing checklist is split by sub-category, to make it easier for you to know what to bring on your type of trip.

Underwear
Socks
Sleepwear
Sandals/Flip Flops - for the beach, pool, sauna, etc.
T-Shirts
Sweater / Lightweight fleece
Jeans
Shorts
Swimsuit - you know never when there will be a pool or hot tub
Comfortable walking shoes - make sure your feet aren’t stopping you from seeing the sights.
Minimum 1 fancier outfit/dress/shirt/shoes - even if not planning on attending any formal events, when travelling you never know when you’ll need to dress up for some unexpected occasion.
Beach towel / Travel Towel

Pants
Dress Shirts
Sweaters
Blazers
Ties
Dress Shoes
Slacks
Skirt
Dress
Suit - A Travel Suit/Garment Bag can often be taken in place of a personal carry-on item.

Jacket / Coat
Rain Jacket
Hat and Gloves
Scarves
Jewellery

Belts
Jewellery
Watches
Robe
Compact Travel Umbrella

Toiletries

Packing toiletries is where the little details come out. Keep in mind that the weight of toiletries does add-up. We suggest either getting some travel-sized toiletries, or simply using some travel-sized toiletry bottles to squeeze in your shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, etc. If packing this into your carry-on, be sure to comply with 3-1-1 TSA Carry-On Liquids Regulations.

Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Dental Floss
Mouthwash
Deodorant
Cotton Balls/Swabs
Tweezers
Soap/Shower Gel
Washcloth
Shampoo
Conditioner
Nail Care - Clippers, File
Shaving Cream
Shaving Razor / Clippers
Perfume / Cologne
Makeup
Makeup Remover
Brush / Comb
Hair Products
Small Mirror
Sunscreen
Moisturizer
Lip Balm
Insect Repellent
Contact Lenses/Supplies
Birth Control
Feminine Hygiene
Medications
Vitamins
Pain Reliever / Aspirin
Rolaids/Tums
Alcohol Swabs
Band-aids
First-Aid Kit - See Compact Travel First-Aid Kits

Flying with Liquids

There are strict limits on the quantity of liquids allowed through security and onto the plane. Please review the limits and packing instructions on the 2023 CATSA Flying with Liquids information page. If connecting through the USA, TSA 3-1-1 liquids regulations apply. Please see the 2023 TSA 3-1-1 Liquids in Carry-On section.

Documents

These travel documents are the most important things you need to pack, yet also the easiest to forget, as they are not every-day use items. Remember, the most important items are your Passport and a credit card - everything else can be bought on the spot in case of emergency.

Passport and visas - Check visa requirements for your destination
Driver's License
Travel Insurance - Insurance Contact Info
Wallet
Cash - Local Currency and USD/Euro (easy to convert international currencies)
Money Belt
Credit Cards
ATM / Bank Access Card
Pens/Pencils
Itinerary
Maps/Directions
Travel Confirmation
Hotel/Car Rental Reservation Confirmations
Membership / Discount cards
ISIC Student Card - Many places only accept ISIC Student Cards for discounts
Guidebook
Language phrasebook
Copies of Travel Documents
Copies of Credit Cards
Copies of Passport
Emergency Contacts Information
Credit Card / Bank Contact Info
List of Medications
International Vaccination Card

Electronics

When out exploring the world, there is no worst feeling than realizing you forgot your camera's SD card, or that you left behind your phone's charging cable. Double-check all of these items to make sure you have all the electronics accessories you need packed with you.

Cell Phone
Charging Cable for Cell Phone
Roaming Package or International SIM Card
iPad/Tablet/Laptop
Charging Cable for iPad/Tablet/Laptop
Camera
Camera - Spare Batteries
Camera - Battery Charger
Camera - Cable
Camera - Memory Cards
Camera - Lenses
Camera - Accessories/Housings/Lens Cleaners
Small Flashlight / Headlamp
iPod/Music Player
Headphones
Power Travel Adapters and Converters
Kindle/E-reader - Loaded with fresh books - Shop Kindle Books
Kindle/E-Reader charging cable

Accessories

These are the little things to pack that will help to have a smooth journey, or make for an easier packing experience.

Earplugs
Sleeping Mask
Travel Pillow / Blanket
Motion Sickness Medication / Sleeping Aids
Travel Locks / Keys - See TSA-Approved Travel Locks
Journal / Notebook
Pens/Pencils
Sewing Kit
Laundry Bag / Laundry Kit
Binoculars
Alarm Clock
Travel First-Aid Kit
Luggage Tags
Backpack / Daypack
Hospitality Gifts for Family/Friends
Compression Socks
Packing Cubes
Resealable Plastic Bags - Ziploc type
Leave travel plans and itinerary with friends/family

Packing Accessories

These are our top picks for packing accessories to keep everything organized throughout your trip. These links will take you to Amazon.

Travel shoe bag - Keep your shoes from getting scuffed, separate your shoes from the rest of your clothing
Packing Cubes / Organizers - Keep your clothing organized while in your suitcase
Luggage Tags
TSA-Approved Locks - Non TSA-compliant locks can be cut off by customs agents
TSA Approved 3-1-1 Liquids Containers / Bags - Keep your liquids carry-on compliant
Travel Suit/Garment Bag
Lightweight Portable Luggage Scale

Last Updated:
1 Aug 2023