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VACATION TRAVEL PACKING LIST AND 12 TIPS YOU WILL LOVE

Vacation Travel Packing List Tip #1: Pack Important Items First

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. No matter your choice of transportation many of us have forgotten something important. High up on the priority list are a few things I want you to secure right away. If you’re leaving the country you should have your passport and or Visa. You should have your credit cards and your checkbook. You should have your wallet, your keys, and any medicines you might require in a secure place. Make sure to secure these things first. 

The vacation travel packing list I created is designed for several purposes and can be used for many locations around the world. Most things can be quickly adjusted for your trip. So, feel free to print it and use it. The travel will help you to organize your thoughts and make sure you take all of the things you need to have the best possible time.  Nothing is more of a hassle than arriving at the airport and having to empty out your bags in front of everyone or having to carry your personal belonging by hand because your bag was too heavy. 

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I love to travel but hate the packing part of it. So I had to come up with an easy and efficient way to make it happen. I love to travel but the part I didn’t like about it was the actual dreaded packing list. I always seem to forget something important so I had to take all the stress out of it by creating my own. I wanted a system that I could use to be able to be packed and ready to go in an hour’s time. By organizing yourself and getting a system, you will be able to make a move quickly and efficiently

Vacation Travel Packing List Tip #2: Travel with 3 bags

I travel with 3 bags, my luggage, my backpack, and my shoulder bag for personal items. I find that if I need more I can always buy it at location so I don’t really stress about taking too much. The important thing is knowing where you are going to be, what the weather’s going to be like, and how much time you’re going to be there. By this you can choose the proper clothing materials and activewear for your activities.

I Pad, Camera, Leather bag, Leather gloves and suitcase displayed on the floor ready for packing.

Vacation Travel Packing List Tip #3: Tips and Tricks for Traveling by Plane. 

Trains, planes, and automobiles have made travel quite enjoyable but in the twenty-first century everything is changed if you’re traveling by plane. You must take into account the time it take to go through security. Each airline has specific directions of what you can take on your travel and what you cannot. It behooves you to do the research and know what you can take along with you on your travels with the least amount of aggravation.

Woman at home with luggage on her bed while packing for a trip.

Now that you know where you going and how long you will be staying it’s easy to pick out the types of clothing that you would need and the types of things you want to take with you on your trip. Remember less is more.

Vacation Travel Packing List Tip #4: Use Packing Cubes

I highly suggest having travel cubes. There are a variety of ways to use these. Travel cubes are a lifesaver. They help you organize your bags very well. Electronic carrying cases are also handy for trips. If you like to carry your laptop, charging devices, and cell phone, it’s better to keep it all in one place. When you arrive at the airport and you need to take them through security you can do so easily.

Woman sitting on the floor with notebook and pen with luggage open as she packs.

When you travel as much as we have you always feel like you’re leaving something behind. Nine out of 10 times I will. I accept this as a fact. I may leave something behind. Hopefully, it will not be something that I cannot purchase once I’m safely at my destination. This will take the worry out of it.

Remember that any electronic devices, cell phones, laptops, and iPads will have to be checked separately during security so having these accessible is important. I generally carry mine in my backpack. Then I can easily take them out when necessary. 

Shoes, I Pad, shirt, tie, watch, wallet, and briefcase neatly displayed in luggage on on the floor as a man packs his luggage.

Vacation Travel Packing List Tip #5: Pack Wallet, Passport, Visas, and Credit Cards First

I’ve not had it happen but I can imagine it would be easy to forget things like your wallet, passport, credit cards or your cell phone. It would be devastating to discover i left one of these just before boarding an airplane. So, be sure to highlight these things on your checklist and make sure they’re the first things that you pack.

When touring around cities I do not carry a traditional wallet due to theft. I carry a lightweight carry bag with razor proof material and zippered pockets with latches. Pick pocketing is an issue around the world. Even professional tour guides have be pick pocketed. So having extra protection is a good idea. With this in mind also be cautious of people looking over your shoulder while you are on your mobile phone and laptop. Use your own secure internet options when traveling whenever possible. Better safe than sorry. You do not want your trip to be ruined by a thief.

Vacation Travel Packing List Tip #6: Luggage Size Choose Wisely

Open luggage neatly packed and ready for travel.

 I choose to use a medium sized piece of luggage with wheels. I found it more convenient and it’s easier to make sure I don’t overpack my luggage. Choice of luggage size should be based upon the length of time you will stay on your trip.

Vacation Travel Packing List Tip #7: Choose Appropriate Backpack and Laptop Carrying Case

 Backpacks are very useful. These days some people choose to have backpacks over luggage. For this reason there are different sizes for backpacks. Many double as luggage and are used for outdoor activities as well. Consider the type of activities you will be engaged in while on your trip.

I also carry a laptop carrying case to protect my laptop. I keep my laptop inside my backpack making it easily accessible at airports during security checks. Laptop carrying cases can be very valuable. Laptops are so expensive you wouldn’t want your laptop moving around inside your luggage unprotected.

Vacation Travel Packing List Tip #8: Use a Toiletry Bag

Toiletry bags are important. They should be chosen for the size of your trip, what you need, and the convenience of keeping your toiletries organized. Please consider the things that you packed for your trip may or may not be allowed on a plane. If you are traveling with liquids check with your airline to see what size liquid containers are allowed. I found it convenient to purchase 3 oz bottles for liquids. I also keep them together in a zip lock bags. I place them in the external pocket of my backpack making them convenient to remove during security check at the Airports.

Vacation Travel Packing List Tip #9: Use an Electronics Case

There are many types of electronic cases these days I prefer to use one that has several pockets in several slots for chargers, equipment stands for cameras, and pockets with zippers for wires. Remember that any electronic devices, cell phones, laptops, and iPads will have to be checked separately during security so having these accessible is important. I generally carry mine in my backpack. Then I can easily take them out when necessary. 

Vacation Travel Packing List Tip #10: Pack Individual Outfits

I was never a fan of packing clothes by the day until now. I have learned the efficiency of it. So I highly recommend packing a full outfit for the day including accessories and placing each of them in a zip lock bag. Swimsuits can have their own bag. Be sure to pack for unexpected evening events as some restaurants and lounges do not allow shorts or swim wear as appropriate attire.

Vacation Travel Packing List Tip #11: Forgot Something, No Worries

Keep in mind most things that we might happen to forget we can purchase. When we arrive at our destination we spend too much time worrying about something we may have left on the kitchen counter at home the idea of having a packing list is to prevent having to buy something unnecessary but in the event that we should leave something behind we shouldn’t allow that to ruin our entire trip. 

Vacation Travel Packing List Tip #12: Avoid Overpacking

Take the time to weigh your bag before leaving home and know the required weight of your bags. This will save you time in the long run. Overpacking can be a real hassle. When arrive at the airline and your bag is overweight, now you are having to remove things from your bag or carry your belongings by hand onto the plane. Over the years I’ve done extensive travel abroad only to return home and I have not worn or used half of the items I’ve taken. Remember less is more. The trip is not about taking your whole house with you. It’s about having a great time with family friends or just by yourself to relax and enjoy.

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David Lucas

I've been bitten by the travel bug, and have been to 40 countries and counting! I love to share my love of travel with everyone I meet.

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