Packing for a trip can be stressful. Creating a list of items is a great way to help prep outfits and not forget the essentials, no matter your travel destination. From a weekend getaway to an extended vacation, I have the list for you to help you get started.
I always say, if I don’t write it down then I will forget. Nothing like taking it old school or creating that spread sheet list if you’re willing to go the extra mile. My travel checklist and tips will help you get ready for any trip.
Skincare
- Toner
- SPF Sunscreen
- Eye Cream (AM/PM)
- Moisturizer (AM/PM)
- Vitamin C Serum (or any serum you’re currently using)
- Evening Serum
- Lip Mask
- Face Mask
- Hand Lotion
- Body Lotion
- Lip Balm
- Makeup Remover Wipes (or cleansing balm)
- Face Cleanser
- Facial Cleansing Device (take original size or some will have a smaller, travel size option available).
- Face Towel
- Water Wrist Cuffs
- Travel Pouch
Tips:
- Mini gift sets come in handy. If you can get some of your skincare products in mini sizes, the better. They are super convenient for traveling. Regular sizes can be kept at home.
- I cleanse my face after removing makeup and nothing worse than possibly staining towels that aren’t yours. Some places will charge extra, so best to take your own. I only use the properties face towels in the mornings when I’m cleansing my face before applying makeup.
- Wrist cuffs are great to prevent water from running down your arms. You can find them on Amazon.
- Men’s travel pouches are a great alternative. They can be roomier and even luxe feeling as some come in a variety of beautiful, leather colors. Perfect to store skincare products.
Toiletries
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body Wash
- Loofah
- Q-tips
- Facial Water Spray (there are travel sizes available)
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush (travel version or portable electric brush w/ cover)
- Floss
- Mouth Wash
- Hair Oil
- Deodorant
- Cotton Pads (great to use with your toner and remove excess dirt)
Tip:
- The basic stuff that you know you’ll always need i.e. shampoo, toothpaste, etc…keep them in their storage bag. This way, anytime a trip comes up, you already have them prepared and don’t need to hunt down at the last minute. I keep it stored below my cupboards. Just grab and all set! Only replace the loofah when you return from a trip.
Makeup
- Travel Mirror / Compact Mirror
- Foundation or Tinted Moisturizer
- Highlighter
- Primer or Highlighter Primer
- Face Powder
- Blush
- Bronzer
- Eye Primer
- Eye Liner
- Waterline Eye Liner
- Mascara
- Lash Curler
- Setting Spray
- Lipstick
- Lip Liner
- Lip Gloss
- Brow Shadow / Brow Pencil
- Brow Mascara (clear mascara is a great way to keep your brows in place)
- Lip Primer (preps and smooths your lips before applying lipstick)
- Concealer
- Brow Bone Highlighter
- Cosmetic Case
- Eye Shadow(s)
- Beauty Sponge
Tips:
- Mini versions can also apply towards makeup. Instead of taking your regular sized products, find travel sizes of your favorites. You’ll end up saving more space in the end.
- When it comes to eye shadows, choose 1 of the 3 options —-
- medium palette – so you can have more colors to choose from.
- smaller palette – to make it more compact, but still have the basic color options available.
- singles – 2-3 at most that you’d wear more often and would work for both day & night.
Clothing
- Underwear / Panties (you wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve seen people forget the most basic essentials)
- Bras
- Socks
- Leggings
- Leather Jacket
- Coat
- Blazer
- Sneakers (cute for airport and to pair with any outfit. Comfort is key!)
- Slippers
- Pajamas
- Sweater / Cardigan
- Scarf
- Gloves
- Black top (great basic staple piece that can be great for any occasion)
- Purse
- Wallet
- Heels / Sandals
- Slippers
Tips:
- Leggings are great to wear during your flight and walking about. Recommend black as they’re also perfect to pair with any look during day and evening
- You can’t go wrong with a blazer. They are perfect for a casual look and also easily dress up for dinner. Recommend black, tan, olive and/or white.
- Whether it’s a hotel room or Airbnb, I don’t like walking on floors barefoot or with socks. Socks will easily get dirty. A lot of places are not always clean and don’t want to pick up anything from carpet and such, so slippers are a must!
- Select one purse that would be great for day and evening OR have two at most. Backpacks are great for traveling or crossbody bucket bags.
Jewelry
- Watch
- Earrings
- Bracelets
- Necklace
- Rings
- Travel Jewelry Case
Tip:
- Choose jewelry pieces that you can mix & match. Simple, staple pieces are great for when you’re out exploring and can easily transition well into the evening. It’s fun to combine silver and gold together.
Electronics
- Phone
- Phone Charger (plug + cord)
- Travel Phone Charger
- iPad + Charger
- Nintendo DS or any other portable gaming device
- Digital Luggage Scale
Tips:
- Use a jewelry pouch to store the cables so they don’t get lost amongst your items.
- Avoid surprise baggage fees by weighing your own luggage. The digital luggage scales are portable, light-weight and easy to store at home or in your suitcase. You’ll thank me later.
Miscellaneous
- Neck Rest
- Travel Blanket
- Hand Sanitizer
- Hand Sanitizing Wipes (perfect for wiping seats)
- Sunglasses
- Reading Glasses
- Microfiber Towel Wrap (way more soft and less damaging to your hair)
- Pen
- Notepad / Notebook
- Reading Book
- Vitamins / Pills / Medications
- Bloating Pills (these will come in handy with all the travel food you’ll be eating)
- Bottled Water
- Eye Mask
- Perfume
- Luggage Lock w/ Key
- Ear Phones / Headset
- Protection Keychain Set (if you won’t be on a plane or need to go through security, have a protection set in your car or while you walk around. Best to stay safe!)
- Hair Clips
- Hair Scrunchies
- Bandaids
- Ear Plugs
- ID / Passport
- Download Airline App
- Pillowcase
- Laundry Bag
- Shoe Sleeves
Tips:
- If your checked bag is overweight, a great alternative is to pull excess clothing and stuff into a pillowcase. Staff will allow you to take a pillowcase and you won’t need to worry what to do with the extra clothing.
- Foldable laundry bags are a must-have! You need something to put all your dirty laundry. It’s so it’s easy to pack and expands when ready to use. This way, you don’t mix your dirty clothes with your clean ones.
- Shoe sleeves are a must! It protects your shoes and don’t run the risk of scratching or dirtying your clothes.
I hope this list becomes helpful. Again, this list can always be modified per trip as you may not need everything that is listed. Let me know the other items you find are essential to have and any additional travel tips! Bon Voyage!
Downloads
Below is a PDF version of the checklist which you can print. I’ve also included a blank list, so you can easily fill in your items.
