The Ultimate Travel Packing List for 2024

Packing Checklist

Have you ever arrived at your destination, ready for a much-needed vacation, but realized you forgot something majorly essential? We have (hello underwear?). We know how much of a damper it can put on your trip. We put together a comprehensive checklist to help you keep your head on straight before heading out the door. We include a packing checklist below or you can download one of our PDF checklists:

Whether you are a meticulously organized packer or a stuff-everything-that-fits-and-go type of packer, this packing list can help you remember all the little bits and bobs that make traveling more enjoyable, not to mention the essentials.

Clothing Essentials Packing List

  Underwear + socks
  Bras
  Swimsuit
  Sleepwear
  Activewear
  T-shirts + casual shirts
  Dress shirts
  Sweaters
  Pants + jeans
  Shorts
  Dresses
  Mid-weight jacket
  Scarf/shawl
  Belts
  Hats
  Jewelry
  Purses
  Sunglasses
  Everyday sneakers
  Walking or running shoes
  Dress shoes

  Leisure/slip-on shoes

Beach/Summer Add-Ons to Your Packing List

  Beach bag
  Extra swimsuits
  Coverup
  Lightweight wrap
  Dry bag for tech
  Sun hat

  Flip flops or sandals

Snow/Winter Add Ons

  Winter coat or puffy
  Snow boots
  Winter hat
  Scarf
  Gloves
  Thermals

  Ski/snowboard gear

Outdoor Add Ons List

  Hiking boots
  Sun Hat
  Binoculars
  Headlamp
  Water purifying bottle
  Rain jacket + rain pants

  Dry bag

Business/Event Add Ons List

  Dress shoes
  Formal attire
  Suits/business attire
  Ties
  Travel steamer/iron

  Laptop bag, tote, or backpack

Toiletries Checklist

  Toothbrush + toothpaste + dental floss
  Cotton swabs
  Deodorant
  Shampoo + conditioner + soap
  Shaving supplies
  Hairbrush + comb
  Hair styling tools
  Facial cleanser + lotion
  Body lotion
  Sunscreen
  Glasses + contact lenses + solution
  Makeup + remover
  Pocket mirror
  Menstrual products
  Prescription medications
  Vitamins + supplements + OTC pain relievers
  Nail clippers
  Tweezers
  Bandages

  Anti-chafe balm

Miscellaneous Items for Your Packing List

  Laundry kit (laundry bag, detergent, stain remover)
  Umbrella
  Binoculars
  Insect repellent
  Packable tote or daypack
  Combination lock
  Phone stand/tripod

  Plastic baggies

Travel Docs List

  Copy of passport + visa
  Travel insurance
  Booking confirmations
  Itinerary
  Vaccinations
  Emergency contacts
  Bank info/contacts

  Travel guidebook & maps

Carry-On Bag List

  Wallet (bank cards, cash, ID)
  Passport + visa
  Boarding pass
  Under-clothing document holder
  Cell phone + charger
  Earbuds/headphones + charger
  Laptop + charger
  Camera + charger + extra memory cards
  Portable charger
  Power adapter
  Book
  Pen
  Travel pillow + earplugs + eyemask
  Scarf/travel blanket
  Essential medication
  Wet wipes/hand sanitizer
  Lip balm
  Change of clothes
  Snacks
  Empty water bottle

  Other valuables

Best Travel Gear

Did you look at this packing list and realize you are missing a few important things? Or maybe you simply feel like it’s time to upgrade the decade-old suitcase that you inherited from who knows where. Our globetrotting experts have spent hours in cars, planes, trains, and buses and have nailed down our top picks for travel, from suitcases to sunhats.

Travel Bags

The most important piece of travel gear when it comes to carrying your belongings while traveling is your bag. From the best rolling luggage to top-rated duffel bags and our favorite messenger bags perfect for urban bike rides to the best sling bags, we have tested a lot of bags. Below, we have compiled a list of some of our favorites for all types of excursions.

Large Luggage

Our best luggage lineup boasts a 95L – 125L capacity. This style of suitcase is best for longer-term travel and may feel a bit excessive for weekend trips. Depending on your travel style, you may want to look for different features in your suitcase. If you like to stay organized, opting for luggage with a modular compartment system might be your best bet. If organization isn’t your priority, but security features are non-negotiable, checking out some of the hard-sided suitcases with TSA-approved locks might be more your style.

+ More Info

+ More Info

+ More Info

Carry On Luggage

If waiting by the baggage carousel is cramping your style, a top-rated piece of carry on luggage will serve you well in your adventures. Carry on luggage is smaller than many super-hauler suitcases, and most are made to fit within airlines’ size standards, and you have the security of keeping your bag within arms reach the entire time. If carrying slightly less but keeping it with you during air travel appeals to you, check out our list of some of the best carry on luggage on the market.

+ More Info

+ More Info

+ More Info

Duffel Bags

Sometimes, a classic suitcase won’t cut it, especially if you lean towards a more rugged or unpredictable travel style. Our travel gear experts took our lineup of top-ranked duffel bags to other continents, on bush planes, and on countless camping trips to see which ones provided the best durability, ease of transport, and weather resistance.

+ More Info

+ More Info

+ More Info

Travel Backpacks

Travel backpacks provide an alternative to traditional luggage, typically combining the features of a laptop backpack with storage that can rival that of carry on luggage. In our ratings to find the best travel backpack, our testers considered how versatile each pack is, how many travel-related features each offers, and, naturally, how comfortable each backpack is. For the weekend warriors and minimalist packers out there, a travel backpack is the way to go.

+ More Info

+ More Info

+ More Info

Daypacks and Carry-alls

Once you arrive at your destination, it’s likely that you will want some kind of bag or tote to bring daily necessities while you explore. Something larger than a purse, smaller than a duffel, you get the picture. This size tote can come in various shapes and sizes, and our testers have tested more versions than we can even count, so we know a thing or two about what allows some bags to outperform others. From laptop backpacks to tech-specific packs, we have rounded up some of our favorite backpacks for travel so you don’t have to sift through the numerous options on the market.

Laptop Backpacks

When traveling on planes, trains, or autos, many people like to take a laptop with them. If you find yourself traveling with a laptop and other tech regularly, it is worth seeking out one of the best laptop backpacks to protect your electronics. Our testers dove deep into the world of laptop backpacks to determine which are the most protective, weather-resistant, and easiest to use.

+ More Info

+ More Info

+ More Info

Messenger Bags

Messenger bags can provide a more urban aesthetic than a traditional backpack; they also offer more accessibility while on the go. Regarding traveling or commuting, the best messenger bags are often up for the challenge with their laptop-specific pockets and other organizational features. If you need to access your items on the fly, opting for a messenger bag that you can seamlessly pull to your front and dip into will suit your fancy.

+ More Info

+ More Info

Daypacks

If your vacation plans involve a lot of hiking, biking, or other outdoor activities, a more rugged daypack might be a good option for you. Some of our favorite daypacks have versatile designs that make them perfect for both urban and remote environments, while others have more structure and features that are geared toward outdoor use.

+ More Info

+ More Info

+ More Info

+ More Info

Travel Accessories

Sometimes, all you need to take a trip from good to great is the right set of accessories. Whether you like to exercise in a hotel room, take to the local trails to find scenic vistas, or simply want to be prepared in the case of unpredictable weather, we have recommendations for you. Each item listed below has been painstakingly tested to prove its prowess. Here are some of our favorite extras that we like to pack:

Binoculars

Whether you like birdwatching or not, a pair of the best binoculars can come in handy as you travel. They can be used to look more closely at a far-off landscape or to bring distant animals into view. No matter how you like to use them, having a pair of distance eyes in your arsenal is a great way to immerse yourself in your new surroundings.

+ More Info

+ More Info

+ More Info

+ More Info

Umbrellas

Umbrellas are useful in all types of weather, which is why they made it onto our list of best travel gear. If your adventures may lead you to rainy or too-hot climates, tossing one of the best umbrellas from our testing into your favorite travel bag is a great way to plan ahead. Some are more portable than others, so keep that in mind as you shop.

+ More Info

+ More Info

Water Bottle

Hydration, hydration, hydration. Everyone knows how important it is to drink water, but it is all too easy to forget when you’re on vacation. Having a reusable water bottle that you can keep on hand to refill again and again will help you stay hydrated while lounging on the beach or exploring the nooks and crannies of a new city.

+ More Info

+ More Info

Travel Apparel

We all have individual comfort preferences, but some clothing items can have a bigger part in your vacation than you’d think. Our gear testers sorted through many different categories of apparel to determine which items are best for travel. Read on to find out what GearLab testers won’t be caught traveling without.

Lightweight Jacket

You will never catch us without our layers, and even on our shortest and lightest of journeys, we always find room to toss in a versatile midweight layer. A light jacket such as a fleece or puffy is easy to pack, can be used as a mid-layer on ski trips, and can come in handy on cooler summer nights as well.

+ More Info

+ More Info

+ More Info

+ More Info

Footwear

For many of us, travel days involve long hours spent on our feet. A comfortable, supportive pair of walking shoes is essential, whether you are spending hours exploring a new city on foot, wandering the trail you found behind your B&B, or standing in long lines at the TSA checkpoint. If you want to slide into something more comfortable after arrival, flip-flops are a lightweight and easily packable option. They have come a long way in terms of traction, waterproofness, and durability and are easy to slip in and out of, so you don’t have to waste precious vacation minutes configuring socks and shoes. We tested some of the best flip flops on the market to help you find the right travel kicks for your once-in-a-lifetime trip.

+ More Info

+ More Info

+ More Info

+ More Info

Sun Protection

If vacation means a hot weather beach getaway, sun protection is a non-negotiable. Our favorite sun hats are lightweight and packable. A pair of the best sunglasses can help protect your eyes and add a flair of style to your outfits.

+ More Info

+ More Info

+ More Info

+ More Info

Why Trust GearLab

Generally speaking, our team of expert gear testers love to travel. Sometimes we like to travel in comfort and style, other times we like to get as dirty as we can while virtually removing ourselves from all that is familiar. Our travel gear testing team is made up of adventure-seeking nomads from across the country.

While our review team covering travel categories is broad, three of our Senior Review Editors stand out for their substantial contributions. Jason Wanlass and Myrha Colt collaborated on our extensive luggage testing including carry-on, packed luggage, and travel bags. They put all the top luggage through a grinding test of practical use tests, and rough handling to find the best. Jason is a passionate traveler who regularly heads out to beautiful places around the world, including Nepal, Patagonia, Iceland, and more. Myhra is an expert traveler with decades of experience in the adventure travel industry. Her wanderlust has taken her to Bali, Nepal, Zambia, New Zealand, Italy, Costa Rica and more. Maggie Nichols brings a combination of scientific acumen and a background of extensive world travel to our travel products testing team. Maggie’s travels span from studying Chimpanzees in Zambia to years of guiding adventure travel expeditions, and indulging her our personal passion for world travel in between.

Along with our other GearLab travel product Review Editors, Jason, Myrha, and Maggie, all bring expert knowledge to our travel-testing team, as well, adding valuable insights about the best gear for extended travel, the best apparel for all weather, and how to fulfill your wanderlust without breaking the bank.

Packing Tips

While your packing list will vary depending on the type of trip you are taking, a good rule of thumb for a 1-week trip is 5-6 tops, 3-4 bottoms, 1-2 pairs of shoes, and at least one change of underclothes for every day of your trip. When packing, remember to check the weather at your destination and consider things such as planned activities and travel methods. Your list will look different if you are going on a beach vacation in the Caribbean versus a ski trip in the Sierra Nevada versus a business trip to the city. In addition to our listed essentials, your purpose for travel will determine which additional items you should bring. You may need to pack specialty gear, seasonal clothing, or event-appropriate dress wear.

Now that you know what you are packing, the next question is how are you going to pack it? While everyone has their own method that they swear by, we have a few tips and tricks that may make living out of a suitcase a bit easier. Packing shoes and other heavy items first can help distribute the weight of your bag more evenly and avoid crushing more delicate items placed on top. If you often travel for business, or you have a long list of destination weddings to attend over the summer (lucky you), then a garment bag can be key in keeping your formal attire fresh.

Some suitcases offer integrated garment bags, while others have completely removable ones.

Rolling, Folding… Cubing?

The roll vs fold debate can get heated, and defenders of each side have a plethora of reasons why their style is better. Folding requires little prep (most of your clothes are probably already folded at home) is a good option if you don’t have much time to pack, and is better for delicate clothing. If you are packing formalwear, you can fold it according to the creases so you have less ironing to do later on. However, it doesn’t always use luggage space as efficiently, and it can be more difficult to access items on the bottom if you have to live out of your suitcase.

Rolling is great for casual clothes like t-shirts, jeans, activewear, and the like. It is a big space saver and can help to prevent wrinkles in most fabrics. We also find that it helps the contents of our suitcase stay put during travel, and it is easy to spot and pick out specific items when getting dressed. It is not great for bulky clothing like knits and sweatpants as it may actually increase the bulk of these items. It also takes more time to prep, so if unfolding and re-rolling every article of clothing sounds like a nightmare, it may not be the best method for you.

Lastly, we have packing cubes. These are an organizational nerd’s dream come true. They offer as much or as little compartmentalization as you need for your trip, and there are endlessly customizable options for using them: tops vs bottoms, daily outfits, or clean vs dirty. If you can remember what you put inside, packing cubes make it easy to access exactly what you need without disturbing the rest of your clothing and help everything stay put during transit. However, if you are a habitual over-packer, constantly playing chicken with the scale at the airport check-in counter, packing cubes add weight to your luggage. They are also an added cost on top of your suitcase or duffel.

The moral of the story is that each method has a best time and place, and best-practice packers use a combination of all three. It never hurts to experiment until you find the combination that best suits your travel style.

Toiletries and Electronics

You may not think these things have much in common, but when it comes to packing, items from both categories need some special attention to make sure everything arrives at your destination in one piece. If you are flying, you will want to double-check the latest TSA requirements for details on liquid allowances. The same goes for electronics. If you are flying with a laptop, camera, or other electronics, TSA requirements may have specific restrictions to be aware of. It is best to double-check their website to ensure you will make it through security without any issues. If you are using other methods of transport, you have a little more leeway, but a little organization goes a long way when traveling.

There are a few rules of thumb for packing your toiletries and medications. First off, if you are going carry-on only, use travel-sized liquid bottles and pack toiletries in a seethrough/clear plastic bag for TSA. It is also helpful to pack them last so they are easy to remove as you go through security checkpoints. Even if you’re not flying to your destination, using small, refillable containers or buying travel-sized toiletries can help lighten your load, and using a watertight bag (like a gallon-sized plastic bag) acts as an extra failsafe to protect other items from leakage during rough transit or air pressure changes. Nothing is worse than arriving at your hotel room and finding all your clothing is covered in a fragrant medley of hair and body products. Lastly, use a vitamin organizer. If you have a routine of daily meds or supplements, it is wise to invest in a portable vitamin organizer so you’re not lugging around full-size pill bottles.

Electronics should also be one of the last things in your bag to allow for easy access while on the road or when going through airport security. But how do you tame the inevitable mess of charger cords and power adapters? For this, we recommend a tech pouch where you can zip away unruly cables. Alternatively, some of our favorite travel backpacks have a dedicated tech pocket to help protect and organize things like laptops, tablets, and their accessories, providing peace of mind during your travels.

What to Put in Your Carry On?

Unfortunately, there is always a chance that your checked luggage will get lost in transit and may not make it to your destination at the same time as you, so it helps to be prepared. Anything you can’t live without for more than a few days, or that you cannot replace at your destination should go in your carry-on bag. This may include items like essential medication, a change of clothes, entertainment, and travel documents. You should also keep any valuables and electronics close at hand, but remember, this bag will be glued to your side for the duration of your transit period. So unless you are lucky enough to have someone to do all your heavy lifting for you, make sure your carry-on bag is a size and weight that is easy to manage on your own.

If you’re having trouble getting everything to fit in your bag, check the amenities at your hotel or vacation rental to see what you can borrow. Many hotels offer things like hairdryers or sunscreen, so you don’t have to pack them yourself. And at the end of the day, don’t sweat the small stuff. If you forget something like a toothbrush, you can easily find one at the front desk of your hotel or a nearby grocery store or pharmacy. Ensure you have your essentials and almost everything else is replaceable at your destination.

Our Intention

Nearly all gear can be categorized as useful for travel depending on your trip. Our goal is to outline some of the more basic items that can provide enjoyable travel experiences. This category is especially broad when it comes to apparel. Once you dial in what kind of adventure awaits, you can seek out the top down jackets, hiking pants, running shirts, and beyond. We hope that our outline of exceptional gear can act as a strong jumping-off point so you can travel with relative ease. Bon voyage!