Creating A Travel Packing List {Don't Leave Home Without It}

Post Last Modified – March 02, 2025 ¦ gr8traveltips.com

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Creating A Travel Packing List

Heading away on a holiday this season Do you leave your 🧳 packing for vacation until the last minute like I do
Luckily, I’ve never had a problem, knock on wood. This is because I’ve always made a point of …

Creating A Travel Packing List

‘of things to bring on vacation, well before packing my bags.

Start making a simple holiday packing checklist and don’t be the one that says …

“Gee, I Hope We Have Everything”

With a little preparation beforehand and putting together a simple list of essential items to pack, can save you that worry.
First, check out this fun video, on packing your bag for travel.

27 Travel Packing Hacks – YouTube Video

Vacation List – Don’t Leave Home Without It

How many times have you or a family member left on vacation and arrived at your destination,
only to find that you forgot to pack that – “Oh … So Important Item”

Well, if you are one of those few people who answered no, then you obviously must have some sort of list prepared, or a fantastic memory!

What I like to do prior to going away, is to prepare a simple checklist of ..

Things To Bring On Vacation
When our kids traveled with us when they were younger, we would keep it out in the open for everyone to see and use.
Each person can start marking the important items they wish to take along with them, within reason.

Our family had done this for years and it has worked out great. Once the item is packed, we just check it off on the list.

If you are traveling by air and today with most airlines now charging huge amounts for 🧳 baggage, it’s even more important to take only what you’re really going to need.

carry on bag and passport

Depending on the duration of your vacation, you might just be able to pack a carry on bag only and save money!

I’ve got a great soft carry on, but large enough to pack a vacation worth of clothes. It even has wheels and a expandable handle, so I don’t have to carry it when walking!

Why do my wife and daughter always insist on taking their entire clothes closet with them on a 2 week vacation

Then, to use 2 or 3 items of the 15 that they packed? Is it a girl thing?

I read a great article from the host of one of my favorite television programs; “Amazing Race” recently. He even mentioned …

“Take Only What You Absolutely Need & Be 100 % Sure You Will Use It!”

I have become extremely proud of myself in being able to pack pretty much everything into carry on luggage, for a typical 2 week vacation. I also keep in mind that I can carry an extra bag home for any souvenirs and such, that I have
gathered while away.

It’s so nice to walk off the plane and not have to wait with the hundreds of others at the luggage carousel. A carry on bag for each of us has worked great on our last holiday adventures.

My recommendation for vacation travel is to; pack light and remember it is a holiday, not a 2 week business trip, where you may need a new outfit every day!

Footnote If you prefer not to bring your pet along & have your home more secure while away, visit TrustedHousesitters.
Interested in becoming a Pet Sitter?
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Pack Only What You Need – Not What You Want

travel packing cartoon

I think my wife is beginning to get the message when preparing and packing for travel. She is beginning to see the light when it comes to packing only; what she needs and not what she may need.

Tips For Preparing Your Travel Packing List

Here are a couple of things to consider when preparing your list for travel, and packing for a specific type of vacation.

How long will you be away?

Where exactly are you traveling to?

What type of luggage is needed for this trip?

Are you taking electronic accessories?

Just a couple of things to think about when preparing your list.

For example, if you are packing a laptop, then you would want to make sure you pack your chargers and/or even proper the travel adapters, especially if you’re visiting a foreign country.

If you happen to be heading out on one of those fabulous tropical all-inclusive resort vacations, then perhaps you have; 🤿 masks and snorkels to pack.

We always pack our own!

Perhaps some light floatation devices for the kids. I’m sure you get the idea!

“Choose the Right Luggage for Your Holiday”

Carry On Baggage

Next, try to choose your clothes carefully and just how many you really need and are actually going to use.
Find out what the weather and temperature is going to be like at the destination, and pack
accordingly.

I used to travel quite often with my laptop and was able to fit my camera, plus some other gadgets in with my laptop bag.

If they are going in your backpack or suitcase, put them inside of a; plastic Ziploc bag first.

It will protect them from any unintentional water damage and you can use the ziploc bags later, for storing dirty or wet clothing.

Include Your Carry On Items In Your Travel List

Man On Laptop

If you are traveling and not checking any luggage, then be sure to be aware of the latest …

🧳 Carry On Baggage Restrictions 🧳
and regulations.

Packing the proper size for liquids such as; shampoo, conditioner, lotions and so forth. As well as not forgetting items such as; shaving cream, toothpaste and other toiletries and items that are always easily forgotten.

Update

It appears many airlines are now beginning to charge a fee for carry on luggage, for economy ticket holders.
So be sure to check with your chosen airline prior to your flight, for any extra added fees.

A Holiday Packing Checklist Is Easy To Prepare

travel packing list

Preparing a list is simple and definitely worth it!

I have included a helpful Canadian travel check list (pdf file) for you,
that you can easily download and print at your convenience.

It also includes a handy list of items to help get you started. A few more important items that we always be sure to check off on our list …

Photocopy important travel documents and pack separately.Travel Itinerary and appropriate tickets.Reservations and confirmation numbers and papers.Travel insurance documents.Long Distance calling card arrangements and numbers.ATM and credit cardsDriver’s LicenseSo there you have it!

If you haven’t used a vacation packing list before, why not give it try. For us aging baby boomers and retirees, for me anyway, creating a list or note for most anything these days, is almost a necessity!