Whether you’re flying home for the holidays or taking a trip with the kids any other time of year, a checklist is a very helpful thing. Very. Helpful. Use the following as your ultimate packing checklist. Make adjustments as needed to ensure you don’t forget anything!
Clothing & Footwear
- Shirts
- Shoes
- Pants/Shorts
- Rain boots (if necessary)
- Skirts
- Dresses
- Coats/Jackets
- Underwear
- Belts/Accessories
- Swimwear
- Socks
- Jeans
Toiletries
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Comb/Brush
- Hair accessories
- Blow dryer
- Styling products
- Curling irons
- Flat irons
- Toothbrushes/Toothpaste/Floss
- Skin care/Lotion/Moisturizer
- Makeup
- Shaving kit
- Feminine products
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Contact lenses cases and solution
Medical Needs
- Antibiotic cream
- Prescriptions
- Bug repellant
- Adhesive bandages
- Pain reliever
- Cortisone cream
- Tweezers
- Cotton swabs
- Anti-bacterial wipes
- Glasses/Contacts
Media Needs
- Cell phone
- Cell phone charger
- Ipad/Charger
- Camera
- Camera charger
- Laptop
- Laptop charger
- MP3 player and charger
- DVD player
- DVDs
- Books
- Magazines
- Batteries
- Maps/Travel guides
Travel Needs
- Itinerary/Flight Information
- Cash
- Credit cards
- Tickets/Vouchers
- Passport/Visa
- Phone cards
- Driver’s License/ID
- Addresses for postcards
- Emergency contact numbers
- Business cards
- Auto insurance information
Additional Items
- Sunglasses
- Hats
- Lint roller
- Ear plugs
- Ear buds
- Zipper storage bags
- Snacks
- Umbrella
- Sporting equipment or gear
- Travel alarm clock
- Travel pillow
- Binoculars
- Swim goggles
A checklist makes the packing process so much easier, as the chances of forgetting various items are greatly reduced. Check off the list as you pack to avoid packing something twice or searching through your baggage to make certain you have the item. Encourage your kids to make their own packing lists. It will teach them to pack responsibly from an early age and avoid problems related to “I forgot my [x and y]!!!,” which you certainly don’t want to deal with while you’re on vacation. Have fun packing, and have a great trip!