Pack Faster & Better With This Universal Printable Packing List
- Updated: 04/08/2024
- Janice
Use this free universal packing list for any trip, including road and city trips or lengthier hiking, international, or beach getaways.
I am on a constant quest to streamline all the prep that needs to happen before travel. And am a fan of getting there and having fun, not of all the tiresome things that need to happen before we leave.
So, I created this family-friendly universal packing list, ideal for carry-on or checked-bag travelers. Find the downloadable and printable list below.
Table Of Contents
Universal Packing List Printable
Put away the panic of pre-trip prep with this printable packing list. I love reusable and comprehensive checklists because they let me turn my overloaded brain off and go fully automatic when getting ready for a trip.
Download or print the easier-to-read packing list plus a medical kit with a larger font size that prints to three pages. Or opt to download and print the same list with a smaller font that prints to two pages.
How This List Works
Download and print the list. Write the number of each item needed. Check off the items as you pack them. Because I designed the list to include several types of travelers—solo, business, family, and long-term—depending on which type you are and whether you plan to travel light or check a bag, you may not need every item listed.
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Pros & Cons of Carry-On Vs. Checking a Bag
Which camp you fall into—carry-on or checked bag—when you fly depends heavily on your travel preferences and priorities.
Most frequent travelers I know are strictly carry-on only for these five reasons:
- Faster exits from airports
- Nearly eliminating the chance of lost luggage
- No or low bag fees
- Greater transportation flexibility to change flights at the last minute due to delays or cancellations
- Easier maneuverability
However, we are firmly a checked-bag family. We choose to check bags for these reasons:
- To bring massive amounts of our own dermatologist-recommended sunscreen to protect our fair-skinned family.
- Pack more clothes so we can minimize spending valuable vacation time doing laundry.
- To ensure more relaxed packing. A no-holds-barred checked bag gives us ample room for extras, such as a foldable yoga mat or a complete medical kit.
Although we have experienced complications with delayed or damaged checked bags over the years, the issues have yet to be insurmountable. And sometimes, baggage delays when they happen—lead to unexpected shopping trips and memorable souvenirs.
Plus, since we always carry valuables and essential items with us, avoid problematic connecting flights, and always buy trip insurance, which includes lost baggage coverage, we feel comfortable continuing to roll the dice and taking a chance checking our bags.
When I travel independently with friends, especially on shorter trips, I almost exclusively fly carry-on. My preferred TSA-compliant bag is the hybrid wheeled Osprey 36 Fairview. I like the flexibility it offers, to pull it along or carry it like a backpack. The men’s version is the Osprey Farpoint 36. Also viewable on the Osprey website.
Clothes, Shoes, & Accessories
The type and number of clothes, pairs of shoes, and accessories you will want to bring depend on the duration of your travel, the expected forecast at your destination, your planned activities, and whether you plan to carry on or check a bag.
See a list of items to consider bringing in each category below, with some suggestions for my preferred high-performing travel brands.
I am not a big cruiser, but I know plenty of travelers who are. When I need to remember what to bring on a ship trip, especially in the Caribbean, I rely on this list from another blogger.
Clothing Items
- Underwear: Nothing else comes close to these high performers for men and women by ExOfficio. Though, for the ladies, if you want to shop around, check out this great list of highly-rated alternatives.
- Socks: Although pricier, these durable and dependable Smartwool socks will help keep your feet healthier and happier than cheaper alternatives.
- Bras: I love these convertible strap sports-style bras by Handful and own several.
- Sleepwear or loungewear
- T-shirts and casual shirts
- Dressier items: suit, blazers, shirts, blouses, etc.
- Pants and jeans
- Shorts and skorts
- Dresses
- Skirts
- Sweaters
- Sweatshirts
- Outerwear: fleece or other jacket
- Rain jacket
- Hiking clothes
- Swimsuit & cover-up
Athleta and KÜHL are my two favorite high-quality travel and fitness apparel brands I can interchangeably wear with everyday non-performance clothing items. Check out this review of several men’s and women’s KÜHL items. Or shop for items here.
In addition, I like to shop at the sister-owned athletic boutique, Lively Athletics, which is local and carries several independent activewear and footwear designers in-store and on its website.
To maximize your packing space, consider using compression packing cubes. I love this National Park set from Tripped, or this transparent cube set for easy viewing. Or opt for this less expensive non-compression alternative.
Shoes to Bring
When traveling, I scrutinize my shoe choice to minimize the space they take in my luggage. Each pair I take must serve a clear and comfortable function.
Here are the types of shoes to consider bringing.
- Sneakers: My current favorite are the stylishly colorful and highly engineered ones from On Running.
- Hiking shoes or boots: We love the waterproof and breathable low-top hiking shoes with their heavy-duty sole and reinforced rubber toe from Oboz. My husband and I both own a pair.
- Dressier shoes
- Sandals, flip flops, or house shoes: For flip flops, I have relied on these lightweight Havaianas for years. And since I never go barefoot, I often bring house shoes on trips. My all-time favorites, and perfect for plantar fasciitis sufferers like me, are these wonder slides from Vionic.
- Shoe covers for packing: if you do not have reusable ones, plastic shower caps like these protect your clothes from dirty soles.
Accessories & Other Items
The accessories you will want to have with you depend on your style preferences and planned activities. Consider packing any of the below.
General Accessories
- Jewelry: if you do not have one, you may appreciate picking up a jewelry roll like this one for easy packing and to limit necklace tangles.
- Scarves
- Ties
- Belts
- Going-out handbag
Cold Weather Accessories
- Hat
- Gloves
- Cold-weather scarves or gators
- Long underwear
- Hand warmers: I always have a bulk supply on-hand to help me stay warm during Chicago winters and in cold weather destinations.
- Wool socks: Socks from Smartwool are ideal and worth the investment to ensure dry warmth.
Activity-Specific Gear
- Snorkel gear
- Water shoes: we recently bought these colorful and affordable ones before a trip. They were the same quality and less than half the price of similar shoes available on-site.
- Skis and skiing equipment (e.g., boots, goggles, poles, jackets/pants, etc.)
- Snowboard and boarding equipment (e.g., boots, goggles, jackets/pants, etc.)
Laundry Supplies
Whether you plan to hand wash in sinks as you go, hit a laundromat, or send your laundry out, you may need to corral your dirty clothes with some of the items below.
- Laundry bag: Check out these laundry bags with a message I included in a gift guide.
- Stain remover
- Delicates bag
- Laundry detergent: These space-saving flat Tide sink packets for sink washes are ideal for travel.
- Clothesline (& pins if you prefer having them)
- Drain stopper
Personal Care, Fitness, & Medicines
Your health, fitness, and personal care requirements relate to your specific needs and travel preferences.
Additionally, whether you prefer to pack light and buy items on-site or bring along your favorite products will determine what you need from the list below.
Personal Care Items
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Mouthwash
- Deodorant
- Shampoo & conditioner: I love using these TSA-compliant refillable and easy-to-clean GoToob toiletry bottles from Humangear for shampoo, conditioner, and other liquids.
- Soap
- Hair styling products
- Hair accessories: ties, clips, bands, etc.
- Brush & comb
- Hair styling tools: hair dryer, curling iron, etc.
- Shaving supplies: razor, cream, etc.
- Body moisturizer: For fellow dry-skin sufferers, especially those traveling to a cold-weather location, I always bring a bottle of this Eucerin heavy-duty cream.
- Face cleansers
- Acne treatment: I rarely break out at home. I often do on trips. I always bring this Neutrogena acne gel with me.
- Other facial creams
- Makeup
- Sunscreen: We take sun protection for our fair-skinned family seriously and never travel without an exhaustive supply of these Blue Lizard sunscreens.
- Contact lens items: solution, cases, backup lenses, etc.
- Glasses cleaner and shammy
- Rewetting eye drops: We love these powerful ones from Rohto.
- Orthodontic items: retainers, rubber bands, wax, etc.
- Nail care tools: clippers, files, polish, etc.
- Tweezers
- Feminine care products
- Personal care wipes
- Vitamins
- Travel sewing kit
- Extra resealable bags: If you are ready to move beyond Ziplocs, try these zip-top ones from Ogato.
To keep your personal care items and toiletries organized, consider buying this durable Sea to Summit hanging bag shown above.
Fitness Items
Medical Kit Items
This recommended medical kit contains suggested items that my family of four brought on trips in the past—when our kids were younger—or we continue to bring along now. Your needs as an independent solo, business, or mature traveler, will vary based on your health requirements.
This list should not replace professional medical advice or guidance from your physician.
- Cold suppressant: Our preferred brand—by far—is Nature’s Way UMCKA.
- Digital thermometer
- Adult acetaminophen: Tylenol or generic
- Adult ibuprofen: Advil or generic
- Adult diphenhydramine: Benadryl or generic
- Sudafed
- Children’s acetaminophen: Tylenol or generic, chewable
- Children’s ibuprofen: Tylenol or generic, chewable
- Bacitracin: Neosporin or generic
- Band-aids
- Hydrocortisone ointment
- Anti-nausea medication: prescription strength Zofran
- Anti-diarrheal: Imodium or generic
- Pepto-Bismol
- TUMS
- Afrin
- Allergy nasal spray: Claritin or generic
- Allergy medicine: Claritin or generic antihistamine
- Aloe vera
- Prescription medications(s)
Over the years, whether for ourselves or our kids, we have had to use every item shared above. And from experience, we have found it is a huge help to have the medications we need on hand when illness unexpectedly hits. This way, we can provide our ill family member with immediate comfort. And we do not have to head out at an inconvenient time in a less-than-ideal location to seek what we need.
Things to Always Carry on a Plane
Find a comprehensive list of all the items to consider bringing with you in your personal item(s) when you board a plane below.
- Cell phone and/or tablet
- Laptop
- Books or an e-reader: This non-glare and waterproof Kindle Paperwhite is ideal.
- Other tech or games: Nintendo Switch, etc.
- If applicable: school iPads or laptops and homework
- Headphones: noise-canceling or other. I bring both Apple AirPods and these Bose noise-canceling headphones.
- Electronic chargers: plugs, multi-port chargers, cables, portable chargers or power banks, etc.
- Plug adaptors for international travel: This universal compact adaptor with four USB ports is a good option.
- Eye mask: I never travel without this comfortable full-coverage eye mask.
- Tissue packs
- Hand sanitizer
- If applicable: face masks
- Passport
- Travel wallet: IDs, insurance, credit and ATM cards, cash, etc.
- Glasses and case
- Sunglasses and case
- If applicable: bifocals or cheaters
- Travel crossbody bag or handbag: I love this durable and secure adjustable strap unisex North Face bag. And use it at home and on trips.
- Backpack
- Empty refillable water bottle(s): This collapsible Nefeeko water bottle with a carabiner is ideal for multi-purpose travel needs.
- Camera equipment: lenses, GoPro, selfie stick/tripod, lens cleaners, battery chargers, etc.
- Snacks, mints, and gum
- Writing: pens, pencils, journal, and/or notepad
- Travel pillow: Though it is a splurge, this trtl pillow takes up little space and provides the best support.
- Personal care items needed during flight: lip balms, moisturizers, menstrual products, medications, etc.
- Valuables
- Change of clothes
- Itinerary: digital or paper
- Emergency banking and other contacts list
- Copies of important travel document
To keep your tech from getting tangled, consider using an organizer bag. My favorite, and an improvement over using Ziplocs, is this one from Tripped.
Other Miscellaneous Travel Items You May Need
The items in this below list do not necessarily fall into one category. And whether you need them depends on your trip type. These items include:
- Swiss Army knife or equivalent tool: We use this on picnics for its blade and corkscrew. Or for its scissors. Place this item in a checked bag only.
- Backup copies of all essential documents and banking cards. Including passports, credit cards, insurance cards, ATM cards, and IDs. Consider bringing a printed copy with you. And save another copy to an online folder or send them to a trusted friend or family member so that they are accessible in case of emergency.
- Portable speaker for music: This higher-end speaker from Bose or this more affordable one from Sony will help you enjoy music together if you are traveling +1 or more.
- Games and cards: I share our favorites in this gift list.
- Insect repellant
- Binoculars
- Money belt
- Reusable tote bag: We use a compressible tote bag like this one from ChicoBag for shopping, wet umbrellas, and a place to stash coats or extra layers.
- Gift(s): Whether your travel includes special occasions, staying with a friend, or even meeting a new one, remember to bring the gift(s).
Related Reading
Streamline your packing and the getting-out-the-door stage of your vacation by pairing this packing list with the related articles below.
- Pre-Trip: A Practical Checklist to Close the House & Pack
- Itinerary Template for a Trip: Free Downloadable Examples & More Resources
- 25 Expert Packing Tips to Help You Travel Better
- 49 Things You Need to Do to Plan Your Best Trip (Free Travel Research & Planning Checklist)
- The Top Travel Apps I Use for Better Travel
- 5 Proven Ways to Simplify and Organize Your Travel Research
Additional Trip Planning Resources
To further help you with travel planning, I share my go-to resources for every trip below.
Google Flights. My first research stop for affordable flights for every trip. Learn why here.
Google Hotels. Use its “Where to stay” button to discover the best neighborhoods to base your visit.
Booking.com. For hotel and rental bookings, I appreciate its flexible cancellation, candid user reviews, discounts, loyalty program, and easy-to-use interface.
Viator, Get Your Guide, & Airbnb Experiences. Quickly find and book highly-rated tours and activities on these sites.
Google Travel Things to Do & Google Maps. Find more things to do in your destination on Google Travel, then record where you want to visit on a custom Google Maps list.
AllTrails. Love to hike? Me too. I religiously use AllTrails to discover hiking and biking trails and download its offline maps to manage my hikes.
Guide Along. 5-star self-guided audio tours that are GPS-compatible for US road trips and national parks. We loved the Glacier National Park tour.
Insure My Trip. I never travel internationally without trip insurance. Learn why here. My preferred place to shop and compare policies is InsureMyTrip.com.
Plus, check out the 15 travel apps I use on trips, my preferred guidebooks, and my free customizable travel itinerary template, downloadable in four file formats.
About the author: Janice Moskoff is a travel writer and blogger who loves hiking, exploring the world, and reading. She writes to inspire travel-loving families, adult friends, and couples on her blog, Gather and Go Travel. Check out her bio, learn how she became a blogger, and discover how to work with her. Sign up for her monthly Discovery Newsletter to get her latest travel recommendations and how-to’s.
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Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products and companies I use. And the income goes to keeping the site community-supported and ads minimal.
Welcome to Gather and Go Travel, a blog inspiring families, adult friends, and couples to explore US and international destinations and to get outdoors. I am Janice, an experienced traveler to over 50 countries and a travel writer, book lover, and blogger. Learn more about me, read our story, and how to work with me.
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