The perfect vacation starts with the right packing list. Don’t even think of leaving home without downloading one of these first!
The Ultimate Packing List: What to Pack for Every Type of Vacation
Updated on Mar. 03, 2025
When it comes to vacations, there are two types of travelers: those who pack well in advance and those who do so in a last-minute rush. No matter which camp you fall into, your packing job can make or break your trip. The more strategy you put into this process, the better your chances of bringing everything you need—and not lugging around the things you don’t. The secret weapon for both planners and rush packers? A trusted packing list.
What you ultimately decide to pack, of course, depends on what you’re doing, where you’re going and how you’re traveling. “When traveling domestically, you can repurchase almost anything you’ve forgotten,” says Shelby Howe, owner of the boutique tour company MissAdventures. “This isn’t [always] the case with international travel, particularly when visiting a remote destination.”
Keeping track of the must-haves can feel like another pre-trip chore, but it doesn’t have to. We’ve made it easy for you by compiling comprehensive packing lists with four types of trips in mind: beach trips, international trips, cruises and road trips. All you have to do? Download the appropriate packing checklist and get to work.
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Beach vacation packing list
Before you can sink your toes into the sand and sip your fruity drink under the sun, you need to think about these elements in relation to what you’re going to pack—take into consideration the length of your stay, your itinerary and the destination’s climate (which, even for a beach location, can vary drastically).
“For a beach trip, I’m often thinking about how I can pack items that transition with ease, whether it be from day to night, wet to dry, or sun to sea,” says Rilee Smith, a travel content creator who shares her packing tips on TikTok. “A lot of my items need to pull double duty on a beach trip, whether it’s my under-the-seat airplane bag doubling as my beach bag, or my beach towel that can also act as a sarong or cover-up between swims.”
Smith focuses on packing lightweight, quick-drying fabrics that won’t trap sand and can handle sun, salt and sea spray. Plus, she’s a big fan of packing cubes. “I like to separate my items into smaller, modular bags so that I can easily move all of my essentials from my suitcase to my beach bag to my purse without unpacking and repacking everything constantly,” she says. “All of my sun supplies (sunscreen, Chapstick, hair ties, etc.) go in one pouch, my dry clothes go in another pouch, all of my important items like ID, wallet, cash, sunglasses go in another that I always keep with me, and I bring a waterproof pouch for my wet items at the end of the day.”
Here’s the ultimate packing list for any beach trip:
Clothes
- Bathing suits
- Dresses
- Tops
- Skirts
- Beach cover-up or sarong
- Casual pants
- Workout clothes
- Hoodie (for cold flights and chilly nights)
- Shawl or pashmina
- Pajamas
- Undergarments
- Socks
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Hat or visor
- Purse
- Jewelry (pack this in your carry-on)
Shoes
- Daytime sandals or flip-flops that can do double duty at the pool
- Nighttime sandals or shoes
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sneakers
Toiletries
- Sunscreen with high SPF
- Face wash
- Contact lenses and solution
- Extra glasses
- Prescription medication
- Birth control
- Vitamins
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Mouthwash
- Deodorant
- Face and body moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Shampoo, conditioner and body wash
- Feminine-hygiene products
- Hairstyling products and tools
- Brush and comb
- Hair ties and clips
- Razor
- Aftershave/perfume
- Cosmetics (concealer, mascara, lip gloss/balm, setting spray)
- Nail clippers and files
- Tweezers
- Insect repellent
- Travel-size tissues
Electronics
- Cellphone
- Computer
- Tablet
- Rechargeable fan
- Bluetooth speaker
- Noise-canceling earbuds or headphones
- Device chargers
- Camera with charger, extra batteries and memory cards
Miscellaneous
- Sunglasses
- Umbrella
- Binoculars
- Waterproof day bag or backpack
- Dry bag for cellphone or camera
- Laundry bag
- Turkish towel
- Towel clips
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Books/magazines
- Journal
- Pen
- Sewing kit
- Lint roller
- Flashlight
- First-aid kit (painkillers, antacids, allergy meds, bandages, etc.)
- List of emergency contacts, plus contact numbers for credit cards and banks
- Passports and visas
- Driver’s license/photo ID
International travel packing list
Howe has been traveling to the Himalayas for decades, and her love of the region inspired her to launch MissAdventures, which leads solo women’s trips to Nepal. To ensure everything goes smoothly for her clients, Howe has some specific advice for traveling internationally. “As a guest in another country, it’s important to be respectful of the local culture and customs,” she says. In a culture that values modesty, especially in clothing, this can mean wearing muted colors or having the right attire for visiting religious sites.
Something else to bear in mind: “In many countries, it’s customary to remove shoes at the doors of people’s houses, religious sites and even some restaurants—and slip-on shoes are time savers,” Howe says. “Also, if you need to dress up, skip stilettos in favor of a blockier heel that will still look pretty but won’t wreck your feet if you end up dancing the tango in Buenos Aires until 4 in the morning.”
It’s also a good idea to pack items in neutral, dark colors, since they do a better job of hiding spots. Plus, “a neutral palette allows for creating different outfits with minimal pieces.” Think of it as the perfect capsule wardrobe! The right fabric makes a difference too. “If spending time in the backcountry, trade cotton for synthetic fibers,” Howe adds. “They tend to be lighter, dry much quicker and can help regulate your temperature better.” There’s even a way to pack for a two-week international trip in a carry-on, or you can go the more traditional route with checked luggage.
Clothes
- Cargo pants
- Leggings
- Jeans
- Casual pants
- Belt
- Shorts (if in warm climates)
- T-shirts (long and short-sleeve)
- Sweater
- Little black dress that doesn’t wrinkle
- Undergarments
- Thermal underwear (for cold climates)
- Pajamas
- Well-fitting socks (dry-wicking are excellent for hiking)
- Raincoat
- All-weather jacket
- Scarf
- Shawl or pashmina
- Hat or visor
- Gloves (for cold climates)
- Jewelry (pack this in your carry-on)
Shoes
- Slip-on shoes
- Hiking boots (broken in on terrain similar to your destination)
- Comfy, post-hiking shoes
- Chunky heels
- Flip-flops/shower shoes
- Water shoes
- Sandals (for warm climates)
Toiletries
- Hydrating facial spray and lotion
- Sunscreen
- Contact lenses and solution
- Extra glasses
- Birth control
- Vitamins
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Mouthwash
- Deodorant
- Feminine-hygiene products
- Prescription medications in their original packaging, plus a copy of the prescriptions
- Brush and comb
- Hairstyling products
- Hair ties and clips
- Razor
- Aftershave/perfume
- Cosmetics
- Lip balm
- Travel-size shampoo and conditioner
- Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Liquid Soap, a peppermint-scented multitasker that can be used as shampoo, body wash and laundry detergent
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Nail clippers and files
- Tweezers
- Travel-size tissues
Electronics
- Universal travel adapter
- Cellphone
- Headphones or earbuds (consider noise-canceling)
- USB hub
- Charging cords
- A power bank (ideally one with a solar panel)
- A water purification device like a Steripen
- Rechargeable hand warmers (which can also be used for warming up a cold sleeping bag and even extending the life of a phone or camera)
- Camera with charger, extra batteries and memory cards
Miscellaneous
- Passports and visas
- Driver’s license/photo ID
- Vaccination info
- Sewing kit
- Lint roller
- Journal
- Pen
- Binoculars
- Flashlight
- Reading light
- Waterproof day bag or backpack
- Dry bag for cellphone or camera
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Travel documents, including insurance paperwork
- List of emergency contacts, plus contact numbers for credit cards and banks
- First-aid kit (painkillers, allergy relief, antacids, bandages, etc.)
- Small gifts to show appreciation to people you encounter along the way
Cruise vacation packing list
One reason to love cruises? Even though you’re visiting multiple destinations, once you’re on the ship, you don’t have to deal with your luggage again. But your packing list has to be thorough because it’s not like you can run to the corner store in the middle of the night. There are also a plethora of potential activities to consider, from formal nights and theme nights to on-shore expeditions.
Jill Whelan, the celebrations ambassador for Princess Cruises, grew up taking cruises. Name ring a bell? Whelan played Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki, on the Love Boat TV series. Through her many years on the high seas, she’s become a cruise packing expert, and one of her best tips is something you probably never thought about. “From curling irons to computers, a million gadgets require outlets,” Whelan says. “I learned early on that a good power strip takes up virtually no space and makes ship life much easier.” Just be aware that some cruises prohibit these, so check in advance.
And here’s another unexpected item Whelan packs: magnets. “The walls of cruise ships are magnetized and great for keeping things organized and easy to find—like the ship’s daily newsletter, excursion tickets and spa reservations.”
Add these items to your vacation packing checklist:
Clothes
- Smart, casual sportswear (golf polos, collared shirts)
- Skirts/dresses, slacks, blouses and sweaters for women
- Pants and collared or dress shirts for men
- Loose-fitting clothes in cotton or linen for hot climates
- Warm layers for cold climates
- Shorts
- T-shirts
- Bathing suits
- Bathing-suit cover-up
- Fitness clothes, leisure wear
- Evening gown, cocktail dress or elegant pantsuit for women
- Little black dress
- Tuxedo, dark suit or dinner jacket, and slacks for men
- Fun costume attire for theme nights
- Raincoat and/or all-weather jacket
- Pashmina
- Hat or visor
- Gloves (for cold climates)
- Belts
- Purses
- Jewelry
Shoes
- Dress shoes
- Loafers or flats
- Pool-deck shoes or flip-flops
- Low-heeled, rubber-soled shoes (for strolling on deck)
- Walking/hiking shoes
- Water shoes
- Sandals (for warm climates)
- Waterproof boots (for cold climates)
Toiletries
- Sunscreen with high SPF
- Insect repellent
- Contact lenses and solution
- Extra glasses
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Mouthwash
- Deodorant
- Face and body moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Cosmetics
- Lip balm
- Face wash
- Shampoo, conditioner and body wash
- Hairstyling products
- Brush and comb
- Hair ties and clips
- Razor
- Aftershave/perfume
- Nail clippers and files
- Tweezers
- Feminine-hygiene products
- Birth control
- EpiPen, if needed
- Prescription medication in its original packaging, plus a copy of the prescriptions
Electronics
- Cellphone
- Computer
- Tablet
- Headphones or earbuds
- Device chargers
- Hairstyling tools
- Power strip (see if approved on your ship)
- Universal plugs/adapters for international travel
- Camera with charger, extra batteries and memory cards
Miscellaneous
- Luggage tags (most cruise lines will supply in advance)
- Sunglasses
- Umbrella
- Binoculars
- Waterproof day bag or backpack
- Dry bag for cellphone or camera
- Laundry bag
- Reusable water bottle
- Passports and visas
- Driver’s license/photo ID
- Travel documents, including insurance paperwork
- Electronic System for Travel Authorization confirmation paperwork for cruise
- First-aid kit (painkillers, antacids, allergy relief, bandages, etc.)
- Sewing repair kit
- List of emergency contacts, plus contact numbers for credit cards and banks
- Copies of ID and vaccination info
- Flashlight
- Reading light
- Magnets
- Books, magazines
- Journal
- Pen
- Antibacterial wipes
- Face masks
- Thank-you notes (for the crew, tipping, etc.)
- Lint roller
Road trip packing list
A road trip packing list may seem like the easiest to tackle. After all, you don’t have to deal with flying restrictions or worry about your bags being too heavy. However, there are other considerations to take into account.
“For a road trip, I focus on accessibility when deciding what I pack and where I pack it into my car,” says Smith. “I don’t want to dig through a packed trunk to grab a sweater if the A/C gets too cold, so I keep all of my essentials in a small tote within arm’s reach: snacks, my water bottle, a sweater, my kindle, car chargers, my wallet, etc. If it’s a long trip, I’ll even pack a drink and snack station in the front seat with me, including a small cooler bag for extra waters, drinks and cold snacks, and a little tote of snacks.”
Everything else that she doesn’t need to access during her drive goes in the trunk into a luggage or trunk organizer. “The trunk organizer is great because you can pack it at your own house and carry it right into your hotel or Airbnb in one go,” she explains. “That keeps everything organized and together without having to make multiple back-and-forth trips to the car.”
Here’s what to put on your packing checklist:
Clothes
- T-shirts
- Sweatshirts, hoodies and sweaters
- Jeans
- Khakis
- Cargo pants
- Shorts
- Sundresses or casual dresses
- Little black dress
- Undergarments
- Pajamas
- Comfy socks
- Sunhat
- Waterproof outerwear (for cold destinations)
- Bathing suit
- Bathing-suit cover-up
- Jewelry
Shoes
- Comfortable tennis shoes
- Hiking shoes
- Running shoes
- Flip-flops and sandals (for warm destinations)
- Boots (for cold destinations)
- Water shoes
- Nice shoes
Toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Antibacterial wipes for cleaning hands after snacking
- Contact lenses and solution
- Extra glasses
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Mouthwash
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Face and body moisturizer
- Face and body wash
- Cosmetics
- Lip balm
- Feminine-hygiene products
- Birth control
- Hairstyling products
- Hair ties and clips
- Brush and comb
- Razor
- Aftershave/perfume
- Nail clippers and files
- Tweezers
- Vitamins
- Prescriptions
- EpiPen, if needed
- Travel-size tissues
Electronics
- Cellphone
- AirPods/headphones, especially if you’re traveling with a crew
- Kindle/iPad
- Power bank, device chargers
- Camera with tripod
- Hairstyling tools
- Digital air compressor
- Tire-pressure gauge
- Cellphone charger that’s compatible with your car
- Extra camera chargers, batteries and memory cards
Miscellaneous
- Sunglasses
- Books, magazines
- Reading light
- Journal
- Pen
- Umbrella
- Binoculars
- Backpack
- Laundry bag
- Travel pillow
- Blankets for picnic or beach stops
- Towels for beach swims
- Water bottle
- Sewing kit
- Lint roller
- Copies of ID
- Road trip snacks (popcorn, individually wrapped cheeses, water, juice, sodas)
- Snow chains
- Sun visor for windshield
- Flashlight
- Mini cooler for front seat, larger cooler for longer stays
- First-aid kit (painkillers, antacids, allergy relief, bandages, etc.)
- List of emergency contacts, plus contact numbers for credit cards and banks
How to choose the right bag for your trip
When choosing a travel bag, Smith—who reviewed more than 55 travel bags in 2024 and went on 37 flights that same year—says there are a few important factors to consider. She recommends asking yourself the following questions:
1. Which airline are you flying? Every airline has different rules about carry-ons and personal items, so it’s important to make sure each bag meets those size requirements. If you’re traveling internationally, many airlines will also have weight limits for cabin bags, so factor the weight of your bag into your decision to avoid extra fees.
2. How much do you need to pack? Many suitcases and personal-item bags have different packing capacities, so if you’re going on a long trip or a trip with bulky items (winter sweaters and accessories, boots, etc.), choose a bag that offers more space. If all of your clothes and accessories are able to fit into the carry-on suitcase alone, you can bring a smaller personal item with just your travel essentials inside. However, if you aren’t able to fit all of your items into just your suitcase, you will need a personal item to pull double-duty; in that case, choose a larger bag that can hold your travel items plus any leftover items that didn’t fit in the suitcase.
3. Will you be doing lots of shopping? If so, pack an expandable bag that will offer more room on the way home. Another option is to pack an extra foldable bag in your suitcase for the trip home.
4. What kind of trip is this? The trip type matters. Is it a road trip, a one-city destination where you’ll be unpacking once, or a multistop trip where you’ll be unpacking and repacking? If it’s a road trip with no plane, you don’t need to worry about weight limit or size requirements, so you can pack any kind of bag. If it’s a multistop destination, you may not want to unpack your suitcase at each stop; therefore, you should choose a suitcase that allows you to easily access all of your items at once (like a clamshell suitcase) rather than forcing you to dig through a trunk-style suitcase.
5. What do you need from your bag while traveling? When choosing a personal item for your flight, think through all the things you need to use your bag for throughout the trip, and try to choose a bag that checks as many boxes as possible. For instance, on a beach trip, it needs to go from an under-the-seat airplane bag to a spacious beach bag that won’t get damaged by sea and sand.
Packing tips for a smoother trip
“The key to efficient packing lies in thoughtful selection,” says Gloria Clementoni, a tour director for EF Go Ahead Tours who regularly takes 9- to 13-day trips. She says to:
- Choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics.
- Create a coordinated color palette to maximize outfit combinations.
- Opt for breathable materials like cotton and linen, avoiding synthetic fabrics that trap heat.
- Be smart about footwear, bringing light boots that provide warmth and stability in cool destinations and supportive sneakers for extensive walking in warm climates. (Avoid ballet flats, flip-flops and open-toe mules for your daytime adventures because they offer insufficient support for extended touring.)
- Select an expandable carry-on trolley for maximum flexibility.
FAQs
What is the 5-4-3-2-1- rule for packing?
The 5-4-3-2-1 packing method is a simple technique for women: 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 dresses and 1 set of accessories in a carry-on bag. Once you learn pro tips for flawlessly executing this method from a seasoned traveler, and you may never pack any other way again.
Another option? Thinking of your travel clothing as a capsule wardrobe, which will help get more outfits out of fewer pieces of clothing. “By sticking to a cohesive color scheme, you can create multiple looks without overstuffing your suitcase,” says Smith. “Think neutrals like grays, blacks and whites, or go bold with a bright palette like pinks and oranges for that perfect vacay vibe.”
What do you need to pack for seven days?
“Generally, if I travel for seven days, I will pack a minimum of nine outfits—one for every day plus two backups—plus three pairs of pajamas and 10 pairs of underwear and socks,” says Smith. “I try to always pack versatile and durable clothing items. This includes items that mix and match well, items that can be worn multiple ways, items that layer well, fabrics that are low maintenance and easy to clean, and items that can withstand the roughness of travel without losing their shape or charm.”
Smith also recommends keeping comfort in mind. If you tend to fidget in an item, it hurts or you’re simply don’t feel good wearing it, it’s not worth traveling with.
What is the most forgotten item when packing for vacation?
According to Smith, seasonal or temperature-specific items tend to get overlooked. For example, if you’re packing for a beach trip in the middle of winter, it’s easy to forget items like sunglasses, sunscreen or towel clips. That’s where the packing lists above will come in particularly handy!
Should you use compression packing cubes?
Yes! “Compression packing cubes are my all-time favorite travel product,” says Smith. “They physically make your items smaller by compressing out all the air trapped inside fabrics and eliminating empty spaces in your clothing pile.” Translation: If you pack 10 shirts inside compression packing cubes, they’ll take up a lot less space than if you pack them on their own in your bag. This means you can pack more of what you need (or just enjoy the extra space for souvenirs) without having to upgrade to a larger bag.
Does preplanning your outfits matter?
It helps to ensure you overpack. Fear of the unknown and the “what if” mindset is the No. 1 culprit when it comes to overpacking. “This is how you end up with 37 pairs of underwear for a weeklong trip or six fancy dresses while camping,” says Smith. “Instead, if you plan out all of your outfits in advance, there’s no second-guessing whether or not you have all the items you need to keep you covered.”
Additional reporting by Jill Schildhouse.
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Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. For this piece on the ultimate packing list for every type of vacation, Bekah Wright tapped her experience as a longtime writer and editor who specializes in travel. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Shelby Howe, owner of the boutique tour company MissAdventures; interviewed, February 2023
- Rilee Smith, TikTok travel content creator; interviewed, February 2025
- Jill Whelan, Celebrations Ambassador for Princess Cruises; interviewed, February 2023
- Gloria Clementoni, tour director for EF Go Ahead Tours; interviewed, February 2025
