Vacation time is precious and travel anxiety is the worst. No matter how much you rack your brain, there's always this voice in the back of your head that says "I feel like I'm forgetting something, but I don't know what it is."
We stay as organized as possible leading up to the trip so that we can enjoy our time off from work 100% stress free. No one can remember everything in their heads, so we rely on our trusted "travel checklists" to keep us in check. Here's a great book we once read on the power of checklists.
You don't want to forget the essentials lest you're forced to pay $15 for a small bottle of shampoo when you're desperate. You also don't want to binge pack, i.e. "I don't know what I will need so I'll just pack everything."
How to Use This List
This checklist is what we have been using for our own trips over the last 4 years. Each time we forget something, we remember to add it to the checklist. This is an essential step to ensuring the checklist stays current. This list is not meant as a comprehensive, one-size-fits-all list for everyone. Add new sections in the list for any additional items that apply to you.
Did we miss something obvious? Tell us in the comments below!
Frugal Hackers Travel Checklist
General
Undergarments
Socks
Shorts
Jeans
Tees/Shirts/Tops/Dresses
Rain Jacket / wind breaker + hoodie
Laundry bag for dirty clothes
Towel
Water bottle (empty)
Gloves
Eye patch/shades for plane/hotel room
Flip flops / Sandals
Motion sickness pills
Flashlight + Headlamp
Umbrella
Gum
Sunglasses (x2) + case
Sun hat
Priority Pass Travel Card. Helpful info guide here.
Wallet with ID + credit card(s) + debit card
Home keys
Toiletries
Electric toothbrush + charger
Regular toothbrush backup
Floss
Toothpaste
Travel deodorant
Shaving foam
Shaving razor
After shave
Cologne
Travel moisturizer
Shampoo + Conditioner
Body wash
Contact lens solution + case
Face Wash
Lena Cup
Comb / Hair brush
Backup pair of glasses and glass cleaner cloth + spray
Nail clipper
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Photography
Camera/binoculars/tripod
Camera lenses (decide which)
Camera + camera charger + extra battery
Lens Filters: Polarizer + Neutral Density
Remote shooter
Electronics
Travel conversion adapters for based on countries of travel
Laptop + charger
iPhone car stand + iPhone car charger + aux cable
Headphones
iPad + iPad charger
iPhone + charger
iPhone battery pack + micro-USB charger
Seagate external hard-drive
HDMI cable for TV connection
Headphone jack (audio) splitter
AC adapter to multiple USB charging
International
Passport (for international flights)
Driver's License
Nexus card (for Canada)
Visa/Work Permit approval notice
Trip itinerary / boarding passes
USD cash + foreign currency cash
I-94 printout
Biking
Water bottle (emptied out)
Lights (optional)
Biking gloves
Hiking
Water Bladder/CamelBak + 3L of water each
Food and snacks - baby carrots, bread, granola bar, chips, almond butter, peanut butter, trail mix, etc
Hiking backpack
Hat
Hiking shoes
Hiking poles
For Car
iPhone Cable
Aux Cable
iPhone Car Stand
Bottle of water
Driver's License
Car Keys
Sunglasses (x2)
Compass/Whistle
Headlamp/Flashlight (check batteries)
Mini first-aid kit (Red)
Hand sanitizer
Bear spray
Bug spray
Facial towelettes
Small tissue pack
If cold:
Hoodie/jacket/softshell/windbreaker
Gloves
Scarf
Camping/Backpacking
Camping food (Backpackers Pantry from Amazon)
Flip flops (if going to be warm)
Extra clothes
Extra pair of socks
Sleeping bag
Tent
Camping backpack
Foam pad x2
Water pump + filter
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Contact lens case + solution
Toilet paper roll
Plastic cup + cutlery
Lighter for campfire
Trash Bag
Laundry bag
Towel (optional)
Toiletries bag
Things to do pre-trip
Credit Card and Online Banking Travel Notifications
Water plants
Check mailbox
Send out-of-office email to work
Download offline maps on phone of target cities
Empty out fridge
Close all windows and blinds
Turn off all lights/stove
Take trash out
Lock deadbolt
Tighten screws on glasses + take eyeglass screwdriver (if longer trip)
Preparing for a vacation can be pretty stressful, but I hope that you find this checklist helpful! Want to save this list? Pin the photo below!
What are your favorite planning and packing tips and tricks to help travelers enjoy their vacation days stress-free?
