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The Ultimate Packing List

Christine Sarkis

Ashley Rossi

There's a 95 percent chance Senior Editor Christine Sarkis is thinking about travel right now. Follow her on Instagram @postcartography and Twitter @ChristineSarkis .

Christine Sarkis is an SATW-award-winning journalist and executive editor at SmarterTravel. Her stories have also appeared on USA Today, Conde Nast Traveler, Huffington Post, and Business Insider. Her advice has been featured in dozens of print and online publications including The New York Times , Conde Nast Traveler , and People magazine. She has also shared travel tips on television and radio shows including Good Morning America, Marketplace, and Here & Now. Her work has been published in the anthologies Spain from a Backpack and The Best Women's Travel Writing 2008 . She is currently working on a travel memoir.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : The Trtl Pillow . It's easy to pack and comfortable, and makes it so I can actually sleep on flights.

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Seeing the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of somewhere warm, like a glass igloo or hot spring.

Travel Motto : Curiosity is an amazing compass.

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : Aisle all the way.

Email Christine Sarkis at [email protected] .

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

Ashley's stories have been featured online on USA Today, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Jetsetter, and Yahoo! Travel, as well as other publications.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "A reusable filtered water bottle—it saves you money, keeps you hydrated, and eliminates waste—win-win."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : "A week in a bamboo beach hut on India's Andaman Islands."

Travel Motto : "Travel light, often, and in good company."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Window—best view in the house."

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Packing mishaps range from inconvenient (heading to the Caribbean without a swimsuit) to disastrous (discovering you left the country without your wallet), but most are preventable. We’ve created this ultimate packing list to help you pack well every time.

The Ultimate Packing Checklist

To see the ultimate packing list, scroll down the page or click here for an editable PDF version that you can save or print out. To customize the list, simply download or print it, then edit for your specific needs. You can also download the editable, mobile-friendly checklist here .

Clothes to Pack

• Dress Shirts
• Casual Shirts
• Sweatshirts
• Laundry Kit
• Leisure Shoes
• Hiking Boots
• Dress Shoes
• Collapsible Tote

Shop Our Clothing Packing List

Toiletries to Pack

• Dental Floss
• Conditioner
• Styling Tools
• Facial Cleanser
• Face Lotion
• Moisturizer
• Contact Lenses
• Contact Solution
• Shaving Supplies
• Makeup Remover
• Menstrual Products
• Birth Control/Medication
• Nail Clippers
• Hand Sanitizer
• First-Aid Ointment
• Insect Repellent
• Pain Relievers

Shop Our Toiletries Packing List

Miscellaneous Items

• Laptop/Tablet
• Film/Memory Card
• List of Medications
• Banking Contacts/Information
• Electronic Chargers
• Emergency Contacts
• Copy of Passport
• Plug Adapter

Shop Our Miscellaneous Items List

What to Pack in Your Carry-on

• Books or E-Books
• Travel Blanket
• Travel Pillow
• Disinfecting Wipes
• Change of Clothes
• Empty Water Bottle
• In-Flight Medications
• Passport/Visa/ID
• Credit/ATM cards
• Insurance Cards
• Maps/Directions

Shop Our Carry-On Essentials List

Packing Tips for Clothes and Other Items

When packing for a vacation the most important things to keep in mind are the length of your trip, the weather, and any non-standard clothing or gear you might need.

Your first step when packing is to decide if you’ll be checking a bag or only taking a carry-on and then curate the amount of clothing you’ll need based on that decision. Typically, you should avoid checking a bag in situations where you have a layover since the likelihood of your bag going missing goes up with every connection . You might also want to avoid checking a bag if you absolutely need items in your bag on arrival—for example, if you’re going on a cruise.

If you’re packing more minimally, focus on packing layering clothes in more neutral colors. That’s not because we don’t like fun colors and patterns; it just means that neutral-colored clothing is more versatile, so you can wear these items more than once when you’re tight on space.

How to Pack in Just a Personal Item Sized Bag

Also invest in clothing that does double duty, like multi-use wraps , crushable hats , self-cooling and heating fabrics like merino wool layers , bug-repellent clothing , wrinkle-resistant shirts, quick-drying activewear and undergarments, casual sneakers, UPF-proof clothing , and compressible jackets … just to name a few. Look toward popular athleisure brands like Lululemon , prAna , and Athleta for comfortable yet stylish travel clothing.

When curating your packing list, you should keep in mind the length of your trip and decide on quantities from there. For a shorter trip (three to five days), you can probably manage with the following: one pair of underwear and socks per day, one pair of pajamas, one to two dressier outfits, one to two activewear or athleisure outfits, one to two casual outfits, and one to two pairs of shoes. For a longer trip (over a week), you can manage with one pair of underwear and socks per day, two pairs of pajamas, three dressier outfits, three to four casual outfits, two pairs of shoes, and two activewear or athleisure outfits.

And if you’re able to do laundry on your vacation, you can probably manage with even fewer items. Just don’t forget to pack a travel laundry kit .

Scrubba Untouched Review

Also make sure to bring along accessories like a money belt, scarf or sarong (can be used for things like an airplane blanket , coverup at the beach, or to throw over your dress on a cool evening), and a collapsible tote or day bag for any extra items you might acquire on your travels. If traveling to a city or destination that is prone to pickpocketing, make sure to pack some pickpocket-proof clothing and gear .

Depending on the type of trip you’re going on, you may need to invest in some special travel gear. We’ve tested out everything from waterproof baby carriers to interchangeable heels , so you can trust our recommendations. If you’re headed out on an organized group tour , you’ll most likely get a packing list from the tour provider, which should make your trip planning easier. If not, do your research online (one tip is to look at locations on Instagram and see what people are wearing) and consult this story for other handy lists of tips.

For more active trips, make sure you have a sturdy pair of hiking boots, quick-drying clothing, a day pack, snacks, and any necessary equipment. Check out our specific packing lists for hiking trips and camping trips .

The 5 Most Crowded National Parks (and Where to Go Instead)

Another type of trip that you may need to pack slightly specific items for is a cruise . Make sure you pack non-standard items like seasickness remedies, formal wear, dress shoes, and your bathing suit. Beach vacations also require different items like water shoes, towels, sunscreen, and maybe even snorkel gear. Luckily for you, we also have a specific cruise packing list and a beach vacation packing list .

Lastly, you need to consider the weather. For warm-weather destinations like jungles and Caribbean islands, you can obviously skip the coats and gloves, but if you’re headed out on a ski vacation then you’ll need a whole slew of things like goggles, a neck gaiter, snow boots, and more. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a specific Caribbean vacation packing list , a Mexico vacation packing list , and even a ski trip packing list .

The Best Ski Hotels in the US

To help keep things organized, we love using packing cubes and/or compression sacks. They’re especially useful for when you’re traveling to multiple destinations in one trip.

Wondering how to pack all of your items? Enter the great debate of the rolling vs. folding method! While this is definitely a personal preference, we put two editors to the test to find out which method is in fact, more space-saving. Watch the video below to see the answer.

How to Pack Toiletries and Medications

Whether it’s important medication or your favorite lipstick, forgetting any type of toiletry can range from being mildly inconvenient to becoming a serious problem. For toiletries, make sure to pack your essentials, like medication, contacts, and any other items that you might not be able to purchase or replace during your travels. (Put them in your carry-on bag, not your checked suitcase.) However, if you forget items like a toothbrush or razor, you can typically call the front desk at the hotel for a spare.

We also recommend traveling with some type of a travel first-aid kit , which includes items like tweezers, first-aid ointment, bandages, travel-sized hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Make sure to check TSA guidelines if you’re traveling with medication , as well as the policies and regulations at your destination.

Packing Tips for Everything Else …

Traveling without tech items like your phone, laptop, tablet, or camera can be a major bummer. For those traveling abroad, you’ll also want to remember to pack electronic adapters and converters . Other tech-related items for photographers to pack are a sturdy camera bag , backup batteries, and memory cards, as well as lens cleaner. And don’t forget smartphone essentials like a backup charger, waterproof case if you’re headed out on the water, and a phone stand or tripod for photos.

A travel packing tip we’ve learned the hard way? Travel with a copy of your passport, credit card, and bank contacts, as well as a list of medications and your emergency contacts.

If you are traveling abroad, we have an entire checklist for you, but the most important thing to note here is your passport and visas . Make sure that your passport is up to date, has as least six months of validity, and has enough blank pages for any stamps. Another tip for international travel? Give yourself plenty of time to apply for any visas that you might need and to arrange for a visit to a travel clinic if any special medications or vaccines are needed. You should also familiarize yourself with any remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions at your destination.

There are also some items that you may not think to pack, but should, like an electronic tracker , duct tape , toilet paper, a decoy wallet, or a whistle.

The 10 Best Expandable Suitcases

What to Always Pack in Your Carry-on Bag

In case you’re separated from your checked bag or other items, you should always make sure that you have your ID, wallet, house keys, medications, valuables, camera, phone, laptop, tablet, pen, cash and cards, glasses, and copy of your itinerary with you on the plane.

Other items that you might want to have handy with you include entertainment for your flight, comfort-promoting items like a blanket or pillow, as well as an empty water bottle to fill up post-security (here is a list of our favorites ), a change of clothes (just in case your luggage is lost or delayed), snacks, and gum.

If you’re looking to pack carry-on only, you guessed it: We also have a separate packing list and tips for that, as well as the best bags to use for carry-on only .

What to Pack to Stay Healthy While Traveling

The pandemic has significantly changed the way we travel and, by extension, the items we prioritize in our luggage. While many destinations have loosened or entirely lifted COVID-19 restrictions, some venues and events may still require a mask or proof of vaccination/negative COVID test to enter. Plan ahead to see if any activities on your itinerary have restrictions in place.

Sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer , while always a good idea to have on hand at the airport , have become absolute carry-on musts. Wiping down areas like your tray table, airplane seat armrest, and hotel television remote can spare you from a variety of common travel bugs.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2013. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Ashley Rossi contributed to this story.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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The Complete Travel Packing Checklist for 2024 & the Best Packing Tips [Printable]

Erin Miller

Content Contributor

188 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 26 U.S. States Visited: 28

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

32 Published Articles 3130 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Before you even take your suitcase out of the closet

When you’ve done your prep and you’re almost ready to pack, apps for packing assistance, apps for itinerary management, before leaving the house.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

When it comes down to it, packing for a trip (domestic or international) can be stressful. Do you wait until the last minute? Put off researching what you’ll need for certain activities or weather at your destination? Get distracted easily, or have young kiddos that need attention? It happens to the best of us!

On one hand, if you under-pack you might not be prepared. But if you over-pack, you run the risk of incurring hefty baggage fees or missing out on space to bring home that lovely souvenir. If you forget an essential travel document, you could even miss your trip altogether! We get stressed just thinking about it!

That’s why Upgraded Points is bringing you a guide full of packing tips and tricks, a printable travel checklist, a list of apps to help you out, and reminders for to-do’s around the house before you leave.

We’re here to assuage your anxieties and make sure you’ve got what you need, you’ve cut what you don’t, and there’s no wallet/phone/swimsuit/teddy bear left behind!

Hot Tip: Don’t forget to also check out our “Carry-On Travel Essentials” guide where we’ve compiled a “His” and “Hers” list of some great products that we simply can’t do without when we travel!

📋  Click To View Our Printable Travel Packing List >>  📋

General Packing Tips & Tricks

Check the weather at your destination.

This seems intuitive, but you’d be surprised how many people are stuck traveling in rainy season without a raincoat.

Note how many days/nights you will be away.

This will help you decide the number of necessary outfits. Obviously, how often you prefer to wear the same clothes plays a part in this as well.

Note any special activities/events you may partake in.

Traveling for a birthday? You don’t want to forget that heartfelt gift you bought weeks in advance. Going to a wedding? It’d be a shame if you showed up without your suit. Hiking in Hawaii? Your water-shoes won’t get much use if you leave them behind.

Make a packing list early and review it at least twice. (Yes, twice.)

You can easily find printable vacation packing lists online (like ours above), or you can write out your own. There are also a number of apps you can utilize if you prefer something more tech-based. Read about several of these below!

Timing is key here. If you jot things down or review your printed list in advance, it gives you the opportunity to take a second look with a fresh mind. All too often you’ll remember something you didn’t yesterday when your brain was thinking about pizza instead of packing.

If you’re printing a list that’s not trip specific, review it first and immediately cross off items you won’t need. Why bring a winter coat to the beach?

Take items you can grab at your destination off the list.

If you’re planning to travel with only a carry-on, this tip is especially important as it will save space (at least for your outgoing journey!).

Most times when traveling, your hotel will provide shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, etc.; why waste space packing them? If you’re a little picky about your toiletries or you’re not staying at a hotel, you’ll probably still encounter a drugstore where you can buy anything you might need.

Purchase travel-sized containers or toiletries if you plan on bringing your own.

Remember regulations for the amount of liquids you can bring in a carry-on for a flight. You’ll want travel-sized containers if you plan on carrying liquids this way.

Even if you’re flying with a checked bag and are allowed more liquids, do you really need that 16oz bottle of shampoo for a weeklong trip? Cutting it will save you room for other essential items.

Choose the right luggage.

Yes, different airlines have different restrictions on sizes for carry-ons and checked bags but stick to some general guidelines and you should be safe.

For carry-ons, you’re generally accepted at/under max linear dimensions of 155cm/45in. For checked bags, you’re generally safe under 158cm/62in max linear dimensions. However, be sure to check the airline you’re flying with prior to packing, as some can be stingy!

You also want to seriously consider the type of bag you enjoy traveling with – shoulder bag , backpack , roller bag, hard shell , soft shell, etc. There are definitely loads of options so just remember, your bag shouldn’t stress you out, it should make traveling easier.

Hot Tip:  We’ve done tons of research on this topic so don’t miss our articles on the best carry-on bags and the best checked luggage bags for any type of traveler. 

Essentials first.

Gather your most important items first. This includes all travel documents such as your passport, ID/driver’s license, boarding passes, hotel reservations, etc. This also includes anything you’ll seriously regret forgetting and can’t purchase while traveling: wallet , credit cards , camera , cell phone, etc.

This being said, there are a number of apps that can assist with itinerary management and decrease the number of printed documents you’ll need to carry. See our list of helpful packing apps at the end of this post.

Choose an appropriately sized suitcase.

If you only have 1 suitcase, then you’re set. If you’ve got more options, attempt to use the smaller one – most people tend to overpack when their suitcase is too large for their trip. You don’t really need an extra sweater, 2 more t-shirts, and another pair of boots just because they fit! Plus, your baggage will be a lot easier to handle if it’s smaller and lighter, which will cut your stress level significantly.

Lay everything out.

Laying all of your items out allows you to plan outfits and account for your days/nights away. When everything’s laid out, you can clearly see how much you’re bringing and spot missing items easier. This also includes shoes, accessories, toiletries, etc.

Dividing items into sections based on where they’ll be packed is also helpful.

Lastly, don’t forget to lay out your plane/travel day outfit and consider it with your other pieces.

Pick simple mix-and-match pieces to prevent overpacking.

In general, choose simple tops and bottoms that can be mixed and matched to make multiple outfits. Did you know that just 3 bottoms (pants, shorts, skirt, etc.), 4 tops (tee, tank, etc.), and 2 outer layers (sweater, coat, or cardigan) can make up to 24 different outfits??

Depending on the reason for your trip, you might need to pack a special item that can only be worn once (suit, bridesmaid dress, etc.), but try to keep these to a minimum! This step is key if you’re pressed for space.

PUT STUFF BACK!

Once you’ve laid out all your items, really consider the number of days you’ll be on your trip. Chances are you could stand to put a few things back in the closet in order to pack more efficiently. Remember, no one wants to pay a fee for overweight baggage or lug around extra clothes for no reason!

Pack it up.

You never thought we’d actually get to this step, did you? There are a number of recommended packing tips when it comes to getting everything neatly in the suitcase. This can be overwhelming, but if you pick up the right habits packing will seem much less stressful.

Check, double-check, and triple-check your essentials.

Put a checkmark next to each item you’ve packed and DON’T TAKE IT OUT OF YOUR BAG. If you’re not ready to pack an item, do NOT check the box! That’s exactly how you leave your phone at home on the charger next to your bed. “But the box was checked!!!” you’ll say…

(Note: this rule actually goes for everything, not just essentials.)

If you’re notorious for leaving essentials at home, print an extra travel checklist just for those items and tape it to your front door the night before you leave. Make a promise that you can’t walk out without reviewing the list one final time.

Fold, Interfold, Bundle, or Roll?

By now you’ve probably heard that old-fashioned folding isn’t the best method to use when it comes to packing, especially in tight cases. If you have the room to spare, virtually any of these methods will do.

Interfolding involves layering clothes on top of each other in a top-to-bottom, bottom-to-top format, then interweaving them as you fold them together. If you fold the items in accordance with the size of your suitcase, you’re left with a neat little bundle that will fit right in. Additionally, this style of folding will leave your clothing virtually wrinkle-free.

Bundle packing is very similar to interfolding, but you are tightly folding or wrapping your clothing items around a soft core (like a dopp kit , stack of underwear, cloth zippered jewelry bag , etc.). Bundle packing is also said to reduce wrinkles and save space.

Many people also recommend rolling when packing your clothes – at least for softer items and jeans. Again, this method tends to save room and reduce creasing in the process.

If none of the above methods are doing the trick and you don’t have the option of a hanging garment bag , it may be beneficial to learn the proper way to fold nicer items (like a dress shirt or suit coat ) for the best results.

Pack liquids in secure bags.

Toiletries that can leak will leak. These should be placed in a plastic zippered bag or another secure bag of your choosing. Some travelers even encourage cutting small squares of plastic wrap to cover the opening between bottles and their lids in attempts to prevent further seepage.

Utilize shoe space when you can.

Rolled-up socks, belts, gloves, stocking caps, and other small items can easily fit into shoes (as long as they’re relatively clean and not smelly!). This also helps the shoe hold its shape throughout your travels. Rolled-up belts can also be used to keep a shirt collar stiff if needed.

Prevent dirty shoes from soiling clothes.

Pack them in a separate space or utilize plastic bags/shower caps to cover the bottoms and prevent dirtying the rest of your clothing. Have a delicate pair of dress shoes or heels? Pack them in their own bags if possible, or clean the bottoms and wrap with a durable garment.

Toss a dryer sheet into your suitcase to keep things smelling fresh.

While you’re at it, grab a stain pen or stain wipes for your carry-on. If you happen to spill on one of the only tops you’ve brought and don’t have laundry facilities, you’re cutting your number of outfits drastically. If you know you’ll have laundry facilities or need to wash your clothes by hand, you can purchase individual detergent packets.

Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on.

By packing a change of clothes and undergarments in your carry-on , you’re covered for at least a day if your baggage gets delayed or lost. Some travelers may want to pack an extra pair of shoes just in case.

Similarly, if you’re heading to a beach locale, pack a swimsuit and sandals . If you have to wait to check into your hotel, you can head to the pool while the concierge keeps your luggage.

Keep expensive/irreplaceable items on your person.

As a general rule of thumb, you should leave irreplaceable items at home. This includes objects such as expensive jewelry and heirlooms. If you must travel with them, these items should be kept with you at all times. Do not trust them to be safe when placed in checked baggage; if your suitcase is lost, delayed, or stolen, you’re out of luck.

Similarly, if you must travel with official documents such as birth certificates or social security cards, check to see if a certified copy will suffice. Or maybe take a photo on your phone for less hassle. Otherwise, the same rule applies to these irreplaceable documents.

Follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule for liquids in carry-on baggage.

3 – Travelers may carry liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in containers of 3.4oz (100ml) or smaller.

1 – These items must fit into 1 clear plastic quart-sized bag.

1 – Only 1 bag per passenger is allowed.

Remove this bag from your carry-on and place it separately in the screening bin. This is meant to slightly expedite passing through security .

The following apps can be ultra helpful for those who prefer a mobile device to the standard pen and paper methods.

Evernote: While Evernote isn’t technically travel-oriented, it’s all about lists and can be a big help for packing. With Evernote, you can sync your packing list across all your devices, making it easy to keep track of things no matter where you are…even out at the store buying items from your list!

Evernote also enables sharing notes with others, which is especially helpful for group trips. Need reminders? No problem, you can set alerts in Evernote to keep you on top of your game.

Packing Pro: This app is everything you ever wanted if you’re a list maker, and everything you didn’t know you needed if you’re a forgetful person. Packing Pro helps travelers get organized via packing lists. From templates and suggestions to customizable designs, Packing Pro has options for every type of traveler. Users are allowed an unlimited number of packing lists of an unlimited length, and you can even add images, alerts, and mark “need to buy” items.

It also has iCloud support and the ability to share your lists via email, AirDrop, Dropbox, etc. You can also export and edit your lists with Excel, Numbers, or Google Docs. If you’re the type that physically needs to cross things off, you can send directly to a printer too.

The Expert List-Making Assistant is a cool feature if you’re low-maintenance: it will take your parameters (number of people, destination, weather, etc.) and automatically create lists for you.

PackPoint: PackPoint’s purpose is to take the guesswork out of packing. The app pretty much tells you what to pack based on how long you’re traveling, where you’re going, the weather when you get there, and any activities you have planned (chosen from a pre-defined list in the app). With PackPoint Premium, users can connect to TripIt, share their lists across devices, and add customizable packing items/activities.

Travel List: Travel List seems to have fewer bells and whistles. You can do many of the same things as with Packing Pro and PackPoint: create customizable packing lists, sync across your devices, share with other people, and create alerts/reminders. One nice component is their calendar view, which gives a different type of visualization that some people really prefer. And this one is compatible with Apple Watch, which can be a huge organizational perk.

Lists To Do: This app keeps things simple for general to-do lists and is super easy to use. See your list’s percentage progress for a clear visual on how much you have left to do/pack before jetting off and set yourself reminders and share lists with your travel companions.

The following apps are helpful for keeping all your travel information in one place. From flight itineraries to hotel confirmation, event tickets to dinner reservations, they’ve got you covered. Plus, this means fewer printed travel documents you need to worry about carrying with you.

Google Trips: In a nutshell, Google Trips seamlessly integrates reservations (flights, hotels, rental cars, etc.) from your Gmail and creates a specific “trip” in the app. These trips are like folders of information including some basic categories like Reservations, Things to Do, Saved Places, Day Plans, Food & Drink, Getting Around, and Need to Know.

It also provides opportunities for travel inspiration, traveler reviews, dining/drink options, and encyclopedic information on several hundred top cities and attractions around the globe.

Also good to note: when you download your trip, everything is available offline in case you’re stuck without WiFi or data.

Kayak Trips: Part of Kayak’s main app includes a platform called Trips, which acts as an itinerary management app to keep all your pertinent travel information together. With Trips, you can forward your booking confirmations to [email protected] , where your itinerary is managed for you in a nice timeline format with maps and important info all on one screen.

Kayak Trips gives you the ability to send other people access to your travel plans through sharing options, link to your calendar app for planning consistency, and receive SMS and email flight alerts.

TripIt: TripIt is one of the most popular travel organization apps on the market. The app automatically imports flight, hotel, rental car, and other booking confirmations ( concert tickets from StubHub, dinner reservations from OpenTable, etc.) from your e-mail. If you don’t appreciate the e-mail scan, you can always forward your emails to [email protected] or manually input all the information into the system.

TripIt then creates an itinerary in an easy-to-read format, including space for directions between airports, rental car pickup, and hotel details. TripIt also allows for calendar syncing and makes it easy to send your travel info to family/friends by sharing via text, Evernote, LinkedIn, Slack, or WhatsApp.

With TripIt Pro, users get real-time flight alerts, help to find alternative flights, an airline seat tracker for better seats, reward program points tracking, and interactive airport maps.

In this section, we list some steps you might forget to take when you’re in a hurry to leave for vacation.

Remember to:

• Download your travel resources (guidebooks, language apps, etc.)
• Notify credit card companies of upcoming travel if required (international trips)
• Set an email auto-responder if necessary
• Take out the garbage
• Check the washing machine for wet clothes
• Check the dishwasher for dirty dishes
• Turn off all lights and electronics
• Set lighting timers
• Water the plants
• Drip taps (in cold climates where pipes could freeze)
• Close/lock all doors and windows; pull all curtains
• Set alarm system

For longer trips, don’t forget to:

• Empty the refrigerator/pantry of perishable food
• Unplug electronics
• Put a hold on your mail
• Consider having a friend check on your house from time to time

The Upgraded Points team is always jetting off somewhere and even we  still have trouble packing sometimes!

Additionally, if you’re interested in “the best of the best” travel products to up your packing game, check out these posts:

• All Our Best Travel Product Reviews – In One Place
• The Best Checked Luggage Bags For Any Traveler
• The Best Carry-on Luggage Bags for Any Traveler
• The Best Travel Duffel Bags on the Market

Lastly, if you’re looking for the top travel-related gifts, we’ve got you covered with our Best Gifts for Travelers .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to fold or roll clothes in a suitcase.

Whether it’s better to fold or roll clothes for your suitcase may depend on a number of things. If you’ve no concern about saving space, folding could be just fine. However, if you’re trying to fit a lot of clothes into a small bag, there’s no shortage of youtube videos out there which prove rolling clothes can help with this task.

Additionally, interfolding and bundling are other techniques that could be helpful space savers. However, to save the most space, vacuum bags will be your best bet – just keep in mind your weight limit when packing a lot of things into one case!

Do packing cubes really save space?

Packing cubes don’t necessarily save space but they definitely help you stay organized when packing.

They can also help by keeping items separated — who wants smelly gym clothes next to their fancy dinner outfits?

How do I maximize space in my luggage?

To maximize space when packing, try using these methods for your contents: roll, bundle, or interfold (explanations above). Each has its own special technique but all can help you save space and fit more into your luggage of choice.

Another quick space-saving tip? Utilize typically unused space. For example, pack socks or belts inside your shoes.

How to I pack clothes without wrinkling them?

Here are a few quick tips to decrease wrinkling when packing your clothes into a suitcase: iron first, use a roll or interfold method, pack wrinkle-prone items in garment bags or utilize tissue paper between folds and layers, and/or choose fabrics that are less likely to wrinkle in the first place (wool, Tencel, knit, cashmere, polyester, nylon, spandex).

How should I pack toiletries in my suitcase?

When packing toiletries, you’ll want to be sure they’re kept separate from your clothes in a special bag or case. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy — a Ziplock baggie will do — but this will prevent the leaking of liquid onto your clothing items.

Additionally, you can place a small piece of cling-wrap between the bottles and lids of your liquids to prevent leakage.

If you’re bringing them in your carry-on, you’ll want to be sure you’re adhering to the 3-1-1 rule (use 3 oz containers max, in 1 quart-sized bag, with one bag per traveler) in order to pass easily through security.

Should I pack valuable items in my suitcase?

Always keep valuable items on your person while traveling. This includes identification cards, passports, visas, money, credit cards, jewelry, important medications, etc.

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The Ultimate Travel Packing List (By Professional Travellers)

Written By: The Planet D

Travel Gear

Updated On: January 23, 2024

Packing can be one of the most frustrating elements of traveling. It doesn’t seem to matter if it is your first trip or your 10th, you always seem to miss something. We put together this ultimate packing list t o help you avoid those packing mistakes on your next trip.

Table of Contents

The Perfect Packing Checklist

It is important to note that we compiled this ultimate travel packing list from 10 years of being professional travelers and bloggers. The goal of this packing list is to provide you with packing tips that will allow you to travel as efficiently and as comfortably as possible.

Travel Packing List for Luggage

Choosing what type of luggage you are going to use is a personal choice. We have used everything from hi-tech wheeled luggage to the latest backpacks. These are our top recommendations for checked luggage and carry-on luggage that is durable and lightweight.

Aluminum Roller – Known as the Rolls Royce of Luggage, Sterling Pacific is the top choice for luxury travelers, frequent fliers, and pilots. Its aluminum body is lightweight and the Italian leather handles give it extra points for style. Plus it has a lifetime warranty.

4 Wheeled Roller : Our yellow   Voyageur Check-In 28  turned heads. We didn’t worry about anyone mixing up our bags on the conveyor belt with our unique color and design. We found the 28-inch a bit too large, but you can order 24? or 26?. But with the large handle and ultra-quite 360° spinner wheels it was super easy to navigate through the airport

Carry-on Roller : Pro Carry-on with Laptop Pocket  by Level8. We felt so chic going through the airport with these hard cases and modern design and it was easy t o  pop out my laptop and documents right from the front hard case pocket when going through security.

Travel Backpack : If you are heading to destinations that are less developed, you are going to want a reliable backpack. You will want something in the 55L size and it should be comfortable on your back. We recommend the Osprey Fairpoint for men and the Osprey Fairview for women.

Rolling Duffel Bag Eagle Creek Rolling Duffel – Duffel bags are lightweight and durable for rough terrain. We like the separate compartments for hiking boots and how it can still look elegant when going into higher-end hotels.

Messenger Bag Travelon Antitheft Messenger Bag   – Deb carries an over-the-shoulder bag that crosses over her body. It keeps valuables secure from any snatch and grabs and the RFID component helps with any cyber security.

Carry-on Backpack – We’ve recently started using this carry-on backpack by Standard Luggage. The 3 in 1 bag turns into a backpack, suitcase, and shoulder bag to suit your needs. It meets all airline cabin rules which is a bonus and expand from 35 – 45 L. Plus, it’s water resistant to help keep valuable electronics and camera gear safe.

In addition to your luggage, you are going to want to keep everything organized.

Organizing Your Luggage

The first thing you will want to purchase will be packing cubes. These are lightweight compression bags that can help you separate your different types of clothes and keep your bag organized.

• Electronics Organizer
• Toiletry Bag
• Foldable Day Pack
• Document Organizer

Pro Tip: When checking in at the airport, take your computers out of your carry-on bag and put them in a collapsible tote bag (we fold it in the front pocket of our carry-on.) That way it lightens your load should you be weighed, but it doesn’t look like an extra piece of luggage.

Travel Packing Lists for Clothes

Packing clothes can be the most confusing and frustrating experiences of all. What we have learned over the past 10 years fo traveling is to have a base set of close, or capsule wardrobe , consisting of pieces that can be mixed and matched. We then add on from there depending on the length of the trip, the weather at the destination, and if we are going carry-on only or not.

Capsule Wardrobe for Women

• 1x Travel Skirt
• 1x Convertible Pants
• 2x Casual Pants (Usually 1 pair of leggings and 1 pair of pants that can be dressed up or down)
• 1x Long-Sleeved Shirt (I may add one depending on the cultural norms of the country I am visiting.)
• 4x Short-Sleeved Shirts or Blouses
• 1x Bathing Suit
• 1x Merino Wool Sweater or Fleece
• 4-6x Sports Bras and Underwear
• 1- Dress/Sundress
• 2 Pairs of Shoes (1 casual pair and 1 hiking pair)
• 4x Pairs of Socks (At least 2 are Merino Wool Hiking Socks)

Travel Accessories for Her

• Buffs or headbands
• Rain Jacket or Outer Shell

Capsule Wardrobe for Men

• 1x Long Sleeve Shirt
• 3x Short Sleeve Shirts
• 2x Convertable Pants
• 1x Lightweight pant or jeans
• 2x Shorts (1 doubles as a bathing suit)
• 4-6 Exofficio Underwear
• 4x Pairs of Socks (At least 2 are Merino Wool )
• 1x Merino Wool Sweater
• 2x Pairs of Shoes (1 casual and 1 for hiking)

Travel Accessories for Him

• Rain Jacket/Outer Shell

Pro Tip : If you are looking for a winter vacation planning list make sure to check out our How to Dress for Cold Weather article.

Checklist for Packing Toiletries

No travel packing list worth its weight would be complete without a comprehensive checklist for packing your toiletries. The first step is to make sure you have a good toiletry bag. We use this one as it is spacious, light, and hangs on the back of any door. To make it easier for you we have broken down to the travel essentials and the extras.

What to pack in your Toiletry Kit – Toiletry Essential Checklist

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo and Conditioner (We transfer ours in GoToobes for easier storage)
• Tweezers and Nail Clippers
• Hand Sanitizer
• Gold Bond Medicated Powder (for hot climates)
• Face/Body Moisturizer
• Chapstick/Lip Balm
• Prescription Medication

Toiletry Extras Checklist

• Hair products like hairspray and hair gel
• Travel Mirror
• Shaving Kit and razors
• Pegless Clothesline
• Travel Towel
• Hairbrush or Tangle Teezer
• Toothbrush Sanitizer

Read:  7 Tips for Stress-Free Travel  – here you will find a travel packing list of what we take in our care package on

Packing Checklist for Electronics

When it comes to electronics there are a lot of variables that will determine what you take and what you leave at home. In today’s day and age, there are certain things that everyone will want to take with them, and most of them will fit easily into your carry-on luggage. This checklist for packing electronics will give you the tools to bring back great memories and pack as light as possible.

• World Travel Adaptor : Each country that you visit may have a different plug configuration. This adaptor has you covered for every country.
• Belkin Mini Surge Protector : This is one piece of electronics we don’t leave home without. It protects your electronics against surges, has 3 plugs and 2 USB outlets for charging.
• iPhone/Smartphone: We use the iPhone 11 Pro. : Almost a necessity in today’s world, a smartphone can come in handy in so many ways. You can use it as a camera, a place to store your itineraries and keep friends and family up to date on Social Media.
• Travel Camera: Our recommendation would be the Sony RX100 VII : A good camera that fits in your pocket should be on everyone’s travel checklist. We recommend one that is small, lightweight, and can fit in your pocket.
• Noise Cancelling Headphones: If you want to get any sleep on a plane or bus ride these are essential. We use Beats Studio 3 but some people prefer earbuds. Whichever you choose make sure they are good quality to drown out all that noise.
• Portable Power Bank : The last thing you want to do is run out of power for your electronics when you are on the road. We carry a portable power back that keeps all of our electronics charged.
• Memory Cards : Always pack spare memory cards so you don’t run out of space when you want to capture that perfect shot.

Optional Electronics

• E-Reader or Kindle : If you are into books this is something you will want to add to your packing list.
• Laptop (This is for extended trips) : We carry one everywhere as that is our business. We recommend you pack one for longer trips or if you are into taking a lot of photos and videos like us. We recommend the MacBook Air for most people.
• External Hard Drive : Plan on taking a lot of videos and photos? Make sure you back them up so if something happens you don’t lose all your precious memories.
• Drone: We use the Mavic Pro 2 : Add a whole new element to your memories with a drone. We have been using one for years and love it.
• Portable Bluetooth Speaker : If you love music as much as we do you have to pack one of these for some tunes in your hotel room.
• Travel Tripod : Whether it be for selfies or night photography you will be glad you have on in your bag for those unique situations.

Are you into Travel Photography? Make sure to check out my Travel Photography Gear Guide and find out what is in my camera bag.

Packing List for Comfort

If there is one thing we have learned after all of these years is that a little comfort goes a long way. Especially when you are traveling on airplanes and busses. By adding these travel accessories to your packing list you can rest assured you will be comfortable . All of these have been tested on long plane, train and bus rides so you know that they work.

• Travel Pillow : After flying over 500,000 miles we have found the Trtl Neck travel pillow to be the best travel pillow out there. It is comfortable, gives great supports, and takes up almost no room in your bag.
• Eye Mask and Ear Plugs : No plane flight would be complete without these. The Pretty Care Eye mask is what we recommend. IT doesn’t rest on your eyes, is padded, and blocks out all light.
• Foldable Water Bottle : Staying hydrated on the plane is paramount to feeling refreshed when you arrive at your destination. WE fill this up after security so we always have water on the plane with us.
• Sarong : We have found that plane blankets just don’t cut it. That is why we always have a sarong with us on the plane if the air is a little too cold and you want to bundle up.
• Chapstick and hand moisturizer : WE all know how dry the plane gets. I pack this moisturizing kit so that my hands and face stay moisturized throughout the flight.
• Flight Flap Phone and Tablet Holder : WE discovered this last year and fell in love with it. No more sore necks from watching movies on your phone and tablet. This hangs on the back of the seat so you can watch in comfort.
• Travel Socks : I started using compression socks because they prevent DVT. I know more than a few people who have gotten DVT and this can be very serious. Compression socks help prevent blood clots and are highly recommended.

Packing List for First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is an essential piece of travel gear. We have a n extensive first aid kit as we do a lot of adventures, but most people can get by with the essentials. You can buy pre-made first aid kits. This compact first aid kit  is a good start but it is just as easy to make one at home from your medicine cabinet. That way you only pack what you need.

• Prescription Medication – with a photocopy of our prescriptions
• Insect repellent 
• Advil or Tylenol for pain relief
• Gravol – for nausea  
• Benadryl and Claritin – For allergic reactions
• Allergy Eyedrops
• Imodium – for mild diarrhea
• Rehydration tablets and electrolyte tables – in case of dehydration or severe diarrhea.
• Topical Ointment like Polysporin or prescription Fucidin Cream – For cuts and scrapes
• Antiseptic spray – it’s important to clean cuts quickly, especially in tropical climates. 
• Moleskin – protects your skin from blisters.
• Thermometer
• Do you want to be prepared for every travel emergency? Check out our Ultimate First Aid Kit Packing List.

Travel Documents

Keeping your essential travel documents in order and organized can really take the stress out of travel. Using a travel organizer allows you to all the things you need in one convenient place.

• Passport and Visas- Make sure to have an electronic copy of both in case yours gets lost.
• Personal ID like a drivers license
• Bank cards, Credit Cards. Keep a contact number for your bank and credit card companies in your phone for emergencies.
• Emergency cash: We suggest 1 days worth of USD.
• Frequent Flier cards
• Travel Insurance documents, policy number , and contact information.
• Immunization records if needed.
• Itineraries or reservations- either printed out or stored in an app like Tripit.
• Boarding passes
• Emergency contact information.
• Guide book or maps- in either hard copy or digital copy.

Travel Security

Travel security is something we should all take seriously. Most problems tend to occur in bigger cities and in the form of pickpockets or petty theft. If you add these items to the travel packing list it might help deter would-be thieves.

• RFID Wallet: Protects against RFID Skimming, which is a form of theft using wireless transmitters to gain information to your credit and debit card identification chips. They can do it just by walking by.
• Money belt or neck wallet: We used these in the early days and they can be useful in the big cities where there are a lot of pickpockets.
• PacSafe Luggage Lock: This is perfect if you are staying in hostels or guesthouses.
• Luggage tracker: Give you peace of mind and lets you track your luggage if it gets lost.

More Anti-Theft Suggestions: If you want to get more in-depth about protecting your valuables when you travel check out THE BEST ANTI THEFT TRAVEL BAGS AND ACCESSORIES

Pre-Trip Checklist

Regardless of whether you are going on an extended trip or just a 2 week vacation there are a few things you are going to want to do before you board the plane. We have a complete pre-travel checklist that you can see here.

• Call your banks and credit card companies to tell them of your travel plans. This will avoid cards being flagged for purchases in another country.
• Check baggage restrictions
• Check to see if there are any Visa requirements
• Check Immunization requirements
• Leave flight and travel itineraries with a friend or relative.
• Check-in online or check flight information before leaving for the airport.

And there you have it. Our complete international travel packing list. We have done our best to answer all your travel packing questions and give you some packing tips that you can use on your next vacation. After years of traveling around the world, we hope that our extensive experience helps you when you are deciding what to pack for your next big adventure.

If you enjoyed this post why not Pin It?

Looking for more packing tips?

If you liked our ultimate travel packing list, why not check out some other great packing lists and travel tips travel that will be sure to help you out on your next trip.

• The Ultimate Camping Packing List : All the essentials you will need for your next camping trip.
• The Ultimate European Vacation Packing List : Great packing tips for your next trip to Europe.
• The Only Pre-Travel Checklist You Will Ever Need Everything you will need to do before you head to the airport for your next vacation.
• The Best Anti Theft Travel Bags and Accessories : Tips and recommendations on what you need to stay organized while traveling.

You May Also Like These Helpful Travel Planners

• Packing for Travel – 6 Tips to Make Your Trip a Breeze
• The Best Travel Gear – Unique Ideas for Smart Packing
• Travel Photography Gear Guide: What’s In My Camera Bag?
• Do I Really Need Travel Medical Insurance?
• How We Choose Travel Insurance To Best Suit Our Needs
• Essential Tips for Essential Travel
• 10 Must Have Items to Make Air Travel Easy

What else would you add to our travel packing list? Add them in the comments below.

Disclosure:  The links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. We receive affiliate commissions, but it’s no extra cost to you!

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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29 thoughts on “The Ultimate Travel Packing List (By Professional Travellers)”

This is very good content, images to perfect articles, hope you will share more in the future for everyone to see. Thank you very much.

Goig to Machu Pichu in Feb 2020.. 67 yrs young, not a regular hiker. Can you help me with packing list please? Also Amazon headwaters then to coast to relax by ocean for couple of days.

Hi I’m travelling from Australia to India for 2 weeks and will be visitng Dharamashala, Bodh Gaya and Dehli (2 nights)? I am 21yo, well I will be when I leave on 15 January. I am travelling with 7 others. I will be sharing a room with another lady, which I am pleased about as I can be prone to anxiety. Could you please help me with a packing list? Also do you think I should purchase a back pack that will protect my cards from being scanned? Do you recommend some type of money bag/sleeve that I can safely hold my money and passport? Thanks and sorry for all the questions, I don’t want to be caught out!

Excellent blog post, and thank you for sharing some very helpful thoughts!!! Best of luck with your travels.

if you are only using a carry-on, you cannot take tweezers, or small scissors. They were taken away from me when I had them in a carry-on.

Actually I have affiliate links for both booking.com and lonely planet, but only on my guides section. The booking.com link works well, $15 for whenever somebody uses my link. On top of it, I do my own hotel bookings through my own link, so I’m actually giving myself a $15 discount 🙂 I only have these links on a very small section of my blog, totally agree with not doing too much of it early on. I’ve seen too many blogs that I previously enjoying selling out to advertising and turning into what looks like an online Casino site 🙂 Frank (bbqboy)

Great to hear Frank! Thanks for sharing.

Hey guys – we ended up going to the Bay and getting a couple of rolling duffels. Plus they had a special over the weekend and picked up bags that were usually $600 each (we went for the higher end models) at 50% off. So great tip about the Bay. Yes, I should be smarter about affiliate links on the blog. I’ve been a bit lazy on the monetization aspect… Frank

That’s fantastic! The Bay is great isn’t it? I love shopping there. Every time I go to the checkout, they always have a surprise discount. Even when it’s advertised on the item that it’s on sale, they seem to have another deeper discount at the desk. I think it’s one of the best places to shop for luggage. Best of luck with affiliates. It took us years to get around to it. You really need traffic to make it happen as you don’t make much off of each item. It’s base more on volume than sales. With Amazon it’s something like 4%. But it’s nice to get a bit of extra in the pockets if you can supply your readers with something of value.

Great! Have one right downtown next to the optometrist I’m seeing today. Thanks!

Perfect. Hope your eyes are doing well 🙂 The bay always has amazing deals on luggage.

I have seen so many of such type of blogs which contains these packing lists. But all of them possesses the same sort of things in the list. You have done such a wonderful job of adding some brilliant things, which can be very useful in any tour. I really appreciate your work.

Thank you for the kind words. We had a lot of fun putting it together. I just went through my bag and started making a list. It was a lot of work, but I think it’s worth it.

Wow…really great packing list especially with the images, never seen this before. It would be great if you can create a smartphone app 🙂

I was never a fan of these packing list posts. But we’ve been travelling non-stop now for a year and have had so many frustrations with our gear. Besides too much stuff (inefficient clothing mostly) our carrying bags (backpacks) just so damn heavy. Like you say, you can go light when travelling for a couple of weeks but when you’re gone for a year you’re going to be carrying more. We’ll be back in Canada next week and one of the many things we have to do during our month there is to re-organize our whole baggage/packing situation. I know I’m asking for a lot here – but any idea where in Montreal we can get some of those Travel bags? I’m not one to buy stuff online, have to see it with my own eyes. Informative post! Frank (bbqboy)

HI Frank, We bought our rolling duffles at The Bay, they always have amazing deals.

Some great ideas here, but I cant fathom traveling with this much stuff or luggage. I take much shorter trips, but do everything in a 20″ expandable rollaboard and daypack.

My concern with packing camera gear in a larger back is what if you are forced to check that bag? Even runway check the bag? My Crumpler camera bag and laptop fit in the daypack so even if I am forced to check the rollaboard, I have my breakables in the smaller bag to carry on the plane.

I do what Stuart mentioned in the above comment. I have a list for a carryon beach/adventure vacation; a list for the checked bag adventure/beach vacation; lists for carryon and checked city vacations and a business trip packing list. All of these can be altered for the weather/sports at the location.

There’s certainly some good kit on this list. A friend of mine swears that the best way to pack is to maintain lists for different types of destination (i.e. one for winter sports and another for beach vacations) and refer to them while packing. I still pack on an ad hoc basis! Enjoy your travels.

Some great tips here guys! I wish I had read one of these before I first hit the road seven years ago! – certainly would have changed what I took! These days, as long as I have my knife and my head torch; I know I’m pretty much ready for any adventure 🙂

Great article Dave and Deb! You guys are travel experts so if you like our clothes we know we’re doing something right. We look forward to continuing following your travels!

I like it so much. Each time I travel and expect long hour travel by plane, I make sure I have a jet lag cure like JetlagFX. It’s a great supplement and works well for me.

I just got a sample pack of JetlagFX, I can’t wait to try it out.

Great lists! As someone who packs light when I travel, I like how you categorized everything and stuck to the basics.

Thanks. We aren’t the lightest packers since we are on the road constantly, but for we find this list does everything we need without too much extraneous weight.

Great article!! i am a girl so is difficult for me to make a Packing list , but i really think that i have to make one the next trip because i always travel with a lot of stuff in my bags.

Wow, it really is a long list of things…. Bags, organizers, clothes, gears………. simply amazing By the way, Deb looks dashing on the image carrying luggage…

Holy moly, that is the motherload of packing lists. I’m bookmarking it for later. I’m particularly interested in your photography and electronics. I have only just started making enough money writing to even begin to think about traveling and writing full time, but I just don’t know where to begin. Thanks for this awesomely detailed post.

Great post! I need some organization in packing wisely when traveling. My favorite was the travel organizers. I probably would not need as much electronic gear as you have. My iPhone is sufficient enough for me when taking pictures. They come out pretty good. Some of your other ideas are great. We usually check on locations for laundry when traveling for any length of time. This too can cut down on the amount that you have to pack. The downside is that it may take up some of your time to do the laundry.

wow great information. i like this list for travel packing.

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The Essential Travel Packing Checklist You Need Before any Trip

Table of contents.

• 1. The Ultimate Travel Packing Checklist for Your Next Trip
• 1.1. Clothes - Vacation Packing List
• 1.2. Toiletries - Things to Pack for a Trip
• 1.3. Travel Documents, Cash, and Credit Cards - Things to Note When You Travel
• 1.4. Electronic Items - Travel Essentials
• 1.5. Medicine - Necessary Items for Your Travel Packing List
• 2. A Packing Step-by-step Guide - Pro Tip on How to Pack for Travelling

Step 1: Choosing a Right Travel Bag for the Trip

Step 2: listing items for your travel essentials, step 3: lay your items out, step 4: get your toiletry bag ready, step 5: pack them all up, step 6: collect important travel documents, step 7: prepare your personal items in the carry-on bag, step 8: travel safety essentials packing list, step 9: before you leave .

• 3. What to Pack for COVID-19 Safety?

Check out this ultimate travelling checklist - plus tips and tricks on how to pack light and stay organised for your next trip. Planning and packing for a trip might turn out to be a pain if you don’t know where to start, but we’ve got you covered!

Whether you are a professional traveller or just go on vacations occasionally, there are certainly times when you find yourself constantly wondering “Am I leaving anything behind?” as you’re hitting the road. Things can go from bad (arrive at the airport just to find out you leave your passport at home) to worst (leaving your entire wallet behind after you leave the country). We’ve got you covered with this ultimate travelling checklist, plus the tips and tricks on how to pack light and stay organised during your trip.

Before you read further on this travelling checklist or jump right into the packing session, here are some important things to note:

• Check the weather forecast of the destination during the time you are there. This will help you choose the right items of clothing and any medicine that you might need accordingly. 
• Note down any event that you might join in the trip: whether it’s business, wedding, expedition or temple visit. It is totally fine if you are a spontaneous traveller and not used to planning ahead, but having some ideas about these events will help you avoid situations where you are not dressed properly.
• Download a printable travelling checklist on your phone or print it out. There are hundreds of this packing checklist on the internet, feel free to get one in your preference as it will be very helpful, particularly for long holidays. After you have the travelling checklist ready, check off the items that you think will be available at the place where you travel to, so there will be more space for other essentials or maybe some souvenirs on the way back. 
• Stay organised. This can’t be stressed enough, as you definitely don’t want to face the “Oh crap where did I put my undies” situation, especially when you go on a long vacation and carry loads of stuff in your luggage. If you are naturally not used to organising and categorising your items, then try these packing cubes and you will see the wonders yourself! 

The Ultimate Travel Packing List for Your Next Trip

Clothes - vacation packing list.

How you pack your clothing items should depend on various factors of the trip - the duration, weather, destination and location, etc. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should bring light, comfortable and loose clothing on your trip. If you travel with checked luggage, it is advisable to pack some of your clothes in the carry-on baggage in case your checked suitcase gets lost or delayed.

To make sure you’ve got all the essentials for different types of travel, let’s take a look at the sub-checklist below:

• For the beach: bathing suit, hat, sunglasses. Check out full beach checklist here .
• Strolling around town: walking shoes, socks, activewear
• Cool-weather: sweater, shawl, sweatshirt, long-sleeved shirt, jumper
• Excursions: closed-toe shoes, water shoes, clothes to get dirty
• Miscellaneous: underwear, sleepwear, raincoat/poncho, non-valuable jewellery

Another thing to note: bring appropriate clothing items that are suitable for the activities that you will partake in. Let’s say you’re planning to visit a temple or a sacred site, it is sensible to prepare some pieces of clothing that cover your legs and shoulders. Some destinations like Bali will require a sarong to enter their temples. Or if you are going on a trekking trip, carefully check the type of shoes and required equipment. Don’t forget to do some research and be mindful of these activities before you pack.

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

Tip: Pack clothing items that are easy to mix and match as it will prevent you from over-packing (though this can mean extra laundry work), and save you a bit of time when you try to make up your mind on matching outfits during the trip.

Toiletries - Things to Pack for a Trip

If you are only travelling with carry-on baggage, there are several rules when bringing your liquids through security checkpoints. The best way to stay safe is to follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule to not get into any trouble. Liquid toiletries include liquids, aerosol, pastes, creams, and gels. Nail polish, perfumes, moisturiser, foundation, mascara and eyeliner are considered liquid cosmetics as well. For carry-on bags, this rule says:

3 – Travelers may carry liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in containers of 3.4oz (100ml) or smaller.

1 – These items must fit into 1 clear plastic quart-sized, resealable bag.

1 – Only 1 bag per passenger is allowed

Containers that are larger than 3.4oz (100ml) must be in checked baggage regardless of the amount inside. So it is best to keep all of your liquid toiletries in the checked luggage if you travel for a long holiday. 

This rule is applied to U.S. airlines, however, all airlines over the world tend to follow them too. If you’re not sure about specific items, contact your airline and ask them directly or check on their website.

Photo by Daria Liudnaya from Pexels

Here’s a travelling checklist of the general essential toiletries for your trip, feel free to cross out the ones that are not necessary for you: 

• Bathroom: toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, feminine-hygiene products
• Skincare: facial cleanser, facial tissues, compact mirror, makeup, makeup remover, lotion/skin moisturiser
• Others: shaving cream, razor, aftershave, perfume/cologne, deodorant, menstruation products
• Hair: hairbrush/comb, hair spray/gel/mousse, hair ties/scrunchies
• Eyes: Contact Lenses/related products
• Kit: sewing repair kit, eyeglass repair kit, safety pins, shower cap

Some skincare/cosmetic brands have their travel kit version of the products, which comes in handy when you pack as it saves you time from transferring the products into travel-sized containers, so make sure to check it before packing. 

If you are going to embark on long term travelling, consider getting multi-functional products like Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps as shampoo and body wash, or BB cream, which contains features of foundation, moisturiser and SPF. People are very creative when it comes to these products. Try conditioner for shaving cream, or coconut oils as a moisturiser, shaving cream and skin treatment, you’ll be surprised how effective these hacks are! 

Tip: If you’re staying at a fancy hotel or a resort, leave your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste at home to save some extra space in your luggage, as they will be all available at the accommodation. But if you can’t replace your regular shampoo with the one from the hotel, use a travel-sized container. 

Travel Documents, Cash, and Credit Cards - Things to Note When You Travel

Whether you are travelling domestically or internationally, you will want to bring your important travel documents with you to avoid getting stuck in situations where these are required. Some must-have documents on your travelling checklist include:

• ID card, passport, driving license, travel visa - Bring the original version with you on the carry-ons as well as some hard copies to put in your checked luggage just in case.
• Travel insurance - Some destinations require a certain type of travel insurance so make sure you check it before deciding on a policy with your insurance agency. 
• Travel itinerary - Your boarding passes, plans, other tickets should be in a hard copy and digital copy on your phone, iCloud or Gmail (either scanned or photographed) for extra back-ups. 

Photo by Torsten Dettlaff from Pexels

When it comes to payments on travelling, which one is better: cash or credit cards? Well, this might also have to depend on the countries and regions you are travelling to. In some areas like Europe, North America and Northeast Asia, it is widely accepted to pay with your credit cards. However, in regions like Southeast Asia, South America and Africa, local people and market prefer the traditional payment method. 

Both methods have their pros and cons, the best way is to research everything before you go - about the exchange rates, the best place to exchange currency (banks or local shops), transaction fees, whether your card is accepted there, and whether you get any cashback or not. 

Tip: Download apps that are useful for itineraries on your phone, such as Google Trips, Kayak Trip, Tript, Money Budgeting for better management. 

Electronic Items - Travel Essentials

Your electronics need to be sorted out too. Check out the travelling checklist below for necessary electronic items that you will need for your trip:

• A Universal Travel Adapter - There are many types of adapters, but get the travel ones as they will have various plugs for different countries, even labels of the plug types on them.
• Camera - If you travel with a professional camera and gear, be extra careful in the packing so they get enough protection. However, if a compact camera/GoPro is all you need, then remember to prepare the batteries, charger and memory cards.
• Phone - Bring along your phone charger and international sim card if necessary. Although it’s not for every country, you can buy the sim card at a local phone store.
• Laptop or tablet - If you’re bringing a laptop along with you, put it in a carry-on backpack with a padded laptop compartment to protect it.
• E-reader - Compact and handy when you’re on a long flight. Make sure you have it charged and have your favourite books downloaded before the trip.
• Portable Charger/Power Bank - This should be small and compact enough for your everyday bag when you travel. 

Photo by Skitterphoto from Pexels

Tip: If you are going to take all the travel photos and videos with your phone, make sure you have some extra space for them. Consider deleting unused apps and clean up your gallery before the trip - you don’t want that annoying “Not enough storage” alert popping up while you’re trying to catch that stunning sunset photo!

Medicine - Necessary Items for Your Travel Packing List

Unless there is some sort of medicine you need to take on the plane, you should pack all of your medication in your checked luggage. If you are travelling with a carry-on only, also refer to the TSA 3-1-1 rule for liquids if your medicine is in liquid form. 

Here are some suggestions for first aid and essential medication that you might need to consider for the travelling checklist, feel free to adjust it in your preference: 

• First aid: hand sanitiser, tweezers, nail clippers, small scissors (put in checked luggage), eye drops, cotton balls, cotton swaps, moleskin/blister Pads, sunburn gel/aloe, itch reliever, adhesive bandages, gauze, waterproof bandage tape, Polysporin, Antibiotic cream, thermometer, cough drops/lozenges, rubber band. There are some first aid kits available out there, you can consider among the options and find out which one works best for you. 
• Medicine: prescription bug repellents/sting reliever, vitamins, headache/migraine, muscle pain, stomachache, heartburn, cold/flu, fever, motion sickness, allergy, birth control pills/contraception

Photo by Dids from Pexels

Tip: Bring your doctor prescription with you to avoid unnecessary incidents at the Customs and Immigration checkpoints. 

A Packing Step-by-step Guide - Pro Tip on How to Pack for Travelling

When it comes to deciding on the type of travel backpack /bag/suitcase, a great number of factors should be taken into account, such as the amount of stuff you need to pack, or the type of travel. But keep in mind that less hassle means more fun, which is why a lot of people are fond of the idea of having a travel bag that is lightweight, spacious, multifunctional, comfortable and durable. An ideal backpack should be well-made with quality material, a soft-sided case and equipped with handy compartments. 

At CabinZero, we understand the need for light luggage among travellers, and our products revolve around the concept of cutting down the inconvenience you might have on the journey. Our backpacks and accessories are made for zero-hassle travel, from the minimalist design to the versatile features. For instance, the Classic Backpack line comes as lightweight and handy to fit well with any type of travel, while the Military Backpack collection is specifically for tougher adventures with its resilient features. Our travel accessories are also designed to perform well as a second carry-on, or as a companion that keeps your belongings safe for a day out exploring. 

CabinZero ADV Pro 42L

Tip: Travelling with only carry-on luggage is recommended, as it is safer, faster, cheaper and lighter. You don’t have to worry about the hassles of waiting for your checked luggage at the airport, or even worse if your luggage gets lost or delayed.  

As said above, you can either write down a customised travelling checklist for yourself or download a printable version of it on the internet. There are even more detailed travelling checklist versions made for various destinations or types of travel that are all available online, and those packing checklists would include the tip and destination insights as well. 

Tip: Don’t forget to do some research on what you can’t bring or use at the specific destination. For example, Hawaii has banned sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are very common in sunscreen products. If this is the case, it is best to just purchase the product at the destination. 

Now you have all your stuff ready according to the travelling checklist, it is time to lay them all out and go through them over again. Laying things out and categorising them will give you a better look at what is missing and what might be redundant. Also, don’t forget to prepare a set of clothing for the airport in advance. At this point, you can refer to the travelling checklist one more time to make sure you’ve got everything. 

An important thing to note is to consider how many days and nights you will be staying, and think if you need to put any items back. Forget about the dilemma “Hmm should I bring this just in case I need it?” - Well, then it’s probably not worth bringing. If this item is undoubtedly important, it will surely deserve a spot, not a “just in case”. In the worst-case scenario when you actually need the item, you can always buy it later at the destination. 

Tip: Fill every inch of your bag/suitcase, literally every-inch. Roll those socks, belts, gloves, scarfs, anything small and rollable, and put them in your shoes to free up some space.

Your travel toiletries should be packed in a separate bag and stay on their own to avoid getting mixed with other items and for an easy reach in case you need them.

Replace the liquid toiletries with solid ones to reduce the weight and avoid leakage as much as you can. Body wash can be replaced with a soap, makeup remover can be replaced with wipes, and so on.

When you have everything you need for your toiletry bags ready, it’s time to consider if anything is redundant to save up some space. Note down what you need to buy when you’re at the destination so you won’t miss out on anything. 

Tip: To prevent leakage, put the bottles inside a zipper bag or use a plastic wrap between the lids and the opening of the bottles. 

For clothing items, there are several ways you can do: interfolding, bundle packing, or rolling. Some people say they prefer the rolling method to maximise the space, while others think interfolding is the key. This is really up to your preference, so stick to the one that works best for you - as long as it is nice and neat.

Another tip to stay extra organised at this stage is to use packing cubes to categorise your items. Regular clothing items in one cube, beach stuff in another, and so on. You can even put a label on them, and thank yourself later! 

Tip: Check, double-check, triple-check your items! Always be extra careful to avoid leaving any important stuff behind. Some useful apps that can help you with the travelling checklist are Packing Pro, PackPoint and Travel List. 

Refer back to the travelling checklist above and prepare the missing documents ahead of time, as some documents will take extra time to be ready for you. This will prevent you from any rush that may occur close to the taking off day. 

Keep all your essentials close at hand when you’re on a flight in a bum bag or a crossbody. You can make a sub travelling checklist for these personal items as well, little things are easy to forget. This carry-on bag should be on your body during the flight in case you need to reach for your phone or books. See how much you can fit in the CabinZero classic bum bag in the video below: 

Whatever it takes, put your safety above everything else. Travelling is not always rainbows and butterflies, risks are everywhere and we need to be aware of that. There are some basic essential items to make your life safer when you are out of your comfort zone and face uncertainties. Here are our suggestions, you can add them to the travelling checklist if they are missing.

• An anti-theft backpack - All CabinZero travel backpacks are equipped with the Okoban feature - allow your backpack to trace back to you in case of loss of thief. Our travel accessories like hip packs or cross-body bag also include the RFID blocking system - protect and secure ID cards and payment cards from being hacked, skimmed, and cloned from the most powerful RFID readers.
• Personal protection alarm - This item is helpful not only in protecting you from attackers but also from wild animals - it functions as a personal safety system for your body and works effectively when you travel alone.
• A safety whistle - Similar to the alarm, the safety whistle is an item you can use calling for help when you find yourself in an unsafe situation.
• A doorstop - Things can happen even at your accommodation when you travel. A doorstop is an item to add an extra layer of protection to your guestroom, simply just put it under the door.
• A retractable cable lock - Of course, to secure your luggage. 
• Travel insurance - At least for any emergency medical policy, you should get travel insurance when travelling abroad. Remember, always prepare for the worst!
• A flashlight/torch - this can work as a lighting device or possibly as a weapon to protect yourself in danger.  

At this stage, you’re probably both excited about the trip and nervous if you’re missing out on anything. Just go through the travelling checklist once again, and charge all your electronics devices that you’re bringing on the trip and download useful apps like Google Offline, the specific Transport apps for each country, and Money Budgeting. It’s important that you take some time to relax and not rush yourself out before the trip.  

Don’t forget to have a look through everything at home carefully before you leave for the trip to make sure you’re not coming home to a mess later on. This step includes watering the plants, inspecting your yard, unplugging electronic appliances like coffee machines, taking care of your pets, and so on. 

What to Pack for COVID-19 Safety?

As the global pandemic is still affecting most regions of the world, we should always be mindful when packing and cautious when travelling, even when we’re vaccinated. You can refer to the essential items below, add them to your travelling checklist and prepare yourself or your family to travel safely during this time:

Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels

• Standard adult face mask - There are different types of face masks: cloth masks, surgical masks, N95 and other respiratory masks, etc. However, the important thing is to wear it the right way - which covers up your nose and mouth entirely. 
• Face shield - An extra layer of protection to prevent yourself from touching your nose and mask. 
• Portable hand sanitiser - Always wash-your-hand. This sanitiser should be with you at all times, so put it in your carry-on bag and follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule.
• Antibacterial wipe & travel-sized disinfectant wipes - Use this on surfaces like table, door handles, smartphones, etc. to protect your hands at all times.
• A thermometer to keep track of your temperature - If you’re feeling sick and experiencing some symptoms of COVID-19, seek medical support and stay in the guestroom to self-quarantine. In case of the unfortunate event where you catch the virus, it will prevent you from spreading it to other people. 
• COVID-19 related documents - A negative COVID-19 test is necessary and will be asked when you travel during this pandemic time. Also, as the number of vaccinations has increased worldwide, you are required to present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate at some destinations or by some airlines.  

We hope you find this all-inclusive travelling checklist and tips helpful for your next vacation. Happy safe travelling! 

I checked this Blog … your topic is very interesting

Nice Blog…. This is really amazing. Great information.

Inspiring tips, enhanced my travel savvy. Ready for new adventures! Thanks!

I found it helpful when you said that you must pack a camera carefully in order to get enough protection. This is a good tip for me and my sister because we are thinking of going on a tour in Decatur three weeks from now. We want to have our tour documented well, so we’ll keep your tips in mind.

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All of Our Best Packing Lists in One Place

By CNT Editors

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Here at Traveler , we’re always thinking about packing lists. And while there are some items we find, fall in love with, and want to bring on every trip , no matter the vacation destination, certain trips call for very specific outfits, luggage , and travel accessories. With that in mind, we’ve created a bevy of guides for nearly every unique experience you might find yourself on: a camping trip, cruise ship, European city vacation, theme park visit, and more. Scroll through for shopping inspiration and links to our best packing lists for every type of trip—we hope they’ll help you prepare for your next vacation, be it a foodie-focused city trip or a family vacation to Disney.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Work Trip | Digital Nomad | Honeymoon | Cruise | Road Trip | Europe | Beach | Safari | Ski Trip | Disney World | Camping Trip | Antarctica

Essentials for every trip 

Packing for a trip can be strenuous. Between prepping for the inevitable and the unknown, you can find yourself weighed down with a mountain of things that don't actually cover either. Having a set list of essentials to bring on every trip is an easy way to reduce packing stress. Check out the essentials that we never leave the house without—and you shouldn't either—below.

Documents and currency

• Water bottle and filter
• Hand sanitizer
• Ear plugs  
• Portable phone charger
• Bluetooth transmitter

Travel accessories

• Packing cubes
• Jewelry case
• Travel Pillow
• Toiletries bottles
• Moisturizer
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Acne spot treatment

What to pack for a work trip

We asked well-traveled professionals for their tried-and-true packing lists to find out the products that help work trips feel a little easier, and compiled their picks of travel bags , in-flight snacks, skincare favorites, tech essentials, and more that make busy travel days a whole lot smoother. From handheld steamers to nostalgic yummy treats, here's a list of favorites you'll never want to travel without again. 

What to pack as a digital nomad

Our travels have taught us how to pack for both summer and winter in one suitcase, which was a lesson learned the hard way. When traveling for months on end, many things you wouldn’t necessarily consider bringing when going somewhere for a week became essential. Today, packing is a very streamlined process for me. Through a series of trial-and-error, here are some must-have items for any trip.

What to pack for your honeymoon

Whether you’re jetting off “grand exit”-style immediately after the nuptials or planning a getaway for a later date, preparing for your honeymoon includes packing the right items for the destination, activities, and climate. We've rounded up some honeymoon packing list essentials to bring along no matter where you're headed, followed by outfit ideas, comfortable walking shoes, and luggage tailored to your locale of choice.

What to pack for a cruise

Unless you're on an expedition trip to, say, Antarctica , packing for a cruise vacation is a fairly straightforward endeavor: Bathing suits, sandals, a Kindle full of books to read by the pool, and you're basically good to go. But there are a few trip essentials that shouldn't be left off your cruise packing list—we’ve broken it down by items to unwind in your stateroom, picks for sightseeing and shore excursions, gear to wear by the pool, and outfit ideas for formal night.

What to pack for a road trip  

There is certainly something to be said about the magic of the open road, whether you’re headed out on a last-minute weekend jaunt or a weeks-long trek across North America . While technically you just need keys, a driver's license, and a set of wheels, add these essentials to your road trip packing list to make your journey that much more enjoyable.

What to pack for a trip to Europe

When deciding what to pack for Europe , there are a few things to keep in mind: You want to make sure your travel essentials are versatile, comfortable, and destination appropriate, keeping in mind the cityscape and climate you're headed to. Bonus points if you can make your stylish gear sustainable by wearing clothing and accessories made using recycled or even remnant fabrics. With those goals in mind, we’ve put together some wardrobe essentials and outfit inspiration for a few of our favorite European holiday destinations, from Paris to Lisbon to Copenhagen .

What to pack for a beach vacation

Headed to a white sand beach? Finalizing a beach vacation packing list requires a slightly different strategy, one that can be heavy on the travel accessories: For one, preventative measures like face and body sunscreen , sunglasses, and hats are non-negotiable. Plus, there's the basics, like beach bags and swimwear . For a refresher on items you won't want to forget, consult our ultimate beach vacation packing list before your next seaside trip.

What outfits to pack for a safari

Packing for a safari is a science: You need to be prepared for changing temperatures, high sun, and plenty of dust, as well as cocktail hour and a dip in the pool—and all of your safari outfits, plus toiletries and gear, have to fit in a soft-sided duffel with a strict weight limit. We polled our resident experts and trusted specialists for help narrowing down the best safari outfit ideas.

What to pack for a ski trip

When it comes to ski trip packing lists, we’re big fans of lightening your luggage load. That might mean packing everything into an extra-large carry-on, or  renting heavy gear . That said, from the slopes to  après-ski fun , there are a few essential pieces of clothing and gear items that are best not rented. And when you know the trusted cold weather brands to invest in, you can count on that wool sweater, those Gore-Tex lined boots, leather mitts, and down jacket to last for many, many years to come.

What to pack for Disney World

Preparing for a trip to Walt Disney World can be daunting—there are often months of anticipation filled with choosing a hotel , booking meal reservations, and planning your park hopping itinerary leading up to the occasion. But packing doesn’t have to be complicated or involve multiple checked bags.

What to pack for a camping trip

Deciding to plan a camping trip and knowing where to start—and, specifically, what supplies to bring—are two different things. Understanding which tent you need and what cookware essentials to bring to the campgrounds often requires far too many hours spent researching online. Here's the good news: We did the research for you. Click below for a full run-down of the best camping gear must-haves. (Going on your first backpacking trip ? We've got that covered, too.)

What to pack for a trip to Antarctica

Packing was a daunting process. After doing research, asking a few friends who had made similar journeys for advice, and ordering as many items as I could to make the 18-day trip as smooth as possible, I was ready to set sail. If you’ve ever had even an inkling to see Antarctica, I highly suggest making plans to visit once in your lifetime. And when you do begin to prepare, here are tips and recommendations on what to pack, based on what proved to be useful. 

Jetsetting Fools

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The Ultimate Travel Packing List

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

Creating my Travel Packing List was my least favorite part of planning our Around the World Trip. When I sought out help, the general travel checklist I found was of little use. I wanted – I needed –  a detailed list of what to pack for my trip. 

With little assistance, I floundered through the process of creating my own travel packing checklist – but I succeeded! Now, I’m sharing my list of travel essentials – including very specific details about what to pack for a trip – in this Ultimate Travel Checklist. 

Best Travel Packing List

When I was determining what things to pack for my trip, I was torn between being a minimalist traveler and the fact that I was packing for a year-long adventure that would span all seasons. (Most travelers aren’t faced with this challenge, so I share important tips about how to create a packing list for a week or two throughout this post!) 

Furthermore, as a budget-conscious traveler, I was faced with creating a travel packing checklist that included essential travel items, plus several Just-In-Case items, so that I wouldn’t have to buy them on the road. It was a strenuous task, but I am now convinced that I have created the Ultimate Packing List.  

My detailed packing list includes every item I carry – as well as the bags I carry it all in – with detailed specifics of those travel items, too. 

It is, perhaps, important to note that while we are full-time travelers, what I pack does not differ greatly from what I would pack for a week-long vacation. Whether you are looking for an international travel packing list for a week in Europe or a backpacking packing list for a month-long trip to Southeast Asia, our universal packing list can help!

In this post, I talk in detail about my trip packing list – including why some items are necessary and which items can be left behind.

To help fellow travelers, we also have a printable travel checklist that we share – download our free checklist for packing, plus get other valuable travel tips!

Travel Packing Trouble

I’ve never met anyone who loves packing for a trip. In fact, I think packing for a vacation is the most daunting, upcoming-trip-buzz-killer there is. Incorporating necessities for traveling, comfort and style – and resisting the urge to pack everything you own – can be a real struggle.

I used to be an over-packer with a long packing list that went on forever. I was the traveler who checked two large suitcases for a one-week vacation…and only wore about a fifth of what was packed. However, those days of arriving at a hotel amongst a pile of suitcases are long behind me.

The more I traveled, the savvier I became. Coordinated outfits, essential toiletries and sensible shoes were the items I packed. I had a streamlined formula that destroyed my packing dilemma. I could pack for a week-long, overseas trip in about an hour; for weekend jaunts, I could pack and be out the door in 20 minutes’ time.

Travel Packing List for Year-Long Trip

When we decided to spend a year traveling the world, I contemplated what I would carry…and all of my packing angst returned. I spent weeks poring over packing checklists, agonizing over what would make the cut and fretting what would be left behind.

I read travel blogs that insisted I needed over-priced travel products on my list for packing; a farce I regrettably fell for regarding some items and good advice I carelessly dismissed regarding others. Yet, I retained enough self-awareness to know some travel items would never make my world travel packing list.

On the day we boarded that long haul flight to begin our around the world journey , my biggest source of stress was worrying over what I had packed.

Our one year of full-time travel turned into two…and two years turned into three. In that time, my packing worries diminished. Packing is no longer a source of anguish; I’m happy with my packing choices. Since we started our nomadic life in April 2014, what I carry in my backpack has barely changed – only requiring a few small adjustments and tweaks.

{For more insight to packing for long-term travel, read our post, What I Packed to Travel the World }

Packing for Vacation List

Somewhat surprisingly, creating a packing list for vacation is not that different from creating a long-term travel packing list. Travelers going on a trip to a neighboring state or on a vacation to the other side of the world can use my sample packing list as a guideline of what to bring. 

When packing for a long trip – anything over a week and definitely when packing for a two-week vacation or longer – determine if you can do laundry during your trip. This will help keep your clothing packing list to a minimum. 

Every traveler should tailor their packing checklist to the specific destination. When packing for a trip, keep in mind the weather and activities you will be participating in. Also, determine whether or not you will need to bring electronics (like laptops) and what kind of travel camera you want to bring on your trip. 

Ultimate Packing List For World Travel and Vacations

My packing list seldom varies, but if I add (or get rid of!) anything to what I pack, I update this Packing List.

I’ve provided a link to each item so you can see if it will work for your packing list for travel. I have attempted to link to the exact product (make, model and color) that I own, but some of the things I pack are no longer available. In that case, I’ve linked to a similar product.

I share my packing list information in an effort to help other travelers create their packing lists for vacation, but packing is extremely personal. Above all, my best packing advice: Pack What’s Comfortable!

Get Your FREE Packing Checklist!

TRAVEL CLOTHES

When it comes to making a travel items list, the best place to start is with clothing.

I pack clothes that can be worn in all weather; the items I carried in my backpack to Iceland in winter   are the same as when we travel to Vietnam . While my list of clothes to pack will likely work for travelers making a vacation packing list for California in the spring (when it’s warm during the day and cool at night) or to Croatia in the autumn , I think summer or winter travelers should plan clothing that is better suited for the hot or cold weather.

Likewise, if you are creating a beach vacation packing list – or are packing for a cruise to the Arctic –  then you will want to tailor your checklist to weather-appropriate gear.

Pro Tip: All clothing on your travel items list should be of the same color scheme to create a travel capsule wardrobe. This is a great hack for packing light – as you will need to pack fewer clothing items overall. Find out more about creating your capsule wardrobe and other top tips in our Packing Hacks article!

Pants, Skirts and Dresses: Vacation Packing List Tips

My trip packing checklist includes a variety of bottoms – including jeans, yoga pants, leggings, capris, a skirt and a skort – but I only pack one pair of each. Many minimalist travelers warn against packing heavy jeans, but honestly, I love wearing jeans – so they make my packing list for vacation and world travel.

One thing that I don’t travel with is zip-off, convertible pants – and here is why: I am not comfortable wearing them. I do think they are brilliant – and I would even say they are backpacking essentials if you are an adventure traveler or extreme minimalist.

However, as I mentioned earlier, you must be comfortable in the clothes you wear on your trip. I packed zip-off pants for my first trip to Europe and I hated wearing them because I didn’t think they were fashionable (I will admit, however, that the styles have come a long way since then!).

In warmer weather destinations, I love wearing dresses for long days of sightseeing…but they are also great for cool weather, when I can warm up the outfit with leggings and my thin hoodie. (This is why matching all clothing items is key!) My dresses are casual, loose-fitting and non-revealing (so that I am able to visit attractions – like churches and temples – in destinations where modesty is required).

Pack for Travel List: Pants, Skirts and Dresses 

• 1 pair jeans (or casual pants  or zip-off pants )
• 1 pair loose yoga pants with pockets
• 1 pair moisture-wicking  leggings
• 1 pair cargo  capris or shorts
• 1 thin, cotton  skirt
• 2 casual dresses
• 1 casual  skort

Long Sleeve Shirts, Short Sleeve Shirts and Tank Tops: Travel Packing List Advice

When we first left to travel the world, I didn’t pack enough shirts – I only had 1 tank top, 2 t-shirts and 3 long sleeve shirts in my bag. It was a huge mistake, as I was constantly doing laundry in both warm and cold weather climates. I have since added additional shirts without adding too much weight to my bag, which has resulted in seriously cutting down on the time I spend doing sink laundry!

That said, washable, quick-drying, non-wrinkling shirts are packing essentials. Pay close attention to the materials of the clothing you pack. If you need to wash a shirt on the road, you want to know that it will dry quickly – and that any wrinkles will shake out of clothing after taking it out of your bag.

Travel List to Pack for Shirts and Tops

• 4 long sleeve quick drying shirts
• 1 long sleeve cotton shirt
• 3  tank tops
• 1 thin  camisole  used for bottom layer or beachwear
• 3 loose fitting  t-shirts
• 1 thin, zip up  hoodie

Undergarments, Pajamas and Swimsuits: Packing Lists Tips

It seems to me that most travelers either over-pack or under-pack undergarments. Those who over-pack argue that you should have 1 (and sometimes 2!) pairs of underwear and socks for every day of the trip.

Minimalist packers contend that undergarments are the easiest to sink wash and the quickest to dry, so there is no reason to pack more than 5 pairs of each for any length trip. I pack 8 pairs of underwear and 8 pairs of socks (which is also what I recommend for anyone who is making a packing list for a week or longer).

ExOfficio underwear are all the rage for travelers – but, personally, they haven’t lived up to my expectations due to an awkward fit, color breakdown and ripped elastic. I still travel with them (mostly because of the money I shelled out to buy them), but I much more prefer wearing the breathable Fruit of the Loom bikini underwear – which cost a mere fraction of the price of ExOfficio.

Travel Packing Checklist for Undergarments

• 1 set of  pajamas
• 1 bikini swimwsuit (choose one swimsuit that fits your style)
• 4  Exofficio underwear
• 4 Fruit of the Loom underwear
• 2 sport bras
• 2 bras and 1 racerback bra
• 6 athletic socks
• 2 socks for flats or slip on shoes
• 1 fuzzy socks or travel slippers
• 1 compression socks

Travel Outerwear: Coats, Gloves, Hats, Scarves and Wraps

We travel in all seasons, so I pack a variety of caps and gloves (as I found they were necessary after we first started traveling). However, for a shorter, destination-specific trip, I would choose between thin and wool, rather than packing both. And, quite obviously, winter apparel is completely unnecessary if making a beach trip packing list. 

The most multi-function clothing item I pack is my wrap – and, in my opinion, it is an essential item for travelers. In addition to its obvious purpose, I have used mine as a beach towel, bath towel, picnic blanket, airport blanket and bus pillow. The one I carry is black, thin and cost around $10…and I use it all the time.

I have – unfortunately – gone through several pairs of sunglasses since we started traveling. I started with my favorite – and expensive – pair of  Maui Jim sunglasses , but lost them while in Ireland. After that, I went ultra-cheap…and wasn’t surprised when three consecutive pairs broke just after a few weeks of use. I currently travel with a moderately-priced pair of polarized sunglasses, which are sufficient…but not heartbreaking if they get lost or broken. (That said, I am looking forward to the day I upgrade to Maui Jim’s again!)

List of What To Pack for Outerwear 

• 1 lightweight zip up fleece (with zip pockets)
• 1 water resistant jacket (which fits over fleece)
• 2 fashion scarves (or a secret zippered pocket Travel Scarf )
• 1 versatile  wrap
• 1 baseball cap (or travel hat )
• 1 thin winter cap
• 1 warm winter cap
• 1 pair of thin winter gloves (with touchscreen functionality)
• 1 pair of wool mittens
• Sunglasses for travel

Travel Shoes: Packing Advice

When it comes to shoes, I think most travelers can get by with just 3 pairs. Shoes take up too much space to pack any more than that. Make sure the shoes you choose for your trip go with all of your outfits and – most importantly – that they are comfortable for exploring. 

For more detailed information about what shoes to pack for your trip, read our blog post, The Best Travel Shoes !

Shoes for Travel Packing Checklist

• 1 pair walking shoes for sightseeing and hiking
• 1 pair casual shoes (or casual travel flats or foldable flats )
• 1 pair flip flops

TRAVEL TOILETRIES LIST

When it comes to your toiletries packing list, it is important to strike a balance between space-saving items and short-changing yourself. Our best recommendation when packing toiletries is to consider the overall length of your trip. If you are packing for two weeks or less, it is best to pack travel-size toiletries.

That said, bathroom essentials are available all around the world, so replacing these items while traveling is not likely an issue. If you are packing for a long trip, it might be better to bring some full size toiletries (but it really depends on where you are going and how much it would cost to replace them at your destination).

Pro Tip : One more thing to consider is that the price of sunscreen and shaving cream is ridiculously inflated in some of the top destinations around the world, so it’s best to pack an ample supply.

Essential Travel Toiletries Tips

Re-fillable travel bottles are the way to go for bathroom essentials like lotions and shampoo. Many travelers swear by the GoToob brand. If you don’t have travel size bottles, however, many travel-size items are sold together in a convenient toiletry travel kit . 

I used to travel with disposable facial cloths (cut into halves or quarters to make the box last longer), but now just use regular soap to wash my face. I have also used soap or hair conditioner instead of shaving cream.

Essential Travel Toiletries List

• Toiletry bag with hanger (for bathrooms where there is a hook, but no counter space)
• Travel size Bar Soap (just in case it is not provided at our accommodations)
• Shampoo Conditioner 2-in-1 (in 3-ounce, refillable bottle )
• Travel size Shaving Cream
• Travel size Hair Brush
• Electric Toothbrush
• Travel size Toothpaste
• Retainers (with case and special brush)
• Unscented Body Lotion (in 3-ounce, refillable bottle )
• Facial Cleansing Wipes and/or Individual Makeup Remover Wipes
• Everyday Facial Moisturizer with Sunscreen
• Full or Travel size Deodorant
• Kleenex travel pack
• Toilet paper (folded in a snack-size ziplock or these handy travel rolls )
• Tweezers, Nail Clippers, Nail File Kit
• Cuticle Cream
• Quick-dry Washcloth

Makeup and Travel Essentials for Women: Advice for What To Pack

While we do include makeup on this packing list for women, I recommend keeping it simple with just a few makeup travel bag essentials.

Also, ladies, don’t forget to put feminine products on your travel essentials list! In some countries – like many in South America and several in Europe – the choice of feminine products isn’t as liberal as in other parts of the world (like the United States). If you have a preference for tampons, you should pack them, as they may not be available where you are traveling. Some female travelers like to use the Diva Cup . 

Women Travel Essentials List

• Face Powder
• Face Powder Brush and Concealer Brush
• Eyelash Curler (travel size)
• Feminine products
• Simple Fashion Jewelry

Travel First Aid Bag: Advice for Packing Lists

My first aid travel bag is one of my must-have travel items. I carry an assortment of medications (both prescription and over the counter) that are within easy reach if I need them.

Medicine bottles can take up a lot of space and it can be tempting to just mix all the medications together, which isn’t ideal. I use small, individual  jars  with screw caps to store medications – and use a marker to label each bottle. A weekly pill box could also work in a travel first aid kit.

For more of our tips, read our blog post Staying Healthy While Traveling !

First Aid Kit List of What To Pack

• Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer
• No-rinse hand cloths or Wet Ones Wipes
• Band Aids,   Antiseptic and Cortizone Cream
• Tums and Anti-diarrhea
• Dayquil and Emergen-C
• Anti-histamine
• Sea bands (for motion sickness)
• Medications

TRAVEL ODDS AND ENDS

All of our odds and ends items may not be necessary for a weekend packing list, but a few of these items are all-star travel accessories…and you might already have them around the house.

Check out our list of Everyday Items for Travel for tips on why you should pack these items!

Pack for Travel: List of Just in Case Items

• Silk Sleep Sack
• Sleeping Mask and Ear Plugs (this is one of our essentials for Long Haul Flights )
• Water Bottle (these collapsible water bottles are great for travelers!)
• Bottle Opener
• Mini Mag Light Flashlight
• Mini roll of duct tape
• Binder clips , carabiner clips and rubber bands
• Re-sealable plastic bags: sandwich and gallon size
• Combination lock
• Small Scissors , Sewing kit and extra safety pins
• Travel size laundry detergent (for machine and sink )
• Travel Umbrella
• Playing Cards
• Business cards (hey, you never know!)
• Travel Journal
• 2 pens and 1 marker

TRAVEL ELECTRONICS

As digital nomads, carrying all of these electronics are essential. It does, however, complicate travel days, so we only recommend that you pack what you will really use on your trip!

Electronics Travel Items List

• Cell phone, iPhone, iPad, iPod
• Laptop (similar to this slim Samsung Notebook ) or Tablet (like a  Kindle )
• External Hard Drive
• DSLR Camera (with slim camera case and extra battery )
• Point and Shoot Camera (with case )
• SD Card (2)
• Headphones (2)
• Cords and battery chargers
• Universal Converter
• Portable Wifi and Charger Power Bank
• Portable Speaker
• 128GB thumb drive (3)

What We Pack In For Travel

What we pack in is just as important as the items on our packing checklist. When flying to a destination, you will need to consider whether you want to deal with checked luggage or carry on only – as that can have a big impact on your list of what to pack. If you do decide to check a bag, read our tips on how to avoid your luggage getting lost .

We carry backpacks, rather than suitcases, because we think it is a more efficient way to travel. You can read more about the pros and cons of both in our article, Backpack vs Suitcase !

Either way, the actual size of your luggage is a major consideration when creating your packing list for traveling. Both your luggage size and weight can incur extra baggage fees if traveling by plane. 

Travelers attempting to avoid extra fees will likely want to stick to a Trip Essentials list – rather than including any just-in-case items that can be purchased on arrival if needed.  

• Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes are the top item on our travel accessories list (and one of our best overall packing tips)! We splurged on packing cubes and compression bags before we started traveling full-time – and it was, without a doubt, one of the very best pre-travel purchases we made.

We cannot imagine traveling without them as they help to save space and organize our travel gear. For more details, read about the benefits of Packing Cubes in our post, 5 Ways Packing Cubes Make Travel Easier !

I travel with a Messenger Bag – which doubles as my Carry-On and my Day Pack. When traveling by plane, it is essential to take a carry-on size personal item onto the plane that will fit under your seat. We feature other styles of day bags in our blog post, Which is the Best Day Pack for Travel ?

What Bags To Pack: Travelers Packing Checklist

• Lowe Alpine Walkabout 45 backpack (similar to this backpack ) &  Osprey Farpoint (for Kris)
• Messenger Bag or other Day Bag
• Compression Bags
• Passport and document organizer (for extra credit cards, plus extra copies of passports and travel documents)
• Money Belt and Bra Stash or Neck Pouch
• Wallet and Small purse
• Foldable, reusable shopping bag  

Trip Documents

I have covered the top things to pack for a trip, but don’t forget to put your trip documents on your Travel Necessity list! 

Plane tickets and boarding passes, hotel reservation information and trip insurance documentation all need to be packed in your bag. And, don’t forget your driver’s license, credit cards and cash. 

For an International Packing List, make sure you have your passport and international driver’s license (if needed). I also highly recommend including a No-International-Fee credit card for your Overseas Travel Packing List – to avoid paying extra fees. It’s also wise to make copies of important documents to pack separately from the originals – just is case. 

Also pack your Travel Planner with your trip itinerary, hotel reservations and other trip details. Don’t have a trip planner? Use our Printable Travel Planner to keep track of your trip plans!

Tips for Specific Packing Lists

My Ultimate Travel List covers the entire contents of my luggage for full-time, Around The World travel. But what if you are a traveler seeking a 2 Week Travel Packing List or need a packing list for beach vacation? No worries – using my Ultimate Packing Checklist as a base and a few of my top tips, you can create your best checklist for traveling. 

What To Pack for a Week Trip – Checklist Tips

Creating a packing checklist for vacation for a week is not that different from my worldwide travel pack list. That said, travelers creating a One Week Packing List will certainly want to swap out a few items from my list of travel essentials above. 

Rather than choosing items to pack for a trip that work in both hot and cold climates, select apparel and accessories for your One Week Travel Packing list that are in season. 

For example, if going to a cold weather destination, you likely won’t need to pack capris, shorts, a skirt or skort (but you still may want to pack one dress for an evening out). However, instead of just eliminating these items, you want to swap them out for cold weather items – like another pair of jeans and a comfy pair of sweatpants. 

Additionally, for a 1-Week Vacation Packing Checklist, determine what Odds and Ends and Electronic items are necessary for your trip. Items like a combination lock, sleep sack and a laptop might not need to be packed for your trip. 

What To Pack for a 2 Week Trip – Checklist Tips

Packing for a two week trip requires little adjustment from my detailed packing list above – but only if you have access to a washing machine. 

Travelers creating a 2 Week Packing List without access to laundry facilities at the halfway mark of their trip will be required to either pack a lot more clothing or do sink laundry. 

That said, travelers not planning on doing laundry during their two week trip do not necessarily need to pack 14 complete outfits. Pants and sweatshirts that go over another shirt could possibly be worn more than once on your trip without being washed. 

As you make your two week travel packing list, resist the temptation to pack more than you need for your trip – as heavy luggage will weigh you down! 

Beach Vacation Travel Necessities List

Beach vacations require a specific list of travel essentials that differs slightly from my outlined list above. 

For a dedicated beach vacation, I highly recommend bringing at least 2 (if not 3) swimsuits so that each suit can be rinsed and have time to dry in between beach and pool sessions. 

Additionally, your Beach Essential Travel Packing List needs to include ample sun protection. It is wise to bring plenty of sunscreen (either a large sunscreen that will need to be checked or two TSA-approved size carry on bottles of sunscreen ) – as well as a travel hat that will provide shade from the sun. Water shoes , a beach towel, a waterproof bag for your phone and snorkel gear are other travel packing essentials for the beach. 

Complete Travel Check Off List

I have listed every item that I pack for traveling in order to help you come up with your ultimate list. That said, travel packing lists are very personal – and not necessarily the same for every single trip.

To get started with your perfect Vacation Travel Packing list, it’s best to write down the items you intend to pack in your suitcase. To help, we have created an ideal Travel Packing List template. If you want our printable lists for packing, get them here .

Start planning your next big trip ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

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"Journey Travel": What To Know About The Trend That's Replacing "Revenge Travel"

The latest trend in traveling is focusing on the journey rather than the destination and this new travel trend is taking the world by storm.

• "Journey travel" focuses on the process of getting from one place to another rather than the destination itself.
• Travelers who engage in journey travel are open to new experiences and are more likely to end up in underrated and scenic places.
• "Revenge travel" has been replaced by the more affordable and adventurous concept of journey travel, which allows tourists to make the most of their trip and discover new things.

After the long wait to travel in the early years of the 2020s, many tourists have been aching to go back to their favorite activity. Not all wanted to travel the world for cheap ; many were glad to just be able to visit their favorite campgrounds and hangouts again. In fact, a new traveling trend had developed, called "revenge travel," in which travelers were booking vacations and flights just because they finally could.

However, this trend has wound down in recent months and is now replaced with a new concept. This is "journey travel," and it's vastly different in what it aims to accomplish.

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What is "journey travel", a new travel trend is a departure from traveling out of revenge.

Rather than picking a destination and staying with it, travelers who engage in "journey travel" try to take in and enjoy the time it takes them to make it to their destination. They savor the actual travel time and are open to what they can learn during their voyage.

They may end up visiting a country and never coming back, or they may have an unforgettable experience while on a cruise that makes them want to return there again and again. However they go about it, it is the process of getting from one place to another that sets their expectations about their trip rather than the destination.

12 Dining Rules To Obey When Eating Around The World

When people focus on how to make it from one spot to the next, they're able to live more in the now and make connections and experience things that they would otherwise not have an opportunity to. The likelihood of making memories in unexpected ways is very attractive to these tourists.

While "journey travel" may be a pleasant experience for most tourists, its ad-hoc nature may also bring about some uncomfortable moments. It is a good thing to approach it like an adventure rather than focusing on the negatives. When plans change at the last minute, the best approach is to enjoy the ride.

Staying Open To New Experiences

Traveling is about embracing what tourists find along the way.

The notion of "journey travel" is about focusing on what happens during the entire trip. Being open to new or different ways of doing things is crucial for enjoying this approach to traveling. In this sense, it is different from once-in-a-lifetime trips that travelers undertake to clear their bucket list and boast about all the places they've seen.

However, this doesn't mean that they may not end up in one of these locations as part of their journey. In fact, because they don't focus on the destination, travelers are more likely to end up in underrated and scenic places than when they engage in traditional or revenge travel.

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"Journey travel" also doesn't necessarily mean an unstructured journey. For example, traveling the US by train is a great way to "journey travel" because it takes tourists all over the country without focusing on a particular destination, letting them embrace everything they find along the way.

Journey travel can also be more affordable if you're willing to book on a whim; some airlines offer cheap cross-country flights at the last minute, making the trip of your dreams possible yet spontaneous.

Always make contingency travel plans when "journey traveling." With flexibility and openness to change, tourists can make the most of their trip if they consider alternate transportation, embrace local traditions, and take every opportunity to move their trip along. While some regions may be more daunting than others, the whole point of the journey is to experience new things.

"Revenge Travel" No Longer Cuts It

Tourists have had enough of traveling for the sake of it.

After the lockdowns of the early 2020s, Americans had amassed lots of unused vacation days they were willing to use up. Thus began a phenomenon known as "revenge travel." People from all over the country picked their dream destination that they had yearned for while working from home and started furiously booking holidays.

However, "revenge travel" was short-lived. Most people got one or more of the bucket-list destinations under their belt and started looking for a different way to enjoy their time off.

"Journey travel" has added benefits over destination travel.

• It is often cheaper to do than the most sought-after destinations, which is a great draw for most people who are on a budget.
• It's also a great way to come across undiscovered destinations in Europe or elsewhere, which is ironic given that the destination is the furthest thing from the minds of those who want to "journey travel."

Journey travel might be the newest trend in travel, but odds are, it will be one that sticks.

International Travel Packing Checklist: What Gear to Bring

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Packing for international travel can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the destination’s climate and culture. Even if you manage to bring everything you need, you could end up overpacking and lugging around a heavy suitcase.

To help make your packing experience easier, we’ve put together a comprehensive international travel packing checklist. Just remember to adjust the items on this list based on any specific requirements for your destination and the length of your stay.

The 9 Essentials That Should Always Be On Your International Travel Packing List

• Identification documents: passport, ID card, driver’s license, documents for your children, etc.
• Country-specific documents: visa, vaccination certificate, health forms
• Travel documents: boarding pass, booking confirmations, travel insurance
• Cash: local currency
• Medication: essential over-the-counter and prescription
• Clothing : enough to cover your whole stay
• Extreme weather gear : sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, rain jacket, cold-weather boots, etc.
• A bag of essential toiletries : shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant
• Electronics gear: country-specific adapters and chargers for your phone, tablet, laptop, etc.

Our Ultimate International Travel Packing Checklist for Men and Women

To download a condensed, free PDF version of our ultimate international travel packing list, click here .

• Electronics

Accessories

Miscellaneous

Some other items that you might need when traveling with toddlers and young children.

When traveling alone or as an adult couple, it’s generally possible to get by with the essentials. However, if you’re traveling with toddlers or young children, there are a few additional items that you should consider bringing.

• Baby food & formula
• Baby monitor
• Diapers and disposable diaper bags
• Toys & books
• Travel crib

Toiletries in Your Hand Luggage Must Follow the 3-1-1 Rule

If you’re bringing your own toiletries in your hand luggage, be sure to follow the 3-1-1 rule . This means your toiletry bag must contain no more than 3.4oz (100ml) containers, must be sealed in a 1-quart (1L) clear, plastic, zip-top bag, and each passenger can only bring one bag. This rule applies to liquids, gels, pastes, creams, and aerosols.

The Rules for Traveling With Electronics

The rules for traveling with electronics depend on the airline, country, and airport that you’re flying to and from.

When traveling to or from the U.S ., for example, you should be aware of the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) rules for electronics. These rules require that all electronics larger than a smartphone must be taken out of your carry-on bag and placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening . This includes laptops, tablets, and e-readers.

It’s also important to note that some countries have restrictions on the type of electronics that you can bring into the country. For example, many countries, including China and Brazil, prohibit the import of certain electronics, like iPhones and iPads, and require you to declare these upon arrival.

Certain countries have restrictions around lithium batteries as well . This means you won ‘t be able to bring batteries with more than 100 watt – hours in your carry – on or checked luggage . To check the watt – hours of your batteries , check the label on the battery or the device itself .

Finally , you should be aware that some countries, such as South Africa and India, require you to register your laptop and other electronic devices with customs when you arrive . This is due to the increasing number of laptop thefts and other electronics – related crimes in those countries .

Unfortunately , there is no one – size – fits – all answer when it comes to traveling with electronics , so make sure to do your research before you go .

Don’t Forget the Size and Weight Restrictions for Your Baggage

Underseat bags.

• Must not be larger than 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 23 cm)
• Cannot exceed 17 lbs (8kg) when combined with the weight of your carry-on

Carry-on bags

• Must not be larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (55 x 35 x 23 cm)
• Cannot exceed 22 lbs (10kg)

Checked bags

• Must not be larger than 62 linear inches (157 cm)
• Cannot exceed 50 lbs (23kg)

No matter what size or weight restrictions you have, it’s important to make sure you pack smartly and efficiently . To do this, try to use packing cubes and consider rolling your clothes instead of folding them. This will help you maximize the amount of space in your luggage, so you can bring all the essentials without having to worry about the size or weight limits.

Which Items You’ll Need to Remove When Going Through Security

When you’re getting ready to go through security, there are a few items that you’ll need to remove from your carry-on bag and person. These include:

• Laptops and tablets
• All electronics larger than a smartphone
• Metal jewelry
• All liquids, gels, and aerosols
• Belts and other accessories

If you have any food items in your carry-on, you may also be asked to remove them for inspection.

It’s also important to note that some countries, such as the U.S., require you to remove your laptop, tablet, and other electronics from your bag even if you’re not checking them through security.

Which Items You Should Pack In Your Personal Item, Carry-On, and Checked Luggage

When traveling, it’s important to know which items you should pack in each type of luggage, as this will help you stay organized and minimize the amount of time you spend at the security checkpoint . Here is a quick breakdown of what should go in your personal item, carry-on, and checked luggage:

Personal Item

• Travel documents

Checked Luggage

As a general rule, it’s best to keep all valuables, medications, and important documents with you in your personal item and carry-on. This will ensure that you always have access to these items and that they remain safe.

Which Items You’re Allowed to Take for Free in Addition to Hand Luggage

When traveling, you’re usually allowed to take a few items for free in addition to your hand luggage. This typically includes a personal item, such as a laptop bag, a purse, or a briefcase, as well as a jacket or coat.

However, some airlines may limit the number of items you can bring for free, so it’s best to check your airline’s policy before you travel.

Tips on How to Save Space When Packing for an International Vacation

Packing for an international trip can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to end up overpacking or lugging around a heavy suitcase. To make your packing experience easier, here are a few tips on how to save space when packing for an international vacation:

1. Roll Your Clothes

Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can help you save a lot of space in your suitcase.

2. Pack Lightweight, Versatile Clothes

Bringing lightweight and versatile clothes will help you save space and minimize the amount of clothes you need to pack.

3. Use Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are a great way to keep your suitcase organized and maximize the amount of space in your luggage.

4. Wear Your Bulkiest Clothes

If you’re traveling to a cold destination, wear your bulkiest clothes, such as your winter coat, on the plane. This will help you save space in your suitcase.

5. Leave Some Space for Souvenirs

Make sure to leave some extra space in your suitcase for souvenirs, as this will help you avoid having to buy an additional bag to bring them home.

6. Pack Multi-Purpose Items

Bringing items that serve multiple purposes, such as a scarf that can also be used as a blanket, will help you save space and avoid having to bring multiple items for the same purpose.

7. Invest in a Lightweight Suitcase

Investing in a lightweight suitcase can help you save space and make it easier to carry your luggage.

Don’t Bring These Prohibited Items

When traveling internationally, you should be aware of the items that are prohibited on planes and in certain countries. These items include:

• Flammable and combustible liquids
• Sharp objects
• Electronic cigarettes
• Hoverboards

Make sure to check your destination’s customs regulations and the airline’s policy before you pack, as some countries and airlines may have additional restrictions.

Don’t Forget These Long-Haul Essentials for a Comfortable Flight

Taking a long-haul flight can be tiring and uncomfortable, so it’s important to make sure you bring the essentials to ensure a comfortable flight. Here are a few items you should bring on a long-haul flight:

• Neck pillow
• Water bottle
• Travel blanket
• Compression socks
• Entertainment (books, movies, music, etc.)
• Disinfecting wipes

Many of these will be provided by the airline, but they may not be up to your standards, so it’s always best to bring your own.

What to Look Out for When Shopping for New, Sturdy Luggage

When shopping for new luggage, you should look for a few key features to ensure you get a sturdy and reliable suitcase. Here are a few tips on what to look out for:

While hardside luggage made from ABS is likely to be the cheapest on the market, it’s also the most prone to damage. If you’re looking for a suitcase that will last, opt for a polycarbonate or aluminum piece. If you prefer softside luggage, go for a high-denier nylon or polyester piece.

Read more:  The Ultimate Guide to Luggage Materials

Most hardside luggage is fitted with spinner wheels, which are great for maneuverability. However, take a look at the wheels to make sure they’re durable and have quality bearings. For softside luggage, in-line wheels provide excellent stability and can be rolled along almost any surface.

Make sure the handle is adjustable and sturdy. Ergonomically designed handles place the least strain on your wrists as you wheel your suitcase. You should also ensure that your suitcase has carry handles so it can be lifted with ease when needed.

Zippers & Locks

Opt for a piece with good-quality zippers and an integrated TSA lock. YKK zippers are considered the best on the market.

Many manufacturers offer a limited warranty that covers any defects in the material and workmanship. Make sure you read the warranty carefully and check the length of the coverage before you make your purchase.

The weight of a suitcase is largely dependent on the materials used to make the piece, and generally speaking, hardside suitcases usually weigh more than softside suitcases. If you’re considering a hardside suitcase, opt for one made from polycarbonate or ABS, as these are the lightest materials on the market. For softside luggage, nylon and polyester are the lightest materials.

Read More:  How Much Does an Empty Suitcase Weigh on Average?

Final Words

Packing for an international trip can be daunting, but it’s important to remember that anything you forget will likely be available wherever you’re traveling.

By following this international travel packing checklist and the tips provided, you can make sure you have everything you need for your trip without having to lug around a heavy suitcase.

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The Ultimate Travel Checklist For 2022

As more and more places begin to open up and many societies adopt a strategy of learning to live with our current situation rather than battling it endlessly, travel in 2022 looks like a more appealing prospect than it did in 2021 or 2020. Sites like Tripadvisor are once again offering advice and help to travellers looking to venture to the furthest reaches of the globe, and disgruntled workers everywhere are looking to book getaways and escapes, our pick is this guide on Gibraltar by ClickTravelTips . If that’s you, make sure you don’t embark on your next holiday without everything you need. Here’s our ultimate travel checklist for 2022.

Table of Contents

Destination

Obviously, you’re not going to get very far in your holiday without choosing a destination, right? You might want to consider booking a holiday in a less “touristy” location for 2022; many of the more popular destinations will likely be swamped, so if you’re looking for peace, quiet, and a truly tranquil experience, try one of the roads less travelled. This will result in less jostling and competing with others for the best views. You won’t regret it, we promise!

Of course, choosing a destination is one of the first things you have to do. It can be a single destination, or a chain of points, connected by a route. Along with it, you have to plan your transportation, accommodation, local activities and all other details. And all of this should be planned as a full itinerary. It may looks a bit complicated, but for more details, check our guide about how to plan a travel itinerary . Anyway, it is the foundation of your trip.

It’s an unfortunate fact of life that holidays always need to be funded somehow. You’ll need to pay for all kinds of things; travel, food, accommodation, and various other expenses need to be accounted for.

We’re not talking about major holiday funding here, though; that should already be sorted, and prepared in advance while you build your itinerary. Instead, we mean the kind of spending money that will help you when you’re out and about and looking for things to do once you actually arrive. Be sure to parcel out some cash for carrying.

There’s an art to packing clothes for a holiday. Our top tip: take twice as many clothes as you think you’ll need. Don’t just pack a single set of clothes for each day, because you could end up spilling something or somehow damaging those clothes, and then you’re in trouble.

Make sure you have a suitcase or a backpack (if you go to a more adventurous trip) large enough to accommodate all of the clothes you’re going to need, because there’s nothing worse than trying to cram all of your clothes into your suitcase last-minute.

This is something that belongs to the last phases of your trip preparation. And here we talk about daily clothes for a “normal” travel. But if you are going to adventures in the nature- trekking, liveaboard diving, or an expedition to harsh and remote points on the Earth, you would need a special travel gear.

Special travel gear

This includes all the accessories that you would need to not only enjoy, but even survive if you go “out of the civilization”. If you go on a trekking to K2 Base Camp, you would need a proper backpack, proper hiking boots, hiking poles, and more.

Or, if you go on a liveaboard tour in French Polynesia, you would need your diving mask and snorkel, your fins, and if you are a scuba diver, better you bring your own diving equipment (although they usually offer their own). 

All of these accessories, depending on the type of your trip need to be prepared carefully in advance, in good balance between necessary things to bring and weight of your luggage. Nevertheless, if these accessories are crucial for surviving in harsh conditions, better bring more than less.

This is one of the most commonly forgotten items when people are packing for trips. Don’t forget any medication you might need; it’s easy to take it for granted because it’s always available at home, but you might find that when you reach your destination, you’re not easily able to get replacement pills or other meds. Pack more than you think you’re going to need (if your meds aren’t taken daily), because you could run out or lose a supply.

Don’t leave your house without packing passports, travel documents, and any other crucial travel documentation. Think carefully before you set out. At an absolute minimum, you’re going to need your passport, because you won’t be able to travel without it.

After that, you might need a special visa depending on which country you’re travelling to and what your purpose is for going, and forgetting that could land you in customs for a lengthy discussion with the officials. Finally, you may need some travel permits, if you are going to visit areas with certain restrictions – autonomous regions, occupied territories, nature reservations, and more. 

Of course, plan these documents in advance, while you are still building your itinerary, and when the time of departure comes, don’t forget to pack them carefully!

Entertainment

Your flight is likely to be long and tedious, especially if you’re going somewhere far away (which is the only reason you should have for flying, given the state of the environment right now). Make sure to take enough to do so that you don’t get bored before your holiday has even begun.

If you have an e-reader, that’s an excellent way to pass time on a flight, but you might also want it for the trip itself; you may want to wander down to a beach and take a good book with you for a day of relaxation and de-stressing.

Electronic devices

This can be a crucial detail for your journey. Yes, most probably you will not forget your mobile phone, since it is a habit for most people to bring their phones always and everywhere. But how about your charging devices? A charging cable, a power bank, especially if you go on a wild journey with poor opportunities for re-charging?

Your mobile phone with its charging accessories is very important. However, if you want to fully enjoy your journey, not only during the trip, but also after that, you would need your camera (yes, the modern mobile phones can take good photos and videos, but if you want them more professional, you would need a camera), or a GoPro.

Also, if you often need your laptop, you have to consider it too, as a part of your luggage. And for all of these, don’t forget all the cables, charging devices, and other related accessories (it is easy to forget them, thinking only about the main devices!).

Depending on where you’re travelling, your SIM card might not work when you arrive. It’s important to have arranged an alternative so that you can contact whoever you might need to while you’re travelling.

Whatever you do, make sure to thoroughly research your situation so you know what you’re going to need; if you arrive and realise your card doesn’t work, it might be too late (although many international airports do sell SIM cards that work in the country in which they’re based).

Often, hotels will provide their own toiletries, meaning you don’t need to bring your own. However, at the very least, you’ll need to take a toothbrush with you, and it’s a good idea to take spare toiletries just in case your hotel doesn’t provide them. This means packing shampoo, deodorant, and other amenities.

You won’t need to pack toilet paper, and it’s unlikely you’ll need towels, but you may wish to take toothpaste. Be sure to follow proper airport procedure when it comes to declaring these items as you pass through customs.

However, again, if you go to a more adventurous journey, planning to spend the nights in basic conditions- local lodges, camping, or other forms of sleeping in the nature, you have to plan your toiletries accordingly. You may not be able to wash for many days, at the same time, in such cases you have to consider the weight of your luggage. Anyway, toiletries is something you should plan well in the last stages of your trip preparation.

COVID-related documents

Despite what some media outlets may tell you, we are still in the grip of a global pandemic, and many countries don’t have the same attitude towards the virus as yours might. That’s why it’s important to take any COVID-related documents that are required in your chosen destination.

You may, for example, need proof of vaccination, or perhaps proof of a negative test within the last 72 hours. Make sure to thoroughly research what will suffice as proof so that you don’t get caught short when it’s time to leave.

Travel and holiday insurance are often overlooked, but they’re critical parts of travelling . At the very least, you should try to ensure you have international medical insurance, because you might run into a hefty health bill if you’re taken ill or get into an accident while you’re on holiday. You could also look into cancellation cover, which could let you cancel your flight or any other element of your trip without needing to pay huge premiums.

In general, these are the most important things you have to consider before you leave your home for a journey. You can use this short travel checklist for a faster and quicker reference, or you can see a longer check-list with 50 travel tips for better trip preparing. If you want to get deeper in details, read our article about how to prepare for a trip . And finally, if you prepare everything well, you can enjoy a great travel experience wherever you want to wander around the Earth!

Check some travel books about planning a trip!

Disclaimer: Journey Beyond the Horizon is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites at no additional cost to you.

Like it? Pin it here⇓! Follow us on  Facebook ,  Twitter  and  Instagram !

Hi, we are Krasen and Ying Ying. Krasen is from Bulgaria, and Ying Ying is from China. We are passionate about geography and history, and we believe that the best way to experience it is by exploring the Earth in reality, not in a school, and not virtually.

So, we created this blog Journey Beyond the Horizon, where we share geographical knowledge, travel guides and tips how to experience it when you explore our planet, and a lot of inspiration.

And we wish you a happy journey, not just virtually, but most of all- in reality.

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The 13 Best Travel Journals

From leather-bound to Moleskine, here are the best travel journals to keep track of your adventures.

In This Article

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• Our top picks
• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

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Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja

Whether you’re staying close to home or embarking on a bucket-list trip, it’s no secret that travel helps enrich our minds and provides us with a better understanding of the world around us — all while creating lifelong memories. To document your adventures and preserve these precious memories, consider snagging a travel journal. As you shop, keep in mind that the best travel journals come in a slew of different forms — including some with all-blank pages for long-form freewriting and others with a mix of dotted pages and prompts to spark some inspiration. All in all, it’s safe to say that there’s a travel journal out there for everyone. Ahead, we’ve rounded up our favorites, including a handful with bonus features like illustrations, maps, stickers, detachable packing lists, and storage pockets.

Best Overall

Papier joy travel journal.

The journal is divided into six sections to help travelers stay organized while planning their vacations and documenting their memories.

There’s no place to store a pen.

Divided into six distinct sections, the Papier Joy Travel Journal makes documenting your travels easy and fun. Use the wishlist and trip ideas sections to write down your top bucket list travel locales, while the journey planning and reflection sections provide plenty of space to document your escapades. Pass the time en route to your destination — be it by train, plane, or automobile — by filling out the travel games section of the notebook which includes fun activities like “I Spy,” airport bingo, word searches, and word scrambles. At the very back of the journal, you’ll find an illustrative world map to color in. You can, of course, use the journal to jot down packing must-haves, restaurant recommendations, and anything else to help you stay organized while on the go.  

The Details: 192 pages | 5.5 × 8.5 inches

Best Hardcover

Moleskine voyageur notebook.

This journal features fun and functional bonus features like stickers, detachable packing lists, and to-do lists.

There are limited color options.

Moleskine is renowned for its durable notebooks, and this travel-themed one is no exception. Featuring a clothbound hardcover, elastic closure, and an expandable inner back pocket, this 208-page travel notebook is unique in that it also comes complete with detachable packing lists, to-do lists, and, best of all, a sheet of themed stickers for decorating. The travel-planning section is excellent for — you guessed it — planning out your itinerary, while the budget pages come in especially helpful for jotting down and keeping track of expenses. And, since this is a travel journal, it should come as no surprise that there is also a dedicated section for writing down key memories to look back on. 

The Details: Lined, blank | 208 pages | 4.5 x 7 inches

Best Accessories

Clever fox travel journal.

It comes with fun themed stickers and offers specific sections for budgeting and trip reviews.

It’s made with faux leather, which is considered less durable than genuine leather.

Creative types will especially appreciate this Clever Fox Travel Journal, which comes with over 150 stickers to decorate away. Need some inspo? Check out the included user guide with examples to help you create your own one-of-a-kind travel journal. The calendar page can be used to mark down important trip dates, while the illustrative map page can be used to plan out your route. There are also research and budgeting pages, along with a trip review section where travelers can look back on their favorite activities. Additional highlights include a ribbon bookmark, a back pocket, and a pen loop.

The Details: Blank, lined, dotted | 120 pages | 5.8 x ‎8.4 inches

Best Sustainable

Rocketbook smart reusable notebook.

This innovative journal utilizes QR code technology to scan and safely store your entries in a digital app on your smartphone.

Those who prefer a more traditional journaling experience may not feel so connected to this smart journal.

Travelers looking for a more sustainable approach to journaling (read: one that doesn’t require excessive amounts of paper) should consider snagging the Rocketbook Core Reusable Smart Notebook. Simply scan the QR code printed on each page, and your smartphone will automatically snap a photo of your work before subsequently updating it to the corresponding app where your entry will live on forever. You don’t need to worry about accidentally losing the journal, and your memories, along with it!). To “write,” use the included reusable pen, add a drop of water, and wipe with the included microfiber cloth to reveal a blank page ready to fill once more.  

The Details: Dotted | 36 pages | 6 x 8.8 inches

Best Pocket Sized

Letterfolk trip passport journal.

This compact travel journal can be easily stashed away in your backpack or pocket while on the move.

With just 48 pages, this journal is not ideal for longform entries.

As the name suggests, the Letterfolk Trip Passport Journal is about the size of a passport, which means it can easily fit in your carry-on, tote bag, backpack, or everyday purse. Despite its small size, it contains a total of 20 entry logs for travelers to jot down key details of each trip. Each entry page is also accompanied by a blank page that can be used to record thoughts, photos, illustrations, and even keepsakes like ticket stubs and museum tickets. The back pages of the journal offer checklists, flight logs, bucket lists, and other fun activities. 

The Details: Lined, blank | 48 pages | 3.5 x 5.5 inches

Best Prompts

The traveler's playbook.

Uncommon Goods

The specific prompts will help inspire travelers to record small but memorable details of their vacations.

Conversely, the creative, hyper-focused pages and prompts may feel overwhelming to some.

Document each and every one of your adventures with this beautiful journal, which was created by an avid traveler. Inside, you’ll find a slew of illustrations and prompts to help get those creative juices flowing and inspire travelers to record seemingly small but unique details of their journeys that will live on for decades. There’s even a dedicated page for each country, a master tracker to help plan the ultimate itinerary, a travel bucket list, checklists, and pages where travelers can record the names and details of new friends made while globetrotting. Finally, for each country visited, color it in on the world map page. 

The Details: 256 pages | 5.8 x 8.3 inches

Best Leather

Smythson "travel and experiences" cross-grain leather notebook.

Bergdorf Goodman

This timeless travel notebook features a chic albeit durable cross-grain calf leather construction.

There are no specific prompts or unlined pages.

This portable, pocket-sized travel journal is both functional and fashionable thanks to its cross-grain leather construction, which is known for its excellent ability to withstand wear and tear. As such, you can expect it to stay intact for years on end while serving as your trusty travel companion. Plus, it can even be personalized with your initials for an extra-special touch. Choose from four fun color options: Nile Blue, Orange, Scarlet Red, and Bright Emerald. 

The Details: Lined | 64 pages | 3.5 x 5.5 inches

Mark and Graham Leather Bound World Travel Journal

Mark and Graham

This leather-bound travel journal includes colored maps of cities around the world.

It’s not refillable, meaning that you’ll need to purchase an entirely new journal when you run out.

World travelers may opt for a travel journal with multiple maps to 1) plan their upcoming trips, 2) map out future itineraries, and 3) know where they’re going when wandering through new-to-them locales. This one from Mark and Graham includes full-color maps of major cities, as well as world weather information and international dialing codes. The leather-bound book is a sleek and functional choice. For extra-luxe flair, consider adding foil-debossed monogramming for just $12.50. 

The Details: 320 pages | 6 x 4.5 inches

Best Customizable

No ordinary emporium personalised travel journal with map pages.

This fully customizable journal makes an excellent gift for friends or family, or a keepsake for yourself!

Since it ships from the United Kingdom, it can take several weeks to arrive.

Whether shopping for yourself or a lucky giftee, this travel journal can be fully personalized based on specific preferences and travels. Shoppers can customize the cover with a title, subtitle, name, date, and message. There’s also the option to select the number of pages, along with the page design. Choose between blank or lined pages, and between colored or gray maps. Lastly, the journal boasts a sleek matte finish and sturdy hardcover construction to ensure it’ll stand the test of time. 

The Details: Blank, lined | 50-150 pages | 5.9 x 8.2 inches

Best Refillable

Robrasim refillable travelers notebook.

Three different paper refills are available.

It’s a small notebook.

This versatile leather travel journal has not one, not two, but three different 64-page refill inserts — lined, blank, and kraft paper — based on personal preference. When one notepad is full, simply remove it and replace it with a new one. The included pouch is also great for storing receipts, ticket stubs, and other small travel mementos. And while this is technically classified as a travel journal, it can also be used for general note-taking, sketching, or daily planning. Take your pick of two colors: coffee and wine.

The Details: Lined, blank | 64 pages | 4 x 5.2 inches

Best with Stickers

Legend travel planner.

It has three sheets of stickers, plus dedicated pages for safety tips and checklists.

It only holds info for a maximum of five trips.

This fun travel journal-slash-itinerary planner has three sheets of themed stickers to decorate. With dedicated pages for emergency contacts, safety tips, pre-trip checklists, and even translation to commonly spoken languages, think of this journal as the ultimate travel companion. Globetrotters also have the opportunity to add photos and mementos while simultaneously jotting down notes, ideas, and expenses. The attached pen loop, three ribbon bookmarks, elastic closure, and pocket for loose notes and documents are all added bonuses. Travelers can take their pick of six fun color and pattern options, as well. 

The Details: Ruled, dotted | 5.8 x 8.3 inches

Best for Kids

Peter pauper kids’ travel journal.

A combination of maps, prompts, illustrations, and games make this the ultimate kid-friendly travel journal.

It's most suited for international travel.

Surprise and delight your child(ren) with this kids’ travel journal ahead of your next family trip. Suitable for those ages seven through 12, this journal is filled with prompts, photos, illustrations, maps, puzzles, and games to keep little ones entertained for hours on end. Kids can use the blank pages to paste photos and mementos, while the lined pages are great for jotting down memorable experiences, reflections, and drawings. The travel journal is also chock full of travel-centric quotes and fascinating world facts. The back pocket is great for stashing keepsakes.

The Details: Blank, lined | 96 pages | 6.2 x 8.2 inches

Journo Travel Journal & Trip Tracker

Apple App Store

This is a great option if you plan to transfer your digital travel memories to a glossy photo book.

Digital journaling may not be for everyone.

Travelers looking for a non-traditional journaling option should download Journo, a travel journal app and trip tracker that’s Android and Apple smartphones — along with tablets and Macs. Think of this app as a digital travel scrapbook complete with notes, photos, and — get this — audio clips. Travelers can choose to type or handwrite their entries, and the digital journal can be completely customized with specific text styles and colors. It can also be printed out into a gorgeous coffee table book. 

The Details: Customizable | Unlimited pages

Tips for Buying a Travel Journal

Consider your needs.

Are you going on a road trip? Backcountry hiking? On a month-long ship journey across the ocean? Consider where you’re going and for how long when picking a journal. If you’re going to be in some extreme weather, you might want to pick a journal that has some weather protection. Short on suitcase space? Or maybe you’re only bringing minimal gear? Consider a pocket-sized journal to maximize precious packing room.

Pick the right page format and style

Be sure to look at what types of pages come with your journal, and if it is refillable, what types of page refills are available. If you’re used to writing on lined paper, you’ll want to make sure your journal has that. But if you’re looking for some blank pages so you can sketch or add photos, make sure the journal includes them, too.

There is no right or wrong way to journal. Simply start and just let the words flow onto the pages. Talk about what you’re doing, how you’re feeling, who you're traveling with, the itinerary, what you ate, etc. If you’re not quite sure how to journal, choose a journal with prompts that will help you get started.

A bullet journal is more for to-do lists, scheduling, organizing, and jotting down ideas. Usually, bullet journals include dotted pages instead of lined pages, but you could simply add in your own bullet points to a lined journal if you wish. Bullet journals are great for quick notes while on the go, or for organization in between long journaling sessions.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, T+L contributor Lauren Dana Ellman utilized a combination of research and personal expertise as a travel commerce writer to compile a list of the best travel journals on the market. She also combed through dozens — if not hundreds — of product reviews and ratings to narrow down the specific product picks mentioned above.

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20 Best Travel Journals to Document Your Trips

Some include prompts and templates to help get you started.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Last-minute planning of a trip can consist of chaotic lists in your phone's notes app while the chronicling of said trip may look like sporadic photos in your camera roll. But what if there was a collective place you could plan in advance and jot down funny moments along the way? A travel journal can culminate the ups (and downs) of your vacation with guided prompts and templates.

Our experts at Good Housekeeping Institute extended our expertise in the best photo book makers and best wedding planning books to research the best travel journals, a category we have not yet formally tested. We rounded up the best travel journals of 2023, whether you want a self-designed bullet journal or a notebook with fun maps and stickers. At the end of our list, you can find advice on how to start your travel journal as well as read more about why you can trust Good Housekeeping. And if you have a frequent traveler in your life besides yourself, check out our guide to the best travel gift ideas (although a journal is a great idea too!).

The Art of the National Parks: Park-Lover's Journal

Perfect for the outdoors enthusiast in your life, this journal celebrates each of the 63 parks. It's 175 pages long and comes with prompts that'll help them chronicle their journey. It doesn't hurt that this journal has gorgeous illustrations of each park by real artists.

Papier Off Piste

Whether this is your first or fifth travel journal, or a gift for the college student in your life who's about to go abroad, Papier's notebooks will check all of the boxes. One GH editor has the Off Piste journal and loves the cover, a simple design that includes a meaningful quote, and appreciates the helpful templates you'll find inside the notebook. You'll be able to document up to six trips with templates for your budget, packing list, transportation, accommodation, itinerary and a journaling space for freestyle writing. There are also pages dedicated to a travel wishlist as well an illustrative map you can color in as you mark off countries you've visited.

Peter Pauper Press Page-A-Day

Journals can ring in at a variety of prices, but you can find a great travel journal for under $10 that will still give you enough space to write about your wanderings around the world. This leather-bound journal dedicates one page to each day of your trip, with spaces to add in the date, location and weather conditions (we especially like the delicate drawings for types of participation which you can circle with your pencil or pen). Dotted lines on the page will keep your entries neat and organized and an included ribbon bookmark will keep track of where you left off last. Even though this journal is pretty basic in design and on the smaller side, we think it's a great option for someone who doesn't want to spend too much on their first travel journal.

Clever Fox Vacation Planner

Amazon's Choice with a 4.6-star rating across over 900 customer reviews, this travel journal comes with more than just a notebook. You'll also get 150+ fun stickers to embellish your entries, plus the journal also has a pocket to hold the pages of stickers and an elastic band for your pen. But what makes this journal really stand out is its extensive range of templates geared towards helping you plan your trip. For five trips, you'll get pages for research and budget, a packing checklist, transportation and accommodation details and an expense tracker, plus a map and more journaling pages. If you like to plan out every detail, this is the perfect travel journal for your needs. We wish you could fit more than five trips in the journal, but for the price, it's a great value.

Peter Pauper Press Kids Travel Journal

Perfect for the adventure-inclined kiddo, this 96-page travel journal lets young travelers record everything from general entries about a trip to a packing list. Kids can even paste in photos, tickets and more and store the rest in the journal's back pocket. The journal is also full of games, maps, helpful phrases in other languages, metric information, quotes and fun facts. Not only is this kid-friendly journal a creative means to document their early adventures, but its accessories encourage international learning.

Leatherology Medium Spiral Snap Journal

Available in four hues including black onyx (pictured), brown, azure and lilac, this journal is made from gorgeous dyed leather with light gold hardware. You can choose from a spiral or bound format, but note that the spiral option has 130 perforated pages while the bound journal has 265 ruled sheets (or 128 pages). Regardless of which style you choose, you'll will get the benefit of a snap closure and a built-in pen loop, although the writing utensil is not included. We appreciate the versatility of this journal given the blank pages that let you doodle and write freely over the course of your next trip.

Mark and Graham Leather Bound World Travel Journal

This beautiful leather bound journal not only has pages for writing about your trips, but it also includes full-color maps of major cities plus world weather information, international dialing codes and more. A perfect gift for the international traveler, you can also add a foil debossed monogram to the cover if you want to add a personal flare to the notebook. We wish that the journal was available in more than one color, but the rust orange is a versatile enough choice that will stick out in a dark suitcase or bag.

Duncan & Stone Paper Co. World Trip Adventure Book

An almost-perfect five-star rating on Amazon and the titular Amazon's Choice badge is enough to make you add this travel journal to your cart. The layflat design makes it easy to open and write on, and you'll have enough pages to reflect on 15 trips plus a back pocket for extra photos and blank pages for notes and random musings. What we love most about this journal are the helpful prompts that guide newbies through the process of journaling, with questions like "Where did you stay?." and "Something I learned from this destination/culture..." From basic to more thought-provoking questions, you'll have a boost of inspiration to help you document your journey.

Day One Day One

While the majority of picks on this list are physical journals, you can also document your trips through an app if you prefer a digital format or have minimal space in your luggage . Chief Technologist & Executive Technical Director at the GH Institute Rachel Rothman , says Day One is a solid choice with ample positive reviews from consumers. You can download the app for free on your iPhone, Android, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch. You'll get one journal for one device with the ability to add a photo per entry, plus templates, export capabilities and tags. If you want unlimited journals, devices and photos plus the option to add videos, audio recordings and more, opt for Day One Premium which rings in at $2.92 per month.

Extreme Assistants Classic Notebook

If you travel a lot, or tend to squish as much as you possibly can into your carry-on (we have all been there), you'll want a durable journal that can withstand being tossed around and bumping against other items in your bag. A faux leather hardcover and thick paper ensure your journal will stay intact as you travel to and fro. The manufacturer adds that the cover is designed to be easy to clean, which is helpful if you are journaling on the airplane or train and accidentally spill your drink. We also appreciate that you can add a photo or logo to the cover for an element of personalization, especially since the notebook is more basic in style.

Deanna Didzun The Traveler's Playbook: A World Travel Journal

Journaling of any kind can be intimidating as you don't always know where to start — even a notebook with guiding prompts can lead to partial writer's block. If this sounds like you, then opting for a book that has more structure and a variety of templates is the way to go. This popular travel journal has a 4.3-star rating on Uncommon Goods is designed by explorer Deanna Didzun who created illustrations and lists to help jog your memory of your most recent journey. You can give overall star ratings for each destination and write down food and drink highlights if you so please.

Smythson Travels and Experiences Panama Notebook

There are journals and then there are journals — and this beautiful handcrafted leather journal falls into the latter category. Bound in crossgrain lambskin and available in a light blue or scarlet red, you'll have 128 pages of lined Featherweight paper to fill. This notebook is all about quality and is designed to last, but with that comes a higher price tag. It would be a great gift for the writer in your life who loves to travel, but given its simple layout and lack of templates other travel journals can have, it may not be splurge-worthy for every traveler.

DesignWorks Ink Suede Travel Journal

If you or a friend is traveling to Santorini, Mexico and/or Sydney in the near future, you may want to opt for this travel journal inspired by each of those stunning cities. You can add personal information in the first page of the notebook and the 240 pages are lined with spaces to include the subject and date. Although the journal does not include prompts or templates, we love the eye-catching gold design and appreciate the ribbon bookmark to keep track of your last entry.

Moleskine Traveller's Journal

Moleskine, the established brand that has been around for over two decades, is synonymous with traditional, high quality notebooks — and this travel-specific journal is no different. There are three sections for a travel wish list, short trips and long trips plus two sheets of stickers and a ribbon bookmark. The journal has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon across over 3,200 consumer ratings. One five-star review calls this notebook "the traveler's best friend," and notes how helpful it can be to keep track of places, restaurants and sites so you don't forget.

JB Leather Personalized Travel Notebook

For a personalized touch, this pick lets you choose from over 1,000 charm and stamp combinations including astrological charms, meaningful quotes and more . There are also three different vegan leather hues to choose from: cinnamon, cedar and sandy brown. The notebook has 18 plastic card slots, a zippered pocket for storage and a total of 152 lined pages. You can also refill the notebook as you cross places off your travel wish list. A best-seller on Etsy with a perfect five-star rating, this customizable notebook is popular among customers. Multiple reviews comment on the fast delivery, and its high-quality, beautiful appearance.

Transient Books Custom Travel Journal for Kids

With this journal, you can customize the cover color, font and cover map, as well as choose between 100- and 200-page books with lined, unlined and prompts variations. We love the various ways you can personalize this kid-friendly journal, making little ones that more excited to explore new places. The five-star seller has over 3,000 customer reviews on Etsy. And the travel journal doesn't just have to be a gift for the kids: Adult customers also said they enjoyed using the notebook for camping trips and vacations around the globe.

Compendium Everywhere You Go

We have included travel journals on this list that have prompts but none like the unexpected ones in this notebook that will get your creative wheels turning. The questions may catch you off guard, but prompt thoughtful reflection: they range from "If this place had a perfume, it would smell like..." to, "If this place had a soundtrack, these songs would be on it." The notebook is Amazon's Choice and has a 4.5-star rating, with multiple customers calling it the perfect gift for the traveler in your life, whether you need a gift for a teen or a present for a thirtieth birthday .

PAPERAGE Dotted Journal Notebook

Keeping a bullet journal is a popular trend that can easily translate to an aesthetic yet meaningful travel journal. This popular bullet notebook has a 4.7-star rating on Amazon with over 18 color options to chose from including mustard yellow (pictured), burgundy, lavender, royal blue and more. The 5.7-by-8-inch dotted pages lend themselves to open-ended creativity. While it can be hard to start designing and writing a journal from scratch, you have the benefit of customizing how much space you want for each list or entry.

Polarsteps Travel Tracker

Physical journals are not everyone's cup of tea, which is where an app like Polarsteps comes into play. Available for iOS and Android devices, Polarsteps lets travelers track their journeys. You can utilize over 300 helpful guides created by travel editors, as well as use the itinerary planner to dream up your perfect vacation and check the transport planner when unsure of what mode of transportation to use from one destination to another. Once you begin your trip, plot each site you visit and slowly form a personalized map that you can embellish with photos and videos. From there, share your map with friends and family or turn it into a travel book to look back on for years to come.

Glad & Young Studio The Traveler's Journal

If you have a bookshelf with rows of novels, photo albums and notebooks, you may want an aesthetic-looking travel journal that fits your style. This leather notebook has 60 pages to document your travels, and is available in a neutral shade (pictured) as well as two marbled patterns that are unique to each purchase. We personally love the brightly colored assorted pattern that has swirls of lavender, yellow, fuchsia and blue. The lined pages are great for daily entries and you can also note the day and weather. Note that to clean, you'll want to wipe away and spills or messes with a soft cloth.

Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.

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Home » Packing Lists & Travel Gear » 55 Essential Road Trip Packing List Items [2024] (inc FREE PDF Checklist!)

55 Essential Road Trip Packing List Items [2024] (inc FREE PDF Checklist!)

The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List: Packed full of road trip essentials to keep the car (and you!) safe, comfortable & entertained on your next road trip.

Click through for tips for personal comfort, safety and car maintenance plus road trip necessities and accessories to make your road trip the best that it can be.

It’s almost Road Trip time, and you’ve started to think about what exactly you need to pack to keep your show on the road.

Whether you are doing a cross-country road trip and driving Coast to Coast road trip across the USA, (or around Las Vegas or Wisconsin !) or road tripping South Africa’s incredible Garden Route (our favorite road trip!), or just taking a few days to explore your own back yard – we’ve put together the Ultimate Road Trip Packing List to guide you through the various road trip essentials.

We’ve also included a heap of road trip tips that will keep the car – and you – running smoothly throughout the trip.

( It’s p erfect for packing light on a USA road trip or anywhere else in the world and based on my personal experience after taking some epic road trips!)

The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List – All the Road Trip Essentials You Could Ever Need!

In This Post

• 1 The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List: Keep Your Car on the Road with these Road Trip Essentials
• 2.1 And if traveling in winter/road tripping to cold locations
• 3 Stay connected & Entertained on your Road Trip
• 4 Road Trip Packing List – The Comfort Kit
• 5 Road Trip Packing List – Your Personal Care Kit
• 6 Helpful/Miscellaneous Road Trip Items

The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List: Keep Your Car on the Road with these Road Trip Essentials

• License and registration Obvious. Do NOT leave home without them. They are the ultimate road trip essentials!
• A copy of your car insurance policy and the relevant contact numbers Hopefully, you won’t need to use your insurance, but keep a copy in the car just in case.
• Your car’s manual Because you never know what light might refuse to turn off when you’re out of wifi range!
• Spare tire – and check the one you have is in good condition before you set off.
• Roadside Emergency Kit In case of a flat tire (or other emergency situation) this car emergency kit contains Battery Booster Cables, 2 Light Sticks, Reflective Vest, an Emergency Rain Poncho, Warning triangle, whistle, Tire Pressure Gauge, Window Breaker etc. This all-in-one kit has you covered for any possible eventuality (except an actual battery to jump-start your vehicle with, but we got that covered below).

• HALO Jump Starter & Power Bank This handheld box is the ultimate road trip accessory. Not only can you jumpstart any car (or camper/truck/boat(!) – any vehicle really) as it comes with a built-in battery and jumper cables, but it also doubles as a power outlet (regular plug and USB) to charge your laptop and up to 3 other devices, and has a torch for good measure – among other handy bits! If you are traveling in remote areas and are unlikely to see many vehicles (who could help with a jumpstart) – a portable battery is a must.

Little Road Trip Accessories That Can Make a Big Difference

• Paper maps/Maps.Me App Paper Maps – because there isn’t cell service everywhere (if there was you could easily rely on Google Maps) . Maps.me is a free app allows you to download detailed maps which can be used offline and without cell service and acts as GPS. It helped us drive across South Africa and I tell everyone I know about it!
• Spare money Because cash is still king in some places – and in particular for parking meters and road tolls!
• A notebook or travel journal, pen, and pencil For either jotting down your thoughts or leaving a note of the car you accidentally ‘bumped’.
• First aid kit Basic supplies such a band-aids, bandages, antiseptic and safety pins can be invaluable when the closest town is 100km away!
• Flashlight In case the car battery dies in the dead of the night. Buy two. It means you’ll have a spare.
• Bug Spray Because bugs in the car are not fun and essential on a summer road trip.
• Large Water Bottles If you get stranded, staying hydrated is crucial. Keep a couple of large bottles in the car in case of emergencies. And on warm days on a summer road trip.
• Toilet Roll Don’t get caught short in an un-stocked rest stop!
• Duct Tape Almost everything can be fixed with a bit of duct tape, right?!

And if traveling in winter/road tripping to cold locations

• Snow Shovel
• Ice Scraper
• Umbrella To be honest. Having one of these in the car – regardless of destination – can only be a good thing! And especially this one that collapses inside out specifically to keep your car dry after use and has a looped handle which rests on your arm to keep your hands free! It also comes in a variety of double layer designs and colors to suit your mood (mine is red on the top with navy blue and white spots inside) It’s Perfect for both a summer road trip, a family road trip and for adding some colour to wintery shots!

Stay connected & Entertained on your Road Trip

• Phone charger with USB cord A portable charger / car charger is essential. Even when you are not going on a road trip!
• Bluetooth/Wireless hands free kit for your mobile phone It is illegal to operate a mobile whilst driving in some parts of the world. Play it safe and use a hands-free kit to keep you focused on the road.
• Phone Mount / Car Mount Use a phone mount to secure your phone to the window or the dash to use Google Maps hands-free. (It also satisfies many international laws and so is one of the truly essential road trip travel accessories!)
• An epic road trip playlist or road trip podcasts Think rock and roll classics and sing-a-longs and belt out your favorites at the top of your voice! A playlist full of epic road trip songs is one of my top musthave essentials for a long car ride and you can even throw in some audio books or road trip related podcasts for a bit of variety!
• Your favorite camera + USB chargers My go-to travel camera is the   Panasonic Lumix Fz70 . It should be yours too – click the link to find out why! (and if you want to know which are the best cameras for travel + the best drones for travel )
• Instant Camera Instant Cameras are so much fun and can capture some unusual and quirky shots along the road
• Portable Wifi For those that don’t have great roaming plans/options in the destination you are in, a portable wifi device is a great travel gadget and one that is a necessity if you need to stay connected to the outside world.
• A good book or two Depending on how long your journey is. But not good for those who are susceptible to car sickness.
• Road Trip Games and/or Road Trip Activities Travel games are perfect for family road trips to keep the kids entertained when there is a lot of time in the car!
• Portable Power bank with USB ports To keep multiple devices charged on the go where the in-car USB ports are in use.

Road Trip Packing List – The Comfort Kit

• Sunglasses Driver or Passenger, nobody likes to squint when they’re in the car.
• Blanket For cosying up during a daytime nap, using as a picnic blanket or for extra warmth should you get stranded somewhere after the sun goes down. Warm people = Happy people . And if you’re planning on sleeping in the car, sleeping bags wouldn’t go amiss!
• Travel Pillow On the basis of the above. Comfortable people = Happy people
• Travel Mug Great for hot and cold drinks, and with a seal-able lid, with a travel mug there is less chance of an unnecessary spillage.
• Reusable Water Bottle Sealable vessels stop spillages! And re-using your water bottle is better fro the environment.
• UV Window Shade Driving down the highway with the sun on one side
• Extra Jumper/Wrap Back on the warm and comfortable thing again, but I do hate being cold. And an extra layer doesn’t take up that much room.
• Hand sanitizer Because not everything you touch will be all that hygienic. Keep those germs outta the car.
• Painkiller/Anti-Inflammatory Medication Being in the car with a headache and/or muscle strain/injury is neither fun nor comfortable.
• Reusable Shopping Bag For popping to the shop whilst on the road – avoid using unnecessary plastic bags and pack a reusable one. They fold up small and can be thrown in your handbag after your road trip for everyday use.
• Mints There’s nothing like fresh minty breath for a quick pick me up.
• Travel Towels In case your motel doesn’t provide them, to dry you from the unexpected downpour that you got caught in. The possibilities are endless.
• Flip Flops The perfect slip on shoe.
• Day pack For the times you want to go on a spontaneous walk/hike and need day bags to store your water bottle/sunscreen/extra jumper etc.
• Rain Jacket In case it is throwing it down at gas stations or rest-stops when you need to get out of the car.

Road Trip Packing List – Your Personal Care Kit

• Toiletry Bag A wash bag is essential to put all the below items in and keep everything close to hand in the same place.
• Sun Screen The sun beating through the glass all day can make for some interesting tan lines if you’re not careful.. helllooo truckers arm!
• Body Wipes Wet wipes or Baby wipes are essentially a shower in a pack. For emergencies, or a quick re-fresh.
• Lip balm Cracked lips are never fun. Pop one in the glove box and one in your bag so you don’t get caught out.
• Mini hairbrush The wind in your hair may feel incredible – but the bird nest it creates is not fun to deal with! The Tangle Teezer is great because it comes with it’s own case so you’re not going to end up with stands of hair running loose in your bag after use.
• Hair ties/Grips For the day you don’t want to deal with the windswept look.
• The Three Ts: Toiletries, Toothbrush & ToothPaste

Helpful/Miscellaneous Road Trip Items

These will entirely depend on where you’re headed and for how long: you may need all, or none of them! Don’t forget your personal item and use the following packing checklist for your cross country road trip packing list to help you save money and plan the perfect road trip!

• Plastic/Garbage Bags Because you don’t want you car to resemble a trash can. Plastic bags (or garbage bags) are also good to keep wet clothes away from dry ones if you get caught in the rain.
• Road Trip Snacks Snacks are always good. If you’re prone to being hangry (that’s angry when you’re hungry) it may be best for all parties to keep a stock of energy bars or granola bars in the car for emergencies. Snacks are true car essentials and the perfect road trip food!
• Car Cooler This would be a must for me, as I have a little Coca-Cola addiction and I like my cans cold. But a cooler could also be used store other drinks, juice boxes, sandwiches and food stuffs that don’t do so well in hot weather.
• Tweezers / Swiss Army Knife A multi-tool can be helpful in any number of situations.
• Car Organizer To keep the car – and everything in this list – organized. Car trunk organizers, storage containers or even a large tote bag can also help you save space by having everything neat and tidy when you hit the road.

So there you have it! The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List: Packed full of road trip essentials to pack to keep the car (and you!) safe, comfortable & entertained on your next road trip. And if you liked this post, please tweet, pin and share – I’d really appreciate it!

And if you liked this packing guide, take a look at the other packing lists, travel resources and travel guides in this series:

• The Ultimate Travel Gear Packing List – everything you need for a long-term adventure trip.
• The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List – packed full of ski essentials to help you have the best time on the piste
• How to Pack your Carry On Like A Pro – full of travel tips to make the most of those pesky weight and space restrictions!
• The Best Travel Backpacks for Women – because us ladies need a bag that’s built for us and is going to stand up with us for every adventure.
• Best Places to Visit in the USA & Canada featuring Orlando , Miami & Banff
• Best Places to Travel Alone (in USA, Europe, Asia & more!)

Hi There! Thanks for reading my Ultimate Road Trip Packing List Essentials – Packed to the brim with Road Trip Musthaves Essentials, traveltested road trip items (and includes a free printable checklist and road trip checklist). I just wanted to let you know that this post contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something after clicking a link, I may get a small commission – which is at absolutely no cost to you . If you enjoyed this article and are going to be searching for some of the things I mention anyway, I would love it if you could click through from the links above & thank you in advance! Read my full Disclosure here . And Thanks for reading the MakeTimeToSeeTheWorld travel blog which is packed full of useful travel blog posts.

Monday 1st of August 2022

The title says "Free pdf checklist" but you don't have a link for that. Great list, but would be helpful to have the actual printable list. Thanks!

Vicki Garside

The free PDF is sent automatically when you sign up for the mailing list.

Thursday 14th of July 2022

Great list.

I suggest adding to and/or editing the list as follows.

-A rain poncho would be very handy if one didn't have the benefit of a second pair of hands to hold an umbrella (like while changing a tire in the rain, solo). -Regardless of one's position on need or effectiveness, a prepared traveler should consider having a stash of face masks available in the event it is required by someone or someplace along the way. -Again, regardless of one's stance on the issue, circumstances dictate that carrying carry a copy (physical or photo) of one's vaccine records might help eliminate or minimize a hassle on a trip.

Lastly, I know your list is designed to apply to most travelers, but would be nice/fun to add a section of items needed for those travelling with pets (a first for us this summer).

Israel Bender

Tuesday 28th of June 2022

I just like the helpful road trip information you provide in your articles. Thanks!

Barbara L Perkins

Sunday 31st of October 2021

Me and my sister and our cousins in are going on a road trip from Baytown Texas to Midwest Indiana for 1 to 2 weeks. I read your list on what to bring. It Was very useful and helpful. Thank you.

Tuesday 12th of October 2021

This is a great list. I add a 12 cup thermal coffee maker with a reusable brew basket on all road trips. Thermal is the best as I've broken several glass carafes. Add creamer to the small cooler with pastries saves time and money each morning. Can brew water for soup or hot chocolate at night.

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The Future of Travel is Now: World Trip Deal Reveals Its AI-Powered Journey Planning

The Future of Travel is Now: World Trip Deal Reveals Its AI-Powered Journey Planning.

Dubai, UAE - April 19, 2024 —

Travel booking has long been a challenging task for adventurers worldwide. The process of filtering through countless flights, accommodations, and activities can be daunting, compounded by user-unfriendly interfaces and strict budget limits.

However, World Trip Deal (WTD), an innovative online travel agency (OTA), proposes a solution to transform the travel booking experience.

World Trip Deal (WTD), led by CEO Mahdi Nourian, utilizes AI to democratize luxury travel, making it affordable without compromising quality.

The company provides personalized itineraries and unique experiences for budget-conscious travelers, revolutionizing the travel industry.

AI Meets Affordability: World Trip Deal CEO on Democratizing Luxury Travel

This approach not only democratizes luxury travel but also enriches journeys, making exclusive experiences accessible to a broader audience.

Many online travel agencies focus on finding the cheapest deals. How is WTD using AI to create a more personalized and luxurious travel experience? (Focuses on personalization and luxury aspect)

World Trip Deal (WTD) redefines travel booking by using AI to curate personalized, luxurious experiences within a reasonable budget.

Unlike typical agencies focusing on generic options, WTD crafts unique itineraries based on individual preferences and history.

This approach offers exclusive deals and luxury experiences tailored to each traveler, ensuring a distinct and memorable journey without financial strain.

With the rise of AI in travel booking, how is World Trip Deal differentiating itself from the competition? (Focuses on competition and differentiation)

Mahdi Nourian: Look, there's no denying it – AI is taking the travel booking world by storm. Competition is fierce, and everyone's scrambling to integrate this powerful technology. 

But here at World Trip Deal (WTD), we're not just following the pack; we're leading the charge. Here's how we differentiate ourselves:

1. Beyond Basic Recommendations:  Many travel platforms use AI to suggest popular destinations or amazing hotel options . WTD goes a step further. We leverage AI to create a unique profile for each traveler. Imagine a travel agent who analyzes your past trips, interests, and budget to curate an itinerary that feels like it was designed specifically for you. No more cookie-cutter experiences!

2. Luxury on a Budget:  Let's face it, affordability is a major concern for many travelers. However, luxury shouldn't be reserved for the high rollers. WTD's AI technology negotiates exclusive travel deals with travel partners, unlocking hidden gems and securing discounts on luxury hotels and unique experiences.

3. Flexibility for the Adventurous Soul:  Travel plans can change, and WTD's AI is built to adapt. Unlike some competitors with rigid AI recommendations, our platform allows travelers to modify their itineraries on the fly . 

4. A Seamless User Experience:  AI shouldn't feel like a black box. WTD's user-friendly platform integrates seamlessly with our AI engine. 

Travelers can search, compare, and book flights, accommodations, and activities all within a single platform. 

No more juggling multiple websites and struggling with complex interfaces. We believe travel planning should be enjoyable, not a chore.

5. Future-Proofing Travel Booking:  AI is constantly evolving, and at WTD, we're committed to staying at the forefront of this technology. 

So, sure, the travel booking landscape is brimming with AI, but at WTD, we offer a distinctly personalized and budget-conscious approach to luxury travel . We're not just suggesting destinations; we're crafting unforgettable adventures tailored to your unique desires.

What role do you see AI playing in the future of travel booking, and how is World Trip Deal preparing for it? (Focuses on future trends and WTD's position)

World Trip Deal (WTD) leverages AI to shape the future of travel booking, promising a dynamic, personalized experience.

Envision AI tailoring itineraries based on real-time factors like weather or mood, simplifying processes such as airport check-ins, and offering real-time translation.

WTD invests in continuous AI advancement, ensuring a seamless, intuitive user experience, and revolutionizing travel from planning to discovery.

●      Transparency with AI: "How transparent is World Trip Deal with travellers regarding how AI is used in the booking process? Do they have any control over the AI recommendations?"

Mahdi Nourian emphasizes transparency at World Trip Deal (WTD), clearly outlining AI’s role in the booking process:

1. Clear Communication: WTD provides easy-to-understand explanations where AI impacts recommendations.

2. AI Preferences: Travelers can tailor their AI interactions by setting preferences for travel style, interests, and pace.

3. Curated Transparency: Instead of complex technical details, WTD highlights when recommendations are AI-driven, based on travel trends and user behaviors.

4. Control Through Customization: The platform allows extensive customization, enabling travelers to refine searches and adjust itineraries.

5. Human Expertise: AI is enhanced by human experts who provide insights to balance and personalize the travel experience.

WTD’s approach ensures that travelers understand and control AI’s input, enhancing their booking experience while keeping personal choice paramount.

Future of Travel and WTD:

●      AI and Sustainability: "Is there a role for AI in promoting sustainable travel practices within World Trip Deal's platform?" 

Mahdi Nourian: at World Trip Deal we emphasize AI’s role in sustainable travel with eco-friendly suggestions and carbon offset options. WTD prioritizes user experience, innovates continuously, and ensures data transparency.

This approach not only enhances travel but also promotes responsible tourism and builds user trust in AI integration.

Finally, let's explore the broader impact of AI on the travel industry.

Transforming Travel:

●      Hyper-Personalization: AI will personalize travel experiences beyond imagination. Imagine itineraries tailored not just to destinations but to your mood, preferences, and even real-time data. AI will transform travel from a one-size-fits-all experience to a truly personal journey.

●      Streamlined Booking & Management: Travel booking will become effortless. Imagine AI automating tedious tasks like visa applications, travel insurance, and even managing itinerary changes with ease.

●      Accessibility & Inclusivity: AI can break down language barriers and assist travelers with disabilities. Imagine real-time translation tools and AI-powered accessibility recommendations, making travel a more inclusive experience for everyone.

However, AI also comes with challenges:

●      Ethical Considerations: Transparency and data privacy are crucial. AI algorithms need to be free from bias and ensure responsible data usage.

●      Human Interaction: Travel advisors still have a vital role. AI shouldn't replace the human touch. We envision a future where AI complements human expertise, offering a dynamic and personalized travel experience.

So, there you have it. World Trip Deal (WTD) is shaking things up in the travel industry with a potent blend of AI and affordability.

From personalized itineraries to hidden gem recommendations, WTD is making luxury travel accessible for the budget-conscious adventurer.

But WTD's vision extends beyond booking. They're looking to leverage AI throughout your entire journey, offering real-time recommendations, fostering a travel community, and even promoting sustainable practices.

 As AI continues to reshape the travel landscape, WTD is poised to be a leader in this exciting transformation.

So, the next time you're dreaming of an escape, ditch the outdated guidebooks and endless price comparisons.

Head over to World Trip Deal and let AI craft the perfect adventure for you. After all, travel should be an unforgettable experience, not a logistical nightmare. And with WTD, it can be just that.

Contact Info: Name: Mehdi Nourian Email: Send Email Organization: World Trip Deal Address: UAE, Dubai, Barsha Heights, Sheikha Noora Building, Office 709 Website: https://www.worldtripdeal.com/

Release ID: 89127569

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The 8 best neck pillows for travel.

Avoid a literal pain in the neck with these expert-approved travel pillows.

The Best Neck Pillows for Travel

Courtesy of Cabeau

The Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow is one of the best neck pillows for travel.

Just like the pillow you use at home , the best neck pillow for travel is the one that makes you feel most comfortable, allowing you to relax, rest and ultimately fall asleep on the go. The difference, however, is that a travel pillow is typically used when sitting up, which means it needs to provide enough support to keep your head from bobbing.

Based on recommendations from travel experts and advice from physicians, these are the best neck pillows for travel.

Best Overall: Cabeau Evolution S3

Best affordable: mvloc travel pillow, best for long flights: trtl travel pillow, best multipurpose: huzi infinity pillow, best inflatable: sunany inflatable travel pillow, best silk: slip jet setter travel pillow, best for backpacking: marchway ultralight inflatable camping pillow, best for kids: bcozzy double support neck pillow.

Frequent travelers praise the design of the Cabeau Evolution S3, which is made of a special dual-density memory foam. "My pillow at home is made with memory foam so it's like bringing a piece of home on my travels," says travel blogger Jasmine Cheng of The Wandering Girl . "The sides are also raised, which prevents my head from moving when I'm sleeping." Travelers also appreciate the patented seat strap system that attaches the pillow to a seat or chair headrest as well as the slim flattened back, both of which prevent the head from bobbing.

A handy storage pouch on the side of the pillow allows you to keep your earbuds or other small items close by, and the pillow comes with a clasp that attaches to carry-on luggage . The removable pillow cover, which comes in a variety of colors, is machine-washable. What's more, this travel pillow can be stored in an included carry bag that condenses it to half its size.

Price: $39.99 or less Shop now: Amazon | Cabeau

Travelers appreciate the support (and the price tag) of this memory foam travel pillow. An adjustable rope lock allows you to secure the pillow to your neck for maximum support and comfort. The breathable and machine-washable cloth exterior prevents overheating. This travel pillow also comes with earplugs and an eye mask for ultimate relaxation.

Price: $29.99 or less Shop now: Amazon

Courtesy of Trtl

The patented design of the Trtl Travel Pillow – with a hidden internal neck support surrounded by soft, hypoallergenic fleece – makes it a favorite among travelers, particularly for long flights. "Something about it just hits right in a travel accessory category where nothing previously worked for me," explains Meaghan Clawsie, luxury travel advisor at Elated Escapes . "I no longer have any back or neck pain when resting on long-haul flights." Simply wrap the pillow around your neck like a scarf, secure it in place with its built-in fastener and rest your head on the support.

If you tend to overheat easily, there's also the Trtl Pillow Cool , made with Tencel fibers to keep you at a comfortable temperature; a mesh panel makes the pillow particularly breathable as well. Both pillows are machine-washable.

Price: $59.99 or less Shop now: Amazon | Trtl

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Courtesy of Huzi Design

If you're not sold on the classic U-shaped neck pillows for travel, consider this snake-like option instead. Able to be twisted into a variety of positions, the versatile Huzi Infinity Pillow provides whatever support feels best – even if that means resting your head on the tray table for a bit. You can also wear it around your neck like a scarf for neck and back comfort (even when you're not snoozing), use it as an eye mask, or drape it over your head if you get cold or want to block out noise.

Travelers love the pillow's bamboo fabric, describing it as soft, smooth and cool. Since it's filled with polyester, the whole pillow can be tossed in the washing machine , unlike its memory foam counterparts. The Infinity Pillow is available in nearly a dozen different colors, including gray, navy and pink.

Price: $45 or less Shop now: Amazon | Infinity Pillow

Read:  What to Pack in Your Carry-on Bag

Courtesy of Sunany

Travelers love the H-shaped design of this inflatable pillow because it allows for use in multiple directions and supports both sides of the head and neck with a flat back. A removable hood on the pillow is a bonus: It encourages a cozy feel and prevents cold drafts from too much air conditioning. For optimal comfort, it is recommended to inflate the pillow about 80% to 90%.

A pocket for your earbud case on this travel pillow provides convenient access for listening to music, and the removable velour cover is machine-washable. The lightweight inflatable pillow can be stored in the included waterproof drawstring bag, which can also be attached to luggage. This travel neck pillow is available in black, gray and blue.

Courtesy of Slip

Travel pillows don't get softer than this luxurious new option by Slip. The Jet Setter Travel Pillow is made with the highest-grade long fiber mulberry silk, which helps to prevent skin creases and bedhead. It also comes with a carrying case with handles. The Jet Setter Travel Pillow is available in three prints and a pretty solid blush color.

Price: $99 or less Shop now: Amazon | Slip

While you can often bring your pillow from home for tent camping, backpacking requires something more lightweight, such as this inflatable option by Marchway. "An inflatable pillow is a game-changer when it comes to backpacking, and an ultralight pillow can't be beat," says Leilani Osmundson , digital producer for travel at U.S. News. "The Marchway pillow fits the bill: It's comfortable, packable and extremely lightweight." This pillow is designed for both back and side sleepers, and doubles as a lumbar support for everyday travels and needs. Once it's deflated, you can machine-wash the cover before folding the pillow into an included drawstring bag.

Price: $13.99 or less Shop now: Amazon

Courtesy of BCOZZY

The BCOZZY neck pillow is ideal for all travelers – including kids, with small sizes for youngsters between 3 and 7 years old, and medium options for ages 8 and 12. Travelers like the ergonomic design of the patented pillow, which supports the head and neck by propping the chin up. Overlapping pillow arms, which wrap around the neck and under the chin, can be tightened based on the level of support you need.

If you or your child is a side sleeper, fold the pillow in half, double up the sides and place it on your shoulder, leaning your head to the side. An elevated side option allows you to overlap the pillow arms on top of each other and rotate it 90 degrees to the side for double support for the neck and chin.

This travel pillow is available in a variety of colors and patterns, including light blue and pink hearts. A snap strap attaches the included travel bag to your child's luggage , and you can throw the pillow in the washing machine after your trip.

Price: $44.97 or less Shop now: Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Experts agree a supportive pillow is essential for travel. "The biggest issue many travelers experience when sleeping on a plane is that the seats don't recline enough," explains Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a sleep/wake and performance specialist who is dual board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine. "This often results in the head being just on the brink of tipping forward – which is not a comfortable sleeping position. Because of this insufficient recline, it is important to keep padding behind the head and neck minimal to reduce the tendency for the head to tip forward."

Most travel pillows are designed to be worn around the neck, providing enough support to prevent the head from tipping forward.

When shopping for a neck pillow for travel, experts recommend considering the following factors:

Proper head support:  What's most important is ensuring your head is supported in the right places by your travel pillow – and, in particular, not being pushed forward by excessive padding. "A good pillow would provide support for side sleeping, rather than a lot of padding behind the head, which just pushes the head forward too much," says Dimitriu.

Material: Consider both the external and internal material of the pillow:

External: Chiropractic physician Eric Smith advises to make sure the material of your travel pillow is breathable and won't subject you to an overheated sleep, since one of the main reasons for moving around a lot as you sleep is getting too hot. "When your face gets too hot on one side, even if you're sleeping, you're going to move from it because it's too warm," Smith explains.

There's no real consensus on which material is best for a cool, comfy sleep – and different people will have different preferences – so Smith's advice is to try before you fly (and don't hesitate to request a refund if your chosen pillow isn't working out).

• Internal: Memory foam pillows tend to offer more firm support – something Smith recommends for anyone, but especially older travelers. "The majority of patients I have that get older, we actually need a more firm pillow, we need a more firm bed, we need more support," Smith says. Pillows filled with microbeads mold more to the neck and head, while inflatable pillows can be adjusted to your preferences based on how much air you use to blow them up.

A travel pillow for your neck isn't considered a carry-on or personal item (and the same generally goes for small, loose items like jackets and umbrellas). That said, it's always best to review your airline's carry-on luggage size restrictions before traveling.

A good neck pillow for travel isn't the only key to achieving a decent sleep while in transit. "From the standpoint of evolution, we're kind of hardwired to be a little bit more on high alert in those situations," explains Rebecca Robbins, an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School and scientist at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital. "We're a little bit more in fight or flight mode; our brain is subconsciously scanning the environment for threats and there are new sounds and new smells."

She recommends finding elements that are relaxing to you, which might include some of the following:

• Travel blanket: Look for something lightweight, such as the EverSnug Travel Blanket on Amazon. This blanket comes with a carrying case, which can double as a pillow when the blanket is stored inside.
• Essential or aromatherapy oils: Scents like lavender and peppermint can be especially calming.
• Earplugs: Choose headphones that block some or all external noise. The Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless Headphones are especially well rated.
• White noise app: There are a variety of free apps, or you can try a paid option like Calm (which offers a free trial).
• Eye mask: An eye mask like this cotton option on Amazon helps to block out the bright light on planes.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Compression Socks for Travel
• The Top Walking Shoes for Travel
• The Top Carry-on Backpacks
• Can I Use My Own Airplane Seat Belt Extender?
• The Best Travel Medical Insurance Plans

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Credit Card Review 2024: Earn up to 5X Points on Travel Purchases

Lee Huffman

Credit Cards Expert

Lee Huffman spent 18 years as a financial planner and corporate finance manager before quitting his corporate job to write full-time in 2018. He has been writing about early retirement, credit cards, travel, insurance and other personal finance topics since 2012. Lee enjoys showing people how to travel more, spend less and live better by taking control of their finances. When Lee is not getting his passport stamped around the world, he’s researching methods to earn more miles and points toward his next vacation.

His writing can be found on many popular travel and personal finance websites such as The Points Guy, U.S. News, Forbes and NerdWallet. You can follow Lee’s travels at BaldThoughts.com or listen to his weekly travel podcast at WeTravelThere.com.

Claire Dickey

Senior Editor

Claire is a senior editor at Newsweek focused on credit cards, loans and banking. Her top priority is providing unbiased, in-depth personal finance content to ensure readers are well-equipped with knowledge when making financial decisions. 

Prior to Newsweek, Claire spent five years at Bankrate as a lead credit cards editor. You can find her jogging through Austin, TX, or playing tourist in her free time.

Updated April 24, 2024 at 2:14 pm

Understanding the value of cash back is simple, but valuing airline miles or points redeemable for travel requires digging a bit deeper. At Newsweek, we’ve developed a common language to talk about the value of points and miles: our valuations.

Our valuations translate points into dollars and cents in a way that reflects reality. They are based on actual data across a balance of accessible redemption options, not just the aspirational first and business class redemptions that require a PhD in miles and points to book. The upshot is that our valuations help you understand the actual value you can easily get from your miles and points.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

Wells Fargo’s new travel rewards card earns up to 5X points on travel-related purchases.

Expert Take : The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card is an excellent choice for travelers who want to maximize rewards on travel purchases booked directly with airlines, hotels and other providers. While it has an annual fee, the $50 annual flight credit covers more than half of the cost. It also includes complimentary travel protections and cell phone insurance to cover unexpected situations.

• Earns up to 5X points on travel-related purchases
• $50 annual flight credit with a minimum $50 airline purchase
• Flexible rewards redemptions include transfers to airline and hotel partners
• Missing bonus categories on everyday purchases, like gas and groceries
• Does not include an intro APR offer on purchases or balance transfers
• Current list of transfer partners is smaller than competitors

Vault’s Viewpoint on Wells Fargo’s Autograph Journey Card

As competitors like Chase, Amex and Capital One gained legions of loyal followers, Wells Fargo missed out on the growth because of its meager credit card lineup. With the introduction of the Autograph Journey credit card and transferable points, Wells Fargo is taking a huge step forward.

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card is designed with travelers in mind by earning 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines and 3X points on dining and all other travel purchases. With the introduction of transferable points, cardholders can redeem for cash back, travel, gift cards and more or transfer points to a growing list of Wells Fargo airline and hotel partners. Plus, it includes a $50 annual statement credit toward airline purchases. Travelers are also covered with an array of travel protections and cell phone insurance in case something goes wrong.

About the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Travel Credit Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey credit card builds upon the success of the original Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card , as it also earns flexible points but with a focus on travel and dining purchases.

With the Autograph Journey, you’ll earn up to 5X points on travel-related purchases and an unlimited 3X points on dining worldwide. The card includes an annual flight credit that’s good on any airline, without having to choose an airline ahead of time. When you book trips with the Autograph Journey Card, you’ll receive valuable travel benefits to protect your trip, like rental car protection, trip cancellation/interruption protection, lost baggage reimbursement and more. Your cell phone is also covered up to $1,000, up to two times per 12-month period, when you pay the bill with your Autograph Journey Card (subject to a $25 deductible).

As a new cardholder, you can earn 60,000 bonus points by spending at least $4,000 on purchases within the first three months. These points are worth $600 toward travel and have numerous redemption options, including booking flights and hotels, getting cash back or buying gift cards. Wells Fargo also introduced transfer partners in April 2024, so you can transfer points to airlines and hotels to book award reservations worth potentially even more.

Benefits of the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card

In this Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card review, you’ll learn about the card’s numerous benefits and how they can improve your travel experience.

Earning Power

People who love to travel can maximize their rewards with the Autograph Journey Card. This card’s bonus categories target the areas where travelers spend the most—flights, hotels, dining and other travel purchases.

Flexible Redemptions and Transfer Partners

The points earned from the Autograph Journey credit card have multiple redemption options. You can redeem them as a credit to your Wells Fargo credit card statement, as a deposit to your Wells Fargo bank account or to reduce your Wells Fargo mortgage balance. Points can be used to pay for online shopping or to buy gift cards. You can also book travel through Wells Fargo.

As of April 2024, Wells Fargo introduced hotel and airline transfer partners. The initial partners include:

• Choice Privileges®
• Air France-KLM Flying Blue
• Avianca LifeMiles
• British Airways Executive Club
• Aer Lingus AerClub
• Iberia Plus

Wells Fargo plans to expand this lineup to offer even more transfer opportunities to cardholders.

$50 Annual Airline Credit

Each year, you’ll receive a statement credit of $50 when you make an airline purchase of $50 or more. Unlike some airline credits, these can be used to buy airfare as well—and you don’t have to choose an airline ahead of time. Qualifying purchases include airfare, upgrades, checked baggage, change fees and more. So, whether you’re booking a flight or paying for a fee related to a flight you’re taking, this annual airline credit has your back.

Travel Protections

The best-laid travel plans can easily go astray when your flight is canceled, your bag is lost or something happens to your rental car. Your trip is covered when you use the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Visa to book your reservations. Trip cancellation and interruption protection covers you up to $15,000 for lodging, flights and activities when your trip is canceled or interrupted for a covered reason.

If your checked or carry-on luggage is lost or stolen during transit, you’re covered for up to $3,000 per trip. Additionally, your rental car is protected against damage or theft with secondary rental car insurance. The card also comes with up to $1,000,000 in travel accident insurance, travel and emergency services assistance, roadside dispatch and more.

Cell phone Insurance

When you pay your cell phone bill with the Autograph Journey Card, you’re covered for up to $1,000 in cell phone insurance (up to two claims per 12-month period). This coverage protects you against damage, theft or loss, and it requires a simple $25 deductible.

Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection

As a Visa Signature credit card, this Wells Fargo credit card includes access to the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection. Book a stay at one of the participating hotels to receive benefits similar to those who have elite status. Benefits include the best available rate guarantee, complimentary room upgrade (when available), complimentary breakfast for two, VIP guest status, late checkout upon request (when available) and a $25 food and beverage credit. Select hotels offer additional perks like a free hotel night, resort credits and more.

Autograph Card Exclusives

Eligible Wells Fargo cardholders also have access to Autograph Card Exclusives. These live, intimate events feature a limited number of tickets available exclusively to cardholders to purchase. Events occur throughout the U.S., and available artists and experiences change during the year.

Who Is the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card Best For?

The Autograph Journey from Wells Fargo is best for travelers who want to maximize rewards on travel purchases. This card’s bonus categories center around travel and dining, and it doesn’t require cardholders to book through the bank’s travel portal to earn maximum rewards. This card allows you to book directly with airlines, hotels and other travel providers to earn credit card rewards and perks from the loyalty programs.

While the card has a $95 annual fee, it is offset by its yearly $50 credit toward airline purchases. Simply book flights of $50 or more to automatically receive the statement credit on your next bill. The card’s complimentary travel protections and cell phone insurance also provide peace of mind for frequent travelers and people whose cell phone is an indispensable part of their daily lives.

Travelers who want to earn flexible rewards points that can transfer to airline and hotel loyalty programs will also be excited about this new Wells Fargo credit card . The Autograph Journey launches with five airline partners and one hotel partner. While this total is smaller than competing brands, Wells Fargo is working to expand its list of transfer partners, and more brands will be added throughout the year.

Who Should Consider an Alternative to the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card?

While the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey has much to offer, it may not be the right card for every traveler. Wells Fargo intends to add more transfer partners over time, but some consumers may not want to wait that long or roll the dice that new partners will be among their preferred brands. Consumers who want access to a greater array of transfer partners should look at alternatives from Chase , Citi, Capital One or American Express , since each of those programs has 14 or more partners to choose from.

Having access to TSA PreCheck or Global Entry while traveling is a huge timesaver. The Autograph Journey credit card does not offer reimbursement for these Trusted Traveler application fees. Some travel credit cards at the same price point, like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or the United℠ Explorer Card (whose benefit also applies to the NEXUS program), include reimbursement once every four years.

How Does the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card Stack Up to Its Competitors?

Before applying for the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card, compare it to these popular travel credit cards to decide which one is best for your wallet.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey vs Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a solid travel credit card that earns Ultimate Rewards points. With this card, you’ll earn 5X points on travel when booking through Chase Travel and 2X points on other travel purchases, such as when purchasing directly with the airline, hotel or other provider. The Autograph Journey doesn’t require you to book through its portal to earn its top rewards rates and earns 50% more points on all other travel purchases. The Sapphire Preferred also earns 3X points on dining, select streaming services and on online groceries (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs), while the Autograph Journey earns 3X points only on dining.

When you redeem Ultimate Rewards points, you’ll get 25% more value when booking travel through Chase Travel. This extra value means you’ll redeem fewer points than booking similar travel through Wells Fargo. There are also 14 Chase airline and hotel partners , which is nearly three times as many options, and it features well-known domestic brands like United, Southwest, Hyatt and Marriott.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey vs. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

With the Capital One Venture Rewards Card , you’ll earn an unlimited 2X miles on every purchase and 5X miles on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel. While it doesn’t offer the same earning power as the Autograph Journey, the Venture Card offers a solid rewards rate on every purchase, which is ideal for people who don’t want to remember which categories offer extra rewards. The card also includes up to $100 reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership application fees and complimentary Hertz Five Star elite status, which the Autograph Journey cannot match.

Capital One miles can be redeemed for cash back, travel, gift cards and more. Cardholders can also get statement credits for purchases made in the previous 90 days. Further, Capital One offers more than 15 airline and hotel transfer partners, which is three times as many options as Wells Fargo. The card does not charge foreign transaction fees, and it includes auto rental collision damage waiver and extended warranty protection on eligible purchases made with your card.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey vs. Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

For people who want to earn Wells Fargo credit card points but don’t want to pay an annual fee, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card is a solid choice. This card earns an unlimited 3X points on travel, gas, restaurants, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. These bonus categories are an excellent way to maximize common spending categories, and many of these household categories aren’t available from the Autograph Journey Card.

Additionally, the no-annual-fee Autograph card includes an introductory APR offer on purchases, which the Autograph Journey doesn’t offer. If you need extra time to pay off your purchases without incurring interest charges, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card is the best option. This card includes many of the same protections as the $95 annual fee Autograph Journey, and its points also can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards and more or transferred to airline and hotel partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do you need for a wells fargo autograph journey card.

For the best approval odds, you should have good to excellent credit when applying for the Autograph Journey Card. A good FICO credit score ranges from 670 to 739, while very good to exceptional FICO credit score start at 740 and above. If your credit score is below these levels, take steps to improve your score before applying.

How Much Are 60,000 Wells Fargo Points Worth?

At the most basic level, Wells Fargo points are worth 1 cent each toward travel, cash back, gift cards and more. This means that the 60,000 welcome bonus points from the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card are worth $600. With the introduction of transfer partners, you may receive even higher value when transferring points to book award flights or hotel rooms.

Does the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card Have Lounge Access?

No, the Autograph Journey does not include lounge access. To receive airport lounge access, typically, you’ll need to get a premium credit card for travel with an annual fee that likely ranges $395 or higher. Premium travel credit cards are best for frequent travelers who can justify paying such a high annual fee.

Related Articles

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. We may earn a commission from partner links on Newsweek, but commissions do not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.

280 Best Travel Trivia Questions and Answers

Think you’re a travel buff? How well do you know the world beyond your backyard? I’ve compiled the best list of travel-related trivia questions and answers to liven up your trivia nights with friends or make those long road trips more enjoyable.

These questions will take you on a global journey, quizzing your knowledge across the United States, Europe and beyond. Ready to test your travel IQ? Let’s dive in.

If you’d like a printed version of the travel trivia questions you can find it in my shop buck & co.

Fun Travel Trivia Questions for Road Trips or Quiz Nights (Answers Included!)

• About what percentage of flights are delayed per day? Answer: 20%
• According to the legend, what did St Patrick’s drive out of Ireland? Answer: Snakes
• Antarctica is a Desert, true or false? Answer: TRUE
• Approximately how many airplane flights depart and land every day? Answer: 100,000
• Approximately, how much money is thrown into Rome’s Trevi Fountain each day? Answer: approx. 3,000 euros
• Are There Native Snakes In New Zealand? Answer: No
• Big Ben is located in what European city? Answer: London
• Bodeguita del Medio in Havana, Cuba claims to be the birthplace of what cocktail? Answer: A mojito
• Easter Island is known for having 1000 of these? Answer: Statues
• Encanto is based in which South American country? Answer: Colombia
• Haggis is the national dish of which country? Answer: Scotland

• How big is Monaco? Answer: 2 km²
• How long is the Great Wall of China? Answer: 21,196 km
• How many capital cities does South Africa have? Answer: 3
• How many countries still have a royal family? Answer: 43
• How many Emirates does the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have? Answer: 7
• How many floors are in the Empire State Building? Answer: 102
• How many hours is the longest commercial flight? Answer: 18
• How many islands does Australia have? – 53, 8,222 or 15,644? Answer: 8,222
• How many islands does Spain have? Answer: 60 islands
• How many stars does the United States of America flag have? Answer: 50
• How many states start with the word, “new”? Answer: 4 (New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York)
• How many Wonders of the World are there? Answer: 7
• How tall is the Eiffel Tower (to tip)? Answer: 324 m
• In the movie King Kong, Kong climbs what US building? Answer: Empires State Building
• In what country would you find tapas? Answer: Spain
• In what US city can you find the Golden Gate bridge? Answer: San Francisco

• In which capital city can you find the Parthenon? Answer: Athens
• In which city would you find Heathrow and Gatwick airports? Answer: London
• In which Country are Cows seen as sacred? Answer: India
• In which country did cheesecake originate? Answer: Ancient Greece
• In Which Country Do We Say Jultomten Which Means “The Christmas Gnome”? Answer: Sweden
• In which country is Angkor Wat temple? Answer: Cambodia
• In which country is Christmas island? Answer: Australia
• In which country is pig beach? Answer: The Bahamas
• In Which Country is the ‘Thumbs Up’ Gesture considered an insult? Answer: Iran
• In which country is the Great Sphinx? Answer: Egypt
• In which country is the Loch Ness? Answer: Scotland
• In Which Country Is The Plain Of Jars? Answer: Laos
• In which country is the world’s highest waterfall? Answer: Venezuela
• In which country is Zanzibar located? Answer: Tanzania
• In which country was the airline Ryanair founded? Answer: Ireland
• In Which Country Will You Find Sigiriya, The Lion Rock Fortress? Answer: Sri Lanka
• In which country would you find the currency ‘baht’? Answer: Thailand
• In which country would you find the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park? Answer: China
• In which famous natural landmark is Nemo born? Answer: The Great Barrier Reef
• In which Italian city was the pizza invented? Answer: Naples
• In which museum can you find the Rosetta Stone? Answer: The British museum
• In which Spanish city is the Sagrada Familia? Answer: Barcelona
• In which state is the Grand Canyon? Answer: Arizona
• In which state would you find Mount Rushmore? Answer: South Dakota
• India trains transport how many passengers per day? Answer: 23,000,000
• It’s The Great Wall of _____ Answer: China
• London’s Winter Wonderland happens in which park? Answer: Hyde Park
• Machu Picchu is located in which country? Answer: Peru

• Maté is the National Drink of which South American Country? Answer: Argentina
• Mount Kilimanjaro is located in which country? Answer: Tanzania
• Mulan is from what country? Answer: China
• Name Italy’s Most Popular Frozen Dessert? Answer: Gelato
• Name the first state to enter the union. Answer: Delaware
• Name The Four President’s Heads Who Are Carved Into Mount Rushmore. Answer: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln
• Name The Largest Art Museum In The World? Answer: The Louvre, Paris
• Name the largest city in the world: Answer: Tokyo
• Name the last state to enter the union Answer: Hawaii
• Name the smallest country in the world: Answer: The Vatican City
• On what Caribbean Island can you swim with pigs? Answer: Bahamas
• Pizza originates from which European country? Answer: Italy
• Princess and the Frog is set in what US city? Answer: New Orleans
• Puerto Rico is a territory of what country? Answer: United States
• RAK is the code of which airport? Answer: Marrakech Airport
• Rome–Fiumicino International Airport is named after a famous artist. Which one? Answer: Leonardo Da Vinci
• Russia has how many time zones? Answer: 11
• Saigon in Vietnam changed its name to what in 1976? Answer: Ho Chi Minh City
• Saltfish and ackee is the national dish of which country? Answer: Jamaica
• Since 1971 the ‘Door to Hell’ has been burning in which country? Answer: Turkmenistan
• Spain has the world’s largest food fight, what food is thrown? Answer: Tomatoes
• Spain is the largest producer of this pitted fruit: Answer: Olives
• Stinky Tofu is the National Dish of which Country? Answer: Taiwan
• Sydney Opera House is a famous landmark of this country: Answer: Australia
• The ancient Colosseum amphitheater is located in which European city: Answer: Rome
• The Appalachian National Scenic Trail goes through how many states? Answer: 14
• The archaeological site of Petra is found in what country? Answer: Jordan
• The Aurora Borealis is also known as? Answer: The Northern Lights
• The Big Banana is a landmark in which country? Answer: Australia
• The Blue Lagoon is located in which country? Answer: Iceland
• The breakfast dish, Huevos rancheros is from which country? Answer: Mexico
• The Canadian Flag has which icon it on? Answer: Maple Leaf
• The Dish Poutine belongs to which Country? Answer: Canada
• The famous “Panama hat” actually comes from this country Answer: Ecuador
• The kebab is from which country? Answer: Turkey

• The longest boardwalk in the world exists in this city and state. Answer: Atlantic City, New Jersey
• The Rome Colosseum is one of the Wonders of the World? True or False? Answer: TRUE
• The rotten meat of this animal is the national dish of Iceland: Answer: Shark
• The second oldest tree is 4,000 years old. Where does it live? Answer: Iran
• There’s a bench at the Taj Mahal named after someone, who is it? Answer: Princess Diana
• Travelling in what direction makes jet lag worse? Answer: West to East
• True or False – There is a town named Condom in France. Answer: TRUE
• True Or False, The North Pole Has No Land? Answer: TRUE
• What American city is known as “The Big Easy”? Answer: New Orleans
• What animal only resides in Borneo or Sumatra? Answer: Orangutans
• What are the names of the 7 continents? Answer: Asia, Africa, Antarctica, Europa, North America, South America, Oceania/Australia
• What Australian city do Marlin and Dory swim to in the movie Finding Nemo? Answer: Sydney
• What city has the most bridges in the world? Answer: Hamburg
• What city in India has the largest population? Answer: Mumbai
• What city is the Liberty Bell located in? Answer: Philadelphia
• What continent is home to the newest country in the world? Answer: Africa
• What countries national airline is named “Aer Lingus” Answer: Ireland
• What countries share the world’s longest international border? Answer: Canada and USA
• What country consumes the most cheese per person? Answer: France
• What country does not to have a rectangle or square flag? Answer: Nepal
• What country has the largest pyramid (by volume) in the world? Answer: Mexico
• What country has the most neighbors? Answer: China and Russia
• What country has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites? Answer: Italy
• What country has the Phi Phi islands? Answer: Thailand
• What country has the tallest people in the world? Answer: The Netherlands
• What country is completely land-locked in South America? Answer: Bolivia or Paraguay
• What Country Is Obsessed With Eating KFC On Christmas Day? Answer: Japan
• What country is the island of Mykonos is part of? Answer: Greece
• What country would you find the archaeological site of Troy? Answer: Turkey
• What currency did Italy use before the Euro? Answer: Lira
• What does DC, in Washington DC, stand for? Answer: District of Columbia
• What does ESTA stand for? Answer: Electronic System for Travel Authorization
• What does UNESCO stand for? Answer: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
• What European city is known as “The City of Lights”? Answer: Paris
• What famous sea touches Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania? Answer: The Black Sea
• What fast food chain has the most locations in the world? Answer: McDonald’s
• What grain was used in the construction of the Great Wall of China? Answer: Rice
• What is a TGV in France? Answer: High-Speed Train
• What is Canada’s national animal? Answer: Beaver
• What is escargot? Answer: Snails
• What is Europe’s most mountainous country? Answer: Switzerland
• What is Italy’s national dish? Answer: Ragu alla Bolognese
• What Is Located North Of Arctic Circle Considered As Christmas HQ? Answer: Rovaniemi, Lapland
• What is Scotland’s national dish? Answer: Haggis
• What is Scotlands National Animal? Answer: A Unicorn
• What is the biggest city in China? Answer: Shanghai
• What is the busiest airport in the USA? Answer: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• What is the busiest airport in the world? Answer: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• What is the capital city of Afghanistan? Answer: Kabul
• What is the capital city of Switzerland? Answer: Bern
• What is the Capital City of Turkey? Answer: Ankara
• What is the capital of Australia? Answer: Canberra
• What is the capital of Brazil? Answer: Brasilia
• What is the capital of Ukraine? Answer: Kyiv
• What is the currency of South Korea? Answer: South Korean Won
• What is the deepest lake in the world? Answer: Lake Baikal
• What is the Dragon Khan? Answer: A roller coaster in PortAventura Park (Spain)
• What is the driest continent? Answer: Antarctica
• What is the highest mountain in Africa? Answer: Mount Kilimanjaro
• What is the highest point in the world? Answer: Mount Everest, Nepal/Tibet
• What is the largest Australian airline? Answer: Qantas
• What is the largest city in the world by population? Answer: Tokyo
• What is the largest country by size? Answer: Russia
• What is the largest country in Africa? Answer: Algeria
• What is the largest hot desert in the world? Answer: Sahara Desert
• What is the largest island in the world? Answer: Greenland
• What is the largest sized airport in the world? Answer: King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia
• What is the least visited country in the world? Answer: Tuvalu
• What is the longest highway in the United States? Answer: Route 20 (Massachusetts to Oregon)
• What is the most Northern Capital City? Answer: Reykjavik
• What Is The Most Photographed Landmark In Australia? Answer: Sydney Opera House
• What is the most popular tourist city in the United States? Answer: New York City
• What is the most southerly capital city in the world? Answer: Wellington
• What is the most spoken language in the world? Answer: Mandarin Chinese
• What is the most visited country in the world? Answer: France
• What Is The Most Visited Tourist Attraction In The World? Answer: Times Square
• What is the most widely eaten food in the world? Answer: Rice
• What is the national animal of Canada? Answer: The Beaver
• What Is The National Dish Of Hungary? Answer: Gulyás (Goulash)
• What is the National Dish of Spain? Answer: Paella
• What Is The Nickname For The Clock At The End Of The Palace Of Westminster? Answer: Big Ben
• What is the nickname of New York City? Answer: The Big Apple
• What is the only living structure visible from space? Answer: The Great Barrier Reef
• What is the population density for England? Answer: 434 per km2
• What is the southernmost capital city in the world? Answer: Wellington (New Zealand)
• What is the tallest building in the world? Answer: Burj Khalifa
• What is the White House’s address? Answer: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC
• What is the world’s busiest international airport? Answer: Dubai International Airport
• What is the world’s largest island? Answer: Greenland
• What is the world’s largest salt desert? Answer: Gran Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia
• What is the world’s longest designated hiking trail? Answer: Pacific Crest Trail
• What island famous island prison is located in California? Answer: Alcatraz
• What museum has The Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh? Answer: Museum of Modern Art in New York City
• What percentage of the earth is water? Answer: 71%
• What river runs through London? Answer: River Thames
• What river runs through the Grand Canyon? Answer: Colorado River
• What Scandinavian country is the safest country in the world? Answer: Iceland
• What Sea is to the North of Turkey? Answer: The Black Sea
• What shape is a samosa? Answer: Triangle
• What Texas city is home to The Alamo? Answer: San Antonio
• What three colors make up Germany’s flag? Answer: Black, red and yellow
• What type of flowers is Holland known for? Answer: Tulips
• What type of geographical feature is the Stromboli? Answer: A volcano
• What US city has the busiest cruise port in the world? Answer: Miami
• What US city is the Space Needle located in? Answer: Seattle
• What US state is the film Lilo & Stitch set in? Answer: Hawaii
• What Was Ho Chi Minh City Previously Called? Answer: Saigon
• What’s the capital of Australia? Answer: Canberra
• What’s The Name Of The Famous Mosque In Abu Dhabi? Answer: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• Where are the Spanish Steps located? Answer: Rome, Italy
• Where Can You Find The Seven Coloured Earths? Answer: Mauritus
• Where did the bungee jump originate? Answer: Auckland, New Zealand
• Where is the best-preserved meteor crater located? Answer: Winslow, Arizona
• Where is the Great Pyramid in Egypt? Answer: Cairo, Giza
• Where Is The World’s Largest Nativity Scene Located? Answer: Einsiedeln, Switzerland
• Where was the capital of Spain before Madrid? Answer: Toledo
• Where would you find the Callanish? Answer: The Isle of Harris in Scotland
• Which 4 US presidents are in Mount Rushmore? Answer: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln
• Which actress portrayed Cheryl Strayed in Wild? Answer: Reese Witherspoon
• Which airline’s logo has a red maple leaf? Answer: Air Canada
• Which Asian country has more than 17,000 islands? Answer: Indonesia
• Which author wrote the book Eat, Pray, Love? Answer: Eat, Pray, Love
• Which capital city has a name that means “good airs” in English? Answer: Buenos Aires in Argentina
• Which capital city has the most Michelin stars in the world – London, Paris or Toyko? Answer: Tokyo
• Which Central South American Country Is Home To The Largest Salt Flats In The World? Answer: Bolivia
• Which city (not in Poland) has the highest Polish population in the world? Answer: Chicago
• Which city do croissants originate from? Answer: Vienna
• Which city has more cars than people? Answer: San Marino, Italy
• Which city is known as the “City of Seven Hills”? Answer: Lisbon, Portugal
• Which City Is Referred To As ‘The Windy City’? Answer: Chicago
• Which city is situated on two continents? Answer: Istanbul
• Which Cocktail Originated In The Raffles Hotel, Singapore? Answer: Singapore Sling
• Which colour is the Easyjet logo? Answer: Orange
• Which Continent Doesn’t Have Ants? Answer: Antarctica
• Which Continent is Mexico in? Answer: North America
• Which Countries flag has an AK47 on it? Answer: Mozambique
• Which country celebrated the millennium in 2007? Answer: Ethiopia
• Which country does NOT have a rectangular flag? Answer: Switzerland
• Which country gifted the statue of Liberty to the United States? Answer: France
• Which country has the longest coastline? Answer: Canada
• Which country has the most lakes? Answer: Canada
• Which Country has the most Muslims in the world? Answer: Indonesia
• Which country has the most pyramids? Answer: Sudan
• Which country has the most time zones? Answer: France
• Which country has the world’s highest waterfall? Answer: Venezuela
• Which country is bigger than Pluto? Answer: Russia
• Which country is called “The Emerald Isle”? Answer: Ireland
• Which country is called the “Land of Fire and Ice”? Answer: Iceland
• Which country is called the Land of the Rising Sun? Answer: Japan
• Which country is Caracas the capital of? Answer: Venezuela
• Which country is considered “happiest” in the world? Answer: Finland
• Which country is home to the most volcanoes? Answer: Indonesia
• Which country is made up of 180,000 islands? Answer: Finland
• Which Country is the World’s Tallest Living Man from? Answer: Turkey
• Which country is Timbuktu located in? Answer: Mali
• Which country makes the most money on tourism? Answer: The United States
• Which country was the movie ‘The Beach’ filmed in? Answer: Thailand
• Which country’s Olympic blobsled team is featured in Cool Runnings? Answer: Jamaica
• Which currency is in used in Bali? Answer: Indonesian rupiah
• Which European capital was built on 14 islands? Answer: Stockholm
• Which European city is the Acropolis located in? Answer: Athens (Greece)
• Which fabric device opens up during a skydive? Answer: Parachute
• Which famous museum has a glass pyramid at the front? Answer: Le Louvre

• Which is the friendliest city in the world? Answer: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• Which is the most bicycle-friendly city in the world? Answer: Copenhagen
• Which island country is known as the ‘Island of Spice’? Answer: Grenada
• Which island group includes Ibiza, Menorca, and Majorca? Answer: Balearics
• Which Italian Landmark Dates Back To 70AD? Answer: The Colosseum in Rome
• Which lake is called the ‘jewel of the Italian lakes’? Answer: Lake Como
• Which London bridge is nicknamed “wobbly bridge”? Answer: Millennium Bridge
• Which New York airport has the same name as a US President? Answer: JFK airport
• Which North American country’s name means “Rich Coast”? Answer: Costa Rica
• Which river flows through Paris? Answer: River Seine
• Which river formed the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA? Answer: Colorado
• Which sport is also referred to as sailboarding? Answer: Windsurfing
• Which sport is Kelly Slater known for? Answer: Surfing
• Which state is known as the “Sunshine State”? Answer: Florida
• Which two cities did the original Orient Express travel between? Answer: Paris and Istanbul
• Which two countries are the Iguazu Falls part of? Answer: Argentina and Brazil
• Which two countries officially begin with “The”? Answer: The Gambia and The Bahamas
• Which two South American countries share Lake Titicaca? Answer: Bolivia & Peru
• Which US state does key lime pie come from? Answer: Florida
• Which US State has a one syllable name? Answer: Maine
• Which US state makes the most money on tourism? Answer: California
• Which US university was the sports drink Gatorade named after? Answer: The University of Florida—the Florida Gators
• Which USA state has the biggest land area? Answer: Alaska
• Which volcano is located near Tokyo and considered a sacred mountain? Answer: Mount Fuji
• Who has more Pyramids, Egypt or Sudan? Answer: Sudan
• With a population of 37 million, which is the largest city in the world? Answer: Tokyo
• Zanzibar is an island off which African Country? Answer: Tanzania

And that about wraps up our list of the best travel trivia questions and answers. With a mix of global and local inquiries, they bridge cultures and spark curiosity. So, as you delve into the world of travel, remember that knowledge, laughter, and shared experiences are the true souvenirs of any journey. Happy quizzing on trivia night with friends or on a road trip!!

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Stories from the skies: celebrating world pilots day.

To commemorate World Pilots Day, let's delve into the inspiring journeys of Kaitlyn Wood, Staci Sneed, and Genesah Duffy—three exceptional pilots from Frontier Airlines. Each of them has a unique story to share, highlighting the remarkable experiences that shape our skies and connect us.  

Kaitlyn Wood: Connecting the World Through Aviation  

Kaitlyn has been soaring the skies for over seven years, bringing her passion for aviation to new heights daily. Based out of Orlando, Florida, Kaitlyn enjoys using aviation to impact the world around her positively. From building lifelong relationships to inspiring the next generation of aviators, Kaitlyn sees flying as a universal tool connecting people from around the globe. Her journey began with her father, a retired US Army Special Forces member turned flight controls engineer, whose love for aviation ignited Kaitlyn's own. Witnessing the first taxi tests of Northrop Grumman's X-47B sparked her fascination with flying, leading her to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. Kaitlyn's advice to future pilots? Never stop being a student.  Embrace the endless opportunities for learning and exploration that aviation offers, and the sky's the limit.  

Staci Sneed: Embracing the Variety of Aviation  

With over three decades of flying experience, Staci knows that no two days in the cockpit are the same. Since joining Frontier in 2000,  she's been  based in various cities nationwide, from Denver to Chicago to Orlando. What she loves most about being a pilot is its variety—every flight presents new challenges and keeps her engaged. Staci's journey began with a family friend who took her up for her first flight, igniting her passion for aviation. Her advice to aspiring pilots? Pursue your dreams relentlessly. Aviation can be a tough industry, but the rewards are worth it.  Be open to new adventures, and enthusiastically embrace the ups and downs .  

Genesah Duffy: Finding Freedom in the Skies  

Genesah earned her commercial pilot certificate in 2014 and has been with Frontier for almost two years. Based out of TPA, she cherishes the breathtaking views that flying offers, whether cruising at 37,000 feet or soaring above the clouds in a small plane. After leaving the military, Genesah sought something beyond the ordinary 9-5 life and found her calling in aviation. A discovery flight at her local airport sealed the deal, and she hasn't looked back since. Genesah's advice to future pilots? Believe in yourself. Despite the challenges you may face, stay positive, ask for help when needed, and take ownership of your mistakes.  With determination and perseverance, you can turn your dreams of flying into reality.  

Celebrating Aviation Excellence  

On World Pilots Day, we salute Kaitlyn, Staci, and Genesah. Their passion, dedication, and love for aviation inspire us to reach new heights. Here's to the pilots who navigate our skies with skill, courage, and unwavering commitment. Happy World Pilots Day! ✈️🌍  

These 5 Arizona hotels were just named among the world's best. Here's why they stand out

Five Arizona hotels were just named among the best in the world for 2024.

Travel + Leisure unveiled its 2024 T+L 500 list of the world's best hotels, compiled based on ratings from its readers, in its May issue. The list includes five Arizona hotels, including four that made T+L's 2023 best hotels in Arizona ranking .

Readers evaluate based on their levels of quality, luxury, service and amenities. Here's a look at which Arizona hotels made the Travel + Leisure 2024 best hotels list.

For more hotels recognized as being among the best of metro Phoenix, read about the honorees in  U.S. News & World Report's 2024 ranking ,  Forbes' 2024 Star Awards , and  Esquire's best new hotels in the world .

Five Arizona hotels selected by Travel + Leisure

Readers of Travel + Leisure, America's largest travel media brand, selected five Arizona hotels on its 2024 ranking of the world's best hotels:

• Castle Hot Springs, Morristown.
• The Hermosa Inn, Paradise Valley.
• Mountain Shadows Resort, Paradise Valley.
• Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney's Resort & Spa, Paradise Valley.
• Tanque Verde Ranch, Tucson.

“We’re honored to be recognized on the highly coveted T+L 500 List,” said Andrew Chippindall, general manager of Mountain Shadows Resort. “It’s a true testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional experiences for our treasured guests.”

How Travel + Leisure World's Best hotels 2024 were chosen

The T+L 500 list is derived from T+L's annual World's Best Awards, selected based on reader reviews and feedback. Readers were surveyed about their travel experiences around the world, including hotels, cities, islands, airlines, cruise ships and other experiences.

Readers rated hotels based on their rooms and facilities, location, service, food and overall value. They scored each category on a scale from "excellent" to "poor."

The hotels recognized this year are favorites among the publication's readers, who named Castle Hot Springs the best Arizona hotel of 2021 and 2022 and the Hermosa Inn the state's best of 2023. All except for Tanque Verde Ranch were included on last year's list of the 10 best hotels in Arizona.

Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at   [email protected] . Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:   @salerno_phx .

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