The following packing list includes everything you could possibly need or want on a trip to just about anywhere. It’s customizable for the destination you’re heading to (just don’t include warm weather items if you’re going to a cold climate, etc.)
Probably the most important part of the list is the essential documentation you’ll need to make sure everything goes off without a hitch, including errors such as a hotel losing your confirmation information. Keeping your confirmation email with you is a good idea for those rare instances. Making a paper copy of your passport is a good idea to keep in case you lose it. That way, the authorities can locate a solution for you easier than if you didn’t have any information at all.
Documents/Essentials
This clothing list will get you through anything from a hiking day to a nice dinner at a fine dining restaurant.
Clothing
Toiletries make up a large portion of this packing list, but feel free to discard the things you won’t be needing, such as a hairdryer, which are often found in hotels already. And if you do decide to bring your own hair tools, be sure to remember a plug adapter for small appliances if you’re in a country that uses different outlets.
Toiletries
Electronics are nice to have on the plane, especially long plane trips that require you to be entertained while you wait to arrive at your destination.
Electronics
The following are not essential, but nice to have depending on where you’re going. The tote bag is good for picnic supplies and grocery shopping that requires a bit of a walk to get back to your lodging. A travel blanket is nice to have on a plane, as it can get a little chilly with the air conditioning on. The binoculars are for sightseeing wildlife in national parks. Remember not to fill your water bottle until after getting through security or you’ll have to dump out the water.
Optional
The following are nice to have after your arrival at the destination. You never know what emergency could come along, whether you scrape your toe on a rock or get stung by a bee. Both of these things have happened on my own personal travels. The picnic supplies are good to have if you get hungry on a day trip to a park, or for some snacking in your hotel room, which I always end up doing at midnight while adjusting to the time zone anyway.
To Buy After Arrival
If you don’t plan on getting hotel breakfast, or don’t feel like going out to eat at an odd hour when you’re adjusting to the time zone, here are some foods to keep handy that I almost always end up with. The lunches and snacks are also great for doing road tripping or when you’re in a remote location like a national park and you need some energy.
Food to Buy After Arrival
Breakfast
Lunch
Snacks
That’s it. That’s all you could ever possibly need on a trip. Feel free to customize the list to your personal preferences and travel needs.