Welcome to Handy's Ultimate Travel Essentials!
The Ultimate Packing List
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.
Here's Handy's Ultimate packing list to help you pack well every time.
To see the ultimate packing list, 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.
Packing Tips For Clothes
When packing for vacation the most important things to keep in mind are the length of your trip, the weather, events/activities and any other non-standard clothing or gear you might need.
Your first step when packing is deciding 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 you don't fun colors or 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.
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 active wear, casual sneakers, UPF-proof clothing and compressible jackets... just to name a few.
When curating your packing list, you should keep in mind the length of your trip and decide quantities from there. For shorter trips (tree 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, one to three dressier outfits, three to four casual outfits, two activewear or athleisure outfits and one to two pairs of shoes.
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.
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.
Packing for a Cruise Vacation
When packing for a cruise, include no-standard items like seasickness remedies, formal wear, dress shoes and your bathing suit. Beach excursions also require different items like water shoes, towels, sunscreen and maybe even snorkel gear.
Consider the Weather
For warm weather destinations like jungles and Caribbean islands, you obviously skip the coats and gloves, but if you're headed out on a ski vacation the you'll need a whole slew of things like goggles, a neck gaiter, snow boots and more. Wherever the destination, to keep things organized, we recommend using packing cubes and/or compression sacks. They're especially useful for travels to multiple destinations in one trip.
Toiletries and Medications
Whether it's important medication or you favorite lipstick, forgetting any type of toiletry can range from being mildly inconvenient to becoming a serious problem. For toiletries, make sure to pack essentials, like medication, contact lens 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). 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 travel first-aid kit, which includes items like tweezers, first-aid ointment, bandages, hand sanitizer, sunscreen and insect repellent. Be sure to check TSA guidelines if you're traveling with medication, as well as the policies and regulations at your destination.
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, memory cards and lens cleaner. Don't for get smartphone essentials like a backup charger, headphones, waterproof case if you're headed out on the water and a phone stand or tripod for photos and videos.
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 emergency contacts. Make sure that your passport has at least six months 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 you may not think to pack, but should, like an electronic tracker, duct tape, toilet paper, a decoy wallet or a whistle.
What to Pack in Your Carry-on Bag
In case you get 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, glasses and a 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 a change of clothes (just in case your luggage is delayed), snacks and gum.
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 sanitizers, 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 and armrest, the hotel television remote can spare you from a variety of common travel bugs.
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