Packing list - Route Wiki

Even the most experienced travellers tend to leave something they need behind every trip. On the other hand, people often carry too much. A packing list can help make sure you have everything you will need while you are travelling and at your destination. It can also be a reassuring checklist just prior to departing, and if you are missing anything you will need, you can figure that out while you still have time to buy it.

Understand

A single list can apply to many trips; when you make one, keep a copy of it for your next trip. Add the stuff you forgot when you get home, and delete the stuff that you took and never used. You can end up with a useful personalized document that will save you time and stress when you need it most.

If you need to make an insurance claim for lost luggage, then the packing list can remind you of what you took, and what you need to claim for.

This article will walk through the process of building your own packing lists for your own travel plans, hopefully with useful suggestions for things you might not have thought of.

Getting started

Understand your destination, and focus on what you will need and what not to take. Do you really need an umbrella? Would a broad-brimmed hat do as well? What does the umbrella weigh, how much space does it take up, will it be a problem at airport security, and could you just buy one at your destination if it rains?

Will you be shopping? If it's likely, consider packing a duffel or folding bag. Use it as carry-on on your return flight for purchases or for holding what's displaced in your checked baggage by purchases. You might also want a compact, re-usable shopping bag, as shopping bags are not free in many places, and may not be available at all in some settings.

It can also help to specify which bag each item will go in, to better judge whether you'll be able to pack everything in the bags you plan to use. If you're traveling by air, this will also help you think about what you want to carry on board and what you want to check.

It's easy to overpack and lug around items you don't need, while underestimating how much money it takes to live, shop, and eat away from home. One common bit of advice, perhaps a bit over-stated but with at least a grain of truth:

When packing, figure out what clothes and money you expect to need. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.

If you're planning a major trip, especially one a bit off the beaten path, it's worth taking an hour or two to browse at an expedition store or website, just seeing what's available. Even though their main goal is to sell you things whether you need them or not, it will at least give you some idea of what (some) others are buying for their travels.

Understand the weight and size restrictions on the various forms of transport you are using. Trains, buses and ships are usually more generous than aircraft (see flight baggage), but they may still charge fees based on weight or size. Plane excess baggage fees can be very steep, or they can even refuse to carry your baggage on that flight. If you have to pack wet towels or jeans and you are on the weight threshold, these can easily push you over the limit. Allow just a little headroom.

If you have your own car or boat, their luggage capacity may seem nearly limitless, but depending on the size of your party and the length of your trip, you might in fact need every cubic inch of space you can get and you might wish to consider whether space to stretch out or more luggage is more of a priority for you. Limiting yourself also forces you to think about every item, which often means you know what you have and where to find it; packing anything you might need may result in your not using half of them and your using more time to search for things packed away somewhere.

Many consumables are sold at sizes much larger than you'd need on a one-week voyage. Reserve a toothpaste tube, a toilet paper roll etc. that have a suitable amount left, instead of buying and packing a full one. You may have travel-sized bottles and boxes for shampoo, soap and detergent, which may come handy if you aren't staying in proper hotels and using laundry services.

Baggage

Main article: Baggage

Choosing a suitcase, backpack or some other bag is a decision in itself, see Baggage for a discussion.

Adding labels inside and outside of luggage can help you identify your luggage at baggage claim and can help if the luggage is lost in transit. Adding something unique to the outside of the bag (e.g. an accessory) can help distinguish common looking luggage when retrieving it from baggage claim.

Organizing items in baggage

Use waterproof sacks to make packing easier, especially if you are backpacking or going to multiple destinations, and have to re-pack constantly. They can be labeled, and they are often color-coded, so different items can go in and out of different sacks (sleepwear, hiking boots, swimwear, or clothes for Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday). Packing in bags is easier and more organized than stuffing everything into your main bag. Also on a long trip, these sacks will keep odor, dust, and damp from spreading to all your stuff. 3–5 plastic bags that hold about 4 L (1 US gallon) each typify what's usable. Another version of these is the compressible air-tight sacks, from which one can squeeze all the air from clothing items. These use less space (not less weight).

Pack expecting complications

Recognize that if you take transport and have to check baggage in, it may be delayed or may not reach your destination at all. Identify what you can least afford to lose or not have when you arrive, and carry that with you on rather than checking it in. Things that are high priority to keep with you include:

Identification
Means of purchasing (cash, credit card)
Medicines and medical devices (including corrective eyewear)
Electronics
Clothing you need before you can reach a shop (especially if going to a climate where what you are wearing isn't adequate)

Get in

Tickets and itinerary

If you're traveling by plane, train, bus or ferry, then don't forget to bring your tickets, or organize e-tickets.

A printed copy of your itinerary is useful both for your personal reference and to confirm to officials that your stated travel plans are legit.

Identity documents

Get around

Driver license

If you're planning to drive at your destination, a driver's license will be needed and you may need an international driving permit as well. If you are bringing your own vehicle, you may need a Carnet de Passage to get it through customs. Both the IDP and the carnet are obtained from the automobile association in your own country.

Guidebooks

The most adventurous free spirits may eschew them, but odds are if you're reading this, you're the sort who values a guidebook.

Bringing a guide book or printing needed pages from Wikivoyage is an option, but this is bulky and can add significant weight that you need to pack.

If you are bringing a smartphone or tablet, download Wikivoyage to that device to reduce the weight you will need to carry. Options include the Kiwix's free Wikivoyage offline app or the paid OsmAnd app.

A less storage intensive option is to use the web browser on your smartphone, if you have one that works in the location you are visiting, but this means you will need to have access to Wi-Fi or can afford using mobile data.

If you're already bringing a laptop, saving pages and maps to your hard drive (in case you lose power) won't add any weight, but can be a convenient way to find pre-screened attractions and services on the fly. Alternatively, just read it as needed in Internet cafés, and perhaps add your new discoveries while you're there.

Navigation

Smartphone apps

Being able to determine where you are and where you are going are critical when traveling somewhere that you are not very familiar with. It can also help to verify that a hired ride is taking you in the most efficient way to your destination.

Most smartphones include some form of GPS and enough space to download some form of map (options include an OpenStreetMap-based app, such as the free Maps.me app or the paid OsmAnd app, or an app such as Google Maps). Loading the information onto the device before departure saves on mobile data use while traveling and avoids the map going blank on some remote and desolate stretch of Trans-Labrador Highway with no mobile coverage. Be sure to review your data plan before you leave (in case you need to change it to avoid ridiculous pricing), and be aware of the limitations of the web browsers in non-smartphones: some feature phones are pretty much limited to "mobile" versions of web sites, and might not display graphics.

If you're using a commercially printed book, cutting out the pages for the places you'll be going cuts down on the size and weight. You may be able to buy maps more easily when you get to your destination, but if you don't read the local script, it's probably best to buy one at home.

Other navigation tools

Consider bringing a compass, or even a GPS receiver, especially if you're going someplace without a grid of city streets. Find a compass suitable to your destination's latitude. Most manufacturers balance their compass needles for one of five zones (ranging from Zone 1, covering most of the Northern Hemisphere, to Zone 5, covering Australia and the southern oceans). The needle may drag or stick on other zones. For example, a compass designed for North America will not give accurate readings in Australia and vice versa. There are also more expensive multi-zone or global compasses that function correctly everywhere.

Ride hailing

If you plan on using ride hailing services, identify which apps service your destination and download that app before traveling to that destination.

Flashlight

A keychain-size flashlight can be handy, or there are similar apps that turn your smartphone into a flashlight. However, these apps can drain your battery rapidly.

Battery backup

if you expect to be heavily using your smartphone during your trip without being able to regularly plug in your phone to an electrical outlet, it may be worthwhile to bring a power bank allow you to charge your smartphone.

Talk

Being able to communicate is critical when you are in foreign language where the locals do not speak you language, whether it is to ask for directions, to ask for something, or to make a booking.

Smartphone app

If you have a smartphone, downloading a translation app will likely be the easiest way to overcome communication challenges, unless you start to learn the local language. As you may be roaming with your smartphone, before traveling to your destination, it is best to download an offline copy of the local language(s), if available for your app. Google Translate and Apple's Translate (iOS only) for some languages, allow downloading options to allow offline translation of some language (Google Translate for many more languages than Apple's Translate). With a translate app, you can enter in what you want to say, and as necessary, you can arrange for whom you are speaking to provide more complex replies by typing in their response in your smartphone.

Phrasebook

If you do not speak the language, a phrasebook may range from essential to a nice courtesy. Even if you're sure that someone there will understand you, they'll appreciate you if you take the trouble to use some of their language. The pronunciation of some languages can also be learned pretty fast, and will help you understand whether you are in the right bus, or whether that dish is the one you ordered. If the language is in an unfamiliar script or if pronunciation follows some logic notably different from the one you are used to (highly likely if you are an English speaker), try to at least learn the basic rules for the vowels and most common consonants. Having a clearer relation between what is on paper and what can be heard not only eases understanding and communication, it is also inherently satisfying.

Studying the language can be a great use of your time during transportation, and may attract the sympathy of local passengers. Popular flashcards apps have decks for all major languages, including pronunciation.

Buy

Methods of Payment

The four main options for carrying money are cash, credit cards, ATM cards, and travelers cheques. The best way to access cash is through an ATM with a travel account that won't charge you to get money abroad. Make sure to take some spare cash though. These are useful for taxis to leave the airport, on-the-spot visas, and large purchases abroad, such as resorts.

Cash considerations

If planning to use cash,ensure that your cash bills are in great shape inspect your change to avoid accepting cash bills that are in poor shape. While you should not have trouble making payment with cash in the local local currency even with creases and tears, you may have significant problems try to spend or convert cash in a foreign currency. For instance, merchants in Cambodia readily accept US currency, but may refuse to accept US dollar bills with small tears.

If converting cash, try to obtain significant amounts of small bills if possible. It is very common in developing countries to have challenges with merchants and restaurants refusing to accept large bills in the local currency because they do not have change, thus forcing you to go up an down the street, in search of a merchant willing to make change. In such countries, you may also have this problem of unwillingness to accept large bills at government operated places such as museums.

In many countries, you will only be able to spend in the local currency, while in others the local currency and another currency will be generally accepted, such as Costa Rica, where the Costa Rican Colon and the US Dollar. In rare cases, such as Cuba, there may be multiple local currencies, which you need to understand. In the case of Cuba, the valuation of its two currencies are completely different and one of the currencies is ineligible for currency conversion.

For a number of countries, it may be extremely difficult to convert the currency anywhere other than the country where the currency's home country, resulting in not being able to convert out of the currency or taking a massive loss relative to the conversion rate available in the country. In such cases, you will get the best rates and have the greatest flexibility by converting to a well recognized currency, such as the United States Dollar, the European Union's Euro, and the British Pound.

For some currencies, such as Argentina's Peso, due to repeated significant collapses of the currency valuation, it is important to minimize the how much currency you hold and monitor the currency regularly to determine the current exchange rate.

Some countries – China and India, for example – have government controls on foreign exchange transactions. In some countries, such as Venezuela, due to government controls, black market currency conversion may exist in which the conversion rates are significantly superior to the official posted government rates.

A general good practice is to count received cash after making a transaction. Especially in developing countries, it is common for some merchants to short-change people who appear to be foreigners.

Before leaving a country or group of countries using a specific currency, convert as much of your currency to bills rather than coins. Currency converters will generally not accept coins, except for the local country's currency.

Credit card considerations

While credit cards are accepted almost anywhere in some countries, such as the United Kingdom, there are many countries where this is not the case. Some industrialized countries and most developing countries will likely not accept credit cards at many or most retailers. Further, few places that accept credit card will accept less common credit cards such as American Express.

Keep in mind that credit card issuers may charge extra rates for purchases in foreign currencies over and above the rates offered by the networks that they are part of such as MasterCard and Visa.

In addition, some merchants, such as in Ecuador, may add high single digit percentage premiums to your bill if you choose to pay by credit card.

ATM card considerations

Minimizing the cash your carry may seem like a great idea to mitigate risk in the event of theft, but you may have challenges withdrawing money because the ATM processing networks between countries are not compatible. For instance, Canadians may have challenges being able to withdraw money in India. To reduce potential headaches, before traveling, verify what card processing networks your bank is part of and consider getting additional banks' ATM cards if they support processing networks that your normal bank does not.

Many banks in foreign countries, especially in developing countries, impose maximum withdrawal limit per transaction. Those per transaction withdrawal limits may also vary significantly between banks within a country. These maximum withdrawal limits can potentially significantly add to your costs, as you may need to pay withdrawal service charges multiple times in order to be able to withdraw the daily limit allowed by your bank.

Keep in mind that ATM card issuers may charge extra rates over an above their official conversion rate.

Travellers' cheques

Travellers cheques are not common to see in use. They offer protection in case of theft, as they cannot be used without your signature. However, in some places it is difficult to use to exchange travellers' cheques. In addition, some places may also charge processing fees to be able to cash travellers' cheques. For instance, in France, it may be challenging to cash travellers' cheques and those places that do may charge processing fees.

Gifts

In some situations, gifts, especially gifts that are characteristic of your home, may be more useful than money. In some cultures, the exchange of gifts is an important part of business relationships. Small gifts or candy may be a good way to show your appreciation to a host, or as a friendly overture to the locals.

Helpful Smartphone Apps

Currency conversion

If traveling in a foreign country using a different currency, having a currency conversion smartphone app is help to get a sense of whether a quoted price is reasonable and within your budget, or if you decide to convert cash between currencies. Typical features found in many apps include automatic synchronization when loading an app, retention of rates offline, and being able calculate how the value of a currency if converted to a different currency. Some apps provide graphs showing the conversion rate. There are numerous smartphone apps on Google Play and Apple's App Store, including XE. While you should not expect the be able to get a rate as good as those posted on a currency conversion app due to currency converters adjusting their rates in order to make a profit, you should expect that the currency conversion rate will be usually be low single digit percentage difference from what is quoted by currency converter apps.

Calculator

If you live a country that primarily relies on paying by ATM card or credit card, or if doing math in your head is not your strength, consider having a calculator app, if traveling to countries where you will need to pay in cash, such as in developing countries. A calculator app will help you to determine how much change you should get, to prevent from being cheated.

Theft considerations

Have contingencies

If using credit cards or ATM cards, bring two or more of these (i.e. at least two credit card and/or at least two ATM cards, and preferably even more than that). In case a card is lost or stolen, it may be complicated and time consuming to receive replacement cards.

Bring and hide separate from other methods of payment cash in a commonly accepted currency, such as US Dollars, Euros, or British Pounds. In a worse case, should robbery involve loss of most of your methods of payment and your passport, this emergency cash can help you travel to an embassy and to be able to start the process of getting identification need to cross borders and fly.

Storage and segregation of methods of payment

Segregating your methods of payment will protect you should you be robbed. The bulk of your cash and methods of payment should be stored in a concealed, safe location, such as a money belt tucked fully underneath your pants, or tucked away in your first aid kit, toiletry bag or in a hidden pocket in your backpack/baggage.

Keep a credit card, ATM card, and/or sufficient cash readily accessible to perform the transactions you plan on doing. A readily accessible place to store your method(s) of payment would be a front pocket, which is closed by button or preferably with a closed zipper. Your means of payment should be kept small to avoid potential thieves from seeing a bulge showing where your currency is.

Be alert and adopt defensive habits if distracted in public

Be sure to pay attention and if distracted in public, adopt the habit of immediately covering the pocket. For instance, in some countries, groups of thieves may fabricate attention drawing distractions and solicit for assistance, while some go after valuables on those who are distracted. Be wary about a getting involved in should a distracting incident occur, especially if you are in a crowded area.

Luggage Allowance Considerations

Leave some room and weight allowance for things you buy when abroad. If you plan a lot of shopping, consider packing one or two folding duffels. You can then put purchases in returning, checked baggage, and soft items displaced by purchases in duffels for carry-on.

Wear

Footwear

Shoes are a bulky nuisance to pack, but make sure you bring at least one pair that you'd be comfortable walking around in all day. A pair of slippers, sandals or flip-flops provide something else to wear if your shoes start to hurt or get wet. They can also be quite useful for going to and from shared showers, or shared bathrooms in the middle of the night in cheaper accommodation.

Tips for packing clothes

Both packing too much, and packing too little, can ruin your trip. Make sure you double, triple check the weather, hotel services (i.e. washing clothes, free clothing per room like bathrobe) and your list.

Make a list about two weeks in advance because then you have a set plan instead of last-minute frantic packing. If you will have more than one bag, then think about what items will go in which bags. For example, many experienced air travellers carry all essential medications and also a T-shirt and underwear in their carry-on baggage, in case their checked baggage gets delayed or a cup of coffee gets spilled on the clothes they're wearing during an unexpected moment of air turbulence.

Laundering clothes

Consider whether you'll be able to do laundry while there. This can save you from the urge to pack 14 sets of underwear and socks for a two-week trip. Keep in mind the type of clothing material you wear can also affect frequency of washes. For instance, wool socks are resistant to developing odours, which makes it possible to wear clothes such as socks and shirts for two days without laundering being needed to control odour.

If you have sensitive skin and expect to find a coin-operated washing machine, then consider taking a few portions of your favorite laundry detergent. Liquid and powder detergents can be sealed in bottles like other toiletries, and laundry pods can be secured in a rigid container, such as a screw-top jar or a box inside a zip lock bag. Laundry detergent sheets are a very compact and light way of washing small amounts of laundry, such as in a sink or during camping.

Insect protection

Consider applying waterproofing compound, and/or permethrin against insects and ticks, to clothing or baggage before you leave. In general, you should not carry these; aerosols are not allowed on planes, and you don't want extra weight. However, blasting your hat, jacket or canvas baggage before going may be quite helpful.

Extra lightweight

Sometimes buying new clothes can be cheaper and easier than laundry. Find any clothing you have that is almost worn out, wear it to start your journey, and discard it when it gets dirty.

If you don't need to look nice or plan to do anything wet or dirty, then a four-week trip can be managed with two pairs of jeans, discarding the old pair and wearing the new after two weeks. If the climate isn't too muggy, then T-shirts, thin socks, and underwear can be rinsed at night and put back on just slightly damp the next morning. Some companies make extended-wear underwear, which is good for the long-term traveller. You only have to buy one or two, and then wash them in the sink every night – they are quick to dry and antimicrobial, so you'll save a lot of room and stench. Put socks on around 20 minutes before your shoes to give them a chance to dry fully from body heat. Pajamas are optional if you're not staying in dorm rooms. Even if you need clothes to sleep in for warmth or modesty, you can sleep in a T-shirt and comfortable shorts or pants, rather than bringing something that can only be worn to bed (in cold climates with cool bedrooms, use long underwear instead). It really is possible to travel with nothing but the clothes on your back if you want, and it opens up a whole new world of travel, particularly at a destination where it isn't too cold. No need to find lockers, and sightseeing right from the bus station or airport. Walking and the local bus become easy options. Just be prepared for some quizzical looks at customs and immigration.

Workwear

If you travel for work and will be wearing (something akin to) a uniform, ask yourself how much time you'll actually spend out of uniform and limit your personal clothes accordingly.

See and do

Power supplies

Take battery chargers and travel power adapters for any electrical device you may use. Be sure to check the correct voltage and frequency is available in your destination. If you are driving, an adapter to charge devices from the vehicle's battery can provide power for a mobile telephone call to your automobile association at roadside.

Photography and videos

You'll probably want to bring a camera, along with sufficient storage and batteries. See Travel photography for more on this topic.

Consider whether you are willing to take the risk losing your photos and videos, such as due to theft or damage to electronics. Risk of losing these recordings of your trip can be reduce by bringing backup up storage media or setting up for your photos and videos to be automatically uploaded to a cloud service.

Other gear to pack

Beyond that, what other kind of gear you'll need to pack depends on where you're going and what you're doing there. Snorkel and flippers? Caribiners and rope? Golf clubs? Snow skis? If your trip is focused on an equipment heavy activity like skiing or scuba diving, you may want to take your own equipment along, or depending on your destination and facilities there, have no choice about bringing it along. Finding an activity specific packing list and using it as a reference is a good way to make sure that you don't forget something crucial. For some activities you may even want to pack spares of some equipment: scuba divers sometimes prepare a "save a dive" kit with spare masks and fin straps so that the failure of a small bit of equipment doesn't mean skipping a day's diving.

Pack gear or rent it?

Depending on the activity and your destination, the alternative may be to use hire equipment. The decision to hire or buy depends partly on your activity: hiking boots and wetsuits, for example, often need to fit their wearer well to be effective. It's also partly based on expense and convenience. Buying equipment is typically a big one-off cost and ongoing maintenance might be required. However, renting is usually more expensive over the long run if you are a regular participant. The final consideration is the size and weight of your baggage, particularly if you are flying. Packing both your equipment and day-to-day essentials might put you over the airlines' free baggage limit, fragile equipment can be damaged when transported in baggage holds and sometimes there is a separate surcharge for either sporting equipment or large and difficult to handle baggage.

See the various articles under Travel activities for more about this.

Time fillers

Bring some amusements for long waits and journeys. Bring stuff you enjoy, that passes the time, or that helps you get to sleep.

Hours of music can be held your smartphone, if you have one, on a cheap mp3 player. Load up some spoken books. Give some thought to loading up your mp3 player with everything you need before you go. Trying to rip a CD to an mp3 player in an internet cafe somewhere is a frustration you don't need.

Books and magazines never run out of batteries, and are great entertainment on buses, planes, boats and lazy days. But they are heavier than an mp3 player. For long trips, pick ones you won't mind giving away when you finish them. You can swap them with other travellers, "leave one, take one" at a hostel or B&B, or even stop by a used book store along the way.

An e-book reader (e.g. Kindle, Nook) lets you bring your entire library, provided you can charge it every other week.

Electronic games, can amuse kids or adults for hours. Bring along a pack of cards for when the batteries are dead, and all else fails. Some board games are available in special travel editions adapted to be played in close quarters or on moving vehicles.

Eat and drink

Drinks

At airports

But beware security restrictions on more than 100 ml (3.4 fl. oz.) of any liquid at most airports; you'll just need to empty the bottle outside the security checkpoint, then fill it back up again at a water fountain or sink inside the secure zone. A foldable waterbottle with a hoser is efficient if you are going to pump your own water with a water filter. The hoser is especially useful for couples who are on the go, as it is more efficient than pulling out a huge plastic bottle.

Other considerations

Some travelers carry a kettle and tea or coffee. You can also get a compact water heater that boils a glass or mug of water. Be aware of electrical requirements where you are going.

Food

Crossing borders

Keep in mind that if traveling internationally, some snacks may not be permitted by the country that you are entering, such as fruits, seeds, and meats. In some countries, such as Australia there are also restrictions on taking certain types of foods such a produce between regions within the country.

Other considerations

For suggestions about packing food for places where you have to bring your own breakfast, see Packing for a week of hiking. See outdoor cooking for portable cooking equipment.

Utensils and other supplies

If traveling to developing countries, consider bringing re-usable utensils, as those might not be provided at some places, such as if you are buying street food.

If you pack some utensils, such as bottles, cups, bowls, spoons and knives, you will much easier be able to make your snacks and even some meals yourself, instead of always resorting to restaurants and ready-made packages. This will be cheaper and easier on the environment. Aim for light but reusable equipment. Sometimes washing the dishes may be awkward or impossible, so some disposable ones can still come handy.

Stay safe

A money belt or passport pouch to protect your valuables is a very good idea, ideally with RFID blocking built in to prevent identify theft. See destination articles for information on local risks, and the pickpockets and crime articles for more on avoiding theft. Don't be lazy and wear your money belt outside of your clothing. In some areas it will get stolen.

A baggage lock to seal checked bags may be a good idea. But for travel in the US, use a lock approved by TSA (dead link: January 2023); they have master keys for these locks, and with any other lock, airport security will cut it off if they decide to look in your bag.

A number of companies make Pack Safes, which are basically a wire mesh, secured by a padlock, that can enclose your backpack or suitcase and attach it to a solid object (chair, bed, etc) so that prying eyes and fingers cannot remove items from your baggage without a bolt-cutter or your keys. Their weight is not insignificant (about half a kilogram) but worth it on some voyages. They are good for when you have to leave your bags unattended, i.e. in bus baggage holds, dormitory rooms, ferries and when you need to go to the bathroom. Don't leave your bag locked up and unattended in a bus stop or a train station, or airport where security is high, as it may be opened with an explosive charge by the local bomb disposal unit. They are efficient, if you keep them on throughout your journey, as opposed to taking them on and off. They are designed not to get tangled. Make sure they fit well, try it on to your bag before purchase, and put on a waterproof underneath for extra protection.

You probably won't ever need the address and phone number for your embassy or consulate, but if you do — for example, if your passport is stolen or you are arrested for some real or bogus offense — you'll be glad you had them with you. Phone numbers for family at home are also good to have, just in case. The numbers of your charge cards and travellers cheques, stored separately from the cheques themselves, can be vital if you need to phone the issuer to report a theft.

Most travelers will sensibly avoid areas where armed conflicts are in progress. For those who must go, see War zone safety. It is a good idea to check with your local foreign affairs department for any travel warnings to areas you may be visiting. Things may have changed since you were last there.

Stay healthy

If you have travel insurance — and travel insurance covering at least medical expenses and evacuation home is highly recommended for travelers who are going to be outside the realm of their country of residence's healthcare and insurance arrangements — you should carry a copy of your policy details and the insurer's contact details with you. In some countries, it is difficult to obtain medical care without being able to demonstrate adequate insurance.

You don't want to sacrifice personal hygiene, but some compromises from your usual assortment of personal care products might help. Your hotel may provide soap and shampoo (or they may not, this is worth researching about your destination). The fact that they're not your usual brand probably won't matter. Minimal use of make-up is expected of non-business travelers. Of course you'll probably want to have your own toothbrush (or a travel toothbrush), deodorant, shaving gear (if applicable), and tampons/pads (if applicable), but it may be easier to purchase some of these at your destination, especially if your trip is a long one. Deodorant is available in pocket-size packs. If you bring toothpaste, shampoo etc., bring a smaller package or one half-empty. Think about what items can be shared within your party.

Women may want to consider a reusable alternative to tampons, such as a menstrual cup or sponge. Tampons can be scarce outside of shops catering to tourists in countries in Asia, South America, and Africa. Some public toilets do not supply toilet paper, so it's a good idea to bring a roll of your own.

Beware that you cannot carry on containers larger than 100 ml (3.4 fl. oz.) of any gel or liquid on many airlines, and aerosol cans are often restricted or banned (dead link: January 2023). Put larger cosmetics in your checked baggage; get travel-sized versions of anything you actually intend to use while on a plane, inside the airport's secure zone, or would miss if you were delayed overnight, such as saline solution for contact lenses. Consider whether it would be more convenient to buy cosmetics after you arrive, versus spending more time enjoying your destination.

A bottle of no-wash hand sanitizer or wipes can come in handy, no matter where you travel. If you're going to be outdoors much, sunglasses, sun-screen, lip balm, and other skin-care products are important in more places than not. Insect repellent is very handy in many places, especially tropical countries with mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and zika.

Some countries require masks to be worn when traveling on some modes of transportation within the country or internationally.

A copy of your eyeglasses prescription might come in handy should you break or lose your glasses or contacts, but a backup pair would be faster, and there's no better way to ruin a trip than not being able to see anything. If your destination is a low-cost country, then it may make sense to bring the prescription and buy a new pair there. In particular, a pair of prescription sunglasses are useful on many holiday trips.

First-aid kit

Consider a small travel health kit with adhesive bandages, anti-bacterial cream, etc. In some countries it may be advisable to carry a more comprehensive first aid kit, including hypodermic needles, wound dressings, etc. Ideally talk to your local travel doctor or family doctor about what you may or may not need before you go.

Medications

Other

Odor eliminator – for long trips, if laundry will just not be all that convenient
S hook – for hanging clothes in bathrooms
Good quality sports bra – even designer stores in third-world countries often have export surplus and thereby bad quality. Considering the number of potholes you'll encounter, it is a good idea to have one.
Flashlight – Blackouts may be more common than you're used to. In some regions they are virtually guaranteed. Flashlights can also be useful for camping or exploring caves
Powerbars – especially useful for hikes and as backup. Did your flight get delayed for hours? Are you jet-lagged and hungry in the middle of the night, with no restaurants open? Food, especially substantial food, is not always available when you want it, especially when you're on foot.
Toilet paper – if toilets at your destination might not provide it. Alternatively, a travel-size pack of tissues may be handy for many things, including as an emergency substitute for toilet paper.
Batteries – ones bought abroad can be fake, or last a day in a high power device like a digital camera.
Mosquito repellent with DEET – over 30% DEET is poisonous and not needed, as the effect against mosquitoes does not increase after that.
Sunscreen – Good quality sunscreen should have zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in the ingredients. Paradoxically it can be next to impossible to get, of low quality and/or expensive in many tropical and subtropical countries in addition to sometimes being past the best before date.
Carabiners – Metal loops with a sprung or screwed gate. Often useful for clipping things together. The cheapest ones cost about a dollar. If you intend to use them for climbing or any other essential high performance use do invest more in them.
Anti-itch cream – often not available except in herbal form.
Ear plugs are useful when you're trying to sleep in a very noisy location, e.g., flying. If you fly often, consider buying good, noise-canceling headphones. Note that using ear plugs can be dangerous in some circumstances, e.g., if a fire alarm goes off and everyone except you evacuates the building.
An eye cover is good if you're someone who can only sleep when it's dark.
Alarm clocks are perhaps less necessary these days as cell phones and watches tend to have built-in alarms. But don't rely on early morning calls from your hotel to make that unmissable flight.
A utility knife for outdoor life; not recommended for city-life, though.

Connect

Bringing a mobile phone along makes perfect sense, but check to see whether the place you're going has a compatible network, and that either your service provider offers roaming there or that your phone would be compatible with a local prepaid service. Even if you don't intend roaming, you can usually use your phone for emergency calls should the need arise – if it is compatible. Phone cards and/or numbers for "collect" calling may be more practical, or even buying a local phone along with a prepaid service. If you bring your own phone, don't forget your charger and checking its electric compatibility. See also Telephone service.

You may want to bring along a laptop, netbook, tablet or PDA/smartphone to get online. Remember to carry a plug adapter if you need one. You can carry travel guides, maps, phrasebooks, and books for general reading in digital form, allowing you to save plenty of weight. GPS-enabled PDAs are a wonderful tool for navigating cities. Make sure you have maps loaded for your destination. In the USA a free Wi-Fi connection can often be found, particularly in restaurants and hotels, while connections in Europe and some other areas more often have fees. If you use the mobile phone network to reach the Internet, check the data fees. Leave some charge in your devices, as you may be required to turn them on at security checkpoints in order to demonstrate that they are what they seem to be.

Internet cafés are still common in areas where home internet service is not, so you may prefer to use them instead of lugging your own system around – if going somewhere with adequate such services and you just need Internet now and then.