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How do I find travel records for the N-400 application?

Home » How do I find travel records for the N-400 application?

April 20, 2021

Applicants preparing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization , must list each trip outside the United States (in excess of 24 hours). Part 9 of the N-400 application includes a table to list these individual trips.

Generally, you can find your travel history information inside your official passport. Simply review the passport page for date stamps from the various trips. But, in some cases, you may not have your passport or are missing known records.

Personal Travel Records

You may be able to use your personal records to reconstruct travel history. In the absence of “official records” it’s still your duty to estimate the dates of your travel to the best of your ability. Check with relatives you may have visited, review credit card statements, or try to recover old travel records from airline or transportation company frequently flyer statements.

Mistakes on your N-400 application can cause costly delays or a denial.

Foia request for travel records.

If you are unable to locate your travel history records through the methods listed above, you can submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Generally, personal FOIA requests are free (if less than 100 pages of photocopies). Be sure to limit your request to the previous five years. You only need five years of history for the purposes of the N-400 application. A more extensive search will take longer and may even result in a photocopy fee (up to $25). A FOIA request will generally take several weeks.

In some instances, you may have traveled across a U.S. border without any records. This can happen at some land border crossings where you were “waved” across by CBP officer. The CBP office did not provide any stamps or documentation. It’s still your responsibility to record these trips on Form N-400 to the best of your ability.

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95 Places To List Your Tours

As a tour operator, it is vital that you leverage the internet as much as possible to increase your online visibility and, ultimately, your tour sales. In this blog, we’ve spoken a lot about using the Octopus Method (opens in a new tab) to improve your internet presence, but we wanted to up the ante by scouring the internet for places to list your tours. The result? A huge list we hope will prove useful to tour companies both big and small.

And there’s better news: most of the sites on this resource allow you to list your tours for free. Some sites allow you to advertise your brand, directing travelers to your website to book, and others sell your tours for you. Some are niche and target specific audiences, while others are all-encompassing OTAs that reach millions of people (opens in a new tab) across the globe. This resource is always growing, as we find more and more websites that allow you to list your tour website.

Due to the sheer size of this list, you might be wondering which of these sites you should list your tours on. Our advice? List them on as many platforms (opens in a new tab) as possible — as long as they are relevant to your tours. And please feel free to get in touch (opens in a new tab) if you have any questions or are interested in our custom or template tour websites (opens in a new tab) .

These sites are massive OTAs that have been around for a while. They reach millions of unique global visitors a month and usually top the rankings when it comes to travel-related bookings. As such, they are the go-to for a lot of travelers who are looking to book, as these businesses are thought to be reliable and feature excellent customer service. You definitely want to list your tours on these sites!

1.  Expedia

Why we love them: Expedia (opens in a new tab) is the king of the hill when it comes to OTAs, and they’re massive! How massive? Well, their site receives over 140 million unique visitors and over 2 billion monthly site page views.

How much they cost: This information is not publicly available.

How to sign up: Sign your tour business up here (opens in a new tab) .

Why we love them: Orbitz (opens in a new tab) boasts over 10 million unique visitors a month. They were purchased by Expedia for a humble $1.3 billion and are now part of the brand’s massive travel portfolio.

How to sign up: Sign up here (opens in a new tab) .

3. Viator (a.k.a. TripAdvisor Experiences)

Why we love them: Viator (opens in a new tab) is well on its way to becoming the holy grail of OTAs. Why? They’ve recently been acquired by TripAdvisor. So by working with Viator, you’ll also get access to TripAdvisor’s audience and all of their affiliate sites — giving you access to over 350 million unique visitors a month! They also have 24/7 support to help you out, should you encounter any roadblocks.

How much they cost: Sign-up is free. They only charge a commission on successful sales.

How to sign up: Fill out the simple form here (opens in a new tab) .

Take note: Viator will only advertise the best published net rates for your tours.

4. AirBnB Experiences

Why we love them: Anyone can be a tour guide on AirBnB Experiences (opens in a new tab) ! All you need is a great, unique idea.

How much they cost: Sign-up is free, but they charge hosts a 20% service fee on all experiences.

How to sign up: Register here (opens in a new tab) .

5. Thrillophilia

Why we love them: Thrillophilia (opens in a new tab) offers over 10,000 activities in over 150 locations. They also provide analytics and data, as well as a sales support team, to make sure that you are getting maximum value out of their marketplace.

How much they cost: Listing is free; the commission is paid upon successful bookings.

How to sign up: Register your tour business here (opens in a new tab) .

6. Take Tours

Why we love them: TakeTours (opens in a new tab) offers over tour packages around the world. They also have an app that makes booking tours with them a hassle-free experience for their users.

How much they cost: Most tour operators only pay them a commission when a booking is made. And, if they don’t make sales for you, they’ll advertise your tours for free!

How to sign up: Send them an email at [email protected] (opens in a new tab) , or give them a call at +1 617 500 7002 x 5.

Why we love them: Ceetiz (opens in a new tab) is gaining a lot of traction around the world. They are on the lookout for the best and most unique activities and make it easy for viewers to find activities that meet their interests, budget, and time requirements.

How much they cost: Registration is free.

How to sign up: Fill out their form here (opens in a new tab) .

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How to Get Your Business Listed on TripAdvisor

Getting your business listed on TripAdvisor is a pivotal move for any tour or experience service provider aiming to widen their customer base and enhance their online presence.

TripAdvisor, as one of the world's largest travel platforms, offers unparalleled exposure to millions of travelers actively seeking unforgettable experiences and accommodations. 

What is a TripAdvisor Listing?

A TripAdvisor listing is your business's profile on the platform. It's a comprehensive directory entry that showcases accommodations, hotels, restaurants, and other travel-related services. This profile includes details like amenities, rooms, features, photos, and contact information. 

Steps to Get Listed on TripAdvisor

To get your business listed on TripAdvisor, start by creating an account in the TripAdvisor Management Center, a dedicated space for owners and management teams. 

1. Create a TripAdvisor Management Center Account

Register for an account on the Management Center. This tool is designed for business owners and management teams to manage their listings.

Registering your business on TripAdvisor is a straightforward procedure. Simply navigate to the TripAdvisor business owner’s webpage ( www.tripadvisor.com/Owners ) and click on the “Add a Listing” button located at the top right corner of the page. This feature allows you to add a listing for various types of travel-related enterprises, such as hotels.

2. Fill Out Your Business Information

Submit detailed information about your business, including name, address, phone number, and details about the services you offer. Update this information regularly to keep your listing accurate.

Select your business category and input all the necessary details in accordance with the listing requirements. Remember, you can always return to the Management Center to update your business information should there be any changes.

3. Upload High-Quality Photos

Incorporate vibrant, clear images that truly reflect your business's essence. Adding videos to your listing is also an option.

Seize this opportunity to impress potential customers by showcasing the best aspects of your business. Aim to feature a variety of visuals, including shots of the exterior, lobby, communal spaces, and guest accommodations.

4. Confirm Business Ownership

Verify your ownership of the business through TripAdvisor’s verification process. This step ensures the authenticity of your listing.

At the bottom of the page, click the “Verify Your Listing” button. At this point, TripAdvisor may need to call, text, or email you to make sure you have permission to make changes on behalf of the business listed.

5. Create and Optimize Your Listing

After your verification is complete, you're ready to craft your listing.

Begin by uploading images that either depict your business location or showcase your products. These visuals help set customer expectations before they visit. Then, craft engaging descriptions of your offerings, highlighting unique features that differentiate your business in the local market.

Another invaluable resource is Review Express, designed to solicit feedback from recent visitors. Utilizing these tools can significantly improve your listing's impact, drawing more attention and engagement from potential customers.

6. Submit Your Listing

Finally, submit your listing for review. Once approved, your business will be visible on TripAdvisor.

7. Promote Your Listing

Boosting your TripAdvisor listing is a strategic move to increase bookings and elevate your visibility in the hospitality industry. Numerous tactics can be employed for promotion, with one of the most effective being to share your listing on both your website and various social media platforms.

Leverage social media giants like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to amplify your presence by posting links to your TripAdvisor page or showcasing positive reviews from satisfied guests.

For businesses in niche markets, such as motorcycle tours, employing targeted marketing strategies can significantly boost visibility. Discover effective motorcycle tour marketing strategies to enhance your presence on platforms like TripAdvisor.

Key Factors that Decide Your TripAdvisor Ranking

Tripadvisor emphasizes that its Popularity Ranking hinges on user feedback, stating, “The most effective method for businesses to ascend in ranking over time is by continually garnering new, high-quality reviews that indicate satisfactory service and value.”

Quality of Reviews

Regrettably, when it comes to enhancing the quality of reviews, there's no digital shortcut; it boils down to the timeless principle of hospitality—ensuring your guests are thoroughly pleased with their experience. 

Furthermore, to elevate your service quality based on guest insights, it's crucial for hotel operators to manage expectations accurately. Often, unsatisfactory reviews are the result of a mismatch between what guests anticipate and what they actually encounter.

Quantity of Reviews

A common hurdle for experience business owners is encouraging guests who had satisfying—yet not extraordinary—experiences to share their feedback. 

To increase the volume of reviews, it's possible to employ straightforward strategies and tools—taking care to adhere to the guidelines of online review platforms. 

Options include strategically placing QR codes throughout the hotel or sending follow-up emails that encourage guests to leave feedback. A study by BrightLocal reveals that " 65% of consumers submitted reviews following a direct request from a business," highlighting the effectiveness of simply asking for reviews. 

Recency of Reviews

The older a review is on Tripadvisor the less weight it carries in your overall scoring, so hoteliers need to have a strategy to actively garner feedback from their guests. 

Having a TripAdvisor account but not having an online reputation management strategy can often lead to more frustration than joy from the online platform. 

Consistency

These three elements; quality, quantity and recency, work together over time to shape a business's Popularity Ranking. To put it simply, if you consistently receive positive reviews, your ranking will be higher than a property with a mix of glowing and less favourable feedback. 

How to Boost TripAdvisor Listing for Adventure Business

Boosting your TripAdvisor listing for an adventure business involves a multi-faceted approach focused on enhancing visibility and attracting more travelers. Here are some useful tips:

• Regularly update your listing to ensure information is current.
• Provide quality images to showcase your services.
• Enable online booking to make reservations easy for customers.
• Encourage visitors to leave reviews after their experience.
• Ensure professional response to reviews, showing you value feedback.

Why Should You Get Your Business Listed on TripAdvisor?

Incorporating your business into TripAdvisor's directory is a crucial component of your digital review management plan for several compelling reasons.

• Access to a Vast Audience

TripAdvisor stands as one of the premier travel platforms globally, attracting over 490 million users who rely on it for travel planning. Having your business listed on TripAdvisor instantly connects you to a vast pool of potential customers from around the world.

• Complimentary Marketing Opportunities

Listing on TripAdvisor offers valuable, cost-free marketing benefits. Your business gains a complimentary listing that serves as a promotional tool, allowing you to harness the power of TripAdvisor reviews as customer endorsements on your own website and in your marketing collateral.

• Enhanced Online Visibility

TripAdvisor listings are factored into Google's algorithms for ranking businesses in search outcomes. A presence on TripAdvisor not only boosts your visibility in Google searches but also enhances your chances of appearing in Google reviews, especially if linked with a Google Business Profile.

• Insightful Customer Feedback

A TripAdvisor listing provides in-depth insights into your customer base, including demographics, preferences, and feedback. This valuable data can refine your marketing efforts, enabling you to outpace competitors by tailoring your services to meet and exceed customer expectations.

Understanding what your customers think about your service is crucial for growth. Learn which customer feedback questions can help you refine your TripAdvisor listing and overall service quality.

Key Takeaways

• Straightforward Listing Process: The process of listing a business on TripAdvisor involves registering for an account in the Management Center, filling out detailed business information, uploading high-quality photos, and verifying business ownership. This streamlined approach is designed to make it easy for business owners to showcase their offerings to a global audience.
• Active Management and Promotion Are Key:  Promotion through social media and encouraging customer reviews are also effective strategies to boost visibility and rankings on the platform. Reviews are the lifeblood of any TripAdvisor listing. Find out how to craft compelling customer review requests to boost your ratings and visibility.
• Direct Impact on Business Success: A TripAdvisor listing not only provides exposure but also offers a platform for businesses to improve their service quality through customer feedback. The ranking on TripAdvisor is influenced by the quality, quantity, recency, and consistency of reviews, highlighting the importance of excellent service and active engagement with customers for climbing the popularity rankings and attracting more travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it free to register your business on tripadvisor.

TripAdvisor basic listings for accommodations, restaurants and attractions are free. There are fees for some enhanced listings, which include features free listings do not.

Is it Easy to Use TripAdvisor?

TripAdvisor is designed to be user-friendly, offering tools and guides to help owners navigate and manage their listings efficiently.

How Much Does it Cost to Advertise on TripAdvisor?

While listing your business is free, TripAdvisor offers paid advertising options to enhance visibility and attract more customers. The cost varies depending on the type of advertisement and exposure desired.

A flat annual fee is calculated based on your property and your needs. It’s important to determine if this investment will fit into your budget, so log in to review your TripAdvisor business listing and subscription rate.

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The Ultimate Travel Checklist | 37 Things to Do Before Your Next Trip

Say goodbye to stressful planning. With this travel checklist in hand, you’ll always be ready for your next adventure.

It's easy to get swept up by the hype when you're planning out a trip. Whether it's international or local travel, daydreams of relaxing on a beach or skiing down snowy slopes can easily occupy your mind. Of course, you won't forget the basics like booking your flight and getting your travel visas in order. Meanwhile, packing lists, house chores, reservations, and transport arrangements take a back seat, right behind the more exciting stuff. As with everything important, though, it's not until you need something that you realize it's not there. Luckily, we've got just what the travel doctor prescribed: 37 things to do before your next trip.

Each item on this list will ensure that everything is in order, from your packing checklist to your house plants. If you’re looking for a quick step-by-step guide, feel free to follow the bulleted travel checklist below. For a more detailed walkthrough, follow along with the video at the end of the list and read on.

A Month Before

• Create a travel packing list
• Book your accommodation
• Apply for an International Driver’s Permit (if you plan on driving in another country)
• Check for vaccination requirements
• Get an advanced supply of prescription medication
• Get travel insurance

A Week Before

• Check the weather and change your packing list accordingly
• Pack your bags
• Notify your bank that you’ll be traveling
• Get your finances in order
• Make arrangements for someone to take care of your household
• Confirm your reservations

2-3 Days Before

• Organize your travel documents
• Arranging transportation to and from the airport
• Share your itinerary, accommodation address, and contact info
• Charge your batteries
• Double-check your bag
• Start adjusting to timezone differences
• Clean your house

A Day Before

• Take out the trash and any perishables
• Pack your travel snacks
• Double-check your personal item bag
• Unplug the electronics you’ve been charging
• Put your bags near the door
• Check in to your flight
• Download your digital boarding pass
• Set an away message for your email
• Lay out your outfit for the next day
• Eat before you go
• Take out any remaining trash and leftovers
• Pack up your toiletries
• Make sure the plants have been watered and the pets have enough food
• Unplug appliances around the house
• Grab your phone
• Triple-check you have all your essential travel documents
• Adjust the thermostat
• Grab your bags and go!

A month before the big trip, it's important to decide what gear you'll need, i.e., (1) create a packing list . It essentially acts as a travel checklist, but only for what goes in your bag. Packing checklists depend on a lot of things, such as your destination's climate, duration of stay, personal and work-related needs, and local customs and culture. That last one is a bit nuanced, but a good example would be how temples and other religious sites enforce dress codes that require the head and shoulders to be covered.

At the core of any packing checklist for a vacation (or otherwise) are your absolute necessities, like clothing, toiletries, travel documents, and medication. It’s these items that must go first before you can move on to less essential gear like electronics, cosmetics, and other accessories. If you aren’t sure where to start, you can check out ours—such as our Digital Nomad and Budget packing lists—which are good templates that you can modify as needed.

Once you’ve got a working manifest of everything you need, it’s time to (2) book your accommodation . If your trip coincides with a holiday season or travel-heavy seasons in general, hotel and Airbnb prices usually go up during those times. Additionally, finding a place to stay tends to get more difficult as more and more people book. In other words, it’s better to lock one in as soon as possible.

If you’re traveling internationally and plan on driving a motor vehicle, like a car or motorcycle, you’ll have to (3) apply for an International Driver’s Permit . Procedures and requirements may vary from country to country. The processing time can be a few weeks, so it’s best to get the application process rolling early.

While you’re on the web looking up those permits, (4) check the vaccination requirements for the country you’re visiting. If you’re unsure which vaccines are required and which are recommended, the CDC’s (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) website has an extensive travel checklist and is an excellent resource to get you sorted.

On the subject of health, make sure to top up and (5) get an advanced supply of your prescription medication from your doctor. You never know if you’ll have to extend your stay, and your specific medication may not be available at your destination. Furthermore, it’s important to check the laws and regulations on bringing medicine and drugs into the country beforehand to avoid legal troubles or confiscation.

After you have your vaccination and prescription medicine prepped, one additional layer of readiness you’ll want is (6) travel insurance . Travel insurance coverage varies depending on your provider, but typical coverage includes emergency medical treatment, personal liabilities, and loss of personal items like travel documents and baggage. Again, you never know what could happen while you’re traveling, so it’s best to be prepared in case of an emergency.

A week before your trip is a good time to (7) check the weather and change your packing list accordingly . Weather is one of the most finicky aspects of a travel checklist, as a particular day can go from sunny to rainy in a snap. That said, forecasts are still a safe bet for adapting your packing checklist. After all, what good are flip-flops and shorts when it's going to rain the entire trip? You can still wear them, but you'll be sad, wet, and look totally unprepared.

Now we really get into the thick of things: (8) packing your bags . We've already gone over how you should create your packing checklist, but there's also the question of how it all comes together. Start the process by laying out everything you think you need, then try cutting the quantity down in half. It's never too late to unburden yourself of excess weight, and who knows—maybe the extra space can afford you to bring something you initially had to cut.

Some items need to be packed last because you’ll be using them right up until you leave the house—we’re talking about toiletries, chargers, and house keys—so make sure to save some space in your bag for them. (Psst—that's where this travel checklist comes in handy.)

Once everything’s packed, keep track of your bag’s (or bags’) total weight. If you’re traveling with just a carry-on, airlines have different weight and size limits, so be sure you’re well within them. You can check your bag’s weight by weighing yourself on a bathroom scale with and without the bag then subtracting the difference. If you need a guide for packing a carry-on , we’ve got you covered.

Other than friends and family, you’ll also want to (9) notify your bank that you’ll be traveling . No, you won’t need to shed a few tears of sadness for them like you would for your pet. You’ll be doing this so that they won’t flag your purchases outside your typical area as fraudulent. Tell them the exact dates you’re traveling and where you’ll be. There are few things more embarrassing than having your credit card declined when you’re trying to pay for a fancy dinner; worse if you’re treating someone else.

On that note, check up on any upcoming bills that may come your way while you're gone. In other words, (10) get your finances in order . Don't worry—this won't be as complicated as doing a complete audit; you're simply making sure you're not coming home to find the electricity and internet disconnected.

This one's for the pet lovers and plant havers: (11) make arrangements for someone to take care of your household . Oh, how we wish we could just take our dog and/or three-foot fern with us to the Bahamas. But alas, it's not the most practical idea. The next best thing? Ask a neighbor, friend, or family member to feed and water them from time to time while you're away. Just make sure to bring them back something nice (for the caretaker and the pet/plant).

Someone else who might miss you while you're away is the mail carrier. To keep mail from piling up unnecessarily, you may want to contact your local post office to put your mail on hold if you're going on an extended trip.

While you're still a week away from your trip, (12) confirm your reservations . This not only goes for your accommodations but also for restaurant reservations and any specific events you plan on attending. Last-minute changes to events aren't unheard of, so it's worth re-checking.

Okay, by this point, your hype levels are probably fast approaching critical mass. Hold your horses and passports, though, because there are still a few things to do during these last few days.

Still holding your passports? Okay, good, because it’s time to (13) organize your travel documents . Without these, there is no trip, except to the terminal or station. The documents you’ll want to keep track of are your passport, itinerary, insurance, visas, and tickets. If your everyday wallet can fit all those, then great. If not, passport wallets do exist, and some bags come with dedicated security pockets that can take them in.

The trip from where you're staying and to the terminal probably isn't the one you're particularly excited for, but it's worth prepping for anyway. (14) Arranging transportation to and from the airport is just as important in our eyes, unless you fancy a long walk. To avoid expensive parking fees or taxi fares, you can ask a friend or family member to give you a ride. There's a chance they won't be available on that day, though, so having someone extra as a backup is a good idea. If you’re taking an Uber or Lyft, schedule a pickup in advance so you won't have to wait long on the day itself. The same goes for when you're riding from the airport to wherever you're staying; book it now, so you aren't left waiting needlessly for a ride.

At this point, you’ve already told friends and family about your big trip, but now it’s time to (15) share your itinerary, accommodation address, and contact info . You won’t be doing this to brag, but to make sure they know where you are and how to reach you in case of an emergency.

If there’s something that needs constant attention throughout this travel checklist, it’s the (16) charge levels of your batteries . Even when they're just idling, laptops, smartphones, and handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch are slowly but surely sipping power. Topping them up just before you leave ensures they're ready when you actually need them.

Okay, now it’s time to (17) double-check your bag . It's not like anything's escaped between now and the time you've packed it a few days back—this is just to make sure you haven't forgotten anything. Plus, it gives you the chance to make a few tweaks to what you've packed and to squeeze in some last few items if you want to.

After you’ve double-checked—and maybe even triple-checked—your bag, you’re probably feeling a bit tired. Too early to go to bed? It may not be the worst idea to (18) adjust now and prevent jet lag . If you’re traveling to a different time zone, you can prepare yourself for the switch by changing your habits. This includes eating dinner an hour earlier or later (depending on the time difference), and the same goes for your sleep schedule.

This may be the least popular tip on the list, but it's worth doing anyway: (19) clean your house . Think your house is dirty as it is? Imagine it days or weeks later when no one's been home to keep things tidy. Trust us, piled-up laundry (worse: piled-up dirty dishes) only becomes more of a chore after you've come back from your trip, exhausted from all the traveling you just did. Do them now.

You've already cleaned the house, expelling all the dirt off of plates, clothes, and any reachable surfaces. But this is the day before the main event, and there's one more thing (or set of things) to throw out. Have you guessed it? Yep, time to (20) take out the trash and any perishables you have lying in the kitchen and pantry. We support eating as much as you want of the perishables since wasting food is just, well, wasteful.

While you’re in the kitchen, you can go ahead and (21) pack your travel snacks . Airport snacks tend to get pricey, and you won’t believe how much you can save just by bringing your own. Just be mindful to pack foods that are easy to eat, not messy, and don't smell. It’s also worth checking out which foods are considered liquids and need to follow TSA’s 3-1-1 rule (we’re looking at you, goat cheese).

Now, (22) double-check your personal item bag , a.k.a your carry-on. This is to ensure your travel essentials are all there, especially your travel documents and money. After you’ve done that, (23) unplug the electronics you’ve been charging , like your laptop, game console, and power bank. By this point, almost everything is packed up, so (24) put the bags near the door where you can grab them and go.

There are just a few more things to sort out before you hit the hay! Before you go to sleep, (25) check in to your flight to save time at the airport. Most airlines have an app that allows you to check into your flight 24 hours ahead of time. Checking in this early lets you pick a good seat, so do that if you haven't already. If you've been issued a (26) digital boarding pass , take this chance to download it to your phone now to save you the hassle later.

Before you put down your phone for the night, make sure to (27) set an away message for your email . That is, unless you’re traveling for work or working remotely . If this is your vacation, turn off all work-related notifications so you can make the most out of your well-earned rest.

Once you’ve put down the phone, (28) lay out your outfit for the next day . Having your clothes laid out and ready will help speed things up as you’re rushing out the door. We don’t know about you, but we move faster just before we sleep than after we’ve just woken up.

At last, we've finally arrived at the day you've been waiting for. It's the main event: the day you actually leave for your trip. Hopefully, you weren't kept up all night by the excitement for your adventure, though we really can't blame you if you were. At the very least, you can go ahead and (29) eat breakfast or lunch to help stave off any hunger that could lead to unnecessary snack purchases at the airport. After you're done eating, (30) take out any remaining trash and leftovers you still have lying around.

Remember when we said some items need to be packed last? Well, it's time to get those aboard as well. After you've freshened yourself up, (31) pack up your toiletries and place them where you can easily get to them when you get to security. Putting them underneath anything else will hold up the line as you search through your bag to get to them, as TSA officers need to check those fluids to make sure they meet regulations. Bring out your packing checklist and ensure all remaining items are in your bag.

And don't forget about your housemates! Namely, your house plants and pets. (32) Make sure the plants have been watered and the pets have enough food to last until your designated caretaker gets to them.

The next tip will help you save money on electricity. (33) Unplug appliances that won’t be in use while you’re away, as they can still sip a tiny amount of electricity if, say, they have LED indicators. This includes TVs, microwaves, coffee makers, and desktop computers. Plus, unplugging will help prevent any potential fires if something accidentally shorts while you’re away. Speaking of unplugging, make sure you (34) grab your phone , earbuds, or Kindle in case you’re doing any last-minute charging.

Yay! You’re almost out the door. But wait! It’s time for another passport check. (35) Triple-check if you have all of your essential travel documents . You can never be too careful in trying to avoid being that person awkwardly digging through their bag at the last minute just before boarding.

While you’re walking towards the door, make a quick (36) walk-over to the thermostat and reduce the temperature . No one’s going to be home, so there’s no need to rack up a pricey heating bill. Needless to say, keep your pets and indoor plants in mind when you’re adjusting this. At this point, consider doing one last pass over this full travel checklist to make sure you're all set to go.

Got all that? Well then, time to (37) grab your bags and go! Careful not to trip in excitement!

If you’re reading this while you’re on a train or aboard your flight, congratulations! 37 travel checklist to-do’s sound like a lot, but once you’ve completed this travel checklist a few times, it becomes second nature. These are tips we follow ourselves and we haven’t missed a beat ever since. No missing passports, accommodations are on point, and the pets are just as happy to see us as when we left them—and it makes the trip all the more worth it.

This travel checklist is brought to you by the Pack Hacker team. We’ve collected these tips through many fun trips and a couple not so fun ones.

December 20, 2021

Author: Jude Miguel De Leon

Miguel loves road trips and actively takes the scenic route to make things interesting. When he's not behind the wheel with a trunk full of gear, you'll find him tinkering with a computer; a hobby he picked up while watching tech reviews starting at age 12. You'll never see him consider a product without being armed with plenty of product research & testing first.

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21 Life-changing Trips Everyone Should Experience at Least Once

From African safaris to must-visit cities, these once-in-a-lifetime trips will make you want to plan your next great adventure.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

What's next on your travel list? With so many places worth traveling to, it can be hard to narrow down your top spots to visit.

Sometimes, it's the famous attractions, delicious food, and stunning hotels that draw us to a certain destination, and other times, it's the bragging rights that come with checking off every continent, country, or state. Whatever your motivation, we've rounded up 21 incredible trips, complete with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and iconic sights you won't find anywhere else in the world.

So, what makes a trip truly life-changing? That answer varies from traveler to traveler, but one thing is for sure: From African safaris to classic road trips, this list will make you want to plan your next great adventure.

Deciding between the historic cities of Rome, Venice, Naples, and Florence for the top destination to visit feels impossible, so the entire country of Italy deserves a spot on your list. Start in the Eternal City and head north through the rolling hills of Tuscany to visit Florence, followed by Milan or Venice, or go south to the beaches of the beautiful Amalfi Coast and Sicily.

New York, New York

Visiting the Statue of Liberty , standing at the top of the Empire State Building, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge: These are just a few of the things you can only do in New York City. Whether you dream of visiting all the places you've seen on screen, catching a Broadway show, or eating your way through the city's diverse neighborhoods, there's no doubt that NYC deserves a spot on your list.

Tokyo, Japan

Old and new come together in Japan's bustling capital city. Historic temples and shrines, busy shopping districts, delicious food, and some of the world's best theme parks and attractions — whatever your interests, there's something for you in Tokyo.

Paris, France

From watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle and viewing famous works of art at world-renowned museums to eating delicious French pastries, there are innumerable reasons that Paris deserves a spot on your list. Of course, other dreamy French destinations like Mont-Saint-Michel, Chamonix, and the Riviera are well worth a visit, too.

Busy medinas, intricate architecture, and a unique combination of cultural influences make Morocco unlike anywhere else on the planet. Whether you're traveling to bustling Marrakesh, pretty coastal cities, or remote desert towns (or hopefully, all three), a trip to Morocco is bound to be one to remember.

Monica Farber/Travel + Leisure

From the whitewashed homes of Santorini to the Ios party scene to the relaxing atmosphere of Milos, there's a perfect Greek Island for every type of traveler. Island hopping gives you the chance to experience more of what the country has to offer, but plan to spend a couple of days in Athens at the beginning and/or end of your trip.

T+L Backpack Quiz

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

Machu Picchu

Seeing the historic ruins of the Incan Empire set among the breathtaking Andes at Machu Picchu is an undeniably life-changing experience. The stunning citadel ruins of Machu Picchu are worth the journey — and for some travelers, that trip, often taken by train or on foot as a multi-day trek , is a big part of the experience. Editor’s note: Machu Picchu is currently closed due to civil unrest in Peru. Visit the  official website  for the latest news and reopening details.

African Safari

Seeing majestic animals like lions, elephants, and rhinos in the wild is a dream best accomplished with an African safari . South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Kenya are among the most popular safari destinations — and in each of those countries, you'll find incredible lodges and tour operators who can help you spot these creatures in their natural habitat.

Whether you dream of cruising down the famed Nile River, seeing the Pyramids of Giza, or visiting the ancient Valley of the Kings, Egypt's historic wonders make the destination completely unique (and worthy of a spot on your travel list).

Unlike many of the action-packed trips on this list, the Maldives is synonymous with relaxation, luxury, and romance. A stay in an overwater bungalow set atop turquoise blue waters is the ultimate getaway that's worth the long-haul flight and oftentimes pricey accommodations.

Antarctica Cruise

Hoping to visit all seven continents? Cross Antarctica off your list with a cruise. Several major cruise lines have journeys to Antarctica, offering incredible views of the ice and wildlife from the comfort and safety of a ship. Travelers typically fly in and out of Buenos Aires en route to Ushuaia (where most cruises depart from); we recommend spending a few days in the fascinating Argentine city before your expedition.

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

Dubbed one of the natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is a can't-miss for many wildlife lovers. Of course, Australia's gorgeous coastline, the iconic Sydney Opera House, and fuzzy creatures like kangaroos and koalas are also reasons to head to the destination. Fly into Sydney and spend a few days there before heading out to explore more of this expansive country teeming with natural beauty.

Galapagos Islands

Incredible and diverse plant and animal species make the Galapagos Islands another must-visit for nature-loving travelers. This stunning archipelago off the coast of Ecuador is best explored by cruise, so you can take in as many breathtaking landscapes and animals as possible during your trip.

Like the other countries on this list, India has countless destinations worth exploring, but one of the most famous attractions that travelers dream of seeing for themselves is the Taj Mahal. This 17th-century white marble mausoleum has drawn visitors to Agra for years. Luxury travelers might consider a train trip aboard the Maharajas' Express (with a stop at the Taj Mahal) as the ultimate experience. Travelers planning to visit the Taj Mahal or take the luxurious train ride will want to fly into Delhi, India's capital territory.

Petra, Jordan

The stunning ancient city of Petra is made up of several impressive structures carved into sandstone rock faces, including the famous Al-Khazneh. The city dates back thousands of years, making this UNESCO World Heritage site a must-visit for history buffs.

Passing through India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Bhutan, and Nepal, the Himalayas are home to some of the world's highest peaks — and that means breathtaking mountain views, too. For adventurous and active travelers, climbing Mount Everest (or at least trekking to Everest Base Camp) is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

American National Park Road Trip

The classic American road trip is a mainstay on many travelers' lists — and for good reason. The country's incredible national parks , including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite, are best explored on road trips with stops at charming small towns and kitschy roadside attractions.

Great Wall of China

Stretching across China for thousands of miles, with sections dating back nearly 2,000 years, the Great Wall is regarded as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Visitors can hike along parts of the wall — some areas are located within driving distance of Beijing, so it's a perfect day trip from the city.

Easter Island

The hundreds of monolithic moai statues have drawn curious visitors to Easter Island for years. This remote Polynesian island is worth the lengthy trip for travelers hoping to see these impressive human figures, while also soaking in some incredible coastal views.

Northern Lights Trip

Catching a glimpse of the elusive northern lights is possible in several destinations close to the Arctic Circle, including Alaska, Iceland, Canada, Greenland, Finland, Sweden, and Norway. All of these places have incredible viewpoints (and even hotels where you can see the phenomenon from your bed ), in addition to great, wintry scenery. (The lights are best viewed from late fall through early spring.)

Thailand and Vietnam

A trip through Southeast Asia is a must for any traveler, especially foodies who love street eats. While you could spend weeks in each of these countries, Thailand and Vietnam can easily be paired for an exciting trip packed with lush scenery, cultural experiences, and delicious food. Have a little extra time to spare? Add Cambodia to the mix and include a visit to expansive Angkor Wat.

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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 .

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 .

10 Secrets I Learned Working in a Hotel

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. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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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

187 Published Articles

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

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

41 Published Articles 3364 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 50 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

General packing tips & tricks, 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.

Key Takeaways

• Essential items include travel documents, credit cards, toiletries, medications, electronics, and chargers. With these, you are ready for everything.
• Pack versatile clothing, comfortable shoes, and travel-sized versions of your favorite products to save space and stay organized.
• Utilize packing cubes and a travel checklist to ensure you remember everything and maximize your luggage space.

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 the 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.

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 >>  📋

Before you even take your suitcase out of the closet

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. 

When you’ve done your prep and you’re almost ready to pack

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 .

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Groups descriptions, travel planning.

These are travel planning checklist items such as checking for travel warnings, renewing your passport, and checking entry requirements for visas.  These items take a little bit more time to do and have a big impact on your trip so you would need to do them as soon as possible.

Pre-Trip Preparation

These are pre-trip preparation items that you would do prior to your trip such as putting your mail on hold, arranging for someone to look after your house or your pets.

Just Before You Leave

These are items that you would do in the day or so prior to your trip.  These are things such as throwing away any perishable food, setting up lights on timers, turning on your out of office on your email, watering your plants, take out your garbage, etc.

Identification and Paperwork

These are items related to identification and paperwork.  These include key items such as passports, birth certificate, travel insurance, cash, and credit cards.

These are items related to what you want to pack in your carry on bags.  These include key items such as passports, ear phones, neck pillow, etc.

Suitcases and Bags

These are suitcase and bags items.  These are items such as large suitcase, carry-on suitcas, toiletry bag, golf bag, and luggage cart.

Womens Clothes

These are Womens Clothes items such as fitted jackets, blouses, sweaters, jeans, skirts, etc.

Mens Clothes

These are Mens Clothes items such as t-shirts, sports jackets, pajamas, neck ties, shorts, jeans, etc.

Cold Weather Clothes

These are cold weather clothes items for when you take trips to cold weather destinations in the winter.  These items include scarfs, thermal underwear, knit cap, and gloves.

These are footwear items.  We have footwear items for all occasions such as walking shoes, dress shoes, high-heel shoes, cowboy boots, slippers, etc.

These are outerwear items.  Depending on the climate of where you are travelling to you will need different outerwear.  These include items such as parka, jacket, windbreaker, or hoodie.

These are swimwear items that you would take on your trip if you are going on a beach or go swimming.  These are items such as bathing suites, swim goggles, towels, etc.

These are headwear items.  Depending on where you are going will make you decide on what headwear to bring.  These are items such as baseball capes, knit caps, sun hats, and headband.

These are eyewear items.  Whether or not you need corrective lenses, you will probably have eyewear.  These are items such as eye glasses, contact lens, sun glasses, etc.

Bathroom Kit

These are items that you would bring as part of your bathroom kit.  This includes items such as soap, makeup, shampoo, conditioner, dental floss, toothbrush, hair brush, nail brush, hand lotion, etc.

These are items that you would bring to do your makeup.  This includes items such as eye liner, foundation, etc.

These are jewelry items that you would consider bringing on your trip.  These are things such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and watches.

Electronics

These are electronics items.  These are things such as your iPhone, phone charge, Android phone, tablet computer, iPad, laptop computer, flash drives, Kindle, etc.

Photography Equipment

These are photography items.  These are items that you would take if you are going to take photographs with something other than your camera.  This includes digital camera, memory cars, tripod, lenses, lens clothes, etc.

Medical Supplies

These are medical supply items.  These are items such as prescription medications, bandages, aspirin, ibuprofen, antacid, vitamins, sunscreen, wheelchair, etc.

Assorted Items

These are assorted items that you may want to take on your trip.  These are things such as pen, paper, laundry soap, umbrella, sewing kit, books, corkscrew, bible, etc.

These are items that you would take if you are travelling with a baby or young child.  These are items such as baby clothes, diapers, wipes, baby powder, bibs, diaper bag, baby wash, sippy cups, car seats, etc.

Business Travel

These are items related to business travel.  These are items such as briefcase, presentation materials, merchandise saples, business cards, laptop computer and cables, etc.

Running Wear

These are running wear items that you may want to take on your trip if you will be running or jogging.  These items include running shoes, running socks, sweat pants, running shorts, etc.

Sun Destinations

These are items that you may want to take with you if you are travelling to a sunny destination or going to the beach.  These items include things like beach towels, snorkel and mask, beach umbrella, drink cooler, beach mat, coverup, etc.

Ski Destinations

These are items that you may want to take with you if you are travelling to a ski resort or going skiing.  These items include things like skis, ski poles, ski tickets, helmet, ski jacket, ski pants, thermal underwear, etc.

Camping Supplies

These are items that you may want to take with you if you are going camping.  These items include things like sleeping bags, pillow, tent, cot, food, utensils, cooler, chairs, etc.

Golf Equipment

These are items that you may want to take with you if you are going golfing on your trip.  These items include golf clubs, golf bag, golf cart, golf balls, golf shoes, etc.

Scuba Diving Equipment

These are items that you may want to take with you if you are going scuba diving on your trip.  These items include mask, fins, booties, wetsuit, weights, BCD, air tanks, dive knife, etc.

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5 things we would get from Good Housekeeping's Family Travel Awards list

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Good Housekeeping has unveiled its Family Travel Awards for 2024 , offering insights for families planning their next adventure. The list, curated by a panel of experts, highlights the best travel destinations, accommodations and products designed to make family vacations smoother, more enjoyable and filled with unforgettable memories.

Related video above — Rossen Reports: Travel agents vs. DIY booking; who saves more?

From innovative travel gear that simplifies packing to resorts that go above and beyond in catering to young children, the list serves as a guide for parents looking to maximize their travel experiences.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long-haul journey, these top picks promise to enhance your trip:

Here are five standout recommendations from Good Housekeeping’s Family Travel Awards that will undoubtedly make your next family vacation the best one yet.

Samsonite Elevation Plus Hardside Carry-On Spinner : Bring stylish convenience on your next journey with this sleek carry-on from Samsonite. Keep your most important essentials within reach with the innovative QuickEntry pocket, featuring air-mesh sleeves that safely hold up to a 15-inch standard-size laptop and a 13-inch tablet. The case’s interior offers sturdy packing capabilities, keeping your belongings organized and secure while on the go. Click here to shop this suitcase.

Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Solid Hard-Sided Spinner Luggage : Child-friendly in both style and size, this Pottery Barn Kids hardside luggage is made of lightweight ABS plastic and has an adjustable handle to grow alongside kids. It’s ideal for children ages 7 and up and many testers said it was useful and their kids enjoyed using it. Head to the Pottery Barn Kids online store today to learn more.

Ecoflow Power Station : This is an excellent option for families that love camping. Plug in lamps, laptops, cameras and more with this portable power station from EcoFlow. It boasts a claimed charging time of just one hour and can even be recharged on the go via solar panels, USB-C, in-car charging or AC outlets. A convenient carrying handle makes it easy to transport, and a variety of ports and plugs let everyone charge their devices. Check it out on Amazon today .

Calpak Compression Packing Cubes : These cubes are the perfect solution for over-packers — especially those who want to fit several days’ worth of clothing into a carry-on. Calpak’s cubes expand for packing, then compress to take up less space in your bag. Click here to learn more on the Calpak website.

Radio Flyer Trav-ler Stroll 'N Wagon : Traveling to a theme park, big city, national park or any destination that requires a lot of walking? This is the perfect solution for kiddos who can't handle heavy walking just yet. Not only does Radio Flyer’s wagon fold compactly for families on the go, but it also has plenty of storage to transport all the things kids need. Add it to your Amazon cart now!

For more coverage of our fall travel favorites, click here .

Pre-travel Checklist: 24 Things To Help You Get Ready For Your Next Trip

• Post last modified: June 8, 2021
• Post author: Nicole

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It’s an exciting time. You finally picked a destination, and your flights are booked. Yay! Now the planning really starts. There’s a ton to get done before your trip. Don’t worry, we’ve put together everything you need to prepare for your trip in this easy pre-travel checklist. Useful for both domestic and international travel, these 24 essential things will help get you ready and organized for a great trip.

You may find it helpful to bookmark this page in your browser’s Travel Planning folder so you can find it easily when you need it. Also, we’ve included a handy printable version you can download at the bottom of this post. Happy trip planning!

1. Check ID Expiry & Passport Pages

First things first, no one is going anywhere with expired travel documents. 

If you’re traveling internationally, check your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return flight date. Most countries won’t honor a passport with less than six months validity.

Some countries are picky and require a full clean passport page, especially for visas. Therefore the U.S. State Department recommends having at least two blank pages in your passport. And trust us, they won’t use the endorsement pages in the back.

2. Research Visa Requirements

A biggie for international trips on our pre-travel checklist is to completely understand visa and entry requirements. As many visas take weeks to sort out via an embassy, you’ll want to look into this straight away.

Even if a visa is not required, check if a Travel Authorization is necessary. For example, both Australia and the USA require authorizations for visa exempt travelers before boarding.

This caught out a friend of mine. Unaware of the US ESTA requirement, she was turned away at the gate for her flight to Hawaii. Once the ESTA was granted, she had to re-book on a later flight, at her expense. Yikes!

3. Book Accommodation

It’s rare we book accommodation for our entire trip, as we don’t tend to stay in the same area too long. However, we always sort where we are going to lay our heads that first night.

When traveling there’s so much that can go wrong. We’ve had situations where delay after delay put us at our destination very late at night. Boy, were we grateful to know where we were going when we finally got there.

Booking.com makes searching for the best price across a range of accommodation easy. We’ve been using them since 2008.

4. Arrange Travel Insurance with Medical Coverage

There’s nothing more heartbreaking to your travel spirit than having to cancel a trip, except canceling a trip you still have to pay for.

Travel Insurance is a life saver, literally. Not only can it help financially with cancellations, delays, and lost luggage; the right insurance can help with unexpected medical bills. Most domestic insurance plans don’t provide help with overseas medical care.

When looking for travel insurance, make sure it has healthcare coverage that includes medical and emergency repatriation.

5. Refill Your Meds and Check Local Laws

Obviously, you want to make sure you have enough of your prescription to make it through your trip. However, did you know some prescriptions and even over-the-counter medications can be illegal in other countries?

You may need proof of your prescription with you on your travels. In some cases, you may even need to get prior authorization to travel with your medication. Speak with your destination’s embassy to find out what they require.

6. Get Up to Date on Vaccinations

The new talk is about potential Covid vaccination passports. However, travelers to certain areas of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and South America know vaccination requirements are already a thing. 

Not only should you be up to date with all the standard vaccinations, when traveling internationally check what other vaccinations your destination requires. These may depend on where you live, where else you’ve traveled, and how long you will be there.

Also, consider getting the recommended vaccinations for the area. For example, Hepatitis A & B are rarely required but strongly recommended for most developing nations. Check your government’s travel health advisory (i.e., CDC for US residents, NHS for UK residents) for specific guidance on where you want to travel.

Don’t leave this one until last minute either. Some vaccinations need to be done at least a month before travel.

7. Decide How to Get to the Airport

Will you drive or take an Uber? If you’re driving, check parking fees. Will you park at the airport or at an off-airport lot? Is there a discount for booking early?

Though the US has websites to find discount parking at airports, we’ve personally not found any better deals than just pre-booking directly with our local airport.

However, in the UK we loved yourparkingspace.co.uk , where locals advertise parking spots on their property. Often, it’s much cheaper than parking at the airport.

8. Getting Around Your Destination

Since we are already talking about transportation, the next item on our pre-travel checklist is to work out how you’re going to get around at your destination.

Are you going to rent a car or use public transportation? Do you need to arrange an airport pick-up? Are you going to use any long-distance buses or trains? Usually, you’ll find discounts when you book between 1 – 3 months before your travel.

In the US and Europe, we’ve always had great luck using Rentalcars.com to book our car hire.

9. Get an International Driver's License

If you’re going to drive overseas, you’ll likely need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to accompany your home country’s driver’s license.

Honestly, I find these things a bit silly, since there’s no test, it’s just another fee to pay. However, without it most countries won’t recognize your license and it does help translate your license into some languages. Though, not all countries recognize an IDP, so check before you buy.

You must buy an IDP in the country where you hold a valid driver’s license.

• US driver’s license holders can purchase from AAA.
• UK driving license holders can purchase at most post offices.
• Canadian driver’s license holders can purchase from BCAA.

10. Sort Your Money

This is one of the most essential items on our pre-travel checklist. If you’re traveling domestically your biggest concern maybe ATM fees, especially if you use a local bank. However, if you’re traveling internationally there’s a lot more to consider.

• Find a card/bank without foreign transaction fees nor ATM fees.
• Make sure the card(s) you plan to use are accepted at your destination. Not every country readily uses credit cards. Even when they do, brands like American Express and Discover are not widely accepted.
• Always having some local cash on hand will make sure you don’t get stuck. Keep in mind, if you need to order foreign currency, this could take up to a week with your bank.

11. Inform Your Bank and Credit Cards

Yet another one we learned the hard way. Make sure your bank and credit cards know where you’re traveling and your travel dates. This is especially important if you don’t travel often, or you’re traveling to a high-risk area.

When we were in South America, we tried using Jeremy’s credit card for a rental car. He hadn’t let the bank know ahead of time, so the bank rejected the transaction and locked the card. When he called to explain the situation, they required him to come into a local branch to verify ID. Of course, this was impossible and super unhelpful. We would have been in real trouble if we didn’t have my card as a backup.

12. Buy an Adapter

Before heading overseas, check which plug type your destination uses.

If you plan to bring any electronics that need to plug in, like a phone or battery charger, you may need a plug adapter. These inexpensive gadgets are often challenging to find once overseas. We use a worldwide adapter, like this one on Amazon .

Also, check your destination’s voltage. These days, most travel items, like laptops and cell phones, have 95-240 VAC compliant plugs. However, it’s important you check. A plug adapter is not a voltage converter and using the wrong voltage can literally blow up your electronics.

Universal Travel Adapter

Travel Voltage Converter

13. make copies of your documents.

We make three copies of our travel documents, including passports and driver’s licenses.

• One hard copy we keep hidden on us for emergencies.
• A second copy we give to a trustworthy friend or relative.
• The third is an electronic copy we keep in our online cloud storage.

We also make a list of emergency contact numbers, including credit cards, banks, and the closest embassy or consulate.

Finally, we keep hard copies of travel tickets, even when we have tickets on our cell phones. What happens if we can’t access our email, or the phone glitches? We’ve also had situations where the airline/train company, etc., wouldn’t accept a digital ticket.

14. Arrange Pet Sitting

Obviously, if you don’t have pets, this isn’t something you need to worry about, but with three cats, this is high on our pre-travel checklist when planning any trip.

For short trips, we use an in-home pet service. For longer trips, we use a kitty condo boarding service. It’s pricey but worth the extra peace of mind they won’t be getting into anything while we are away. These may look like sweet faces, but trust me, it’s just a cover.

15. Prepare Your Home

When we lived in an apartment it was so easy to take off for a few weeks; we’d turn off the gas and water, and off we’d go. However, living in a house is very different. Newspapers and mail pile up and the lawn grows out of control. To ensure the house doesn’t look like an easy break-in target we have to arrange these things to be managed before we go.

For a full list of items to check through, see our article on Preparing Your Home for Your Trip .

16. Consider Your Safety

Traveling to an unfamiliar city or foreign land is extremely exciting; though, it can also be dangerous. The best way to stay safe is by staying informed.

• Research crime rates, specifically tourist crime, and which areas to avoid.
• As a U.S. national, I also register with the US State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This program registers my trip with the local embassy in my destination, in case of a natural disaster for instance. They also send me safety updates for my destination.
• Give a loved one your itinerary. Even if we can’t give specifics, which is usually the case, we give general timelines on where we’ll be.
• Consider letting your accommodation know where you’re going and when you should be back. We only do this for remote adventures. For instance, I vividly remember getting lost in a Borneo jungle. It was somewhat comforting knowing the small guest house owner knew where we were. Luckily, it all worked out and we made it back before causing any concern. 

17. Figure Out How to Stay Connected

Will your phone work where you are going? Does your carrier have an economical international plan, or do you need to buy a SIM card while you are there? Does your phone allow tethering, or will you rent or buy a mobile hotspot?

How readily available is Wi-Fi? Will it be available in your hotel or at nearby cafes? If you plan on using public Wi-Fi, you may also want to bring your own VPN to keep your data safe.

18. Work Out Your Must Do List

Okay, so now that we’ve worked out all the serious stuff on the pre-travel checklist, let’s get down to the fun stuff! What do you want to do while you’re there? 

Though we are not advocates for planning every detail of a trip, we like to have our minimum “must see list”. Remember, it’s easy to miss what you don’t know is there. Do your research ahead of time and mitigate any traveler’s remorse.

19. Research Photo Spots

This one is for my fellow photography addicts. To get those great shots it takes a little more research than just putting something on a “must see” list. To make the most of your trip, figure out the best sunrise and sunset spots. Plus, work out the best time of day for lighting at your “must see” attractions. 

20. Consider What to Pack

I have a love-hate relationship with packing.

The part of me that loves it, enjoys the planning side. Okay, fine, it’s actually more the shopping side of the task I love most. But, a lot of planning goes into shopping, am I right? I have to consider the climate and what gear we already have. It’s a lot of work.

The part I don’t care much for is the actual packing. To reduce the stress of packing, we use a packing checklist. Here you can grab a free copy of our Couples’ Weekend Away Packing List .

21. Decide on Luggage

Now you know what you need to pack, the next thing on our pre-travel checklist is to decide what bag(s) to bring.

Depending on where we are going and how we are traveling, determines what bag we use. Also, we always check baggage allowances early. If the bag we want to bring won’t work for the trip, then we have time to buy another one. 

To see our favorite travel luggage, check out our post Right Bag for the Right Trip .

22. Learn a Few Basic Phrases

When you’re going someplace where you don’t know the local language, it’s always useful to learn a few key phrases.

At the very least, bring a phrase book. I personally like point-and-speak phrase books, like Yubisahi’s English to Japanese point-and-speak book. By far this was the most useful book I had with me living in Japan.

If you’ll have internet service on your phone, set up the free Google Translator app. Use the camera function to translate signs and menus. So helpful!

A few phrases to know by heart include:

• Hello / Goodbye
• Please / Thank you
• Sorry / Excuse me
• I don’t understand

Japanese Point and Speak Phrase Book

French Picture Phrase Book

Spanish Picture Phrase Book

Italian Picture Phrase Book

23. download some tunes.

Traveling is stressful, especially dealing with airports. One way to keep chill is by listening to your favorite tunes. Create playlists for the airport, something to sleep to on a long flight, something for lounging at the pool, and of course an anthem for the road trip.

I love to road trip to 90’s tunes – give me some Wallflowers, Smashing Pumpkins, Sound Garden, and Matchbox Twenty, traffic just fades away. What’s your favorite music to travel to?

24. Plan the First and Last Day

Often overlooked, the last item on our pre-travel checklist is so important.

Have a plan for your first day. You should know where you’re staying and how you’re getting there from the airport. Also consider what time you can check in. If you arrive before check in, is there a safe location to leave your bags as you go out and explore?

On your last day, consider what time you need to check out of your hotel vs when you actually fly out. Can you get a late check out? Is there a safe place to leave your bags?

Download the Pre-Travel Checklist

Download a printable copy of this pre-travel checklist to plan your next trip.

See our Travel Resources Page for more travel planning and packing guides.

We recommend and use these companies to arrange our travel plans; they make travel planning easy and affordable. If you have questions on our experiences, feel free to ask us !

• Book Flights: Skyscanner
• Book Accommodation: Booking.com
• Book Rental Cars: Rentalcars.com
• Buy Travel Gear: Amazon

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I’ve always said that I’m not really a bucket list type person. I like to be open to whatever travel experiences come my way. You might not even know what your new favorite is! Plus, to me bucket lists have an air of finality about them…maybe it’s because of that movie The Bucket List .

Regardless, I’ve always had a mental bucket list full of places I want to go, foods I want to eat, and experiences to have when traveling. I’ve held off on writing it all down because I just knew it would be so dang long and always growing. Anyway, here we are! I’ll be crossing things off this list as I do them and linking to any blog posts where I share my experiences. If you want to use this to get some ideas of unforgettable travel experiences, feel free to Pin it for later! Let’s get into my ultimate bucket list for travel.

United States

• See fall foliage in New England
• Witness the first sunrise in the US at Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park in Maine
• Go to a Red Sox game in Fenway, the oldest baseball park in the US

• Visit NYC during Christmas
• Go inside the Vessel in NYC
• Eat at Katz’s Deli in NYC
• Have a drink at Sardi’s in NYC
• See a show on Broadway

• Visit the Museum of Science and Technology in Chicago
• Watch the Chicago River turn green for St. Patrick’s Day
• Explore the Smithsonian museums in Washington DC
• Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway in fall (Virginia and North Carolina)
• Tour Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina , the largest mansion in the US

• Visit Charleston, South Carolina
• Walk and drive Wormsloe Historic Site in Savannah, Georgia
• Take a ghost tour of Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia
• Photograph Driftwood Beach in Jekyll Island, Georgia
• Attend Oktoberfest in Helen, Georgia
• Explore Atlanta

• Go kayaking in bioluminescent water in Florida
• Visit Walt Disney World with my family
• Experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando
• Travel to Miami
• Go snorkeling at Dry Tortugas and Biscayne National Parks
• Visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras
• Visit a Space Center (Houston and/or Florida)
• Road trip the Utah National Parks

• Hike the red rocks in Sedona, Arizona
• Stargaze in the first ever dark sky city (Flagstaff, Arizona)
• See the Wave in Page, Arizona
• Visit Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon in Arizona
• Explore Los Angeles (my hometown) to the fullest ( see my rediscovery trip to LA here )

• Take a California Pacific Coast Highway road trip
• Tour the Winchester Mystery House
• Witness the frazil ice in Yosemite National Park
• Be a tourist in San Francisco
• Celebrate my 21st birthday in Las Vegas (or go big at one of these international 21st birthday destinations )
• Marvel at Fly Ranch Geyser in Nevada
• Road trip the Pacific Northwest, specifically Oregon
• Eat well at Pike Place Market in Seattle
• Visit Glacier National Park
• Drive Hana Highway in Maui, Hawaii
• Scuba diving in Hawaii
• Take an Alaskan cruise
• Go dog sledding in Alaska

>> Related Read: 45+ Things to Do on the West Coast

Other North America

• Experience Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, Mexico
• Take a chocolate tour in Costa Rica
• Scuba dive in the Caribbean
• Take an all-inclusive trip to Martinique
• Visit the Canadian Rockies
• Try poutine in Canada

South America

• See the Bolivian Salt Flats
• Take a small Amazon cruise
• See the world’s highest waterfall called Angel Falls in Venezuela
• Visit the Galapagos Islands
• See Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil
• Hike the Inca Trail in Peru to see Machu Picchu
• Rainbow Mountain, Peru
• Photograph Las Lajas Sanctuary in Colombia
• See Easter Island statues
• Hike part of Patagonia
• Drive the Golden Circle in Iceland
• Drive Ring Road in Iceland
• Camp in a campervan in Iceland
• Scuba dive between tectonic plates in Iceland
• Marvel at architecture in Spain
• See the colorful coast in Portugal
• Changing of the guards in London
• Visit the British Museum
• Live out my wizard dreams at Harry Potter Studio Tour in London
• Go on a pub crawl in Dublin
• Walk along the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland

• Visit Edinburgh, Scotland
• Travel over the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland (again to live out my Hogwarts Express wizard dreams)
• Visit Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland
• Visit Mont St. Michel in France
• Beaches of Normandy, France
• Explore the French coast
• Go up the Eiffel Tower in Paris
• Tour the Catacombs in Paris
• Explore the Louvre in Paris

Related read >> Paris itinerary for 4 days

• Take a food tour in France
• Return to a French language institute to master French
• Ride a gondola in Venice, Italy
• See the Duomo at sunrise in Florence, Italy
• Go inside the Colosseum in Rome, Italy
• Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy
• Tour the Vatican
• Tour Pompeii, Italy

• Take a cooking class in Italy
• Visit an olive oil press in Tuscany, Italy
• Swim in the Saturnia Hot Springs in Tuscany, Italy
• Visit the Dolomites in Italy
• Literally just go to Monaco
• Visit the “top of Europe” at Jungfraujoch in Switzerland
• Go to the top of Mount Pilatus
• Visit the Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland
• Eat Swiss chocolate
• Go paragliding in Switzerland

• Visit a palace in Austria…I’m not picky, Schonbrunn, Belvedere, or the Hofburg will do.
• See an opera in Vienna, Austria
• Trek through Eisriesenwelt ice cave in Austria
• Visit Admont Abbey Library in Austria
• See the real-life Disney castle Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany
• Tour a concentration camp in memoriam
• Go to the Christmas Markets in Europe
• Visit my family’s old hometown in Poland
• Take a Baltic cruise in northern Europe
• Visit the Lofoten Islands in Norway in winter to see the Northern Lights
• Explore Amsterdam

• See the Japanese cherry blossoms
• Ride the bullet train (Shinkansen) in Japan
• Visit the Studio Ghibli Museum in Tokyo, Japan
• Eat at the Robot Restaurant in Japan
• Attend a tea ceremony in Japan
• Hike Mount Fuji
• Take a stroll through a bamboo forest in Japan

• Walk on the Great Wall of China
• See the Terracotta Army in China
• Tour the Forbidden City in China
• Visit Potola Palace in China
• See Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in China
• See Longmen Grottoes and/or Yungang Grottoes in China
• Visit Lijiang, China, an old and historic city
• See Detian Falls in Vietnam
• Go scuba diving in Thailand
• Tour the White Temple in Thailand
• Visit the floating markets in Thailand
• Ethically spend time with elephants in Thailand
• Visit Angor Wat and other temples in Cambodia
• Hang out in the Red Square in Russia
• Visit the State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia
• See Winter and Catherine Palaces in Russia
• Eat chocolate while hiking the Chocolate Hills in the Philippines
• Visit Puerto Princessa Subterranean River National Park in the Philippines
• Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and not have anything stolen by monkeys in Ubud, Indonesia
• Take a boat to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple in Indonesia
• Stay in an eco-friendly treehouse at one of the many rice terraces in Indonesia
• Go on a stereotypical swing in Bali, Indonesia
• Scuba dive at Manta Point in Indonesia
• Hike to the epic Kanto Lampo Waterfall in Indonesia
• Visit the Taj Mahal in Agra, India
• See Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, India
• See one of the majestic forts in India
• Stay in an overwater bungalow in the Maldives
• Snorkel or scuba dive in the Maldives
• See sting rays in the Maldives

Middle East

• Visit the Pink Mosque in Shiraz, Iran
• Visit the Golestan Museum in Tehran, Iran
• Tour the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Esfahan, Iran
• See Jame’a Mosque of Isfahan in Iran
• See Narikala Fortress in Georgia
• See the ancient cave city of Vardzia in Georgia
• See Gergeti Trinity Church in Oni, Georgia
• Visit the Egypt Museum in Cairo, Egypt
• Cruise the Nile River
• See the Great Pyramids of Giza
• Stroll the Khan el-Khalili market in Cairo, Egypt
• Explore the Abu Simbel Temples at the southern end of Egypt
• Wander the Luxor Temple in Egypt
• Visit the Temple of Hatshepsut
• Tour the White Desert in Egypt
• Visit the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens in Egypt

• Go on my Birthright Israel trip
• Float in the Dead Sea
• Visit Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem, Israel
• Place a prayer in the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Israel

• Visit Petra in Jordan
• Spend a night or two in the Wadi Rum desert
• Tour Hagia Sofia in Istanbul, Turkey
• Visit the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey
• Stroll the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey
• Visit Cappadocia and ride a hot air balloon
• Bathe in the salt pools at Pamukkale in Turkey
• Stay in a riad in Morocco
• Visit the blue city of Chefchaouen, Morocco
• Visit Fes, Morocco for a less touristy experience
• Take a Sahara Desert tour
• Visit a tannery in Morocco
• See the tree-climbing goats in Morocco
• Visit Amboseli National Park in Kenya
• Go on safari
• Stay in Giraffe Manor for a night in Kenya
• See the Baobab trees in Africa
• Visit Sarengeti National Park in Tanzania
• Watch the penguins in South Africa
• Visit the Pink Lake in Senegal
• Trek with gorillas in Uganda
• Visit Hobbiton in New Zealand
• See the glowworm caves in New Zealand
• Trek part of Milford Sound in New Zealand
• Visit Fjordland National Park in New Zealand

• Go scuba diving or snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns, Australia
• Explore Sydney, Australia
• Visit Litchfield National Park in Australia
• See The Pinnacles Desert in Australia
• Watch a penguin parade in Australia

• Take a cruise in Antarctica

General Travel

• Take a solo trip abroad
• Take a hot air balloon ride
• See and photograph the Northern Lights
• Ride a camel in the desert
• Go on a group trip
• Visit Asia with my family

• Stay in an ice cave
• Have a meal underwater
• Have dinner in a cave
• Go spelunking

Like this post? Check out these other epic adventures:

• 100 things to do in Georgia
• Unforgettable 5 day itinerary for Los Angeles
• How to plan an awesome vacation
• Epic 7 day itinerary for New Zealand’s North Island
• How to find the best things to do on vacation
• Best places to visit in the US in summer
• How to travel alone for the first time (your guide to solo group trips)

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My Travel Essentials

• Travel Insurance  – Going on an international trip? Don’t forget travel and medical insurance with SafetyWing .
• Travel Card  – If you’re new to travel hacking, fear not! My favorite card for beginners gives you $750 in rewards when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months, plus lounge access, 10x points on hotel bookings, and free TSA pre-check!
• Get Your Guide  – Check out Get Your Guide for a one-stop-shop for booking travel activities.
• Booking.com  – This is my favorite hotel search aggregator, specifically for reading reviews. On Booking.com , the reviews can be searched for keywords like WiFi, breakfast, pool, amenities, etc.! So helpful!
• Anti-pickpocket bag – Worried about having your valuables swiped? PacSafe makes the best travel bags with zippers and straps that lock and with mesh steel enforced fabric.
• Give the Gift of Travel  – This is the perfect gift for travelers in your life! Tinggly allows you to gift experiences around the world, perfect for birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries.
• Staycation Idea  – Check out Resort Pass , which gives you day passes to resorts so you can use their pool, spa, and fitness center, a great staycation idea!

Recent PhD graduate and hyper-planner of Periodic Adventures. I share detailed travel itineraries and guides that you can use to plan your trips -- complete with practical tips, estimated costs, navigation info, and everything else you need to spend more time traveling, and less time worrying.

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Just added Iceland to my bucket list after reading about the stunning landscapes and Northern Lights experience. Your post has given me so much inspiration to start planning my next adventure!

I’m so glad to hear that! My list is always growing and changing, too.

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Pack Faster & Better With This Universal Printable Packing List

• Updated: 04/08/2024

Use this free universal packing list for any trip , including road and city trips or lengthier hiking, international, or beach getaways.

I am on a constant quest to streamline all the prep that needs to happen before travel. And am a fan of getting there and having fun, not of all the tiresome things that need to happen before we leave.

So, I created this family-friendly universal packing list , ideal for carry-on or checked-bag travelers. Find the downloadable and printable list below.

Table Of Contents

Universal packing list printable.

Put away the panic of pre-trip prep with this printable packing list . I love reusable and comprehensive checklists because they let me turn my overloaded brain off and go fully automatic when getting ready for a trip. 

Download or print the easier-to-read packing list plus a medical kit with a larger font size that prints to three pages. Or opt to download and print the same list with a smaller font that prints to two pages. 

• Easier-to-read with larger font Universal Packing List & Medical Kit (3 pages)
• Universal Packing List (on one page) & Medical Kit (2 pages)

How This List Works

Download and print the list. Write the number of each item needed. Check off the items as you pack them.  Because I designed the list to include several types of travelers—solo, business, family, and long-term—depending on which type you are and whether you plan to travel light or check a bag , you may not need every item listed.

Sign up for my monthly Discovery Newsletter & get a free Trip Budget Calculator !

Pros & Cons of Carry-On Vs. Checking a Bag

Which camp you fall into— carry-on or checked bag —when you fly depends heavily on your travel preferences and priorities.

Most frequent travelers I know are strictly carry-on only for these five reasons:

• Faster exits from airports
• Nearly eliminating the chance of lost luggage
• No or low bag fees
• Greater transportation flexibility to change flights at the last minute due to delays or cancellations
• Easier maneuverability

However, we are firmly a checked-bag family . We choose to check bags for these reasons: 

• To bring massive amounts of our own dermatologist-recommended sunscreen to protect our fair-skinned family.  
• Pack more clothes so we can minimize spending valuable vacation time doing laundry .
• To ensure more relaxed packing . A no-holds-barred checked bag gives us ample room for extras , such as a foldable yoga mat or a complete medical kit .

Although we have experienced complications with delayed or damaged checked bags over the years, the issues have yet to be insurmountable . And sometimes, baggage delays when they happen—lead to unexpected shopping trips and memorable souvenirs.

Plus, since we always carry valuables and essential items with us , avoid problematic connecting flights , and always buy trip insurance , which includes lost baggage coverage, we feel comfortable continuing to roll the dice and taking a chance checking our bags.

When I travel independently with friends, especially on shorter trips, I almost exclusively fly carry-on. My preferred TSA-compliant bag is the hybrid wheeled Osprey 36 Fairview . I like the flexibility it offers, to pull it along or carry it like a backpack. The men’s version is the Osprey Farpoint 36 . Also viewable on the Osprey website .

Clothes, Shoes, & Accessories

The type and number of clothes, pairs of shoes, and accessories you will want to bring depend on the duration of your travel , the expected forecast at your destination, your planned activities , and whether you plan to carry on or check a bag. 

See a list of items to consider bringing in each category below, with some suggestions for my preferred high-performing travel brands.

Clothing Items

General accessories, cold weather accessories, activity-specific gear, laundry supplies.

I am not a big cruiser, but I know plenty of travelers who are. When I need to remember what to bring on a ship trip, especially in the Caribbean, I rely on this list from another blogger.

• Underwear: Nothing else comes close to these high performers for men and women by ExOfficio . Though, for the ladies, if you want to shop around, check out this great list of highly-rated alternatives .
• Socks: Although pricier, these durable and dependable Smartwool socks will help keep your feet healthier and happier than cheaper alternatives. 
• Bras: I love these convertible strap sports-style bras by Handful and own several.
• Sleepwear or loungewear
• T-shirts and casual shirts
• Dressier items: suit, blazers, shirts, blouses, etc.
• Pants and jeans
• Shorts and skorts
• Sweatshirts
• Outerwear: fleece or other jacket
• Rain jacket
• Hiking clothes
• Swimsuit & cover-up

Athleta and KÜHL  are my two favorite high-quality travel and fitness apparel brands I can interchangeably wear with everyday non-performance clothing items. Check out this review of several men’s and women’s KÜHL items.  Or shop for items here .

In addition, I like to shop at the sister-owned athletic boutique, Lively Athletics , which is local and carries several independent activewear and footwear designers in-store and on its website . 

To maximize your packing space , consider using compression packing cubes. I love this National Park set from Tripped , or this transparent cube set for easy viewing. Or opt for this less expensive non-compression alternative .

Shoes to Bring

When traveling, I scrutinize my shoe choice to minimize the space they take in my luggage. Each pair I take must serve a clear and comfortable function.

Here are the types of shoes to consider bringing.

• Sneakers: My current favorite are the stylishly colorful and highly engineered ones from On Running .
• Hiking shoes or boots: We love the waterproof and breathable low-top hiking shoes with their heavy-duty sole and reinforced rubber toe from Oboz . My husband and I both own a pair.
• Dressier shoes
• Sandals, flip flops, or house shoes: For flip flops, I have relied on these lightweight Havaianas for years. And since I never go barefoot, I often bring house shoes on trips. My all-time favorites, and perfect for plantar fasciitis sufferers like me, are these wonder slides from Vionic .
• Shoe covers for packing: if you do not have reusable ones , plastic shower caps like these protect your clothes from dirty soles. 

Accessories & Other Items

The accessories you will want to have with you depend on your style preferences and planned activities . Consider packing any of the below. 

• Jewelry: if you do not have one, you may appreciate picking up a jewelry roll like this one for easy packing and to limit necklace tangles. 
• Going-out handbag
• Cold-weather scarves or gators
• Long underwear
• Hand warmers: I always have a bulk supply on-hand to help me stay warm during Chicago winters and in cold weather destinations.
• Wool socks: Socks from Smartwool are ideal and worth the investment to ensure dry warmth.
• Snorkel gear
• Water shoes: we recently bought these colorful and affordable ones before a trip. They were the same quality and less than half the price of similar shoes available on-site.
• Skis and skiing equipment (e.g., boots, goggles, poles, jackets/pants, etc.)
• Snowboard and boarding equipment (e.g., boots, goggles, jackets/pants, etc.)

Whether you plan to hand wash in sinks as you go, hit a laundromat , or send your laundry out, you may need to corral your dirty clothes with some of the items below. 

• Laundry bag: Check out these laundry bags with a message I included in a gift guide .
• Stain remover
• Delicates bag
• Laundry detergent: These space-saving flat Tide sink packets for sink washes are ideal for travel.
• Clothesline (& pins if you prefer having them)
• Drain stopper

Personal Care, Fitness, & Medicines

Your health, fitness, and personal care requirements relate to your specific needs and travel preferences.

Additionally, whether you prefer to pack light and buy items on-site or bring along your favorite products will determine what you need from the list below.

• Personal care items
• Fitness items
• Medical kit items

Personal Care Items

• Dental floss
• Shampoo & conditioner: I love using these TSA-compliant refillable and easy-to-clean GoToob toiletry bottles from Humangear for shampoo, conditioner, and other liquids.
• Hair styling products
• Hair accessories: ties, clips, bands, etc.
• Brush & comb
• Hair styling tools: hair dryer, curling iron, etc.
• Shaving supplies: razor, cream, etc.
• Body moisturizer: For fellow dry-skin sufferers, especially those traveling to a cold-weather location, I always bring a bottle of this Eucerin heavy-duty cream .
• Face cleansers
• Acne treatment: I rarely break out at home. I often do on trips. I always bring this Neutrogena acne gel with me. 
• Other facial creams
• Sunscreen: We take sun protection for our fair-skinned family seriously and never travel without an exhaustive supply of these Blue Lizard sunscreens .
• Contact lens items: solution, cases, backup lenses, etc.
• Glasses cleaner and shammy
• Rewetting eye drops: We love these powerful ones from Rohto .
• Orthodontic items: retainers, rubber bands, wax, etc.
• Nail care tools: clippers, files, polish, etc.
• Feminine care products
• Personal care wipes
• Travel sewing kit
• Extra resealable bags: If you are ready to move beyond Ziplocs, try these zip-top ones from Ogato .

To keep your personal care items and toiletries organized, consider buying this durable Sea to Summit hanging bag   shown above.

Fitness Items

• Foldable yoga mat: My husband has this one from Primasole, and I use this one from Gaiam. 
• Resistance bands
• Biking or running gear

Medical Kit Items

This recommended medical kit contains suggested items that my family of four brought on trips in the past—when our kids were younger—or we continue to bring along now. Your needs as an independent solo, business, or mature traveler, will vary based on your health requirements. 

This list should not replace professional medical advice or guidance from your physician.

• Cold suppressant: Our preferred brand—by far—is Nature’s Way UMCKA . 
• Digital thermometer
• Adult acetaminophen: Tylenol or generic
• Adult ibuprofen: Advil or generic 
• Adult diphenhydramine: Benadryl or generic
• Children’s acetaminophen: Tylenol or generic, chewable
• Children’s ibuprofen: Tylenol or generic, chewable
• Bacitracin: Neosporin or generic
• Hydrocortisone ointment
• Anti-nausea medication: prescription strength Zofran
• Anti-diarrheal: Imodium or generic
• Pepto-Bismol
• Allergy nasal spray: Claritin or generic
• Allergy medicine: Claritin or generic antihistamine
• Prescription medications(s)

Over the years, whether for ourselves or our kids, we have had to use every item shared above.  And from experience, we have found it is a huge help to have the medications we need on hand when illness unexpectedly hits. This way, we can provide our ill family member with immediate comfort. And we do not have to head out at an inconvenient time in a less-than-ideal location to seek what we need. 

Things to Always Carry on a Plane

Find a comprehensive list of all the items to consider bringing with you in your personal item(s) when you board a plane below. 

• Cell phone and/or tablet
• Books or an e-reader: This non-glare and waterproof Kindle Paperwhite is ideal.
• Other tech or games: Nintendo Switch , etc.
• If applicable: school iPads or laptops and homework
• Headphones: noise-canceling or other. I bring both Apple AirPods and these Bose noise-canceling headphones .
• Electronic chargers: plugs, multi-port chargers , cables , portable chargers or power banks, etc. 
• Plug adaptors for international travel: This universal compact adaptor with four USB ports is a good option.
• Eye mask: I never travel without this comfortable full-coverage eye mask .
• Tissue packs
• Hand sanitizer
• If applicable: face masks
• Travel wallet: IDs, insurance, credit and ATM cards, cash, etc.
• Glasses and case
• Sunglasses and case
• If applicable: bifocals or cheaters
• Travel crossbody bag or handbag: I love this durable and secure adjustable strap unisex North Face bag . And use it at home and on trips.
• Empty refillable water bottle(s): This collapsible Nefeeko water bottle with a carabiner is ideal for multi-purpose travel needs.
• Camera equipment: lenses, GoPro , selfie stick/tripod , lens cleaners, battery chargers, etc.
• Snacks, mints, and gum
• Writing: pens, pencils, journal, and/or notepad
• Travel pillow: Though it is a splurge, this trtl pillow takes up little space and provides the best support.
• Personal care items needed during flight: lip balms, moisturizers, menstrual products, medications, etc.
• Change of clothes
• Itinerary: digital or paper
• Emergency banking and other contacts list
• Copies of important travel document

To keep your tech from getting tangled , consider using an organizer bag . My favorite, and an improvement over using Ziplocs, is this one  from Tripped .

Other Miscellaneous Travel Items You May Need

The items in this below list do not necessarily fall into one category . And whether you need them depends on your trip type. These items include: 

• Swiss Army knife or equivalent tool: We use this on picnics for its blade and corkscrew. Or for its scissors. Place this item in a checked bag only.
• Backup copies of all essential documents and banking cards. Including passports, credit cards, insurance cards, ATM cards, and IDs. Consider bringing a printed copy with you. And save another copy to an online folder or send them to a trusted friend or family member so that they are accessible in case of emergency.
• Portable speaker for music: This higher-end speaker from Bose or this more affordable one from Sony will help you enjoy music together if you are traveling +1 or more.
• Games and cards: I share our favorites in this gift list . 
• Insect repellant
• Reusable tote bag: We use a compressible tote bag like this one from ChicoBag for shopping, wet umbrellas, and a place to stash coats or extra layers. 
• Gift(s): Whether your travel includes special occasions, staying with a friend, or even meeting a new one, remember to bring the gift(s).

Related Reading

Streamline your packing and the getting-out-the-door stage of your vacation by pairing this packing list with the related articles below. 

• Pre-Trip: A Practical Checklist to Close the House & Pack 
• Itinerary Template for a Trip: Free Downloadable Examples & More Resources
• 25 Expert Packing Tips to Help You Travel Better
• 49 Things You Need to Do to Plan Your Best Trip (Free Travel Research & Planning Checklist)
• The Top Travel Apps I Use for Better Travel
• 5 Proven Ways to Simplify and Organize Your Travel Research

Additional Trip Planning Resources

To further help you with travel planning, I share my go-to resources for every trip below. 

Google Flights. My first research stop for affordable flights for every trip. Learn why here . 

Google Hotels . Use its “ Where to stay ” button to discover the best neighborhoods to base your visit.

Booking.com. For hotel and rental bookings, I appreciate its flexible cancellation, candid user reviews, discounts, loyalty program, and easy-to-use interface.

Viator , Get Your Guide , & Airbnb Experiences . Quickly find and book highly-rated tours and activities on these sites.

Google Travel Things to Do & Google Maps . Find more things to do in your destination on Google Travel, then record where you want to visit on a custom Google Maps list. 

AllTrails . Love to hike? Me too. I religiously use AllTrails to discover hiking and biking trails and download its offline maps to manage my hikes.

Guide Along . 5-star self-guided audio tours that are GPS-compatible for US road trips and national parks. We loved the Glacier National Park tour .

Insure My Trip. I never travel internationally without trip insurance. Learn why here . My preferred place to shop and compare policies is InsureMyTrip.com . 

Plus, check out the 15 travel apps I use on trips, my preferred guidebooks , and my free customizable travel itinerary template , downloadable in four file formats.

About the author : Janice Moskoff is a travel writer and blogger who loves hiking, exploring the world, and reading. She writes to inspire travel-loving families, adult friends, and couples on her blog, Gather and Go Travel . After attending the University of Michigan undergraduate business school and following a career in retail strategy and event management, she returned to focus on her first love—travel. Read her bio , learn how she became a blogger , and discover how to work with her . Sign up for her monthly Discovery Newsletter to get her latest travel recommendations and how-to’s .

Love to travel? Sign up for m y monthly Gather & Go Travel Discovery Newsletter and get a free trip budget calculator.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products and companies I use. And the income goes to keeping the site community-supported and ads minimal.

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Welcome to  Gather and Go Travel , a blog inspiring families, adult friends, and couples to explore US and international destinations and to get outdoors. I am Janice, a world traveler to 50+ countries, a travel writer/blogger, and a book lover. Learn more  about me , read  our story , and how to  work with me . Get my latest updates, how-tos, and trip ideas in my monthly  Discovery Newsletter .

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What to Pack for a Trip to Scotland's Gleneagles Hotel

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Few properties are so inextricably associated with their location as Gleaneagles , where days are composed of traditional clay pigeon shoots on misty moors and fireside whisky tastings. This year marks 100 years of the Scottish estate , which has celebrated by collaborating with the British outdoor brand Barbour and releasing a Rizzoli tome devoted to its glamorous history (royal escapades included), all while planning a centenary ball that will take place this fall. Walk the line between country chic and laid-back glamour with soft creams and pinks that will look as at home in the glen as in the plum-colored American Bar .

To help you look and feel as special as the iconic hotel, we gathered a list of timeless and sophisticated packing essentials inspired by the property, from cashmere sweaters to chic ballet flats. Keep scrolling for your ultimate guide on what to pack.

The Gleneagles is a destination, not just a hotel, where interesting pleasures and people, both traditional and modern, converge

The Gleaneagles–inspired pieces we love:

The sophisticated sweater, the polished pant, the day-to-night dress, the evening bag, the statement necklace, the sleek flat, the perfect pout.

Build your packing list around comfortable, versatile basics you can easily layer other pieces with and rewear throughout the trip. A chic collared pullover is a great base to your outfit and can be dressed up or down. We're eyeing these neutral essentials from Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic, Uniqlo, and La Ligne.

Whether you're headed to lunch at the hotel or venturing out to explore nearby Drummond Castle Gardens , a light-colored trouser will look stylish and put together while still keeping you comfy. A slightly fitted pair looks polished with a ballet flat or loafer and any sweater or polo can be neatly tucked in.

Every type of trip requires at least one go-to dress (bonus points if it transitions well from day to night). These options work just as well with a pair of comfortable sandals during the day as they do with a kitten heel or pump for dinner.

You'll want to pack a sleek clutch or crossbody bag that's elegant enough for a night on the town. To maximize its mileage, we suggest sticking to a neutral color, like cream or black.

Rather than filling your suitcase with multiple pieces of jewelry and risking losing or damaging something special , pack a statement necklace that can really elevate an otherwise simple outfit. Stacked necklaces, elegant pearls, and floating gems are all fair game.

Nothing can sooner ruin an otherwise perfect travel day like a uncomfortable walking shoe. Save your slingback heels for dinner time and instead opt for a simple yet sleek flat shoe to explore the grounds during the day. We welcome the resurgence of ballet flats with open arms—especially this ultra-lightweight, pointed pair from Rothy's and these black leather Mary Janes from Dolce Vita. Another flat shoe you'll always be glad you packed: a versatile loafer ; slip them on effortlessly with trousers, with jeans, with everything.

Your look isn't quite complete without the perfect pout . And while there's no shade as equipped to tie a look together as a bold red , a subtle, pinky nude will never let you down. Keep a soft, rosy shade like this one in your bag at all times.

This article appeared in the September/October 2024 issue of  Condé Nast Traveler.  Subscribe to the magazine   here .

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How to avoid the worst of jet lag and maximize your travel time

Jet lag is a problem for many travelers but there are some easy ways to adjust your body clock

LONDON -- It's the bane of many travelers: jet lag. Nobody wants to lose out because they're too tired to enjoy the delights of their vacation spot.

Here are some tips on how to handle jet lag, wherever you might end up.

Scientists define jet lag as the effect on the human body of traveling across different time zones. Our bodies have biological clocks programmed into almost every cell in the body, according to Sofia Axelrod, who studies circadian rhythms at Rockefeller University in New York.

“The clock is set by the 24-hour light and dark pattern,” Axelrod said. “Every morning when we wake up, specialized (light) receptor cells in our retina receive a daylight signal, which is transmitted to the brain and from there, the whole body.”

When we travel to another time zone, our eyes receive the daylight signal at a different time than usual, causing our internal clocks to reset. But that process can take awhile — and it’s during that adjustment period that we feel the effects of jet lag.

Yes, but that can come at a cost. Malcolm von Schantz, a professor who specializes in circadian rhythms at Northumbria University in Newcastle, said that flying in premium cabins where travelers can stretch out and properly rest, can ward off sleep deprivation, but he acknowledges that isn't an option for most people. Still, he said that timing your flights can help. For example, he suggests flying from Europe to North America during the day, so that it’s evening when passengers land and they can get a proper night’s sleep.

“If you take the evening flight instead, you’ll be woken up at midnight to be served breakfast and land an hour or two later, when both jet lag and sleep deprivation will hit you hard and simultaneously,” he said.

Von Schantz also said flying in newer models with a lighter frame, like the Airbus A350 or Boeing 787 Dreamliner, would help. That’s because those planes can maintain a more comfortable cabin atmosphere, which should help travelers feel less worn out by the end of their flights.

Experts say getting exposure to sunlight is critical to resetting your internal body clock. That can mean either avoiding morning sun or deliberately seeking it out, depending on where you’ve travelled from. Getting light in the morning will advance your body clock, while light exposure in the early evening will delay it. Naps are OK, but scientists warn against taking long siestas later in the day, as that might compromise your ability to sleep through the night.

Melatonin, a hormone that the brain naturally produces when the body thinks it’s night, can be helpful. But it’s not available everywhere and in some countries like the U.K. and France, a prescription is required. Von Schantz of Northumbria University said that one of the advantages of melatonin is that you can start taking it before your journey, to reset your internal clock quicker.

“If you’re in a part of the world where melatonin is available over the counter, you can combine the effects of light and melatonin to achieve the advance or delay (in your body clock) that you need,” he said.

Business travelers might want to consider arriving a day or two ahead of any important meetings or events, said Russell Foster of Oxford University, who has authored a book on circadian rhythms.

“You should just be aware that if you’re jet-lagged, you’re more likely to make unwise decisions, be less empathetic and unable to multitask,” he said.

Tourists might not need to be as alert as business travelers, but they should still be careful, he said. He advises tourists to get caught up on their sleep before doing anything potentially risky or that requires concentration, like driving.

Foster said he tries to maximize his light exposure when he arrives at a new destination to offset jet lag. But he also has a fallback strategy: coffee.

“I’m not suggesting it’s an ideal thing to do, but caffeine will help override the sleepiness and cognitive impairment you might be feeling as a result of jet lag,” he said.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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JONATHAN TURLEY

A walk through beantown: why visiting boston never gets old.

I spent much of our time around Harvard and stayed in Harvard Square. On our first day, we were surprised by two wild turkeys outside of one of the dorms near

The campus is always a fun visit since buildings dating to the colonial period, including some used to house revolutionary troops.

I got my history fix by returning to the the Granary Burial Ground. It is hard to believe that as many as 5,000 Bostonians may be buried in the relatively small space. That includes such notables as John Hancock and Paul Revere as well as Samuel Adams.

I also like the emancipation pottery from before the Civil War that were popular in Boston:

Here are a few additional pictures:

Lunch was a particular treat on the second day. I had heard that Harvard had what some claimed to be the best burger in the country. The Wall Street Journal had given Bartley’s that distinction as well as citing it for its onion rings. I must admit that I was skeptical. Frankly, I felt that some elite university was a poor location for a great burger joint. However, my visit to Bartley’s shattered any prejudices. If it was not the best burger I have ever had, it is tied for first place. The onion rings were also remarkably good, though I would not necessarily say that they were the best I had ever tasted.  The restaurant itself, founded in 1960s, is a hole-in-the-wall space that has a long list of visiting luminaries. We sat at the table used by Johnny Cash. I loved everything about the place.

Given my family roots, I always make my way to the North End for Little Italy. I often go to Mike’s for the cannolis, but we decided to go to its main competitor (and local favorite) Bova’s. We tried two cannolis: the pistachio and Florentine. I loved the taste of the Florentine (but it shatters upon the first bite leaving you with a hand full of cream filing. The pistachio frankly was awful. The shell was fine but the filling was too sweet and tasted artificial. I remain a greater fan of Mike’s between these two favorite stops, but you should judge for yourself.

We also visited the Revere home in the North End. A ticket is only around $6. It is quite small but worth the visit. I love the space. The staff is very friendly and very, very knowledgeable. It feels cozy and authentic. It is amazing that Revere raised sixteen kids (eight with each of his two wives) in such a small space. While starting as a solidly middle class silversmith, Revere became quite wealthy later in life due to contracts to supply the early American military (including his mortar) with cannon and other enterprises. He later moved to a large home, which was not preserved. Unfortunately, they do not allow photos inside the house, but here are a couple pictures from the outside.

We also visited the spectacular Old State House building with its lovely mural and stain glass windows.

Just walking through Boston and taking in the architecture and natural beauty of this city is a treat. It is a city with great food, culture, and sights. It literally never gets old, which is pretty impressive for a city that is approaching its 400th anniversary.

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50 thoughts on “a walk through beantown: why visiting boston never gets old”.

Thanks for your review!

I feel this way about Old City Philadelphia

The best steak house my wife and I ever dined in was in Buenos Aires. The second is Grill 23 in Boston. Next time you visit give it a try.

Grill 23 is excellent, much better than Capital Grille. We used to go to a restaurant across the street from Grill 23 called Laurel and it was just a super fun place to get a really good meal as well as have a great time at the bar. It was no Grill 23, but it was a lot more fun.

Turley is an Irish name, but you say your roots are in an Italian neighborhood, not a Southie. Please elucidate.

Boston rocks hard, Jon. Solid report and I’m glad you enjoyed your trip.

Thank you so much for the tour down Memory Lane.

As someone who grew up in the Boston area and lived there for over 25 years I have to say thanks to Professor Turley for the walk down memory lane. I have been to Mike’s (overrated) and I frequented many of Boston’s top restaurants during my younger years and I totally agree that Boston is a walkable city, that is if you consider Boston to be the Back Bay, the South End or Harvard Square in Cambridge. As a visitor you wouldn’t be able to walk around Hyde Park, Roslindale, Dorchester, Southie, Eastie, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan or Roxbury. None of the neighborhoods are touristy walkable. I am not disparaging the neighborhoods, they just aren’t walkable like Back Bay is.

There are great museums in Boston, the Museum of Arts is fantastic, there are great sports in Boston with the Sox, Celts and Bruins and there are great restaurants in Boston as well. The problem is that they elect some of the worst politicians ever to be elected. Their 2 senators are Liz Warren and Ed Markey and it would be hard to find a state with 2 worse senators. They have Ayanna Pressley, a loathsome squad member and as they used to elect moderate Republicans for governor they sadly now have the hideous Maura Healy in the corner office. Of course they (not me) elected Ted Kennedy until he passed away even after he abandoned a drowning girl who wasn’t his wife in 1969.

PS. The far left politicians are one of the reasons I moved to a reddish state 8 years ago. Weather, taxes and home prices also motivated me to leave. All I miss are friends, the pro teams and a great pool hall I used to frequent. Friends are the only hard one since I still get watch lots of Boston games and I have a new poolhall which isn’t as nice, but it still serves it purpose.

What about Galleria Umberto doesn’t that joint make up for the questionable political wisdom of the Commonwealth.

My very earliest American ancestor from 9 generations ago, John Stannard, died on August 13, 1649, almost exactly 375 years ago, and was buried in Dudley Street cemetery in Boston. Is it safe to visit that area of Boston now?

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European Travel Information and Authorisation System(ETIAS)

Starting mid 2025, people from over 60 visa-exempt countries are required to have a travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries for a short stay. It is valid for up to three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.

Visit the EU website to check whether ETIAS applies to you . With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of 30 European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, if you meet all other entry conditions.

Applying for an ETIAS travel authorisation

You can fill out the application form using either the official ETIAS website or the ETIAS mobile application. Applying for the ETIAS travel authorisation costs EUR 7, though some travellers are exempt from paying this fee.

Prepared for travel

As your ETIAS travel authorisation is linked to your travel document, make sure to carry the same document which you used in your ETIAS application. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to board your flight, bus or ship, or to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS.

Having a valid ETIAS travel authorisation does not guarantee an automatic right of entry as all existing entry conditions remain in place. When you arrive at the border, border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditions. Those travellers who do not meet the entry conditions will be refused entry. Visit the EU website for:

• The entry conditions
• More information about what to expect when crossing EU borders

Your ETIAS check-list

• Apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation well in advance – before you buy your ticket or book your accommodation
• Make sure your passport details correspond to those in your ETIAS authorisation – you will be refused boarding and entry at the border if they do not match
• Make sure your ETIAS travel authorisation is still valid
• Check how long you can stay in the European countries requiring ETIAS
• Make sure your passport is valid for three months after your intended departure from the European countries requiring ETIAS . You will be refused entry at the border if it is not ( exceptions apply ).

Report abuse

Be aware of possible abusive and fraudulent practices by commercial intermediaries and learn how to report them .

ETIAS brings new obligations to carriers

International airlines, sea and coach operators will also have a role to play. Once ETIAS is launched in the first half of 2025, air and sea carriers will be required to verify, within 48 hours before the departure, that visa-exempt travellers have a valid ETIAS travel authorisation. International coach operators will have three years to comply with this requirement.