The Ultimate Pre-Trip Checklist
(Because You Will Forget Something)
A complete travel checklist for families, solo travelers, and over-packers who want to stop forgetting the essentials.
Let’s be real: no matter how seasoned you are, travel packing is a game of emotional whiplash. You’re either way too early and second-guessing every item (“Do I need six dresses for a weekend trip?”) or you’re frantically stuffing things into a bag an hour before your flight, praying your toothbrush made it in.
Either way, there’s always that one thing you forget. Sometimes it’s small (RIP, razor), sometimes it’s catastrophic (hi, passport). But not this time.
I’ve made you the only checklist you’ll ever need. It’s detailed. It’s honest. It’s a little sassy. And it will save you from yourself.
The “Don’t Forget This or You’ll Cry” Essentials
These are the “I literally can’t travel without this” items. Double-check, triple-check, tattoo them on your hand. Whatever works.
- Passport – The gatekeeper to your vacation dreams. Check the expiration date too—some countries require six months’ validity beyond your return.
- Wallet – ID, credit/debit cards, and a bit of local cash if needed. I like to stash an extra $20 in a random spot in my bag, just in case.
- Phone + Charger – If you’re reading this on your phone, congrats. Now pack the charger, a power bank, and maybe a long cord for weird airport outlets.
- Medications – Whatever you take regularly plus some emergency extras: pain relievers, allergy meds, stomach stuff. No one wants to track down Imodium in a new country.
- Travel Insurance Info – Screenshot the policy and save the hotline number in your phone. You hope you won’t need it, but if you do, you’ll thank Past You.
- Glasses/Contacts – Trust me, realizing you packed 14 outfits but can’t see any of them is not a vibe.
- Flight + Hotel Confirmations – Store them in your travel app or a folder in your email. Screenshot the important stuff just in case Wi-Fi ghosts you.
The Digital Details
Because your tech is basically your co-pilot now.
- Download Google Maps offline – For the cities you’re visiting. You’ll still get directions even if your data plan goes MIA.
- Travel Apps – Airline app, hotel app, Uber/Lyft/Bolt, language translators, and a currency converter like XE.
- Entertainment – Download Netflix shows, Spotify playlists, and Kindle books before you leave Wi-Fi. I also keep a few podcasts downloaded for offline laughs.
- Screenshot Everything Important – Boarding passes, hotel addresses, your Airbnb’s door code, and emergency contacts. Screenshots don’t need signal.
- Upload Key Docs to the Cloud – I use Google Drive, but iCloud or Dropbox works too. Include passport scans, insurance, itinerary, and any kid-related documents if you’re traveling as a fam.
The Stuff You Think You Won’t Forget (But Will)
Spoiler: “Just grabbing it in the morning” never actually works.
- Underwear + Socks – The number of people who forget underwear is astronomical. Pack one extra of each. Always.
- Shoes You Can Walk In – Think comfort, weather-appropriate, and versatile. You don’t want to hike through cobblestones in patent leather.
- A Versatile Outfit – Something you can dress up or down. My go-to is a comfy black jumpsuit that works for flights, dinners, and even sleeping if I’m desperate.
- Layers, Layers, Layers – A sweater or light jacket for planes, chilly nights, or when the restaurant AC is set to Arctic.
- Sleepwear – Do you want to be the person who ends up sleeping in jeans because you forgot pajamas? I didn’t think so.
- Chargers + Adapters – Universal travel adapter + multi-port charger = lifesavers. I also bring a mini surge protector if I’m going to be in a hotel with limited plugs.
Toiletries That Won’t Betray You
Your skincare routine deserves better than exploding in a Ziploc.
- Toothbrush + Toothpaste – Bonus points if you have a toothbrush cap or travel case. Mouth gunk is not a souvenir.
- Deodorant – Roll-on, stick, crystal—whatever works, just bring it.
- Face Wash + Moisturizer – Travel can mess with your skin, so bring what works at home. And yes, even oily skin needs moisture.
- Sunscreen – For all destinations, all seasons. Even cold places. Especially your face.
- Mini First Aid Kit – Include blister Band-Aids, pain relievers, motion sickness tablets, and anything kid-specific if needed.
- Leak-Proof Containers – Use a separate toiletry bag with a waterproof lining. Shampoo explosions are not the time to embrace chaos.
Bonus: Traveling With Kids
Because it’s not a vacation—it’s a relocation.
- Diapers, Wipes, Pull-Ups – Bring more than you think. Then pack two more.
- Snacks – Don’t just pack snacks. Pack variety. Kids will reject what they loved yesterday. You know this.
- Tablet or Device + Headphones – Load it with shows, apps, and videos ahead of time. And don’t forget the charger.
- Comfort Item – Stuffed animal, blanket, white noise machine—you don’t want to test fate at bedtime.
- Extra Outfits – For both them and you. (Ever held a barfing toddler mid-flight? Yeah.)
- Travel Stroller or Carrier – If it folds down quickly and fits in an overhead bin, even better.
Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Small heroes. Major payoff.
- Reusable Water Bottle – Empty through security, refill afterward. Hydration is life.
- Snacks – I never fly without snacks. Never. The apocalypse snack stash is real.
- Eye Mask + Earplugs – Sleep isn’t guaranteed, but this helps your odds.
- Neck Pillow – Find one that doesn’t make you hate your life. Memory foam is nice. So is one that straps to your bag.
- Foldable Tote – Great for groceries, dirty laundry, or that accidental-but-totally-necessary souvenir haul.
- Laundry Bag – Even if it’s just a large reusable grocery bag. Clean clothes don’t want to mingle with your post-hike socks.
Final Night Checklist (a.k.a. The Travel Eve Spiral)
One last power move before takeoff.
- Check in for your flight (set a reminder!)
- Lay out your airport outfit (comfortable + layered)
- Charge ALL devices—phone, tablet, headphones, Kindle, power bank
- Empty trash, clear perishables from the fridge, set thermostat
- Hold mail or let a neighbor know you’re away
- Set multiple alarms (one on your phone, one on the microwave, one in your soul)
- Do the Final Walk-Through: phone, wallet, passport, charger, sanity
And There You Have It
You still might forget something. And that’s okay. But it won’t be the important stuff. This checklist has saved me from countless mini-disasters—and now it’s yours.
So go forth and pack like the organized, fully charged, properly moisturized jet-setter you are. And hey—if you do forget something? At least it’ll make a good story later.
