Traveling has taught me that overpacking is just anxiety in disguise. After too many airport sprints and back-breaking duffels, I’ve learned what really earns a spot in my bag. This is my personal travel packing checklist — built from years of city breaks, red-eye flights, and weekend getaways from New York.
🧳 The Essentials
Before anything else, I pack the documents and small items that can make or break a trip:
- Passport (and a digital copy stored in my phone)
- Wallet with ID, cards, and a small amount of local currency
- Travel insurance details
- Charging cables + universal adapter
- AirPods or wired headphones
- Pen (for customs forms and quick notes)
These are the things I double-check before leaving home — usually right at the door.
👕 Clothing: The Core Capsule
I’ve stopped packing “just in case” outfits. Instead, I build a simple capsule wardrobe that mixes well. For a 3–5 day trip:
- 3 shirts (two casual, one slightly dressier)
- 2 pairs of pants or jeans
- 1 lightweight jacket or overshirt
- 1 sweater or hoodie
- 1 pair of comfortable shoes (usually sneakers)
- 1 smaller pair (sandals or loafers depending on season)
- Socks and underwear for each day + one spare set
If it’s a longer trip, I plan to do laundry halfway through — it’s easier than dragging extra clothes.
🧼 Toiletries: Compact but Complete
I keep a ready-to-go toiletry bag so I don’t have to repack every time. Inside:
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Face wash and moisturizer
- Razor + travel-sized shaving cream
- Small hair comb
- Travel-sized sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Small first-aid kit (bandages, pain relief, allergy meds)
TSA-friendly sizes only. Nothing worse than having your lotion confiscated at security.
💻 Tech Gear
Because I often work or edit photos while traveling, these always make the cut:
- Laptop or tablet (depending on trip purpose)
- External SSD drive
- Compact wireless mouse
- Power bank (at least 10,000 mAh)
- Camera or just my phone with a mini tripod
- Noise-cancelling headphones for flights
I pack all of this in a small tech pouch so cords don’t tangle or get lost.
💤 Comfort Items for Flights
Flights are my least favorite part of travel, so I’ve built a mini comfort kit:
- Eye mask and earplugs
- Reusable water bottle (fill after security)
- Lightweight scarf or hoodie
- Snacks (nuts, granola bars, gum)
- Hand sanitizer + wipes
Small comforts make a big difference at 35,000 feet.
📸 Extras I Never Regret Bringing
- Foldable tote bag (for groceries or souvenirs)
- Laundry bag
- Reusable utensils
- Notebook or Kindle
- A tiny roll of duct tape (seriously—it fixes everything)
⚖️ Packing Strategy
I follow a simple system: one carry-on + one personal item.
Clothes are rolled, heavier items near the wheels, and tech at the top for easy access. I use packing cubes — not because it looks organized, but because it saves time unpacking.
🌦️ Seasonal Adjustments
Summer: add sunscreen, hat, and quick-dry towel.
Winter: swap sneakers for boots, pack gloves, scarf, and thermal base layers.
Rainy destinations: foldable rain jacket + waterproof shoe covers.
🧠 Before Leaving Home
Here’s my final pre-trip checklist:
- Check passport validity
- Download offline maps
- Turn on travel notifications for credit cards
- Backup photos and files
- Unplug electronics at home
- Double-check flight and hotel confirmations
✈️ My Verdict
Packing well is part of traveling well. The less I bring, the freer I move — both physically and mentally. My checklist isn’t perfect, but it’s evolved with every missed connection, surprise rainstorm, and 6 AM checkout. Traveling light isn’t just about bags; it’s about mindset.
Written and tested by Chi Tran for 123Review.net.
Affiliate links may earn a commission, but opinions are my own.
