The Best Travel Packing Checklist

For Personal Use

She’s Birdie Safety Alarm – Personal safety alarm made for women by women. 

Stanley – This cup will keep your beverages hot, cold, or ice solid for days. 

Expandable Travel Bag Trolley—This hard case expands for more storage. It’s lightweight, compact, and has 360-degree universal wheels. 

Canvas Weekend Bag Carry-On Tote is an excellent carry-on tote for a few days’ worth of clothing. It easily slides over a trolley handle. 

Vintage Leather Travel Cosmetic Bag – I love this toiletry organizer’s men’s vintage look; it’s roomy and sturdy for travel. 

Makeup Travel & Toiletry Bag—This bag is great for longer trips that require extra toiletries and supplies. It includes pockets for makeup brushes and compartments.  

Jewelry Organizer—This is a must-have accessory if you travel with jewelry. There is nothing worse than tangled necklaces! This small one rolls up easily to fit in your suitcase or carry-on.

Travel Iron & Steamer – Functions as an iron and steamer and fits neatly in a suitcase.Set of Travel Space-Saver Bags – I packed over a week’s worth of clothing and accessories in a small carry-on using space-saving travel bags!  This is an 8-pack and comes in different sizes. 

Waterproof Travel Shoe Bags –  Keep your dirty shoes separate from your clean clothes with shoe bags, something I once considered a luxury and now a necessity.  

Water Resistance Travel & Hiking Daypack—This would be a great option for camping, hiking, or traveling only overnight! It’s waterproof and available in multiple colors.  

Luggage Tags—You don’t want to lose your luggage without one of these before you gain an appreciation for them. Binoculars – Perfect for birding, hiking, taking in scenic views, and spotting wildlife. 

Travel Journal – To document your travel itineraries, tips, resources, and journal about your adventures. 

Picnic Blanket—This blanket works well as a table covering if you plan to picnic on the road. 

Portable Hammock—This hammock folds up easily and is portable, allowing for comfort and relaxation on the go. 

Wireless Headphones – For the passengers and distractionless listening. 

Rain Ponchos – Keep these disposable rain ponchos on hand if your travel or activity lands on a rainy day.

For the Road or Plane

For a complete list of road trip essentials, check out this post: Road Trip Packing Essentials {free printable}

Road Trip Book – for your next road trip adventure, full of ideas for trips around the Midwest! 

Head & Neck Support Pillow—This one is great for travel because it folds up and takes up less space. 

Small Canvas Crossbody – Small enough to carry the essentials (wallet, phone, keys) without getting in the way of other luggage!  Or a Hidden Belt Pack for safe carrying!

Road Atlas –  a road atlas has proven essential in places where I have no GPS signal.

Compact USB Charger – This one is fast charging and has a foldable plug.

Slim Laptop Backpack—Several color options are available. They are unisex, trendy, and fit perfectly under a seat without too much bulk.

Roadside emergency kit – A necessity for road-tripping.

Travel games – Keep the family and kids occupied on long road trips. Portable Jump Starter and Battery Booster—a Lifesaver when stranded with a dead battery. No other vehicle is needed to jumpstart. 

Portable Beach Chairs – These easily fold up to take up little space and can be used anywhere (beach, camping, bonfires, etc.) 

Selfie Stick – For those scenic or group photos needing a longer arm. 

Travel Essentials

Digital Luggage Scale – You can save hundreds of dollars in baggage fees by having one around! 

Essential Oil Roll-On – Helps with migraines and other travel stressors. Travel Laundry Bag – This is one of my travel must-haves!  Keep your dirty and clean clothes separate in a laundry bag.

Travel Arm or Body Pillow – This compact pillow serves as an arm pillow while on the road or body pillow when sleeping.

Multi-Functional Keychain – Attaches to your keychain and can be used as a charger (for iPhone), bottle opener, and aluminum carabiner. 

Folding Travel Magnifying Mirror—This magnifying mirror is perfect for makeup. It folds and unfolds like a regular vanity mirror. It’s double-sized and has an LED light! 

Instant & Easy Pocket Translator – This would make an excellent gift for anyone traveling internationally. 

12V Power Convertor – Most vehicles don’t have a 12V socket, so this is great for charging and car camping. 

Collapsible Pet Bowls – Traveling with pets is easy and convenient, with collapsible bowls for food and water. Also, ensure your pets are safe with a backseat leash and safety collar. 

Car First Aid Kit – essential for all travel in an emergency or accident. 

Car Sunshade – Keep your vehicle cool in the summer while sitting unused, or use it as a privacy barrier for car camping.