Holiday packing checklist.

The paranoia of forgetting to pack something for your upcoming holiday is real. Ease the anxiety with our holiday vacation packing checklist.

Holidays are all about fun and relaxation. When your next one rolls around, you’ll want to go into it with as few stresses as possible. That means having a comprehensive packing checklist so you can tick off items as you go. Let’s explore what you should keep in mind when packing, plus how you can make a holiday travel checklist of your own.

What documents should I include in my travel checklist?

In order to travel, you will need your passport along with any relevant visas, your driver’s license, insurance information, and credit cards. This list is a great starting point, but check where you are traveling to ensure you have all the necessary documentation.

Crafting the perfect holiday packing checklist.

When it comes to packing for holidays, it can be tricky to get it just right. Overpack and you’ll struggle to carry your luggage; under pack, and you’ll likely find yourself missing important items or doing laundry every few days. While your destination will dictate the specifics of what you need, you can use this handy checklist as a guideline for the essentials:

• Valid passport or visa
• Driver’s license
• Airline, train, or bus tickets
• Accommodation information
• Credit card and cash
• Insurance documents
• Travel vaccination documents
• Tickets for tours and excursions
• Cell phone and charger
• Camera and charger
• Travel adapters or plugs
• Appropriate clothing and shoes for your destination
• Toiletries and medications
• Backpack or purse for daytime use
• Activity-specific items like swimsuits, skiing equipment, and hiking gear

If you don’t want to create your own packing checklist, you can also search online for a checklist template. Once you find one you like, you can easily convert it to a PDF for safekeeping or sharing with other travel companions.

Whether traveling abroad or staying closer to home, having an organized approach to your holiday packing can help make for stress-free travel.

Creating a holiday packing checklist for different types of vacations.

Depending on where you are traveling, different outfits, essentials, and documentation may be needed. We have some tips below to help you pack all you need, wherever your next destination may be.

Going abroad? Create a holiday abroad checklist.

Flying to a new country is exciting, but in order to fully enjoy your vacation, be sure to make a packing list and check it twice. Here are some essentials to include on your list:

• Passport. This document is one of the most important items on your list. You can’t visit other countries without a valid passport.
• Flights. Make sure all your flights are booked prior to packing so you’re ready to go to your destination.
• Transportation tickets. Print any boat, train, or bus tickets and keep them in your suitcase. Not only will this give you a printed record of your transfers, but you can also show these to taxi drivers if you’re in a country that speaks a different language than yours.
• Itinerary. If you’ve created an itinerary, print it out so that you have a copy with you wherever you are.
• Visas. Some countries require visas. Do your research and acquire one if necessary for your travels.
• Hotel booking. Be sure to book your hotel well in advance to get the accommodations you want for your vacation.
• Digital copies of your documents. Scan your driver’s license, passport, insurance information, and any other important documents. If you lose anything, you’ll have a secure digital copy.
• Vaccinations. Some countries require certain vaccinations prior to visiting them. Do your research beforehand and get the proper vaccinations if necessary.
• Allergy card. If you have food allergies or don’t eat certain foods due to religious reasons, be sure to have a translated statement that you can show restaurants and food vendors.
• Prescriptions. Bring your most updated copy of your prescription if you take prescription medication.

For long flights, you may want to consider the following:

• Snacks and drinks. You never know what food and drinks may be offered, so for long travels, you may want to bring your own.
• Travel pillows. A good memory foam pillow can help you easily doze off if you want to.
• Eye shades. To block out the light from windows or overhead lights, you can use eye shades and get better sleep.
• Earplugs. If you want some peace and quiet on your long journey, block out sound with earplugs.

Beach holiday checklist.

For your beach vacation, you’ll want clothing and accessories that will keep you cool.

Here are some ideas:

• T-shirts. T-shirts and tanks are essential for warmer weather. Do research on the country you’re visiting to ensure you’re dressed appropriately and respecting the local culture.
• Shorts. Beat the heat by opting for shorts over jeans or slacks.
• Swimsuits. If you’re participating in water activities, you’ll need waterproof attire.
• Sandals. These are easy to slip on and off for your walks on the sand.
• Sunglasses. Prevent sun damage and avoid glare by packing some sunglasses.
• Sunscreen. Shield your skin from the UV rays with a sunscreen that offers UVA and UVB protection.
• Broad-brimmed hat. Keep the sun out of your eyes and prevent sunburn with a hat.

Packing list for cold weather.

If you’re going somewhere with cold weather, you’ll want to prepare clothes to stay warm. Here are some ideas for cold-weather vacations:

• Jeans. These are durable and versatile and will keep your legs warm.
• Coat. You may need a fleece jacket or fleece coat to be more comfortable in cooler weather.
• Winter shoes. Whether it’s boots or moccasins, it’s essential to keep your feet warm.
• Scarf. Your neck and head will quickly feel cold, so wrapping up in a scarf can be helpful.
• Gloves. Gloves will keep your hands warm and prevent dry skin in harsh conditions.

Travel items checklist for a family holiday.

If you have an infant, you may want to consider packing the following:

• Baby car seat
• Changing mat
• Baby food
• Toys
• Changing bag
• Intercom
• Bottles

For older kids, consider the following:

• Toys
• Snacks
• Books
• Tablet or iPad
• Water bottles

What can go in carry-on bags when planning your holiday packing checklist?

There are plenty of things you can and should bring on your trip, but there are also some items you should leave behind.

Here are some examples of what you can bring:

• Liquids, gels, and aerosols under 3.4 ounces
• Dry batteries (AA, AAA, C, and D)
• Baby wipes
• Blankets
• Headphones
• Books

Here are some examples of what not to bring:

• Sharp objects, such as box cutters or knives
• Firearms
• Butane
• Lithium batteries

What else do I need to add to my travel checklist?

A few other items you may want to consider adding to your travel checklist include:

• Proper luggage. You may only want a carry-on, or perhaps you want both a carry-on and a checked bag. Figure out what kind of luggage will best suit your trip needs.
• Toiletries. Your hotel may not have all the toiletries you need. Pack all you need for your morning and evening routines.
• Chargers. Your phone, laptop, and other electronic devices will need to be charged at some point. Don’t forget this!

Some tips and tricks to reduce weight while making a holiday packing checklist.

Luggage limits on planes can be tricky, but by sticking with essential items and the right kind of luggage, it’ll be a breeze. Here are some tips:

• Bring appropriate luggage. Look at the size regulations for carry-on and checked luggage and purchase one or both of these types of luggage options.
• Limit the shoes. If you need to have multiple pairs of shoes, wear the more bulky ones on your flight.
• Opt for a tablet. By using a tablet instead of a computer, you can save weight and space in your suitcase.

More resources on templates like travel checklists and PDFs.

Now you know how to make a holiday packing checklist, here are additional resources for your home:

• Learn how to make a receipt PDF.
• Create a budget planning worksheet template.
• Creating a packing list on your iPad and need to make changes? Mark up a PDF with Apple Pencil.
• Learn things to do with graph paper.

Get the most out of your trip — discover everything you can do with Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Acrobat online services to convert, share, and safeguard your travel documents.