Are you planning to travel but don’t know where to start packing? A checklist is your best ally. Besides helping you avoid forgetting the essentials, it will prevent you from overpacking. Creating a travel list will help you organize better, from the right clothing to the electronic devices you need to bring.  

To make things easier, we’ve listed the must-haves for your travel list. Plus, at the end, we offer five practical tips for packing your suitcase more efficiently.  

Essential Checklist of What to Pack for a Trip  

1. Clothing  

Clothing is one of the first things to add to your suitcase travel list.  

Ideally, you should pack lightweight and warm shirts that can be mixed and matched, but only the essentials to save space.  

However, this will also depend on your destination, the climate, and the activities you plan to do.  

Your checklist for air travel can include items like jeans and accessories that can adapt to any situation.  

To be more specific, your list should include:  

• Underwear  

• Socks  

• Belt  

• Shirts  

• Scarves  

• Shorts  

• Jackets  

• Coats  

As for shoes, a good pair of sandals for relaxing, comfortable shoes for daytime, and one more formal pair should be enough.  

2. Technology  

Electronic devices have become essential on your checklist for international travel. Of course, we’re talking about gadgets beyond your cellphone, such as:  

• Chargers  

• USB cables  

• Headphones  

• Power bank  

• Universal adapter  

If it’s an adventure where you plan to disconnect, and it’s not necessary, leave your laptop or tablet behind. You can use your smartphone for photos and videos.  

A plug adapter is a must if you’re traveling abroad, as power outlets may vary by country.  

It’s always good to research your destination first, but it’s better to be prepared by packing a universal adapter. Plus, these accessories tend to be compact.  

3. Toiletry Bag  

When preparing your checklist for air travel, include personal hygiene items for your carry-on:  

• Toothbrush  

• Toothpaste  

• Face soap  

• Shampoo  

• Conditioner  

• Deodorant  

• Creams  

• Sunscreen  

Some of these products need to be packed differently to avoid issues. So, research the destination country and check the rules for carry-on luggage.  

You should also look up the airline's policies. If you use Skyscanner or Google Flights to compare flights, for example, you can access the airline's website. There you’ll find restrictions and regulations.  

In general, liquids in containers over 100 ml are not allowed. We recommend adding silicone travel bottles to your suitcase checklist to carry these products.  

4. Documentation  

Personal documents are a must on any list of necessary items for a trip, but it’s vital to keep them organized and secure.  

Your checklist for air travel should include the basics:  

• Passport/IDs  

• Tickets  

• Reservations  

• Itinerary  

• Pens  

• Cards  

• Foreign currency bills  

• Vaccination card/insurance  

While you can use an organizer with a zipper, it’s a good idea to also have digital copies. Services like Google Drive or Dropbox are free and serve as a backup in case of emergency.  

Also, if you booked hotels or accommodation through online pages like Booking or Expedia, simply upload them there.  

Be sure to check the travel requirements and any current health restrictions to avoid issues or delays.  

5. First Aid Kit  

This is another essential item that should not be missing from your suitcase checklist, no matter where you go.  

Headaches, stomach aches, and dizziness are common ailments, and it’s better to be prepared for situations like these.  

Make sure to include your personal medications and some basics:  

• Allergy meds  

• Pain relievers  

• Bandages  

• Disposable gloves  

• Gauze  

• Alcohol  

However, we recommend visiting your doctor for any questions about the medications you plan to bring.  

It’s equally important to know what to pack in your airplane travel suitcase. So, do your research, as all countries and airlines have their own restrictions.  

These are the essentials to include in your list of necessary items for a trip. But if you have space, feel free to add more.  

5 Tips for Packing Efficiently  

Once you have everything you need on your checklist, it’s time for the less pleasant task: packing the suitcase.  

If it’s your first time or you're looking for tricks to pack better, here are five tips that can help.  

1. Use Travel Bags  

These tools are great for keeping your luggage organized.  

Packing cubes are one of the recommended options to add to your suitcase checklist. They allow you to divide your belongings efficiently, and they come in different sizes.  

They are perfect for fitting into any type of luggage. Some bags will help you store your underwear, while others are ideal for cables and electronic devices. This way, everything will be organized and accessible during your trip.  

2. Compression Bags  

If the previous option doesn’t convince you, try compression bags. They’re another practical way to optimize space and keep your luggage tidy.  

These allow you to remove air to compress your clothes and reduce their volume in your suitcase.  

In addition to freeing up more space, you can organize your items by category or according to the days of your trip.  

Include them in your international travel checklist.  

3. Pack Versatile Clothes  

Traveling light is one of the best tricks to save both money and space, which means packing as little as possible.  

So, we suggest selecting clothes that allow you to create different looks with just a few pieces. In other words, basic neutral-colored garments that can easily adapt to both formal and informal outings.  

There’s no need to sacrifice style or comfort; we’re simply encouraging you to consider reducing the number of items.  

4. Place Socks Inside Shoes  

When packing, maximize every available nook in your luggage to keep everything organized, ensuring you take the essentials without using too much space.  

One clever way to make the most of your suitcase is to place socks inside your shoes. At the same time, it helps maintain your shoes' shape during the trip.  

You can also store other small items, like accessories.  

5. Roll Your Clothes  

A simple yet effective technique for saving space is to roll your clothes instead of folding them.  

This helps you fit them better into your luggage compartments, especially if you use packing cubes or compression bags. It might even help prevent your clothes from wrinkling.  

This method is ideal for making the most of every centimeter, allowing you to pack more items. Just be sure not to make your luggage too heavy or bulky.  

Creating a travel suitcase checklist and packing efficiently will give you more comfort and less stress. Plus, there are online tools designed to help you make your own personalized checklist, including PackPoint.  

Still haven’t downloaded DolarApp? Consider adding it to your international travel checklist.  

The tool is secure, you can travel with peace of mind knowing that you have full control to access your funds at any time. We also use the best exchange rate for your peso to dollar conversions so you won't run out of money during your adventure.

It will also serve as a reference to avoid scams at exchange houses if you need to withdraw cash. Although you can pay with USD in physical establishments if you have the DolarCard handy - don't forget to ask for it!