# Ultimate Travel Packing Checklist

A comprehensive, ready‑to‑print list that covers every stage of your trip—from pre‑departure prep to the final airport check. Print it, tick off each box, and travel with confidence.

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## 1️⃣ Pre‑Departure Planning
- [ ] Verify passport expiration (at least 6 months beyond return date)  
  > 💡 Check the entry requirements of every destination on **travel.state.gov** or the relevant embassy site.  
- [ ] Print or download digital copies of travel documents (passport, visas, tickets, insurance).  
  > 💡 Store PDFs in a secure cloud folder and email a copy to yourself.  
- [ ] Arrange travel insurance and note policy number & emergency hotline.  
- [ ] Set up an out‑of‑office email response and inform key contacts of your itinerary.  
- [ ] Schedule a house‑sitting, pet care, or mail hold service.  
- [ ] Confirm transportation to/from the airport (ride‑share, shuttle, parking reservation).  

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## 2️⃣ Luggage & Gear
- [ ] Choose appropriate bags (carry‑on, checked suitcase, daypack) and label each with name & contact info.  
- [ ] Pack a lightweight, foldable duffel for souvenirs or extra items on the return trip.  
- [ ] Include a TSA‑approved lock and luggage tags with both primary and secondary contact numbers.  
- [ ] Bring a reusable water bottle (empty for security) and a travel coffee mug.  
- [ ] Pack a compact travel umbrella or packable rain jacket.  
- [ ] Add a portable power bank (≥10,000 mAh) and universal travel adapter.  

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## 3️⃣ Clothing & Accessories
- [ ] Pack 2–3 neutral tops that mix‑and‑match with all bottoms.  
- [ ] Include 1–2 dressier outfits for evenings or special events.  
- [ ] Bring enough underwear and socks for each day plus two extras.  
- [ ] Pack a set of thermal layers if traveling to cold climates.  
- [ ] Choose versatile shoes: comfortable walking shoes, sandals/flip‑flops, and one dress shoe.  
- [ ] Add accessories: hat, sunglasses, lightweight scarf, and a small jewelry organizer.  

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## 4️⃣ Toiletries & Health Essentials
- [ ] Travel‑size shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and toothpaste (≤100 ml each for carry‑on).  
- [ ] Toothbrush, floss, and a small mouthwash bottle.  
- [ ] Deodorant, razor, and shaving cream/gel.  
- [ ] Skincare basics: cleanser, moisturizer, SPF 30+ sunscreen, lip balm.  
- [ ] Basic first‑aid kit (band‑aids, pain reliever, antihistamine, motion‑sickness tablets).  
- [ ] Any prescription meds + a copy of the prescription and a pill organizer.  

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## 5️⃣ Electronics & Documents
- [ ] Smartphone, charger, and protective case.  
- [ ] Laptop/tablet + charger + privacy screen (if needed).  
- [ ] Camera or GoPro, extra SD cards, and batteries/charger.  
- [ ] Headphones or earbuds (noise‑cancelling for flights).  
- [ ] Travel wallet or RFID‑blocking passport holder with tickets, IDs, and cash.  
- [ ] Emergency contact list printed on a small card (keep separate from passport).  

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## 6️⃣ Comfort & Miscellaneous
- [ ] Neck pillow, eye mask, and lightweight blanket or travel shawl.  
- [ ] Snacks for the journey (protein bars, nuts, dried fruit).  
- [ ] Reusable zip‑top bags for liquids, wet clothes, or organization.  
- [ ] Mini laundry detergent packets and a travel clothesline.  
- [ ] Travel journal or notebook + pen.  
- [ ] Language phrasebook or offline translation app downloaded.  

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## 7️⃣ Final Airport Check
- [ ] Verify all liquids are in a clear, quart‑size bag and placed in an easily accessible pocket.  
- [ ] Ensure electronics are removed from bags for security screening.  
- [ ] Double‑check that you have your boarding pass (digital or printed) and ID.  
- [ ] Confirm you have your house‑sitting/pet‑care contact info handy.  
- [ ] Turn off or set devices to airplane mode.  
- [ ] Do a quick sweep of the home: lock doors, set thermostat, unplug non‑essential appliances.  

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## How to use this checklist
1. **Print** the list on a single A4/Letter page (or two pages if you prefer larger checkboxes).  
2. **Number** each section on your printed copy for quick reference.  
3. As you pack, **tick** each box. If an item isn’t needed for a particular trip, **strike through** it.  
4. Keep the **digital version** on your phone for last‑minute additions (e.g., “extra charger”).  
5. Review the **Final Airport Check** at least 30 minutes before leaving for the airport to avoid last‑minute stress.  

Happy travels! ✈️🧳