Tell us where you're headed, how long you're going for, and how you like to travel — we'll build your personalised packing checklist instantly. Print it, tick it off, and never forget your adapter again.
A good packing list is the difference between arriving refreshed and spending your first day hunting for a pharmacy. This generator tailors your checklist based on your trip type — beach, winter, backpacking, business, or family travel — your trip length, and your personal packing style. It covers every category from documents and money to clothing, toiletries, health, electronics, and destination-specific gear. When you're done, print it or use it on your phone as a tap-to-check-off digital list.
Packing the night before is how things get forgotten. Build your list two days out, leave the bag open, and add items as you think of them. Your brain will keep working on it overnight.
For most trips: 1 outfit per 3 days, rounded up. A week-long trip needs roughly 3 full outfits. Choose neutrals that mix and match, and pack one layer more than you think you need — cold snaps happen everywhere.
Always. Checked bags get lost. Bring more than you think you need — getting a prescription filled abroad is a bureaucratic nightmare in most countries. Carry a translated letter from your doctor for anything controlled.
There are 15 different plug types in the world. The UK, Europe, USA, Australia, and South Africa all use different sockets. A universal adapter is worth buying once — cheap single-country adapters break fast and can be fire hazards.
Bring one Visa and one Mastercard — or a Wise card as your primary and your bank card as backup. Cards fail abroad for security reasons even when you notify your bank. A backup on a different network has saved countless trips.
Passport, travel insurance, bookings, driving licence — photograph everything and email it to yourself. If your bag is stolen, having digital copies makes replacement dramatically faster at the consulate or embassy.
Every destination has quirks — things you won't find on a generic packing list. Check our country guides for destination-specific advice.
The non-negotiables for any trip: passport and copies, travel insurance documents, phone charger and adapter, any prescription medication (with a doctor's letter), debit card and a backup card on a different network, and a small amount of local cash for arrival. Everything else depends on your destination and trip type.
The key is choosing versatile clothing in neutral colours that can be layered and mixed. Pack clothes you can hand-wash and that dry quickly. A good rule: lay out everything you plan to pack, then put half of it back. Most destinations have shops — you can buy anything you forget.
At minimum: a valid passport (ideally with 6+ months validity beyond your return date), any required visas, travel insurance documents, flight and accommodation confirmations, and an emergency contacts card. For some destinations you may also need vaccination certificates — check our vaccine requirements guide.
In most countries, liquids in hand luggage must be in containers of 100ml or less, all fitting in a single transparent resealable bag of 1 litre capacity. Each passenger is allowed one such bag. Exceptions include baby formula, medication, and items purchased after security. Rules vary by country so always check your airline and departure airport.
Beach essentials beyond standard travel items: high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen, rash guard for water activities, flip flops, a lightweight sarong (doubles as towel and cover-up), waterproof phone pouch, insect repellent for evenings, and a reusable water bottle. If snorkelling, consider bringing your own mask for hygiene reasons.
The most commonly forgotten items: power adapter (check the plug type for your destination), prescription medication, travel insurance details, a small padlock for hostel lockers, lip balm with SPF, a reusable bag, and a portable charger. Set a reminder to check your packing list 48 hours before departure.