Printable Travel Packing List

Why these items are on the list

1. Underwear: aim for two pairs per day. Valenski aims for two pairs per day of the trip, plus a few extras just in case.
2. Walking socks, aim one pair daily. Valenski aims for one comfortable walking-sock pair per day, plus any dress socks needed for formal events.
3. Casual tops and pants. Shirts, blouses, jeans and pants. Note the quantity you want for each.
4. Shoes, such as walking or dress. Walking and dress shoes are the named types. Pack the pairs your trip needs.
5. Outerwear, light to winter weight. Valenski's examples: light jacket, rain jacket, winter coat or similar.
6. Nightwear, such as pajamas. Nightwear can include pajamas, a robe, slippers and similar items.
7. Swimsuit, if needed. Seaside trip: swimsuit and sun protection. Cover-ups and sandals suit warm weather.
8. Cold-weather layers, if needed. Winter trip: hats, scarves and gloves. Thermal socks and weatherproof boots go with them.
9. Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss. If you wear contacts, add spare lenses, a case and solution.
10. Skincare, hair and body care. Skincare, hair and body routines might include make-up remover, face wash, toner, moisturizer, shampoo, soap and lotion.
11. Sunscreen and lip balm. Face and body sunscreen. Lip balm comes right after it on the list.
12. First aid kit. A first aid kit might hold bandages, antibacterial cream, anti-inflammatories, allergy meds, anti-nausea meds and similar items.
13. Prescriptions in original bottles. Valenski's list says original bottles, with pharmacy information. Pack other daily medications, vitamins and supplements too.
14. Bag for dirty laundry. Pack it with the other extras, such as a travel iron or mini steamer.
15. Sewing kit, stain remover pen. Valenski lists the sewing kit and stain remover pen in the Everything Else section, ahead of the lint roller.
16. Empty water bottle. Pack it empty, alongside hand sanitizer, tissues and an umbrella.
17. Sleep mask, ear plugs, neck pillow. Rest kit for the road. All three are on the extras list.
18. Notebook and pen. Both are on the extras list.
19. Passport and driver's license. Also keep digital copies of both, plus flight and hotel reservation details.
20. Credit and debit cards, cash. Carry a few ways to pay. A health insurance card is on the list too.
21. Vaccination info. Carry a physical copy and a digital copy of your vaccination info.
22. Phone, laptop, headphones. Day Designer's categories include chargers, so check them off with the devices.
23. Mobile power bank, USB-C, Lightning cords. In Valenski's setup, a USB-C cord covers laptop, Kindle and headphones; a Lightning cord covers the phone.
24. Surge protector with USB ports. Pick one with both outlets and USB connectors.
25. International adapter, if needed. Only some trips call for one, so mark it "if needed".
26. Marked-up copy of this list. Day Designer says to keep the marked-up copy, because it makes every later trip faster.

You tick each item as it goes into the bag, not as you think of it, so the ticks show what is actually packed.