Free packing list guides
41+ expert checklists for traveller types, trip styles, and destinations. Each guide includes tips, what not to pack, and FAQs — then use Packster to generate a list matched to your dates and weather.
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Traveller type
Family with toddlers
Pack for toddlers with a carry-on of snacks, spare outfits, comfort items, and health basics; check in a collapsible stroller, travel cot if needed, and enough nappies for the first day plus backups. Packster can tailor this list to your destination climate and flight length.
Read guideFamily with teens
Families with teens should pack individual day packs with chargers, headphones, and snacks; shared adapters; modest temple or museum layers; and activity-specific gear (hiking shoes, ski socks) while letting teens carry their own toiletries and entertainment.
Read guideCouples travel
Couples should pack coordinated capsule wardrobes with one shared toiletry kit, one backup nice outfit each, chargers and adapters in one pouch, and activity gear matched to the trip — city breaks need walkable shoes; beach trips need reef-safe sun care.
Read guideSolo travel
Solo travellers should pack a secure daypack with copies of documents, a cross-body bag, versatile layers, one pair of broken-in walking shoes, laundry kit, and tech for offline maps — keep valuables split between bag and body pouch.
Read guideSolo female travel
Solo female travellers should pack modest cover-up layers for conservative areas, a door lock or alarm, copies of documents, a cross-body bag, menstrual products, and comfortable shoes — prioritise situational awareness over gadget-heavy “security” gear.
Read guideSeniors travel
Senior travellers should prioritise medications in original containers, comfortable supportive shoes, compression socks for flights, clear copies of prescriptions, lightweight layers, and a small medical summary — plus walking aids if used daily at home.
Read guideGroup travel
Group trips need a shared gear pool (adapters, first-aid, cooler, games), clear personal carry-ons, matching activity equipment lists, and one coordinator with offline reservations — assign shared items so nobody duplicates coolers or speakers.
Read guideBusiness traveller
Business travellers need one wrinkle-resistant suit or blazer set, dress shoes, laptop and chargers in carry-on, toiletry TSA bag, portable steamer or wrinkle spray, and one casual outfit — keep client-facing items in carry-on never checked.
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Trip type
Beach holiday
For a beach trip pack two swimsuits, reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+, rash guard, after-sun care, flip-flops, a cover-up, light evening clothes, and a dry bag for wet gear — add snorkel mask only if rental quality at your resort is poor.
Read guideSki & snow trip
Ski trips need a three-layer clothing system (merino base, insulating mid-layer, waterproof shell), helmet, goggles, ski socks, lip balm with SPF, and après-ski boots — rent skis unless you travel often enough to justify carriage fees.
Read guideCamping trip
Camping lists centre on shelter (tent, stakes, footprint), sleep system (rated sleeping bag, pad, pillow), cooking (stove, fuel, lighter), lighting, layered clothing, and a leave-no-trace kit — match bag temperature rating to lowest night forecast.
Read guideHiking trip
Day hikers need broken-in boots, moisture-wicking layers, rain shell, 2L water capacity, map, headlamp, blister kit, and snacks; multi-day hikers add tent, stove, and bear-safe food storage per trail rules.
Read guideRoad trip
Road trips need car documents, phone mount and chargers, cooler with snacks, refillable bottles, layers for cabin temperature swings, overnight bag easy to grab at motels, and a paper map backup where signal fails.
Read guideCruise
Cruise packing includes formal or smart-casual dinner outfits per ship dress code, daywear for ports, motion remedies if you are sensitive, power strip (non-surge), lanyard for cabin key, and swim cover-ups — check airline weight before flying to the port.
Read guideCity break
City breaks need comfortable walking shoes, one smart-casual outfit, cross-body bag with RFID awareness, offline maps, portable charger, light rain layer, and a daypack — pack light because you will walk more than you expect.
Read guideBackpacking
Backpackers should limit to one 40–50L pack with quick-dry clothes, laundry plan, secure document pouch, universal adapter, microfibre towel, and broken-in shoes — buy bulky toiletries locally and keep valuables on your body in transit.
Read guideFestival
Festival packing needs ticket and ID in waterproof pouch, earplugs, portable charger, clear bag if venue requires, layered clothing for day-night temperature swings, camp chair or mat, refillable bottle, and wet wipes — check banned items list before packing.
Read guideWedding guest
Wedding guests should pack the outfit specified on the invitation (including colour restrictions), dress shoes broken in, steamer or wrinkle spray, gift or card, plus one backup outfit for rehearsal dinner — carry formal wear in garment bag or carry-on.
Read guideHoneymoon
Honeymoon packing balances one stunning dinner outfit, swimwear for relaxed days, comfortable travel clothes, copies of marriage certificate if name changes affect tickets, and chargers — leave room in bags for souvenirs and avoid over-scheduling gear you will not use.
Read guideTheme park
Theme park days need broken-in walking shoes, light breathable clothes, poncho for rides and rain, refillable water bottle, portable charger, sunscreen, small backpack meeting bag policy, and autograph book if kids meet characters — pack snacks if park allows.
Read guideSafari
Safari packing uses neutral earth-tone layers (khaki, olive, no bright white or camouflage in some countries), binoculars, wide-brim hat, insect repellent, closed shoes for evenings, and long sleeves for dawn game drives — soft duffels beat hard cases on bush flights.
Read guideLong-haul flight
Long-haul flights need compression socks if recommended, layered cabin clothing, neck pillow, refillable bottle empty through security, lip balm, moisturizer, sleep mask, earplugs, offline entertainment, charger, and all medications in carry-on — move hourly to reduce stiffness.
Read guideCarry-on only
Carry-on only travel requires a compliant size bag, liquids in 100ml bags, one versatile capsule wardrobe, laundry plan, travel-sized toiletries, wearing bulkiest clothes on travel day, and digital boarding passes — no checked bag means no backup if you overpack.
Read guideDigital nomad
Digital nomads need laptop, backup storage, noise-cancelling headphones, universal adapter, portable monitor optional, VPN if required, ergonomic mouse, cloud backups, and clothing capsule with laundry rhythm — separate tech pouch always carry-on.
Read guideBaby's first flight
For a baby's first flight pack extra nappies, wipes, burp cloths, spare outfits for baby and parent, breast milk or formula following airline rules, pacifier for takeoff pressure, light blanket, and birth certificate if lap infant documentation is required.
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Destination & season
Japan in winter
Japan in winter needs thermal base layers, insulated waterproof coat, heat packs for pockets, slip-resistant boots, moisturiser for dry indoor heating, and modest temple layers — pack light indoor clothes because heated trains and shops run hot.
Read guideBali
Bali packing includes light breathable clothes, temple sarong and shoulder cover, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, rain jacket for wet season, modest outfit for Ubud ceremonies, and flip-flops plus walking shoes — respect dress codes at temples.
Read guideEurope in summer
Summer Europe needs comfortable walking shoes, light layers for air-conditioned trains, modest clothing for churches, RFID-aware day bag, universal adapter, and light rain shell — pack one smart outfit for southern Europe dining.
Read guideNew Zealand
New Zealand packing requires layers for four seasons in one day, waterproof jacket, hiking boots, sun protection (ozone hole legacy), insect repellent in sandfly areas, and driving documents if renting a car — biosecurity rules prohibit many foods on arrival.
Read guideTropical wet season
Wet season tropics need quick-dry clothing, packable rain jacket and dry bags, insect repellent, mould-resistant storage bags, sandals plus closed shoes, and health kit for stomach upsets — plan laundry because humidity prevents air-drying overnight.
Read guideIceland
Iceland packing needs waterproof and windproof outer layer, thermal base layers, hiking boots with grip, swimsuit for hot springs, eye mask for midnight sun trips, and dash cam not needed but sturdy car kit if self-driving — weather changes hourly.
Read guideCaribbean
Caribbean trips need multiple swimsuits, reef-safe sunscreen, light linen clothing, rain poncho for brief showers, water shoes for rocky beaches, and modest cover for leaving resort — bring prescription snorkel mask only if you snorkel often.
Read guideScottish Highlands
Scottish Highlands packing means waterproof jacket and trousers, mid-layer fleece, hiking boots, midge repellent in summer, warm hat year-round, and offline maps — weather shifts fast and midges appear at dusk near lochs.
Read guideMorocco
Morocco packing includes modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for medinas, comfortable walking shoes, scarf for sun and mosque visits, layer for cold Sahara nights, and small cash for souks — respect local dress norms especially for women.
Read guideVietnam
Vietnam packing needs light breathable clothes, modest temple outfit, rain jacket for north or wet season, comfortable sandals and walking shoes, insect repellent, and stomach-aware health kit — carry cash for street food and small vendors.
Read guideCosta Rica
Costa Rica packing includes quick-dry clothes, hiking shoes, rain jacket, insect repellent, binoculars optional, reef-safe sunscreen on coast, and dry bags for cloud forest mist — eco lodges may need headlamp and reusable bottle.
Read guideAlps ski season
Alps ski trips need full ski layer system, helmet, ski socks, euro plug adapter, travel insurance with winter sports cover, and après boots with grip — rent skis in resort unless you own kit matched to airline sports baggage rules.
Read guideMediterranean summer
Mediterranean summer trips need linen and cotton-light clothing, sandals and walking shoes, sun hat, high SPF sunscreen, modest outfit for churches, light shawl for windy evening ferries, and refillable bottle — expect heat and crowded historic sites.
Read guideCanada in winter
Canada winter packing requires insulated parka rated for sub-zero, thermal base layers, waterproof boots, gloves and hat, lip balm, and indoor light layers for overheated shops — ice cleats optional for city sidewalks in prairie cities.
Read guideIndia
India packing needs modest breathable clothing, scarf for temples, comfortable sandals easy to remove, insect repellent, stomach-aware health kit, power adapter Type C/D/M varies by region, and conservative outfit for religious sites — dress for heat and respect.
Read guideThailand backpacking
Thailand backpacking needs light quick-dry clothes, temple modesty set, flip-flops and trail sandals, insect repellent, rain poncho in wet season, padlock for hostels, and respect for royal imagery laws — pack light and laundry often.
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