Travel checklist: packing guide

Just as you wouldn’t think about leaving home without your mobile phone it’s important that you don’t leave home without some of the most essential things for a successful, well organised trip.

There is often so much to plan and organize before heading off on a trip, especially if it is an overseas trip, that it can seem a little daunting as to what to remember to do and organise.

Research, planning and preparation are key.

Having a checklist of items to pack helps to remind of essentials that in the excitement of packing may be missed.

A great tip is to place everything out that you want to pack and then halve it.

Be mindful that it does not apply to everything in your packing list. Some things are essential on a trip.

You’re not alone.

You of course want to be prepared and have the right items of clothing and accessories for your trip.

There is no set list or guideline for what to pack especially when travelling with kids. Packing light isn’t as important as packing smart.

Items on the top of your must have priority list should provide comfort and convenience and ideally serve more than one purpose.

What to pack is dependent on individual holiday factors such as are your mode of transport, how long you are going, how many kids are travelling, their ages and so on.

What you pack when flying differs to what you pack when travelling in a car or on a train. Packing alters when packing for a baby or packing for a 8 year old.

1. Do I really need it?
2. When was the last time I used or needed it?
3. Can I purchase this on holiday?
4. Can something else be used in place or substituted?
5. Does this item have more than one purpose or option of use?

Do a dry run a week out from travelling. This allows you to test your space and see if you can manage your suitcase and other items easily. It provides the opportunity to see realistically what will fit, what needs to be culled, what needs to be purchased.

No two people or holidays are the same. The checklist is a starting point. Narrow down the items to suit your individual needs.

Select items that are versatile. Layering or chose items that can be used in a few different ways and/or situations. A sarong can be used as a skirt, a thin throw rug for the kiddies, a picnic blanket, a tablecloth, a shield from the sun for a baby, etc.

Pack clothing items that go together and/or with most of your clothes. For a child it means easily swapping out a dirty t-shirt without a hassle.

For older children let them pack their own carry on and help choose items for their luggage. A child not only feels included but allows the child to chose items important to them. Complete a last minute final check to make sure that they haven’t packed the family crystal!

Roll your clothes. This provides more space in the suitcase. Rolling helps to smooth out creases and wrinkles too. Alternatively, you can use packing cubes.

Break down your items into categories.

• Clothing
• Toiletries
• Carry on
• Miscellaneous

Must haves:

All of the must haves are safest to be packed in your carry on luggage. All valuables go into hand luggage. Place everything in your carry on that you would be devastated to lose.

• Passport. Under Australian law any Australian citizen, including newborns, must have their own passport. Allow plenty of time between applying and your planned travel time.
• Visa. Some countries require visas. Ensure you have a current one for the country you are visiting.
• Travel documents. Documents including proper identification for yourself and your child. A certified copy proves the document is a true copy of the original.  A certified copy of your child’s birth certificate verifies you are the child’s parent (such as authorities checking on missing children). Keep originals at home accessible by someone should you need it. Travel insurance documentation. International drivers license if planning on driving overseas.
• Addresses/contacts/diary. This is great you use your phone as the primary place for contacts and addresses. We recommend having a old fashioned paper copy as well just to be on the safe side in the event your phone gets stolen or you are unable to charge it.
• Medication/scripts. Include a letter from your Doctor outlining your medication for security reasons if stopped and asked.

Remember to leave photo copies of important documents with someone based at home. Documentation of travel itinerary, contact numbers, passport, insurance details, etc.

Carry on:

• Notepad/pen/post-it note.
• Universal socket converters for your items needing charging.
• Camera + batteries/charger.
• Maps/travel guides. Downloaded or purchased prior to trip allows you to have an idea of location, distances and helps you tentatively plan your trip.
• Small toiletry bag in carry-on luggage (be wary of travel restrictions for carry on luggage with the security checks. Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be in 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less per container and they must be in a 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag).
• Laptop/tablet/IPad (with charger).
• Digital or disposable camera for kids to take their own photos. It’s a great opportunity for a child.
• Favourite kids toys + new toys to distract.
• Headphones.
• Mobile phone.
• Change of clothes.
• Snacks.
• Books and/or magazines.
• Sunglasses.
• Wipes. Wipes are extremely versatile.

Luggage Clothing:

• Underwear.
• Shoes. A pair of casual shoes, thongs and covered in shoes.
• Hat.
• T-shirts.
• Shorts.
• Belt.
• Socks.
• Pants and/or skirts.
• Swimmers.
• Smart dress outfit.
• Scarf.
• Jumper/jacket.

Luggage Toiletries:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Shampoo and conditioner.
• Soap.
• Pain medication.
• Hand lotion.
• Deodorant.
• Brush and hair items.
• Sunscreen.
• Make-up.
• First Aid kit. Include antibacterial cream, band aids, thermometer.
• Insect repellent.
• Tweezers.
• Shaving items.
• Personal feminine hygiene products.
• Nappy cream if travelling with a baby.

Luggage Miscellaneous:

• Travel clothes line and detergent.
• Small sewing kit.
• Small plastic bags or zip lock bags. These bags have a variety of uses from storing items to for rubbish, separating dry from wet items, etc.
• A shower cap is a good shoe protector for keeping clothes clean and smell free in the suitcase.
• Torch.
• SteriPen for purifying water.