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By: Katrin Lehr
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My optimized free packing list for your vacation to download, print out and tick off

What should I pack? What do you need abroad, what is a "nice to have"? Are you unsure what to put on your packing list and in your luggage before your summer vacation? Don't worry, after many vacations I have optimized my packing list and published it for you.

Here's a guide to what you should take with you on your next summer vacation.

If you don't feel like reading the whole text, you can print out your packing list here:

Print out your free vacation packing list here

Why have a packing list for your vacation?

When you pack your backpack, suitcase or bag, there is a lot to consider. Things often get hectic shortly before departure and important items are forgotten at home. Whether it's an important charging cable or the socket adapter for your destination. In the worst-case scenario, you discover shortly before departure that your passport is no longer valid!

Please keep in mind anything and save time!

This is where my checklist comes into play, summarizing the most important points so that you don't forget anything and don't experience a disaster! I am constantly updating and optimizing this summer vacation packing list. I constantly gain new insights from the many trips I take each year. I also discover new practical accessories that could be useful for you too!

What questions do you ask yourself when packing?

Questions like  "What do I absolutely have to take with me?",  "Which socket adapter do I need?", and  "What can I buy on the spot if my rucksack is full?" I ask myself again and again.

Some travel essentials can be bought locally, some cannot and others (often hygiene products such as shampoo and shower gel) are far too expensive at your destination. What's more, you should use solid soap and plastic-free products anyway).

I'll answer these questions about the packing list:

  • What do I need to do and check before my vacation?
  • What travel insurance do I need?
  • What can I pack in my hand luggage?
  • Which credit card do I need for my destination (for free cash withdrawals and fee-free payments)?
  • What should I pack in my toiletry bag and what belongs in my first-aid kit?
  • What clothes should I not forget in summer?
  • What clothing do I need for colder regions?
  • What should be on the list for hikes and treks?
  • What equipment really makes sense?
  • How do I pack correctly and keep an overview in my suitcase or bag?

Is there a perfect vacation packing list?

Do you really think there is THE ONE perfect packing list? Unfortunately not. I have created this packing list. It contains things that you always need on trips. But also travel essentials that vary depending on the destination. Some things you won't need in certain places, but you will need them in others.

There is no such thing as the perfect packing list!

Every trip is different, everyone travels differently and every country has different climatic conditions. Summer vacation or skiing vacation? Road trip or hiking?

You can't generalize packing lists, because everyone travels differently and everyone packs different accessories.

My tip: Use my list as a basis and let it inspire you to test products I recommend that are suitable for travel. You can also find special tips for checklists by destination in articles for travel countries.

View here: Travel gadgets: My 11 best travel gadgets for vacation

Nevertheless, it's always useful to have an overview of the items you want to pack. That's why I've created a checklist here that you can print out and tick off. Save this packing list because you'll be coming back to it again and again in the foreseeable future.

This way, you can make sure that you haven't forgotten anything for your vacation.

Different country - different packing list

For vacations in Peru, Canada, Norway and Japan, I always pack a rain and wind jacket. Plus a thin down jacket or a fleece.

For countries like Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, or Cuba, you're more likely to need T-shirts, swimwear, tops, flip-flops, and shorts or dresses that are airy. Right? If you are traveling with children, you should pack toys. However, as none of us have children, we are the wrong people to give advice.

In general, I always take sunglasses, a passport, credit cards and good travel guides with me abroad. The right international health insurance is just as important for us and is therefore mentioned on the packing list.

That's why this vacation packing list is as general as necessary, but as detailed as possible. I have included chapters for warmer destinations (summer vacations) and chapters for hikes and cooler destinations. I also always print out the vacation checklist because I can't think of everything.

I travel so often that I have a lot of experience of what you should take with you and what you won't need on the road.

Summer vacation vs. winter vacation

There are different ways to travel. Are you looking for a packing list for winter and ski vacations? Then here's my packing list for skiing.

A summer vacation packing list usually doesn't include warm clothes, so pack light. Are you going to Scandinavia or Iceland? Don't forget the mosquito repellent. Unfortunately, I don't have any tips for a family vacation. I don't have any children myself, but I've been on camper van trips with my two nephews. Children love games, beach vacations (North Sea or Baltic Sea), the Black Forest and adventure. At the beach, children are happy with a shovel, a landing net and a ball.

Why am I writing a packing list for my vacation?

Depending on the destination and type of trip, I have created different packing lists to print out. On a road trip with a camper or car you need different equipment than on a city trip or a adventure or active trip with a backpack.

I'm often chaotic and pack at the last minute under time pressure. I've created this checklist so that you don't forget anything and, above all, only have what you really need.

Here you will find the optimized packing list, which you can also print out as a PDF (directly to the packing list download link).

I wish you a great and unforgettable trip - wherever you're going! At the end of this article you will find the packing list as a PDF to print out!

There are also links to other packing lists for road trips and city breaks.

Packing list: Do it before you leave

In addition to planning the trip, there are other things to consider. Be it having the right travel documents with you or checking the safety at your destination. I always check the website of the Federal Foreign Office. Many travel warnings are exaggerated, but it's never wrong to be informed.

Detailed list for travel documents, money and credit card

  • Passport (or identity card) - (valid for at least 6 months and two free pages; store a copy on Dropbox)
  • Applying for a visa: I look up visa regulations on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.
  • Credit card for traveling without fees - best credit cards without foreign fees. I prefer a Visa card to a Mastercard. Always leave EC cards at home.
  • Cash (Euro/Dollar) - can be useful for paying visa fees or at border crossings
  • Frequent Traveller card to collect miles and points (e.g. Miles and more from Lufthansa or the American Express Platinum)
  • Travel insurance: A good international health insurance: Hanse Merkur (I myself am now privately insured. This covers international health insurance.
    → Reading tip: What travel insurance do I need (in Germany)?
  • Travel cancellation insurance. Also from Hanse Merkur.
  • Confirmation of the hotel reservation, of the rental car or of the tour operator
  • Tickets for flights, buses or trains. I use apps on my smartphone to save paper.
  • Address of first accommodation (you often need this at the airport for the entry documents)
  • Important emergency addresses and telephone numbers of your bank (have credit cards blocked), contacts of relatives or for international health insurance

Optional:

  • International driving license
  • Vignette/toll card
  • Navigation device or GPS (or download maps offline onto smartphone)
  • Student ID (if you are still a student)
  • Vaccination certificate (in some countries, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required on entry)
  • Medication
  • Passport photo, in case you need to apply for a visa on site or want to get your diving license
  • Small additional purse (view on Amazon)

►  Here you will find all the information you need for your first-aid kit

Be sure to check:

  • Double check that your passports are still valid and that your passport still has at least two free pages.
  • With some banks, it makes sense to inform them about a trip abroad and, if necessary, have the credit limit of the credit card increased.
  • Scan the most important documents (passport, driver's license, vaccination card, health card, ...) and save them online (e.g. Dropbox) so that you can access them in an emergency.

Tip against theft of your passport and credit card data

Do you know the RFID block sleeves? These are ideal for protecting your credit card, ID card, passport (there are also larger sleeves) from identity theft. Of course, you can also buy a wallet that has an integrated RFID block.

View RFID block sleeves on Amazon

RFID Block Schutzhülle Kreditkarte
RFID block protective cover for credit cards, ID cards and passports.

Booked a parking space at the airport or a train ticket?

If you are traveling to the airport in your own vehicle, you should definitely reserve a parking space at the airport before your trip. If you book in good time, you can save a lot of money (e.g. in Frankfurt via "Holiday Parking" or Platzhirsch. There are now providers like sand by the sea).

I love traveling by train. On some trips, however, the departure is so early or the return flight so late that there are no trains. Then I drive to the airport in my own car.

If no Rail & Fly ticket is included with the flight, I buy a ticket from the train company in good time.

To be checked at home before departure

  • Pay outstanding bills: Have you transferred and paid all outstanding bills? I keep getting reminders to transfer money. What's more annoying than having to make transfers via home banking while on vacation? I speak from experience …
  • Mailbox: Do you have family, friends, or neighbors who occasionally empty your mailbox? Or could scan or photograph important documents and send them to you in an emergency?
  • Hide valuables: Do you have valuable jewelry or a lot of cash at home? Then put everything in a safe. I hardly have anything valuable, but my parents have had all their jewelry (especially heirlooms) stolen.
  • Clean out the fridge: Have you eaten or passed on all the food that is going to expire? On long trips, I defrost the fridge and switch it off.
  • Windows: Have you closed all the windows and shutters? An absolute "must do", especially for first floor apartments.
  • Waste: Have you emptied your garbage cans? Nothing stinks more than forgotten garbage.
  • Heating off: Especially when traveling in autumn or winter, you should check whether your heating is off. (Tip: A smart home system to control your heating remotely is ideal)
  • Switch off sockets: I switch off all sockets on my computer and TV. That way you can save electricity.

Hand luggage packing list

Before every trip, I think about which hand luggage to take with me: outdoor backpack, photo backpack or a normal everyday backpack? Because the daypack is the most important piece of luggage on a trip.

The most important technical and personal items for the flight must fit inside. My camera should be securely packed.

I currently use these backpacks for hand luggage

Fotorucksack Reisen Empfehlung Test
My perfect photo bag: WANDRD - PRVKE

Make sure that your hand luggage does not consist of just one main compartment. There's nothing more annoying than constantly having to clear everything out when you're looking for something. That's why I often pack a small sports bag/jute bag with all the important things I need during the flight (headphones, iPad, laptop, Kindle, travel guide, …)

Then I don't have to search in the often crammed luggage compartment.

Travel hack for hand luggage:

Check what is allowed in your hand luggage before departure. How many kilograms your hand luggage may weigh. Depending on the airline and airport, hand luggage is now weighed more and more often! Even on long-haul flights, renowned airlines check how much your hand luggage weighs.

Pay attention to the liquids regulations: As before, no liquids (including gel-like products) exceeding 100 ml are allowed in hand baggage (maximum quantity printed on the bag). You must pack these in a sealable, transparent bag.

I therefore recommend that you take a small day pack with you on the plane. I take the following accessories on board.

Note: Are you going to the sea? Since my luggage didn't arrive at the airport in Aruba (1 day later), I always pack fresh clothes and a bikini for one day. That way, if the worst comes to the worst, I have the most important things with me.

Technology and camera (hand luggage)

Hygiene articles (hand luggage)

  • Glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses and liquids
  • Wet wipes or hand sanitizer if there is no water nearby
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Deodorant (my tip: Plastic-free from Holy Pit, I love it)
  • Brush
  • Transparent bag for liquids in hand luggage. It is not uncommon for friends to have to leave liquids behind at the airport security checkpoint. Pack all, really all liquids in transparent bags.

Note: I had my eyes lasered in 2018 and am delighted. No glasses, no spare contact lenses and no more liquid!Note: I had my eyes lasered in 2018 and am thrilled. No glasses, no spare contact lenses and no more liquid! am thrilled. No glasses, no spare contact lenses and no more liquid!

Other travel items (hand luggage)

  • travel pillow or huggies
  • Sleep mask and Ohropax (I can't sleep with it, but all my friends travel with it and swear by it)
  • Pen and the one I produced myself Travel diary (→ Tips for writing a travel diary)
  • On the tablet or smartphone: travel guides, maps (I love printed maps, especially for road trips) or language guides (if you need these when you arrive at your destination, put them in your hand luggage)
  • Replacement clothing for at least one day (in case your luggage gets lost!)

Backpack, Duffle bag or suitcase?

No matter what trip you're planning, I recommend a piece of luggage that is versatile, lightweight and big enough to fit your travel essentials. This is the hardest part: finding the best piece of luggage that is easy and comfortable to carry and fits your trip. I've recently started favoring a bag with wheels (Tatonka Barrel M or L).

I currently use these pieces of luggage

Note: When choosing a backpack, make sure you buy one with a good back system. I always advise you to buy the backpack in a specialist store and try it out there.

→ Reading tip: Tips on how to pack your backpack properly

Bester Rucksack für Reisen
My current favorite backpack: Tatonka Yukon 50 + 10 L (women)

Travel packing tips

You need different items of equipment for different activities. Keeping them all organized in your suitcase or rucksack is often a big challenge. Every time I grin to myself when I see what friends stuff into their bags, they wonder why they can't find anything. Or in more humid destinations, all the laundry is suddenly damp or even wet.

My tip? Packing bags or "packing cubes".

I pack all the pants in one large pannier, tops in another. Socks and underwear are packed separately in small bags. That way you can quickly find the item of clothing you want. You could also sort the bags by activity (for example, hiking gear in one bag and beach gear in another).

I've been traveling much more stress-free since then, as I've packed my backpack within minutes when I often have to change accommodation on road trips.

Waterproof drybags help to protect against moisture. They not only protect against moisture, but also against dust and dirt. I use panniers for clothing and the smaller version for documents and cables.

Clothing and shoes

The more I travel, the more I value good functional clothing (preferably made of merino wool) that is light and dries quickly. Clothes should also be robust. I'm tired of replacing t-shirts with holes in them and torn pants after every trip. My favorite shopping for these clothes is at Globetrotter* . I simply find everything here.

To consider before the trip

  • How many shirts or socks do you really use on vacation? You always have some left over. If necessary, you can wash them on site.
  • How many pairs of shoes are enough?

Packing list clothing and shoes:

  • 1-2 long pants
  • 2–3 pairs of shorts
  • 5 shirts
  • 5 tops (T-shirts & tops for 1 week up to 10 days)
  • 1 sweatshirt or hoodie
  • 2-3 long sleeves for evenings and air-conditioned buses
  • Underwear and bras  (for about 1 week)
  • 3 pairs of short and 2–3 pairs of long socks (depending on the destination), are also suitable as a money stash
  • Bikini (men's swimming trunks)
  • Sarong, can also be used as a bath towel or blanket in air-conditioned buses
  • 1 microfiber travel towel (space-saving, lightweight, and dries quickly). I need towels less and less when I travel. But when I do, I always have my fluffy microfiber towel with me. Attention: the cheaper, the "stickier" when drying.
  • Multifunctional scarf or tubular scarf serves as a scarf, headgear, and sweatband.
  • 1 pair of light sneakers, sufficient for light hikes (e.g., ON cloud or Adidas Ultraboost)
  • 1 pair of flip-flops or Birkenstocks
  • 1 pair of trekking shoes (flat, depending on destination)
  • 1 thin wind/rain jacket
  • 1 soft shell jacket (depending on destination)
  • a thin down jacket

I am relatively sure that you will still have some clothes left over after the trip. People tend to pack for all options. Especially when traveling to unknown countries.

My advice: pack smart and don't overload your backpack just because there's still room. Try to pack items of clothing that you can combine with each other.

A pink T-shirt that only goes with a certain pair of trousers has no place in your luggage. How do I do it? I have many shirts and tops in similar colors that I can combine with my pants.

Vacation checklist for colder regions and travel in the rainy season

  • Double jacket (wind and waterproof outer jacket combined with a warm inner jacket - I use my softshell for this, sometimes the fleece jacket)
  • Cap
  • 2-3 long-sleeved shirts (for example Icebreaker or Patagonia, merino wool is low odor)
  • 1–2 pairs of warm socks
  • (Thin) hut sleeping bag - useful in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan at almost 4,000 meters

Other travel gadgets

  • Stirnlampe with battery. A minimalist says get rid of it. I say: in with it! If you're traveling without a headlamp, it's your fault. Because: power outages or no electricity happen often enough when traveling. On hikes (sunrise in Cape Town or Tikal in the dark), you're glad to have both hands free. Similar to spending the night in the bush in Africa, in the Tatacoa Desert in Colombia or on the beautiful San Blas Islands in Panama. Also been useful in Costa Rica, Mexico, Uganda, Rwanda, Botswana, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and many other countries.
  • Leatherman - THE multi-tool beyond comparison and much more than just a pocket knife. Whenever I forget my Leatherman on a trip, I miss it sorely.
  • Binoculars: Indispensable if you have the opportunity to spot animals. Whether in Costa Rica, a safari in Africa, Peru or even Sri Lanka. My robust adventure D 10 x 25 active binoculars therefore always come with me.
    → You can find my safari packing list here.
  • Travel diary to write yourself 

Packing list for personal hygiene and first-aid kit

Personal hygiene items are the most important items apart from clothing. Avoid large packaging and use travel sizes.

I am currently traveling with a soap from Holy Pit. I use it for my hair and body. Perfect and plastic-free! It lasts at least 4 weeks for 2 people.

If you would rather not do without your shampoo, use silicone bottles that you can fill. These containers also have suction cups and can be attached to the wall anywhere.

You often need medication when you don't have it with you. But they are important when traveling! You can buy medicines in many tourist destinations (Thailand, South Africa …), but not everything is always in stock. Or you are in the bush in Africa. There's no pharmacy for miles around, and you'll be glad to have medicine in your luggage.You often need medication when you don't have it with you. But they are important when traveling! You can buy medicines in many tourist destinations (Thailand, South Africa …), but not everything is always in stock. Or you are in the bush in Africa. There's no pharmacy for miles around, and you'll be glad to have medicine in your luggage.

I always have the most important things with me. If you have (chronic) illnesses, you know what medicine you need regularly. For example, I always have Sinupret and nasal spray in my hand luggage.

Packing list toiletry bag:

First of all, you need a good, sturdy toiletry bag that can get wet. I use a hanging bag when traveling, as there are often no storage areas. I can hang the bag up almost anywhere. The bag is also robust and has been on many trips, got wet on the outside and always stayed dry on the inside.

  • Hanging toiletry bag
  • Laundry bag, practical for dirty laundry or for transportation when you take your laundry to the laundry - I also use it for trips when I don't want to carry a rucksack around.
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss
  • Hairbrush or comb
  • Deodorant
  • Shampoo and shower gel
  • Sun cream (I use unscented sun cream from Ladival as I often had sun allergies as a child. Since then, no other sun cream has been applied to my skin)
  • Face cream, lotion
  • Lip balm
  • Body care products
  • Hygiene products for women (menstrual cup, tampons, ...)
  • Alternative contact lenses

Additional things:

Travel first-aid kit checklist - health when traveling:

  • First aid kit or small first aid kit (there are even waterproof kits)
  • Pain and fever remedies such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or Aspirin Complex
  • Nasal spray
  • Charcoal tablets
  • Vitamin tablets against sun allergy, e.g. Calcium Sandoz Sun
  • Hand sanitizer gel (Especially in countries such as Mexico, Cuba, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan - where there is not always a tap nearby)
  • Ointment for wounds, e.g. Bepanthen
  • Medication for diarrhea and nausea, e.g. Imodium acute
  • Plaster (waterproof)
  • Malaria prophylaxis (depending on the destination and only after consultation with your family doctor)
  • Mosquito spray, e.g. Autan Tropical (I now swear by local mosquito balm)

→ View detailed travel first-aid kit checklist with PDF as a download here

Hygiene Artikel für Reisen

Packing a day pack for hand luggage

You can use a lightweight and versatile bag or backpack many times. See point 2.

→ Packing tips for your backpack to avoid back problems.

  1. My tips for the best apps for smartphones when traveling
  2. List of my camera(s) and photo accessories when traveling

Security and theft protection when traveling

Pickpockets are everywhere. The only option is often a safe in the hotel. These are usually so small that no laptop or camera will fit inside. That's why there is the practical TravelSafe from Packsafe.

The 12 L version fits a laptop, iPad and my camera equipment (although I always have the latter with me). You can then lock the TravelSafe in your room with a lock. Thanks to the steel mesh, this is a better replacement for a safe.

→ My tips for money stashes

Download detailed packing list as PDF

Here you can download the checklist as a PDF, print it out and check it off. You can add your own comments to this list and never forget anything important again. So nothing stands in the way of your perfect vacation!

Packliste als PDF herunterladen

(If you have any other tips or suggestions for additions to the list, please feel free to leave them as a comment at the end of the article. Thank you very much!)

Final point for the packing list

If you still have room in your luggage, you don't have to cram it full. Be glad that you still have room for souvenirs and other souvenirs.

Depending on the country you are traveling to, you can also buy many things on the go. In many countries you can have your laundry washed cheaply (or wash it yourself). This way you can save on clothes and take less with you. I know that sometimes there is not enough time. There are often dryers (or it's hot anyway) so that the laundry dries quickly!

Always thinking:

Do you need a rain jacket in Mexico, Thailand or Cuba? Of course the monsoon rains are heavy, but often of very short duration. Getting wet at 30° degrees is not bad. Everything will be dry again in an hour at the latest. Freezing? Not a chance. My tip for these countries: cross them off your packing list.

However, the rain jacket was very useful in Costa Rica, Uganda or Rwanda. I was there during the rainy season and knew that it was definitely going to rain. The rain showers were very heavy and often lasted longer. It was cold at higher altitudes in all these countries. If it's cold and wet and I'm freezing, I can't enjoy the trip as much.

So think carefully about what you really need. This will help you reduce your packing lists and save you a lot of equipment and unnecessary kilos of accessories in your rucksack.

Do you have any other things that need to be on your packing list for your summer vacation? What does your vacation checklist look like?

I hope you enjoyed this guide and that it helped answer your questions. If you have any tricks, ideas or questions, we look forward to your comments here on the travel blog.

If you don't have any questions: We still look forward to your feedback and that you share this post with friends!

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Katrin Lehr, Gründerin Reiseblog viel-unterwegs.de und Reise-Expertin
Hi ich bin Katrin!

I'm Katrin, I travel a lot and am a real travel expert! I am eager to explore the whole world with a Camper van or backpack. Furthermore, I founded this travel blog to share my experiences with you!

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