The Complete Travel Packing Checklist 2026
I built this checklist after too many trips where I forgot something important. Now I open it two days before every departure. Save it and use it — it takes 20 minutes and prevents days of avoidable stress.
Every trip needs: documents, money, medication, weather-appropriate clothing and chargers. This 60+ item checklist covers everything from your passport to wet wipes — organised by category so nothing gets forgotten.
📄 Documents & Money — The Non-Negotiables
Item | Notes |
Passport | Valid for 6+ months beyond your entry date |
Visa or entry permit | Check requirements at the destination country's consulate website |
Flight tickets (screenshot + printed) | Digital backup + paper copy in your bag |
Hotel bookings (screenshot) | Sometimes requested at border control |
Travel insurance | World Nomads (US/EU), SafetyWing (all countries), Cherehapa (Russia) |
Cards + cash (two currencies) | Always carry some cash for markets, rural transport, emergencies |
Document photos in cloud storage | Google Drive or iCloud — essential if passport is lost |
Rule number one: photograph all documents and email them to yourself. If you lose your passport, this will save you at the consulate.
💊 Medical Kit
Category | What to pack | Why |
Pain relief | Ibuprofen, Paracetamol | Headaches, fever, dental pain |
Stomach | Imodium, rehydration salts | Traveller's diarrhoea affects 30–40% of tourists in SE Asia |
Allergy | Cetirizine or Loratadine | New foods, dust, plants |
Antiseptic | Chlorhexidine, plasters | Cuts, scrapes, insect bites |
Altitude sickness | Acetazolamide (if above 2500m) | Mountains: Nepal, Peru, Altai, Kazbegi |
Sun protection | SPF 50 sunscreen, lip balm | Asia and mountains burn faster than you expect |
📱 Electronics
Phone + charger + powerbank (10,000 mAh minimum)
Universal plug adapter — UK, Japan and Switzerland have different sockets
Noise-cancelling headphones — not a luxury on a 10-hour flight
Camera + spare memory cards if you shoot a lot
eSIM or local SIM card arranged in advance — Airalo for international coverage
❓ FAQ
How much luggage to take?
For 1–2 weeks a 20L backpack or cabin-size suitcase is genuinely enough. Rule: if you are unsure — leave it. Laundry is available everywhere in the world. The less luggage you carry, the freer your trip feels.
What travel insurance should I choose?
World Nomads (US/EU citizens) or SafetyWing (all countries, $45/month subscription). Minimum coverage: $50,000 medical + repatriation. For Russian travellers: Cherehapa offers 15% affiliate commission and reliable coverage.
Should I bring cash?
Always yes — even if you plan to pay by card. Cash is essential for street food, small souvenirs, rural transport and as a backup if your card stops working. Rule: keep 20% of your trip budget in cash.
