Don't Forget These Travel Essentials—We've Got Your Vacay Covered With the Ultimate Packing Lists for Every Type of Trip

Hurray! You are planning a vacation! It's always great to relax and get rejuvenated with a little time away. Maybe you even went as far as booking a stay at an all-inclusive resort where everything like food and activities is included with the price of the resort. Sounds like a breeze if only you didn't have to do your own packing! There is so much to think about before you can leave and you want to make sure that you don't forget any necessary essentials. Coming up with your packing list can be a daunting job, especially if you aren't a detailed person. Plus, if you are traveling with kids, your job of packing is that much more complicated and you'll have several packing lists to make.

You probably planned your trip, booked your hotel(s) and bought your plane tickets well in advance of the trip. Give yourself a nice pat on the back for getting the necessary travel plans made. This should leave packing as the only task on your mind during the days just prior to your leaving. Depending on the type of vacation you are taking, there are various essentials that you won't want to leave home without. For instance, a beach vacation will have different needs than a trip overseas.

Luckily, we have come up with lists for a variety of different types of vacations. So, whether you are going on a weekend getaway or an extended cruise, a road trip across the United States or a backpacking trip across Europe, you'll have an appropriate checklist for what to pack. Here are five helpful packing lists for a weekend getaway, beach vacation, cruise, road trip and international vacation.

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What To Consider When Packing

There are several things to consider when you start your packing. This list will help you to narrow down exactly what you'll need.

1. Weather

Unless you are going to a place like Hawaii, where the weather is pretty consistent, you will need to account for various temperatures and rain or even snow. Of course, you only have so much room in your suitcase. Your best bet is to check the weather forecast ahead of time and mostly pack for the expected temperature. Then, throw in a couple of items in the event the weather changes.

2. Toiletries

You may have a favorite shampoo or love your own blow dryer. However, when you consider the amount of space these items take up, you may want to rely on what is provided at the hotel or rental you are staying at. It's a nice convenience that would be good to take advantage of.

3. Just-in-Case Items

You can drive yourself crazy by overthinking all of the possible scenarios and packing way too much. It's good to have a list of things you may possibly need but think about which of these would be easy to pick up at a store while traveling. For instance, bug spray may be handy to have if bugs get pesky, but how easy is it to run to a store if they do? Some items are best left at home if there is only a small chance you will need them and you have the resources to get them during your stay.

4. Length of Stay/Laundry

If you are going to be gone for a week or less, you can probably pack enough to cover the whole time with just a couple of duplicates. Anything longer than a week may require the use of laundry facilities. You may pack a few more options for sure but don't bring your whole wardrobe. Pack your favorites and plan to do laundry instead.

5. Flying or Driving?

You have a little more freedom with how much you pack when you are driving. The only limit that you have is how much space you have in your vehicle. When you are flying, you need to pack more conservatively. However, you can make use of compression bags to fit more into your suitcase. Just be careful with how much weight you are adding as each airline has its own maximum allowable weight per bag.

Related: 17 Essential Travel Backpacks for Women

What Do I Need To Pack for a Seven-Day Trip?

Traveling for a week puts you right at that line for possibly needing to pack luggage other than just a carry-on. However, most of us don't like to have to do that. For one, it costs money to check in bags, and two, we don't want to risk the airline losing our luggage. This means we need to pack smart so that we can fit everything into a carry-on. Usually, this isn't a problem if you are going somewhere tropical and the clothing options are made up of less material. However, even if you are going somewhere much colder, you can still pack the minimum amount for a seven-day trip.

Clothing Tips

When you look at the following packing lists, consider items that you can mix and match. For instance, you may need just two pairs of pants and three tops to get through an entire week by mixing things up. Pack neutrals that are easy to match and mix in different jewelry items. You may want to dress in layers on the airplane for even more options. Plus, don't forget that you can always launder your clothes if necessary.

Toiletry Tips

Always consider what may be provided at the hotel or resort that you are staying at. Pack only what won't be provided and keep it to travel size. Even if you run out of something during the week, you can reload at a local store. And remember, you are only allowed 3.4 ounces of liquid items in your carry-on bag.

Weekend Getaway Packing List

If you like spur-of-the-moment vacation plans, a weekend getaway is the perfect length of time to plan for with short notice. Because there are fewer days, there is less to think about...kind of. There are some essentials that you'll need regardless of the amount of time you're gone.

Make sure to check the weather forecast of your destination before you start packing. Since you probably want to bring the least amount of clothes possible, checking the weather should give you a pretty good idea of what you can focus on.

Since you could be going virtually anywhere for a weekend getaway, this packing list is a bit generic. The important thing is to make sure that you have the essentials and account for different attire during the day than evening. If you will be staying in a hotel, take advantage of all of the amenities like a blow dryer, iron, shampoo, conditioner and body wash. The less you have to pack for a weekend, the better.

Clothes

• two pairs of pants (one casual and one more dressy)

• three or more tops (casual and dressy)

• a dressy night-out outfit

• sweater/jacket

• pajamas

• undergarments

• work-out clothes

• clothing needed for specific activities (swimsuit, winter coat, etc.)

Accessories/Shoes

• comfortable walking shoes

• dress shoes

• flip flops or slippers

• tennis shoes

• purse

• jewelry

• hat

• sunglasses/reading glasses/eyeglasses

Toiletries

• makeup wipes or face cleanser

• face moisturizer for day and night

• contact cleaner

• toothbrush

• toothpaste

• mouthwash

• shampoo

• conditioner

• body wash

• body moisturizer

• deodorant

• razor

• makeup

• hair spray and other hair products

• feminine hygiene products

• perfume/cologne

• brush/comb

Electronics

• blow dryer

• curling iron or flat iron

• cell phone

• camera

• phone charger

• earbuds

• portable chargers/power banks

Extra Items

• prescription medicine

• pain reliever and other over-the-counter meds

• vitamins

• laptop if necessary

• umbrella

• suntan lotion

• bug spray

• hand sanitizer

• refillable water bottle

• laundry bag

• dry bag (to keep things dry while on water)

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Beach Vacation Packing List

Listed below are some important essentials for a beach vacation. The amount of each item to bring will depend on the number of days that you will be traveling. It's always good to have a few options with a couple of backups in case of soiling or weather changes.

A beach vacation is typically more casual with a lot of time outdoors, so the clothes that you pack should be reflective of that. And even though a beach vacation is usually warm, you want to account for cooler evenings or weather changes (not to mention air-conditioned restaurants!).

Clothes

• swimsuits

• swimsuit cover-up or sarong

• shorts

• t-shirts (long sleeve and short sleeve)

• sundress

• casual pants or capris

• tops

• sweater

• sweatshirt

• light jacket

• pajamas

• undergarments

• work out clothes and socks

Accessories/Shoes

• flip flops

• sandals

• tennis shoes/boat shoes

• sunglasses and strap

• small purse, backpack or fanny sack

• beach bag

• beach towel

• hat, visor or cap

• ponytail holders

• jewelry

• reading glasses

Toiletries

• suntan lotion

• body lotion (include one with aloe in case of sunburn)

• makeup

• makeup wipes or face wash

• face moisturizer (day cream and night cream)

• body wash

• shampoo/conditioner

• heat protectant spray for hair

• hairspray

• hair gel or lotion

• extra contacts/extra glasses

• contact cleaner

• cleaning wipes for eyeglasses

• toothpaste

• toothbrush

• mouthwash

• dental floss

• deodorant

• feminine hygiene products

• razor

• perfume/cologne

• nail clippers/file

• tweezers

• brush/comb

Electronics

• cell phone

• laptop

• fitness watch

• earbuds

• device chargers

• blow dryer

• curling iron/flat iron

• portable chargers/power banks

Extra Items

• prescription medicines

• pain relievers and other over-the-counter meds

• vitamins

• hand sanitizer

• bug spray

• umbrella

• dry bag

• laundry bag

• refillable water bottle

• books/magazines/journal/sketchbook and pencil

• lint roller

• flashlight

• binoculars

• tissues

• driver's license/vaccination card/credit card/cash

• boarding pass (if flying)

• first aid kit

• anti-bacterial wipes

• travel sewing kit

Packing List for a Cruise

When you pack for a cruise, you have to take even more care to remember the essentials. It's not like you can just run to a pharmacy real quick to get the items that you forgot. Although there are stores on a cruise ship, you will pay almost double the price for any toiletries or medications.

Another thing to keep in mind is that although a cruise may seem casual and relaxing with the island excursions, there are many formal dinners to attend on the ship. This means that you will need to pack some fancy dresses or, for men, a suit or sports jacket. Find out ahead of time how many nights will be formal dinners to make sure you pack enough elegant attire. If you want to pack light, remember that a little black dress can be the perfect staple to change up with wraps or jewelry.

Clothes

• little black dress/khaki or black dress pants for men

• formal cocktail dress/suit or sports jacket for men

• dress shirts

• dressy wraps

• sundress

• polo/golf shirts

• walking shorts

• casual shorts

• t-shirts

• tops

• casual slacks/capris

• sweaters/light jackets/rain jackets

• swimsuits

• swimsuit cover-up

• pajamas

• undergarments

• fitness clothes and socks

• dress socks

Accessories/Shoes

• dress shoes

• sandals

• flip flops

• tennis shoes

• comfortable walking shoes

• clutch

• purse

• hat, visor or cap

• pool bag

• shopping bag to carry island purchases

• sunglasses

• reading glasses

• hair ties

Toiletries

• suntan lotion

• body lotion (include one with aloe in case of sunburn)

• makeup

• makeup wipes or face wash

• face moisturizer (day cream and night cream)

• body wash

• shampoo/conditioner

• heat protectant spray for hair

• hairspray

• hair gel or lotion

• extra contacts/extra glasses

• contact cleaner

• cleaning wipes for eyeglasses

• toothpaste

• toothbrush

• mouthwash

• dental floss

• deodorant

• feminine hygiene products

• razor

• perfume/cologne

• nail clippers/file

• tweezers

• brush/comb

Electronics

• cell phone

• laptop

• fitness watch

• earbuds

• device chargers

• blow dryer

• curling iron/flat iron

• camera (a professional camera is nice for all of the interesting sights)

• portable chargers/power banks

Extra Items

• cash for purchases made on an island

• passport

• drivers license

• credit card

• boarding pass

• prescription medicine

• pain reliever and other over-the-counter meds

• vitamins

• umbrella

• laundry bag

• refillable water bottle

• books, magazines, journal

• pen

• lint roller

• dry bag

• hand sanitizer

• travel sewing kit

• antibacterial wipes

• list of emergency contacts

• flashlight

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International Travel Packing List

An international trip is an exciting adventure, but you don't want to be caught unawares. There are some special travel essentials that you might not have thought of if you don't travel abroad frequently or if this is your first trip.

Depending on where you are going, you may encounter cultural differences that you want to be sensitive to. It's better to dress respectfully and be aware of what is looked down upon in other countries. You may even want to bring along a wrap to cover up if necessary.

One thing to keep in mind is that you don't want to stand out as a tourist or fall victim to theft. Leave your expensive jewelry at home and dress in neutral colors to blend in.

Another thing to be aware of is the fact that many countries have different types of electrical outlets. It's a good idea to pick up an international adaptor before you leave.

Clothes

• casual slacks/capris

• walking or Bermuda shorts

• golf/polo shirts

• short sleeve and long-sleeve tops

• sweater/wrap/light jacket/rain jacket

• bathing suits for beaches or pools

• bathing suit cover-up

• dresses

• nice jeans

• socks

Accessories/Shoes

• closed-toe comfortable shoes

• flip flops for beach or pool

• hiking boots

• chunky heels

• backpack

• purse

• beach bag

• hat, visor or cap

• inexpensive jewelry

• fanny pack

Toiletries

• makeup wipes or face cleanser

• face moisturizer for day and night

• contact cleaner

• toothbrush

• toothpaste

• mouthwash

• shampoo

• conditioner

• body wash

• body moisturizer

• razor

• makeup

• deodorant

• hair spray and other hair products

• feminine hygiene products

• perfume/cologne

• lip balm

• brush/comb

Electronics

• universal travel adaptor

• cell phone

• laptop

• device chargers

• earbuds

• blow dryer

• curling iron/flat iron

• portable chargers/power banks

Extra Items

• refillable water bottle

• passports/visas

• drivers license

• travel insurance - in case of medical needs abroad

• prescription medicine plus a copy of prescription

• pain relievers and other over-the-counter meds

• vitamins

• umbrella

• suntan lotion

• ponytail holders

• flashlight

• binoculars

• cash

• credit card

• hand sanitizer

• antibacterial wipes

• books/magazines/journal

• pen

Packing List for a Road Trip

Road trips tend to be a little more spur of the moment and you have more flexibility than some of the other vacations. Since you are on the road, you are more likely to find the right stores in the event that you forgot anything.

You also have the ability to load up your vehicle since you won't be restricted by airplane space. It's a good thing you have plenty of room too, since you'll likely want to pack some snacks and maybe a case of water. Who knows how long you might want to drive before stopping?

Also, when you pack for a road trip, keep one overnight bag handy for stops at a hotel. You don't need to bring all of your luggage in. Keep the overnight bag stocked with pajamas, undergarments and a change of clothes as well as your basic toiletry items.

Clothes

• leggings, sweatpants or other comfortable travel pants

• comfortable t-shirts

• sweater, sweatshirt, jacket, raincoat

• jeans

• casual slacks, capris or shorts

• casual and business casual tops

• dressy outfit

• socks

• undergarments

• pajamas

• specific activity clothing

Accessories/Shoes

• tennis shoes

• comfortable walking shoes

• flip flops, sandals or boots (depending on the weather)

• dressy shoes

• purse

• backpack

• laundry bag

• fanny pack

Toiletries

• makeup wipes or face cleanser

• face moisturizer for day and night

• contact cleaner

• toothbrush

• toothpaste

• mouthwash

• shampoo

• conditioner

• body wash

• body moisturizer

• razor

• makeup

• deodorant

• hair spray and other hair products

• feminine hygiene products

• perfume/cologne

• brush/comb

Electronics

• cell phone

• laptop

• device chargers/car charger

• blow dryer

• curling iron or flat iron

• earbuds

• portable chargers/power banks

Extra Items

• prescription medicine

• pain relievers and other over-the-counter meds

• vitamins

• flashlight

• jumper cables

• tire pressure gauge

• first aid kit

• sunglasses

• reading glasses

• blanket

• pillow

• beach towel

• laundry bag

• snacks

• drinks

• books/magazines/journal

• pen

• mini cooler or larger

How Many Days of Clothes Can You Fit in a Carry-On?

It shouldn't be a problem packing up to a week's worth of clothing in a carry-on. However, anything over that would be a stretch—literally. If you don't have a problem with wearing the same week's worth of clothing over multiple weeks, you are all set. All you need is to plan for laundering.

Choose your clothing carefully. Comfortable clothes in colors that can be mixed and matched are your best bet. These tend to be the go-to anyway when it comes right down to it. Some of those stiff tops or ill-fitting pants just take up space because when you are relaxing, you won't be reaching for them (even if they do have cute styling).

What Can You Not Carry in Checked-in Luggage?

According to the TSA, there are several items that you absolutely cannot carry in checked-in luggage. Nobody wants to find this out upon their arrival at the airport. Then, your only options are to run it out to your car (if you drove and just leaving for vacation) or you have to leave the item at the airport for them to dispose of. Some questionable items are allowed but with special instructions. Generally speaking, you absolutely cannot pack explosives or aerosols in your luggage. This list is pretty extensive and gives the specifics of what is considered a no-no. Most of these are pretty obvious and others, like a cordless curling iron, might surprise you!

• alcoholic beverages over 140 proof

• lighters of any kind

• bear spray

• blasting caps

• butane

• butane curling irons

• chlorine for pools

• CO2 cartridge

• cooking spray

• cordless curling iron

• dynamite (that one might be obvious)

• electronic cigarettes and vaping devices

• engines and engine-powered equipment with residual fuel

• English Christmas crackers

• fertilizer

• fire extinguishers

• firecracker/fireworks

• flammable liquid and paints

• flares and flare guns

• fuels/gasoline

• gas torches

• gun lighters and gunpowder

• cordless flat iron

• hand grenades

• lighter fluid

• liquid bleach

• lithium batteries with more than 100-watt hours

• lithium battery-powered lighters

• live coral and live fish

• medical devices containing radioactive material

• medical personal oxygen

• party poppers

• power banks

• power charger

• propane

• realistic replicas of explosives

• recreational oxygen

• rocket launcher

• safety matches

• Samsung Galaxy Note 7

• small compressed gas cartridges

• sparklers

• spillable batteries

• spray paint

• spray starch

• tear gas

• torch lighters

• turpentine and paint thinner

• vehicle airbags

• weather barometer or thermometer

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