Packing checklist: what to do before you go

Lonely Planet breaks down the tasks that belong on any traveler's pre-trip list. The first step is to check your passport's expiration date. Some countries require it to be valid at least six months from the date you arrive, and renewals take time, especially during peak seasons.

Entry rules change, so do not assume last trip's conditions still apply. Lonely Planet points to the IATA Travel Centre for visa checks and notes that travelers headed to the US may need an ESTA, the UK an ETA, and Europe will use its new Entry/Exit System and ETIAS.

Airport parking can be cheaper when booked in advance, even on the day of travel. Ordering foreign currency ahead of time can also save money, though many destinations accept cards and ATMs.

Follow news at your destination. Lonely Planet recommends national agencies such as the US Bureau of Consular Affairs, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Travel insurance is part of the routine. It should cover trip interruption, baggage delay, and trip cancellation. Health insurance is critical: don't assume home coverage applies abroad. Declare every preexisting condition, or the policy could be worthless. Check that planned activities are included.

See a doctor and dentist well before departure, especially if immunizations require multiple doses. Travel health clinics exist in major cities.

Discount cards help. An International Student Identity Card or International Youth Travel Card saves money for eligible travelers. Hostelling International membership can benefit any age. Older travelers sometimes get discounts with airlines and ground transport.

Packing light

Lonely Planet quotes Doug Dyment of OneBag.com: the real secret is a personal packing list that you treat as a contract. Most people can fit what they need into a single carry-on bag that works for multiple climates.

Learn about luggage design and construction. Lonely Planet notes that many bags are made to sell, not to travel light. Avoid liquids and gels: they are heavy, bulky, prone to leaks, and slow you down at security. Plan to do laundry every few days with a travel clothesline, powder detergent, and a sink stopper. Coordinate colors so every piece goes with every other.

What to pack

Lonely Planet's checklist includes:

• Passport
• Boarding passes (printed or on your phone)
• Foreign cash and credit/debit cards
• Maps, directions, itinerary
• Travel insurance documents
• Prescription and over-the-counter medications
• Guidebook
• Basic first aid (painkillers included)
• Cell phone
• USB-C charger with cables
• eSIM or roaming plan
• Headphones (download content in advance)
• Power bank (check airline rules)
• Plug adapters
• Item trackers such as AirTags
• Other tech and chargers

Clothing: an outer layer (light jacket or waterproof coat), hoodie or sweater, casual tops, comfortable pants or leggings, shorts or skirts, dresses, sandals or flip-flops, walking shoes, socks, underwear, sleepwear, sun hat or cap, swimsuit, sarong or shawl, one smart outfit and shoes.

Toiletries: sunscreen and after-sun, body lotion, insect repellent, deodorant, perfume or aftershave, SPF lip balm, razor and shaving cream, shampoo and conditioner, soap or body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, makeup and remover, hairbrush, hair products, disposable wipes, sanitary products, nail file and clippers, tweezers, hand sanitizer, tissues.

Extras: sunglasses, glasses or contacts and solution, books or e-reader, earplugs, beach or quick-dry towel, travel neck pillow.

For longer trips or specific activities: laundry kit (detergent, clothesline, sink stopper), money belt, flashlight and batteries, small combination lock, playing cards, pocket sewing kit, sleeping bag, portable stove, cutlery, bowl and cup, travel journal and pen, waterproof bag, water-purifying bottle, sleep sack.

Plug adapters by country

Lonely Planet lists socket types:

• Australia: I
• Brazil: M
• Canada: A, B
• China: I
• Europe: C, E, F (Switzerland and Liechtenstein use J, compatible with C; Denmark uses K, compatible with C; Italy uses L, compatible with C if 10A socket)
• Ireland: G
• India: D
• Japan: A, B
• Malaysia: G
• New Zealand: I
• Singapore: G
• South Africa: M
• Thailand: O
• UK: G
• US: A, B

Instead of a universal converter, Lonely Planet suggests buying a country-specific plug for your device. The information is from Lonely Planet's Best Ever Travel Tips, last reviewed September 2026.

• checklist
• Lonely Planet
• luggage
• packing
• passport
• travel insurance
• Travel Tips