My Personal Packing List for Travel—Free Printable Checklist!

Eran Fulson

By: Eran Fulson / Writer, Traveler, Explorer of Good Food & Historic Streets / For 15+ years, I’ve lived in Canada and Wales, road-tripped across North America, and trekked through Europe’s mountains, cities, and coastlines. Now, I help travelers uncover hidden gems and culture-rich destinations in Germany with firsthand insights and practical tips.

Organized travel essentials on a table: open suitcase with clothes, camera, laptop, tablet, smartphone, headphones, glasses, wallet, boarding pass, and travel documents.

Packing Doesn’t Have to Be a Nightmare

We’ve all been there—standing in an airport security line, realizing our phone charger is still on the kitchen counter. Then wondering how to stretch a 20% phone charge for four hours, without having to make friends with the well-packed chatterbox booked into the seat beside you.

That’s exactly why I created this free, downloadable travel packing checklist—so you can pack once and pack right. Whether you're a minimalist traveler, a chronic over-packer, or someone who swears by the "just-in-case" method, this editable packing list template will keep your essentials in check.

TL:DR—Give it to Me

Get your FREE Travel Packing Checklist, insider cultural tips, and a 20% discount in our shop—because packing smart and exploring Germany should be easy. Sign up now and get instant access!

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What’s Inside My Travel Packing Checklist?

✔️ Trip Essentials: Passports, travel insurance, reservations, and everything that keeps your trip running smoothly.
✔️ Packing List Must-Haves: Clothes, toiletries, and all those tiny things (like adapters) you always forget.
✔️ Vacation Travel Essentials: Tailored sections for winter holidays, summer beach trips, and even kids’ items—because packing for a family trip is a whole different beast.
✔️ Pre-Trip Prep Checklist: Things to do before leaving, like securing valuables, holding mail, and (let’s be honest) setting a dozen light timers to confuse burglars.

Travel checklist with categories for documents, clothing, toiletries, health, kids, prep, holidays, and accessories. Center text reads "Stay Organized" with a checkmark icon.

How to Use This Packing List

Not only can you simply tick a box and pack away, but you can also:

✔️ Print it out and check off each item as you pack.
✔️ Customize it by adding your personal must-haves (there's space for that!).
✔️ Save the digital version on your phone or tablet for quick reference while packing.
✔️ If you’re a last-minute packer, use it as a day-before reminder to avoid rushing.

A person holds a smartphone displaying a travel checklist, viewed from over the shoulder.

Packing Tips Based on Travel Type

Your packing needs will depend on the type of trip you’re taking. Here are some quick tips for different travel styles:

Packing for a Beach Vacation? 

  • Keep liquids under 100ml for carry-ons to avoid security issues.
  • Pack a swimsuit even if you’re not planning to swim—you never know!
  • Bring a lightweight cover-up or sarong that doubles as a beach blanket.
A beach scene with a towel on pebbles, sunglasses, a phone, sunscreen, a straw hat, flip-flops, and clothing near the sea.

Packing for a Bavarian Winter Trip?

  • Wear bulky items on the plane (jackets, boots) to save luggage space.
  • Layering is key—a thermal base layer beats packing a bulky coat.
  • Pack moisturizer and lip balm to combat cold, dry air.
Person wearing a colorful jacket and large backpack walks down a snowy forest path while snow gently falls.

Packing Light for a City-Hopping Solo Trip?

  • Stick to a neutral color palette so every piece mixes & matches.
  • Use packing cubes to keep your bag organized and save space.
  • Choose versatile shoes—one pair for walking, one dressier option.
A brown leather suitcase on a rug, topped with a closed cardboard laptop box, a smartphone, and a folded denim shirt, positioned near a bed.

The #1 Packing Mistake People Make

Overpacking. Seriously, it’s the easiest way to make travel miserable—dragging a heavy suitcase, paying for overweight baggage, and stuffing in items you never wear.

Solution—Use the one-week rule:
For a 7-day trip, pack 4 tops, 3 bottoms, and 2 pairs of shoes—that’s it!

Person sitting on a packed red suitcase on a bed. A hat, sunglasses, and pink flip-flops are on the white bedspread.

What NOT to Pack

  • Too many "just in case" items—If you might need it, you probably don’t.
  • Expensive jewelry—It’s a theft risk & unnecessary weight.
  • A full-size shampoo bottle—Hotels often provide these!
  • Too many shoes—2-3 pairs max: one comfy, one stylish, one practical.
X-ray view of a backpack showing various items: headphones, a water bottle, sunglasses, a phone, a camera, and books.

Get Your Free Packing List + Exclusive Travel Insights!

Want to pack smarter and travel stress-free? I’ve got you covered!

By signing up for my VIP Club Newsletter, you’ll get instant access to this FREE printable packing list, designed to help you stay organized for any trip. But that’s not all—when you sign up, you’ll also get:

✔️ Exclusive Germany travel tips & cultural insights delivered straight to your inbox.

✔️ Monthly freebies and giveaways.

(P.S. No spam, ever. Just practical travel advice and awesome resources to make your adventures unforgettable!)

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