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As avid travelers, we know there’s nothing worse than leaving that crucial comfort item behind. That’s why we at TravelPledge compiled our personal must-haves for vacation that help us—and our clients—travel like pros.
Adjust as necessary depending on your destination!
Documents
- Passport + photocopies
- Flight tickets / boarding passes
- Travel insurance info
- Credit/debit cards + some cash (USD and local currency if travelling internationally)
- Resort reservation confirmation
- Driver’s license (if planning to rent a car or use as ID)
- Other required documents, such as visas
Toiletries & Personal Care
- Sunscreen (reef-safe recommended)
- After-sun aloe or lotion
- Bug spray (mosquito repellent)
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Shampoo, conditioner, body wash (travel-sized if not checking a bag)
- Razor, deodorant
- Makeup and makeup remover
- Hairbrush or comb
- Moisturizer
- Feminine hygiene products
- Lip balm
- Medications (prescription and basic OTC like pain relievers, antihistamines)
- Electrolyte tablets or Liquid I.V.
- First-aid kit
Clothing
- Swimsuits
- Beach cover-ups / sarongs
- Flip-flops / sandals
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water shoes
- Casual outfits for daytime (shorts, tank tops, sundresses)
- Evening outfits (resort-casual or dressy for nicer dinners)
- Light sweater or jacket
- Undergarments and sleepwear
- Hat or cap (sun protection)
- Sun protection hoodie
- Workout clothes (if using gym or yoga classes)
- Rain panchos
- If heading to a cold climate:
- Insulated jacket
- Insulated pants
- Thermal tops and bottoms
- Long underwear
- Balaclava or beanie
- Gloves/mittens
- Rechargeable hand warmers
- Cozy slippers
Laundry
- Wrinkle releaser spray
- Portable garment steamer
- Travel laundry detergent and stain remover
- Travel clothesline
- Ziploc bags (for wet swimsuits and other soiled clothing)
Beach & Pool Items
- Sunglasses (polarized preferred)
- Reusable water bottle or insulated tumbler
- Beach tote or mesh bag
- Dry bag
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Snorkel gear (Kids snorkel gear)
- Travel towel (resorts often provide towels, but a quick-dry towel can be handy)
- Portable fan
Electronics
- Phone + charger
- Waterproof camera or GoPro
- E-reader
- Wireless headphones
- Portable Bluetooth speaker with case
- Portable power bank (small) or portable power station (large)
- Travel adapter
Sleep
For Young Families
- Blackout sleep tent
- Inflatable toddler travel bed
- Travel crib
- Folding stroller
- Baby carrier
- Travel booster seat
- Toddler snack cups
- Busy Board travel toy
- Toddler airplane bed
- Portable diaper changing pad
- Swim diapers
- Baby sunscreen
- Diapers / wipes / diaper cream
- Sippy cups / bottles
- Formula or baby food / utensils
- Bibs
- Pacifiers and comfort items
- Swaddle
Snacks
- Savory: trail mix, pretzels, crackers, Goldfish, roasted chickpeas, jerky, Cheerios
- Fruits & Veggies: dried fruit, apple slices (with lemon juice), grapes, berries, baby carrots, raisins
- Protein & Dairy: string cheese, hard-boiled eggs, nut butter packets
- Sweet: granola bars, chocolate covered fruit, rice crispy treats, cookies, muffins, frozen yogurt tube, graham crackers
Luggage and Organization
- Packing cubes
- Travel backpack
- Travel bottles for toiletries
- Travel toiletry bag
- Travel document organizer with RFID
- Snack organizer
- Luggage AirTag
- Luggage wheel covers
- Shoe storage bag
- Luggage lock
👉 Have a favorite travel essential of your own? Leave a comment—we love adding to our packing list!
