Ultimate Packing List For Couples – Don’t Forget Anything

What do you feel is the worst thing about traveling? For me, it’s the packing. The stress of making sure I bring everything without going overweight on my luggage is too much. A few years ago, fed-up with taking ages to pack, I put together this ultimate packing list to get us organized.

Jeremy would argue packing fatigue was only my problem, as it takes him minutes to pack. BUT, I was also tired of him forgetting the basics. The occasional forgotten item can be bought at the destination, but seriously, how much men’s deodorant do we need.

Our ultimate packing list ensures we don’t forget anything. At the bottom of this post is a downloadable version to use on your next trip. Plus, we’ve included tips we’ve learned through the years to making packing easier.

For weekend trips, we’ve already cut-down the list for you in our couple’s weekend packing list post.

Table of Contents

Using The Ultimate Packing List

Our ultimate packing list includes everything you may want to take on a trip. However, you would never take all of these things on a single trip.

Items on the packing list are broken down by why you might take them. For example, we separated items only needed for international travel, like visas. If you are traveling domestically you can skip this whole section.

Start With the Right Travel Bag

Before packing, think about what luggage you need for this trip. We have several bags we choose from depending on the type of trip we’re taking. Our post on choosing the right travel bag will help you narrow down what will work best for your trip.

Bare Minimum - What We Always Bring

With the exception of our travel tripod, all of these items we carry on us or keep in our carry-on. You may not have all these items, but if you do, you’ll want to bring them on every trip.

Wallet and/or Purse
Cash
Debit and Credit Cards
Driver’s License or Official ID
Student ID Card
Emergency Contact Info
Health Insurance Card
Phone (Loaded with Music), Charger, Aux Cord
Travel and Event Tickets
Camera, Charger, Batteries, Memory Cards, Lenses
Camera Accessories (Tripod, Flash, Filters, Remote Shutter Release, Cleaning Cloths)
Prescription Medicines & Vitamin Supplements
Contact Case & Cleaning Solution
Extra Pair of Contacts
Eye Glasses and Case
Sunglasses and Case
Maps and Guidebooks
Facemask – As long as Covid is still relevant

Packing for International Travel

For international travel it’s important to understand entry requirements and any additional documentation you’ll need, like an International Driver’s License. Our Pre-travel Checklist will help you with planning for your trip.

Passport
Visas or Travel Authorizations
International Driver’s License
Travel Insurance Information
Copies of Important Documents (e.g., Passport, Driver’s License, Credit Card Info)
Global Entry Card
Travel Credit Card (with No International ATM and Transaction Fees)
Extra Passport Size Photos
Vaccination Certifications – if needed
Adapter Plugs – if needed
Destination Specific Medicines (e.g., Malaria Pills)
Phrasebook – if needed

Carry-on Comforts

Airplanes are not that comfortable, even in first class. The air is dry and a long flight can be downright boring. However, there are a few items that can help. The longer the flight the more essential these items become.

Eye Mask
Earplugs
Headphones
Reading Material / E-reader with Charger
Travel Pillow
Empty Reusable Water Bottle
Face and Hand Moisturizer
Compression Socks
Scarf
Snacks

Packing Tips

Bringing a reusable water bottle cuts down on plastic waste, and it’s more economical. Most airports have free water bottle refilling stations near the gates.
Many airlines provide a blanket, but I also keep a scarf handy to keep me warm.
A good moisturizer can be a lifesaver on a long dry flight.

Toiletries & Personal Items

Most hotels supply basic toiletries, like shampoo and body wash, but there are still comforts you may wish to bring with you.

Shampoo, Conditioner
Face Wash
Body Wash
Body Lotion
Massage Oil
Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss, Mouthwash
Razor, Spare Blades, Shaving Cream
Comb or Hairbrush
Hair Product
Deodorant
Perfume or Cologne
Cotton Swabs
Nail Clippers
Tweezers
Lip Balm
Washcloth
Shower Cap
Makeup, Applicators, Travel Brushes
Sunscreen, After-sun
Insect Repellent
Hair ties, Bandanna
Hand Sanitizer or Hand Wipes
Pocket Toilet Paper or Tissues
Body Wipes
Feminine Hygiene Products
Birth Control / Contraceptives
Travel Hair Appliances (Dryer, Curler, Straightener)
Travel Iron or Steamer

Packing Tips

Travel size toiletries are overpriced. Use refillable GoToob+ travel bottles instead.
Soft-sided toiletry bags with a hook keep everything in one place and make for easy packing and unpacking.
On long trips buy basic supplies at your destination instead of packing them.
Your appliances may not work in other countries. Sometimes you will only need a plug adapter; however, it’s important to check that the voltage is compatible with your destination.

Clothes

On weekend trips, our rule of thumb is an outfit for each day, and one extra outfit. Plus, one evening outfit if we plan to go out. This includes what we travel in.

However, on longer trips that would be an insane amount of clothing. Instead, try to limit yourself to 4 – 5 tops and 2 – 3 bottoms for a week.

Double that for two weeks, but never more than 10 tops and 5 bottoms. Plus, something dressy if you plan on going out, pjs, and a workout outfit if needed.

Dressy Jacket or Dark Cardigan
Necktie
Shirts (T-shirts, Blouses, Sweaters)
Tank Tops, Camisoles, Undershirts
Jeans, Pants (Trousers)
Waterproof Pants (Trousers)
Shorts
Skirts
Dresses
Socks, Pantyhose
Underwear (Briefs, Boxers, Panties, Bras)
Light Waterproof Jacket with Hood
Black Yoga or Comfy Lounge Pants
Workout Gear (Sports Bra, Gym Shorts, Tank Top)
Swimsuit
Pajamas
Hat (Appropriate for Destination)
Belt (Reversible)
Jewelry and/or Watch
Comfortable Walking Shoes (e.g. City Shoes, Athletic Shoes, Hiking Boots)
Dressy Shoes
Flip Flops or Shower Shoes

Packing Tips

If you plan to shop on your trip, err on the side of under-packing, knowing you will buy things along the way.
Figure out when you will be able to wash clothes. When staying in one place this is usually easy. However, when constantly moving locations it’s challenging to find time for laundry.
Wear neutral colors you can mix-and-match and layer for additional warmth.
Shoes add a lot of bulk and weight. Look for shoes that are versatile and comfortable. Ideally something that can dress up or down.

Electronics

In addition to camera gear and an E-reader, these are the typical electronics we bring with us. However, think carefully about what you will actually use on your trip. Are drone’s allowed at your destination? Can you use your phone as a GPS? What will you charge if you bring an inverter?

For longer trips, we bring an external hard drive to back-up our photos. Made to withstand the typical shocks and bumps of travel, we’ve been using Transcend StoreJets for over a decade.

Laptop or Tablet and Charger
Drone, Charger, Batteries, Memory Cards
Action Camera (Go Pro, Waterproof, etc.) and Accessories
Power Bank and Connector Cord
Sat Nav and Charging Cord
Car Charger Adapter
Power Inverter
External Hard Drive

Basic Medical & First Aid

Often we carry a small first aid kit with us to avoid trying to find a pharmacy at 2am when we have an upset stomach. You can make your own kit, or pre-made kits come in convenient sizes.

First Aid Basic Instructions Sheet
Assorted Bandages (Adhesive and Non-Adhesive Gauze)
Antiseptic Wipes
Blister Pads – bring several if you’re doing a lot of walking
Fine Tip Tweezers
Medical Tape
Saline Solution Eye Wash or Drops
Disposable Gloves
Emergency Blanket
CPR Mouth Guard
Pain Killers
Imodium Diarrhea Medicine
Antacid Pills
Antibiotic Ointment
Anti-itch Cream
Cold and Flu Pills (Non-Drowsy and Night time)
Antihistamine
Motion Sickness
Bite Extractor (Outdoor Trips)

Security Items

Being mindful of our security, these are a few items we usually bring with us.

Underclothing or Hidden Security Pouch or Belt
Luggage Locks or Locking Cable
Personal Safety Device (Pepper Spray or Taser) – where allowed
Whistle
Door Stop

Other Useful Items

Though these don’t naturally fit into any of the sections above, they can often be just as essential.

Umbrella
Pen and Small Notebook
Address Book
Baggage Scale
Dry Bag
Binoculars
Hiking Sticks
Flashlight or Headlamp, Batteries
Water Carrier (Hiking Bladder)
Bear Spray
Lightweight Laundry Bag
Travel Clothesline and Pegs
Multipurpose Tool
Deck of Playing Cards
Plastic Bags (Quart-Sized Zip Top)
Dashboard Mount for Cell Phone or Sat Nav – check laws in destination
Water Purifier
Wine Opener, Bottle Stopper
Duct Tape
Universal (Flat) Sink Stopper
Travel Laundry Detergent and Spot Remover
Hangers
Sewing Kit or Fasteners (Safety Pins)
Jump Rope or Exercise Bands
Hostel Sheet or Sleeping Bag
Gifts for Hosts, Family, or Friends

Beach Destination & Warm Weather

Headed to the beach? Here are a few items we often add to our packing list. Everything else can usually be rented or borrowed from the hotel.

Extra Swimsuits
Beach Towel
Sarong or Cover-up
Snorkeling Gear (Mask, Fins, Snorkel)
Water Shoes

Ski Destination & Cold Weather

Packing for cold weather can be a nightmare as bigger clothes take up more space in the suitcase. Instead of bringing a lot of bulky sweaters, we find layering our clothes the best solution. Getting some thin but warm underclothes can make a big difference.

Coat or Parka – appropriate for destination
Gloves or Mittens
Merino Wool Underclothes (Shirt and Long Pants)
Balaclava or Scarf
Ski or Snowboarding Gear (Goggles, Boots, Pants)
Ice Cleats / Crampons

Camping or Campervanning

We did say this was our ultimate packing list and we often enjoy camping and campervanning. So we’ll finish our list on what we have with us on this kind of trip.

Tent
Sleeping Bag
Lantern
Travel Body Towels
Cutting Board and Knife
Camping Chairs
Microfiber Cloth
Small Packets of Food Seasonings
Garbage Bags
Picnic Blanket
Mosquito Net
Travel Hammock
Tent Repair Kit
Food Stuffs
Travel Pot and Pan
Plate, Bowl
Utensils or Spork
Bag Clips (Versatile Metal Clips)

Download The Ultimate Packing List

Before your next trip, download our ultimate packing list to make sure you don’t forget anything. We have even left an example of what we took to England on our 2019 trip.

Before you start packing, go through the “Base List” and eliminate items you won’t need for your trip.