The Ultimate Packing List for a Jet-Setting Procrastinator

Okay, let’s face it – packing is like that never-ending game of hide-and-seek where your socks always vanish. But fear not, fellow last-minute packers! I’ve got your back with the ultimate, tried-and-true packing list. So grab your suitcase, and let’s dive into this whirlwind adventure of pre-trip chaos!

1. Passport and Visas: The Golden Tickets

First up, the golden tickets – your passport and visas. And I don’t just mean your visa credit cards. Because nothing ruins a vacation faster than realizing you’re stuck at the airport with no way to enter your dream destination. Check, double-check, and then triple-check these bad boys.

Visa requirements can change as a moments noticed. This happen in Vietnam. While I had a good visa to enter before I got there, I ended having the outdated visa when I arrived. I had to pay an extra $130 USD for the newer visa. While it gave me more days to stay, I could have avoided that if I only looked again before I left. Best places to look for visa requirements are the embassy’s for the countries you want to visit.

2. Phone Charger and Power Bank : A Lifeline to Sanity

Your phone charger is your lifeline to sanity, folks. Don’t forget it unless you want to experience the 21st-century version of solitude – being disconnected. While WiFi is plenty everywhere you go, places to charge are not. And while you’re at it, throw in a power bank for good measure. Trust me; it’s a game-changer.

Try out this power bank that I use every time I travel around, even for a weekend because you never know.

3. Earbuds: Your Escape Pod

Earbuds are your escape pod from noisy neighbors, crying babies, and overly chatty fellow travelers. Pop in those earbuds, queue up your favorite tunes or podcasts, and voila – instant serenity in the chaos. Try to get earbuds that also work in the planes these days. You’ll save yourself the $10 to buy cheap ones on the plane that seem to break once you land. Or get lost in your gear, your purse, the floor.

These headphones are my favorite, and the noise cancelling feature lets me enjoy my plane ride in peace.

4. Camera: Capturing Memories in Pixels

Your trusty camera – because selfies only go so far. Whether it’s a DSLR, a mirrorless, or your trusty smartphone, don’t forget to pack the device that turns your adventures into memories. You don’t need to travel with the gear that goes along with it. I promises you’ll appreciate the photos taken with a camera over the ones in your phones.

I personally travel with ALL my cameras. That include my Nikon D750, the latest GoPro (I’ve pre-ordered that GoPro Hero 12 already), my Sony ZV-1. I use them all (and it drives my husband nuts, but he loves me)

5. First Aid Kit: Band-Aids and Beyond

A mini first aid kit with band-aids, pain relievers, and some antiseptic wipes is your ticket to dealing with life’s little surprises. A blister, a headache, or a minor scrape won’t slow you down. MacGyver would be proud. Nothing if worse then a skinned knee or a headaches. You also don’t want to be a in a foreign place and not know how to ask for a bandaid.

I use this travel first aid kit while traveling for all the basic boo-boos my son gets while jumping and running around everywhere.

6. Travel Plug Converter: Power Up Worldwide

A travel plug converter is your universal ticket to power up anywhere on the planet. Leave it behind, and you might end up begging your fellow travelers for a charge or hugging the airport charging station like your long-lost lover. Travel converters have helped me numerous times while overseas. The only exception is Italy. It best to buy a plug-in charger while you’re there. For some reason Italy’s electric current fried all my electronics, including my favorite hair dryer.

Here’s a great travel converter to use while on the road, and a bonus, it works in practically every country in the world *happy dance*

7. Empty Water Bottle: Stay Hydrated and Eco-Friendly

An empty water bottle is your secret weapon. Stay hydrated on the go and do your part to save the planet from single-use plastic bottles. Fill it up, sip it down, and refill as needed. Your own water is especially useful in places like airports. Once you pass the security check, there are always water fountains. You can fill your bottle to make sure you have water all the time.

8. Clothes: Pack Less, Mix More

Clothes – obviously, right? But here’s the trick: pack less, mix more. Choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched. You’ll be surprised how many outfits you can create with just a few essentials. I usually only pack 7 days worth of clothes when I travel for a month. All my clothes can be mixed with each other.

Also, roll your clothes instead of folding. I swear this trick defies the laws of physics but it works. You’ll have more room in your bag then you ever thought. And yes, so a month of travel I do go to the laundry mat and wash my clothes. Or, if it’s cheap enough, I pay someone to do them for me. (I’m looking at you countries in South East Asia.)

9. Snacks: The Emergency Munchies

Snacks, the unsung heroes of travel. Toss in some granola bars, nuts, or your favorite snacks. You never know when the hangry monster might strike, and airport prices are just highway robbery with a side of peanuts.

Kids, especially, are ALWAYS hungry. Have plenty of snack on hand for them. If traveling internationally, check the requirements for bringing food into the country. Then buy snacks that don’t violate those rules. I’ve brought the star puffs into many countries because my toddler love them. He could eat the whole container in one sitting.

10. Sense of Adventure: The Most Important Item

Last but certainly not least, your sense of adventure. It’s the most important item on this list. Be open to new experiences, embrace the unexpected, and approach every mishap with a smile and a story to tell.

There you have it, my fellow procrastinators and adventure seekers – the ultimate packing list that’s got you covered, whether you’re jet-setting across the globe or embarking on a spontaneous road trip. Remember, packing is an art, and a little humor and flexibility go a long way. So go on, grab that suitcase, and let the adventures begin! 🌍✈️