My Holiday Packing Checklist

Two things happened this past week that have me thinking about my holiday packing checklist. I leave for seven weeks abroad soon and of course the trip is on my mind a lot.

The first thing that happened was I ran into a former organising colleague, and we swapped stories about the travels we both have planned. She asked if I’d started packing yet, and I replied no, I hadn’t. In my head, I thought, why would I?? The trip was a full ten days away at that point. I don’t usually start packing until a couple of days before departure. Before that, I just make sure everything is clean and ready, that I’ve done my research, and bought anything extra I need.

The second thing that happened was that a dear friend, who is travelling also and departing while I’m away, asked if I had a holiday packing checklist that I could share. She was sure I would have. Well, in fact I do have one. But it is now so out of date that I’d be too embarrassed to use it. That’s when I thanked her and said she’d inspired this blog post. So, thank you, Chris. This one’s for you (and me).

Some of the things that were on the old list, and are now irrelevant, include books, a book light, a camera, camera charger and camera book. I use my phone for all that now. Other things are off the list because of life changes: ahem sanitary products, business cards, name tag. Gone are the days when I would be a plus one at fire brigade dinners all over the state, and I’m not going to any conferences, unless I’m speaking. So, no name tags or business cards required.

When considering what to pack, I start with research. Where am I going? What will the weather be like? What sort of occasions can I expect? A cruise with formal nights is a lot different to hiking in Peru. How much is the baggage allowance? What sort of power outlet adaptor will we need?

For this upcoming trip, I’m going to Switzerland, Italy and various countries in South America. The weather will range from a low of 5° to a high of 30°. There are no formal nights expected, but lots of walking and being outdoors, and travelling on trains, buses and airplanes. The maximum baggage allowance on the South American internal flights is fifteen kilos.

I’ll be using a rolling suitcase. My husband prefers a backpack. What will make it into my fifteen-kilo suitcase? Enough comfortable clothes for a week, including layers to cope with all temperatures. I’ll pack the usual underwear and nightwear, a light rain jacket, one pashmina, bathers, up to three pairs of shoes, a lightweight evening bag, sunglasses, my regular toiletries and cosmetics (which are always packed ready for a weekend away), minimal jewellery and makeup, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent. Of course, my usual medication will come, plus some extra for malaria, altitude sickness and long-haul flights. We’ll pack a power board, and the adaptor plugs for each destination. It makes charging and using devices so much easier. No need for towels because we’ll be staying in places that provide them, but I will pack a cotton face washer. For some reason, they can be hard to come by in some places. My laptop will come along to deal with business emergencies. And I can’t forget my trusty hiking poles. Couldn’t do it without them. And I’ll take a puzzle book, two balls of wool and some knitting needles for when I’m sitting on trains for hours.

Passports, spare passport photos, travel documents and list of medications from my doctor are essential, as are my Wise travel card and a yet-to-be-confirmed eSIM solution.

What have I missed? You can download my new packing checklist here. Enjoy your travels!