Travel checklist PDF

I'll be honest, I definitely don't pack everything on this list, (there was definitely a time that I did). I'm now in the habit of only doing carry-on luggage (more on why below). But, I wanted to include a very detailed list that will work for those who check baggage to their destination, as well. This would be a good travel checklist for a road trip, too.

Free Children's Printable Packing List

I also have a companion printable to today's packing list: afree Children's Printable Packing Checklist(pictured below). This is actually a visual version of a checklist that enables children to learn to pack themselves for travel. It's designed to be used with the help of an adult, yet, still gives kids a great sense of freedom and accomplishment when working through it. There are both boys' and girls' versions available for free download.

My kids are older now, but my youngest still uses thischildren's packing checklist! We can't get him to part with that thing.

Download your Printable Below:

• Download the printable packing list in stripes.
• Download the printable packing list in triangles.
• Download the printable packing list in circles.
• You can also download these lists here on Dropbox.
• You can also download these lists here on Google Drive.

The Best Suitcases to Pack

My husband always tells me that I need to be a professional suitcase-tester. I'm obsessive. I fly a few times a year, sometimes alone on work-related trips, sometimes with my family for pleasure. And I try to pack with the thought that I have to maneuver my bags on my own via public transit (usually a subway or train, often a bus). I used to Uber everywhere on trips, but I honestly love public transit a lot more (it seems safer to me than being alone in the back of a random stranger's car). So, my priority is to pack as efficiently as possible knowing that I *may* have to schlep suitcases down a flight of stairs to get on a train (as well as fit my suitcases tightly around me on said train). And as I mentioned, I'm a firm believer in carry-on only these days, so that's what I'm sharing. My biggest requirement is four spinner wheels and durable enough to hold my purse on top of it while I park it in front of me at the airport (without the weight of my purse toppling it). ***Don't forget to pack your printable packing list INSIDE your suitcase so you make sure to pack up all of the stuff you brought with you.***Carry-On SuitcasesI love most of the Delsey-brand suitcases (I stumbled onto them while walking my mall and going through Dillard's). I currently carry this Delsey carry-on suitcase on most trips, along with a BIG purse that goes under the seat in front of me (where I keep my electronics and toiletries). Please note: this is a hard-sided suitcase (which I prefer), but if you're not used to it, it does open down the middle with two equal compartments. This isn't an issue for me since I unpack in hotels. But, if you live out of your suitcase on the road, it can be awkward to set on a hotel luggage rack.If you are really skilled at compact packing, I used to carry this Delsey suitcase. It was neat because my laptop fit in the front compartment (I use my laptop in the airport, but not on the actual flight, so it was great to store my laptop inside of it). Because of the laptop compartment, the clothing compartment is rather small, so I can go only two nights max with this one due to its size. Again, this is another hard-side suitcase that has the same configuring I mentioned above (opening in the middle).If you are not a hard-sided suitcase lover, I also have this American Tourister Carry-On Spinner. The soft-cloth handles on this thing can't be beat for hoisting into an overhead bin.

More Travel Checklist Printables:

• This Pre-Trip Travel Checklist from My Frugal Home is super thorough.
• This Carry-On Travel Checklist from Polka Dot Chair is a really nice design.
• Be sure to check out my post on What's In My Carry On, too. I always love seeing what other people pack...it's kind of weirdly fascinating. Come see what I throw in my own bag.
• (NEW!) I just created a reader-requested (super-thorough) Summer Camp Packing Checklist to get your kids perfectly packed up for the fun times at sleepaway camps.

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