Through my work on the Environmental protection project I am on the road a lot and have you my ultimate travel checklist uploaded for the vacation. A completely plastic-free trip is unfortunately impossible, depending on the purpose of the trip. However, you can still do without a lot of plastic on your next trip. To make sure you don't forget any essentials, I'm providing you with the ultimate travel packing list below. Whether for's Backpacking in Sri Lanka or a Indonesia trip. Depending on the purpose of the trip, you may not need all of these things. Domestic or foreign, temperature in the destination country, city, beach, hiking or business trip - depending on the trip, your packing list differs. After you have worked through the travel packing list, there should be nothing missing in any case. But remember not to take too much with you. The heavier the luggage, the more you limit yourself. Take the things with you on vacation that you absolutely need and do a final check with your packing list one day before you arrive. I update the travel packing list regularly, let me know if anything is missing! And now have fun with your travel preparation with the travel checklist!
Your travel checklist for your next vacation
Here you can print the travel checklist and simply check off by hand, so you don't forget anything 🙂
Since the travel luggage list has become a bit longer, you can find your way around the table of contents here:
- Before the trip
- Money & Documents
- Technology & Accessories
- On the road & transport
- Health & Care
- Beach
- Clothing & Accessories
- Travel pharmacy
- Special travel supplies
Travel packing list - Before the trip
| Subject | My recommendation |
|---|---|
| Who takes care of the pets? | Neighbors / Family |
| Who waters the plants? | Neighbors / Family |
| Who empties the mailbox? | Neighbors / Family |
| Empty refrigerator | Eat & give away |
| Take away garbage | Very important! |
| Close doors and windows | Look twice |
| Pull plug | Check, check off! |
| Download GoogleMaps offline map | Load map of the destination |
Travel packing list - Money & Documents
| Subject | My recommendation |
|---|---|
| Passport & ID card | Check expiration date! |
| Visa (required depending on the country) | Indispensable! |
| Driving license | Very important! |
| Vaccination certificate, allergy passport | Very important! |
| Student ID | Perks! |
| Wallet / purse | This purse |
| Notebook | This notebook |
| Credit card | Absolutely! |
| Insurance (travel cancellation, international health, luggage) | Play it safe! |
| EC card | Vital for survival! |
| TAN list / TAN generator | Very important! |
| Flight tickets (booking code and ticket number) | If necessary! |
| Train tickets if necessary | Sustainable arrival! |
| Booking confirmations of the accommodations | Not wrong! |
| Postcard address list | Do not forget! |
| Ball pen | This ball pen |
| Travel guide | Can be done |
| Note address, etc. (who is to be notified in case of accident?) | Safe is safe! |
| Organ donor card / living will | Also important |
Travel packing list - Technology & Accessories
| Subject | My recommendation |
|---|---|
| Smartphone / Mobile phone | This smartphone |
| Notebook / Laptop | This notebook |
| Tablet / E-Reader | This tablet |
| Drone / Quadrocopter | This drone |
| Handheld video camera | This handheld video camera |
| Action camera | This action camera |
| Handheld for action camera | This handheld |
| SLR camera | This reflex camera |
| External hard disk | This external hard drive |
| Micro SD memory card + USB card reader | This micro SD set |
| Standard SD memory card | This memory card |
| USB card reader | This card reader |
| Travel adapter for sockets | This universal adapter |
| Headphones | These headphones |
| Powerbank for power on the go | This powerbank |
| All chargers!! | Extremely important! |
Travel Packing List - On the Road & Transportation
| Subject | My recommendation |
|---|---|
| Suitcase | XXL suitcase with the largest volume |
| Trekking backpack | This trekking backpack |
| Daypack | This daypack |
| Backpack for the drone | This drone backpack |
| Neck pillow | Currently no recommendation |
| Laptop bag | This laptop bag |
| Drinking bottle | This water bottle |
| Padlock | This padlock |
Travel packing list - Health & Care
| Subject | My recommendation |
|---|---|
| Towels | These towels |
| Toilet bag | This toilet bag |
| Wooden toothbrush | Our wooden toothbrush |
| Toothpaste | Make your own toothpaste! |
| Dental floss | This dental floss |
| Shower gel | Make shower gel yourself! |
| Shampoo | Make shampoo yourself! |
| Pocket mirror | This pocket mirror |
| Glasses / Contact Lenses + Accessories | Extremely important! |
| Travel detergent | This detergent |
| Wet razor | This wet razor |
| Dry razor | This dry razor |
| Deodorant / Perfume | Make deodorant yourself! |
| Contraceptives | Extremely important! |
| Tampons | These organic tampons |
| Menstrual cup | This menstrual cup |
| Hairbrush | This hairbrush |
| Handkerchiefs | Takeaway. |
| Nail scissors | This nail scissors |
| Tweezers | This tweezers |
| Earplugs | These earplugs |
| Sleep mask | This sleep mask |
Travel packing list - beach
| Subject | My recommendation |
|---|---|
| Swimwear | To the swimwear |
| Beach towel | To the beach towels |
| Beach bag / pouch | This beach bag |
| Sunglasses | To the sunglasses |
| Sunscreen | This eco sunscreen |
| AprésSun cream | Very important! |
| Reading glasses | Very important! |
| Books | About the books |
| Magazines | Buy in Germany! |
| Music / Podcasts / Audiobooks | For entertainment |
| Flipflops | These flip flops |
Travel Packing List - Clothing & Accessories
| Subject | My recommendation |
|---|---|
| Sweater | For women | For men |
| Shirts | For women | For men |
| Tanks | For men |
| Tops | For women |
| Pants | For women | For men |
| Shorts | For women | For men |
| Sports pants | For women | For men |
| Hat | Unisex hats |
| Cap | For women | For men |
| Cap | For women | For men |
| Underwear | For women | For men |
| Socks | For women | For men |
| Street shoes | For women | For men |
| Sports shoes | For women | For men |
| Sandals | For women | For men |
| Jacket / Rain Jacket | For women | For men |
| Functional shirt | For women | For men |
| Functional socks | Unisex functional socks |
| Belt | For women | For men |
| Watch / Jewellery | For women | For men |
Travel packing list - travel pharmacy
| Subject | My recommendation |
|---|---|
| Citronella spray | This spray |
| Mosquito repellent (bracelet) | This bracelet |
| Headache tablets | Very important! |
| Daily medicine? | Extremely important! |
| Allergy tablets | Very important! |
Travel packing list - Special travel needs
| Subject | My recommendation |
|---|---|
| Mosquito net | This mosquito net |
| Trekking sandals | Go to trekking sandals |
| Hiking boots | To the hiking boots |
| Hiking socks | Unisex hiking socks |
| Air mattress / camping mat | This camping mat |
| Sleeping bag | This sleeping bag |
| Tent | This tent |
| Pocket knife | This pocket knife |
| Garbage bags | These organic garbage bags |
| Diving certificate / sailing license | Remember! 🙂 |
Here you can print the travel checklist and just check off 🙂
Your vacation packing list - Before your trip
Spontaneous is good. But before your trip, you need to clarify a few things so that they don't spoil your mood during your vacation. If you are traveling for a long time, you should definitely clarify who will empty your mailbox. You don't want to have a box full of reminders a few months after you start your trip or read other important documents too late. As you could see from the packing list, you should also clarify who (if any) will take care of your pets. Usually this is the parents, neighbors or good friends. Ideally, one person should take care of everything. Before your trip starts, you should also use up the contents of your fridge or, like me, give them away to your roommates. In the packing list for your trip you will also see that you should definitely take out the garbage, so that no new life develops in your apartment 😉 Close all doors and windows and unplug all unnecessary plugs from the socket, so you can start your trip with a clear conscience. I can still recommend you to download the offline map of your destination at GoogleMaps before you start your trip. This way you can always reach your destination quickly, wherever you are, even without an internet connection.
Travel packing list - passport, visa, credit card & Co.
Passport or ID card have the highest priority on the packing list for your next trip. There is nothing more important, because without ID you will not get far. In some countries, a visa is also necessary, which you can either get online beforehand, or directly after arrival in the destination country. A visa is mandatory when entering Sri Lanka, but you do not need a visa when flying to Turkey, for example. On the packing list you will also find the driver's license. Depending on your travel plans, you should take the driver's license with you, because you can use a rental car spontaneously. In addition, the driver's license is still a good substitute ID, should you not have your ID card or passport at hand. On the checklist for your next trip are also vaccination certificate and allergy passport. As a student, you can also get discounts abroad. That's why I also put your student ID on the checklist. You may also be able to get a discount on travel to the airport in your hometown.
Credit card for vacation
The credit card is also on the packing list for your next trip. Always try to withdraw money with your credit card first, as the fees for withdrawing cash are cheaper here. A cheap credit card you get pretty quickly at the DKB, where you also get other discounts at many partners, for example in Berlin. In addition to your credit card, you should also take your bank card with you. At all ATMs with the MAESTRO symbol you can get cash for a few euros. If you want to make a transfer in online banking abroad, you should of course remember your TAN generator / TAN list. I use the SMS TAN procedure, because I always have my smartphone with me. If you are unable to generate TAN's, you can always contact your bank advisor by email or phone and have the bank execute the transfer. Of course, to keep all your cards or cash together, never forget your wallet. Your wallet, in order of importance, comes right after your IDs on your travel checklist. Be sure to take your proof of international health insurance, trip cancellation insurance, and baggage insurance, if you have them. Sometimes unexpected things happen that you simply cannot foresee. An insurance is worthwhile in any case, in order to be able to sleep calmly on vacation.
Airline tickets for vacation
Fortunately, airline tickets are now available as e-tickets. Nevertheless, you should print out your tickets and booking confirmation after checking in online and take them with you to the airport. That way you always have your booking code and ticket number at hand. If you are traveling to the airport by train, then you should of course also have your train ticket to hand. Here, too, you can now switch to the online ticket that you then always have on your smartphone. This way, you can forget fewer and fewer things on your checklist. You should also take a booking confirmation for your booked accommodation with you so that everything runs smoothly when you check in. You'll also find a notebook on your travel packing list. Especially for me as a digital nomad, a notebook is an absolute must. But it also makes sense for everyone else. Along with the notebook, you should of course also take at least one ballpoint pen with you on vacation. In the notebook you can already make a list of addresses to which you want to send postcards. If you want to use a travel guide for your destination, you should not forget this either.
Vacation Checklist - Smartphone, Notebook, Camera & Co.
Of course, technology should not be missing from the travel packing list. You should definitely have your smartphone or cell phone with you. A smartphone saves you a lot of hassle, since you always have both tickets and city maps at your disposal. If you don't have internet, just download the offline map of your destination in the app GoogleMaps. Use the Dropbox app for photos and documents that you absolutely need. Even if you lose your phone, you can still access your files on a computer. Safe is safe. You should also get yourself a powerbank, because unfortunately smartphone batteries don't last too long. With the powerbank you can easily charge your smartphone several times on the go. This brings us to the next item on the travel checklist: Your laptop. I work with my laptop every day, without it the whole project doesn't work. That's why I always have my laptop with me when I travel, of course. For me, two devices are actually enough, but you can of course also take a tablet PC or an e-reader with you on vacation.
Also take camera and drone with you on vacation?
For really cool travel videos or wonderful cutscenes in CleanUp videos, I always take my drone with me on my travels. My drone Yuneec Typhoon Q500 is unfortunately very bulky and not foldable, but delivers 100% shake-free recordings. Without the drone I no longer travel, which is why I have included it in the travel checklist. In addition to the drone, you need an action camera and the appropriate gimble to attach the camera to the drone. I use the GoPro Hero 4 Silver for my recordings. Everything stows wonderfully in the accompanying backpack from Yuneec and can be taken as hand luggage. When I'm not using the drone, I use the handheld, to which I can also attach the Gimble with the camera. The handheld also still fits in the drone's backpack. For high-quality photos, I use the somewhat outdated Nikon D 3000 SLR camera, which serves its purpose to 100%. Therefore, an SLR camera should not be missing from the travel packing list. To avoid a storage space problem and to be able to make a backup of the vacation photos, you should also pack an external hard drive. Here you can also pull all the vacation shots and create a lot of space on the memory card again. For the action camera, I've put a micro SD memory card with a removable USB drive on your packing list for your vacation. The SLR camera usually requires a standard SD card. Newer cameras do not support all types of memory cards. Therefore, inform yourself before buying the memory card again to be sure. For all your technical devices on vacation, be sure to remember the respective chargers. Go through the list again and check if you have all the chargers with you. If you are missing a charger on vacation, other tourists may have the appropriate charger cable with them. There is always a solution if you forget something from the travel list. To ensure that you can always charge all devices, you need an adapter for the socket, depending on the country of travel. With a universal travel adapter you can not do much wrong. In an emergency, you can usually find inexpensive adapters in classic tourist stores. For relaxing musical moments or audio books and podcasts, you should also think about your headphones. The headphones complete the packing list for your trip in terms of technology.
Vacation packing list - suitcases, bags & backpacks
All things that are so on the travel checklist, of course, must also be transported somehow. In recent years, I have always used my classic hardshell suitcase, but for me the trekking backpack is much more comfortable to travel. But I also say that it definitely depends on the destination. On Sri Lanka, for example, the roads and paths are not always optimal for a draggable travel suitcase. Also, the buses are very cramped, so a regular backpacking backpack will make you much more flexible. In addition to a travel suitcase and trekking backpack, you should of course also take a daypack.
Take bags for technology on vacation
If you're taking a drone on vacation, you can either attach it to your trekking backpack or get a daypack that's perfect for the drone. This way you don't have to carry two daypacks on vacation. On the packing list you will also find the neck pillow that will be your constant companion. On the plane, on the bus or in the train. To be able to do without plastic as much as possible, I have also packed a water bottle with you on the travel checklist. Meanwhile, there are many plastic-free alternatives to conventional plastic drinking bottles. If you take a laptop with you on your trip, you should get a suitable laptop bag. This is because frequent transportation could damage your laptop pretty quickly. To be able to store your things at the airport and generally lock your suitcase or bags, you should also take a padlock with you on vacation. This way you can transport all the things on the travel checklist safely and easily.
Tips for your travel packing list - Health & Care
Depending on the temperature and weather in the respective travel country, the requirements for the packing list for health & care also differ. On the travel checklist I have tried to find a healthy middle ground. What definitely belongs on every packing list for vacation is the classic toilet bag. Here the tastes are different, try to use a water-repellent toilet bag, as this simply lasts longer. In the toilet bag you can do many other things of the travel packing list. Hands off disposable plastic toothbrushes, use instead the plastic free wooden toothbrush and make the toothpaste for this optimal way yourself! Because most toothpastes contain microplastics. Dental floss is now also available without plastic, I have linked them to you above in the vacation checklist. Shower gel and shampoo you can also make yourself wonderfully, I will also publish a tutorial. On vacation, you should also not do without a pocket mirror. On the travel checklist you will also find your glasses or contact lenses, if you have them. Be sure to take enough replacement for your contact lenses and do not forget the care product.
Washing and care on the trip
On the packing list for your vacation I have also packed a travel detergent. Depending on the duration, you can save some money and have to take less clothes on vacation. Of course, the hygiene items for vacation differ depending on whether you are male or female. Don't check off the following items on your travel checklist until you're sure you have them: dry razor, wet razor, deodorant/perfume (you can also make your own), tampons, menstrual cup and tissues. Your travel bag should also contain chapstick, contraceptives, nail scissors and tweezers. On the travel packing list you will find, depending on your needs, of course, the hairbrush with boar bristles from CareElite. For a healthy, restful sleep, you should also take a sleep mask and earplugs with you on vacation. If you're booking yourself into just one place for your vacation, you can expect towels to be provided. However, if you are traveling around a lot, you should definitely take your own towel with you on vacation. Usually you get all the hygiene items for your vacation in your toiletry bag. Please let me know if something important is missing from your travel packing list.
Your travel checklist - Everything for your beach vacation
I almost forgot my bathing suit on my last trip. Very disadvantageous, if you are often busy with the beach CleanUps. But there is always a solution, in an emergency you just buy the swimwear on the spot. Also no problem. On the travel packing list, you will also find a beach towel in addition to the swimwear. You really shouldn't forget this when packing your suitcase, because beach towels are often very expensive. To be able to easily take all your stuff to the beach, I also put a beach bag on the travel checklist for vacation. With the bag you can easily take books and magazines (you should not forget either!) and all other things for the beach.
Beach accessories on the trip checklist
On the vacation checklist you will of course also find your sunglasses, as well as your reading glasses (if available). FlipFlops you can still buy cheap at most resorts, but these are usually cheap products. So don't forget your flip-flops. Depending on your skin type, you may also need a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor. You should really buy it in Germany because of the difference in quality. If you blush quickly, you should also pack an après-sun cream. If you have checked off all the things from the beach checklist, you should actually have everything for the beach vacation. As a small addon I have another tip for you. You surely have music on your smartphone, but how about a cool podcast or a new audio book? There's nothing better on the beach!
Your travel checklist for vacation - clothes & accessories
When choosing the right clothes, most mistakes happen when packing a suitcase. Either you forget something completely or you take too much or too little of something with you. On the travel checklist are in any case already once the most important items of clothing for your vacation. The number of items you should take depends on the duration of your trip and the temperatures at your destination. Let's take a look at the packing list: First of all, you should always have at least one sweater with you, just for the trip to and from Germany. Adapt the number of shirts to the duration of your trip. You can have your laundry washed everywhere. I recommend you to take a little less and to wash your clothes more often. This makes the transport easier. Furthermore, tanks or tops are also on the travel packing list. At temperatures around 30° C and warmer there is hardly anything more pleasant than an airy tank top.
What pants to take with you on vacation?
Next on the travel packing list: You should always have at least one pair of long pants with you. Again, long pants make sense at least on the way to the airport in Germany or on arrival after the return flight. I have also put shorts on the checklist for you to tick off. If you travel to a warm country, then you should take 3 shorts with you. Among them should be a pair of sports shorts, which you can also use as a bathing suit. On the checklist, I have provided you with three headpieces. Depending on what suits you better, you should take a hat, a cap or a cap with you on vacation to protect your head from burns. I have very short hair so I always have my cap on. Next on your vacation packing list are underwear and socks. Depending on how often you plan to wash on vacation, you should pack the appropriate number. Don't forget your flip flops, you should also pack at least a pair of street shoes in your suitcase. If you use your running shoes as street shoes, you'll have both in one. You should also always take a jacket with you on your trip. I also always pack a functional shirt, it is perfect for running or surfing. If necessary, you should also pack functional socks in your suitcase. Don't forget your belt and other accessories like watches or other jewelry. With this you should be very well equipped for your vacation. Clothes for special trips can be found in the category "Special travel needs".
Your checklist for the vacation - travel pharmacy
Foreign dangers lurk in foreign countries. Mosquitoes transmit diseases, so depending on your destination, you should also stock up on citronella and bug spray. I am not a fan of tablets, but you should always have something in your luggage against headaches. On Sri Lanka I walked around a lot with flip-flops, eventually the blisters came. For such purposes, I have also packed the blister plaster with you on the travel packing list. Do you have certain allergies or need other daily medicine? Then check off the items in the checklist only when you have them safely in your suitcase or trekking backpack. The last few times I flew on vacation with only a very small first-aid kit. But after a few stories from friend-friends from Asian countries, I have also become a bit more cautious. No details - Please just have a sufficient travel pharmacy.
Your travel checklist - The special travel needs
In this category of the vacation packing list you will find things that do not belong on the general packing list, because they are intended for special trips. For example, if you are going to Sri Lanka or Thailand, you should bring your own mosquito net to be on the safe side, even though most guesthouses and hotels have mosquito nets. If you are planning a Beach CleanUp, you should also bring enough garbage bags. Alternatively, you can use the garbage bag to store used laundry. Are you planning an outdoor trip? Then you should also think of any trekking supplies, such as trekking sandals, hiking boots or hiking socks. I also put the air mattress (or sleeping pad), as well as sleeping bag, tent and pocket knife on the travel checklist for your next vacation. Do you have a diving certificate or sailing license and need these documents on vacation? Then please don't check them off the checklist until you're sure you've packed them. I'm sure there are many more things to add to the packing list in the "Special Travel Needs" category. Just write me a comment if something important should be missing.
Tips & Tricks for your Travel Checklist
Before the trip begins, you should get some information about the weather in your destination country. By planning ahead, you may be able to save a few kilograms of luggage. Just go to one of the many weather sites you can find on Google and look at the current temperature and weather and see how the temperatures behave throughout the year, or how many rainy days to expect. For example, I had at least one sweater, one pair of long pants and a pair of shoes too many on Sri Lanka. If you think a little bit more about your destination before you travel, you will have to carry less. A very simple rule.
Now, have fun on your trip with the support of this detailed travel packing list. Once again a reminder: Here you can print the travel checklist (PDF file) and just check off all the items. If something important is missing from the travel packing list, just drop me a line 🙂 .
PS.: Learn here now the best tips for sustainable travel know!