No matter where you are traveling to or for however long, packing can be a daunting task. You never want to under-pack, but that leads to many of us over-packing. There are some essential items that you should always bring with you and prioritize when filling your suitcase.

Here are some general areas you need to think about when packing, and some suggestions on what to bring:

General Things to Pack

No matter where you are traveling, there are a couple of general items you don’t want to forget at home—and it’s probably cheaper to buy before you go. Unless you are traveling within your country, make sure you review any visa information you may need to apply for before leaving. Consider how you will convert funds on your trip—i.e. with a travel credit card, with cash as you go, etc. And make sure you are traveling with the right cord adapters.

• Outlet adapter
• Ear plugs
• Portable charger and all charging cords
• Copy your passport information page and print out accommodation information (phones will stop working at the worst times)

For the Plane, Train, or Bus Rides

Unless you are lucky enough to rent a car to get around on your travels, chances are you will have some downtime on public transportation as you go from one place to the next. Many people are content with just scrolling their phones or getting a nap during this time. Others want to use this time to catch up on work or emails so they don’t have to think about it when they get to their next destination.

• A small bag to quickly keep everything you may need—credit card, passport, ChapStick, hand sanitizer, etc.
• Eye mask
• Tablet or book
• Noise-canceling headphones

Toiletries you Shouldn’t Live Without

Toiletries are especially hard if you are only using a carry-on. But, there are ways around the liquid limits many airlines still abide by that will keep you clean on your trip. You can switch to bars of shampoo and conditioner, bar deodorant, and limit how many products in your face washing routine really need to happen.

• Face wash and moisturizer
• Shampoo and conditioner—consider bars of these so they don’t go against your liquid limit
• Sunscreen
• Deodorant, especially if you like your country’s version more than others

Clothing Must-Haves

Everyone tends to overpack their clothing options on trips and only end up wearing half of what they brought (while still carrying around all of it). Instead of thinking you’ll be changing three times a day, which is highly unlikely, just pack the bare essentials and use laundromats when traveling. 

• Light rain jacket
• Socks
• If only using a carry-on, pack items that can be interchangeable
• Walking shoes, which are way more important than any fashion shoes you may want to prioritize
• Slides, if using communal showers (athletes foot is not worth it)

Fun Extras that are Worth the Space

You can still pack some fun things in your bag. Your trip is not meant to be stressful; it is meant to create memories. You can help that along by packing items that will capture those moments throughout your trip.

• Polaroid camera
• Journal and pen, to keep track of all your memories