Golden rule: documents, payment, medicine and charger are never forgotten — everything else can be bought anywhere. Hot destinations: light cotton, sunscreen, insect repellent. Cold ones: the three-layer system and waterproof shoes. In hand luggage: your power bank always, and liquids in small containers only.
This is the packing list we use with our clients, split by destination type. Every list is interactive: tick what you've packed and the page counts for you.
1. Essentials for every trip
2. Packing for hot and tropical countries
Packing only summer clothes and then shivering in heavily air-conditioned malls, planes and restaurants. Always add one light jumper.
3. Packing for cold and snowy countries
A close-fitting thermal top and leggings that wick moisture. Avoid cotton as a base layer.
Wool, fleece or a light down jacket you can take off indoors.
A wind- and waterproof hooded coat — the most important winter item.
4. Twenty must-have gadgets
Always in hand luggage; check your airline's capacity limit.
One adapter with several USB ports solves every socket.
Activate before you fly and land online.
No overweight surprises at check-in.
Know where your suitcase is if it's delayed.
For long flights and night layovers.
Double the space and find things fast.
The first thing left behind in hotels.
Fill it after security.
Security can open it without breaking it.
Also: noise-cancelling earphones, a foldable daypack, a laundry bag, clear liquid bags, a pen for arrival forms, a car phone holder and a written list of emergency numbers.
5. Airport rules: hand luggage vs checked bag
In hand luggage
- Power banks and spare lithium batteries.
- Essential medicines and prescriptions.
- Documents, cash, jewellery and electronics.
- Liquids up to 100 ml in a clear bag.
- One day of clothes in case your bag is late.
Not in hand luggage
- Liquids and creams over 100 ml.
- Knives, large scissors, blades.
- Flammables and large aerosols.
- Power banks in checked bags (banned there too!).
- Fresh food to countries that ban it (Australia is very strict).
Some modern airports have relaxed the 100 ml rule thanks to new scanners, and some airlines limit the number and capacity of power banks. Check your airline's website.
Your trip starts before the suitcase
Alwan sends clients a destination-specific packing list along with flights, hotels and visas.
Plan your next trip with usKeep reading: How to choose a flight · Best warm winter destinations
Frequently asked questions
What are the travel items you must not forget?
Passport and visa, payment cards, phone and charger, plug adapter, personal medicines with prescriptions, digital copies of documents and travel insurance. Almost everything else can be bought on arrival.
What's banned in hand luggage?
Liquids in containers over 100 ml (usually in one clear bag), sharp objects and flammables. Power banks and lithium batteries go in hand luggage, not checked bags.
What should I pack for a cold country?
Layers: a thermal base, an insulating wool or fleece layer and a wind- and waterproof coat, plus hat, gloves, scarf, waterproof boots and wool socks.
What should I pack for a hot or tropical country?
Light cotton or linen clothes, hat and sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, sandals and walking shoes, and modest clothes for temples and mosques.
