Packing for vacation can feel like a full-time job. Between shopping for outfits, restocking toiletries, keeping up with beauty maintenance, and, oh yeah, actually packing your suitcase—it’s a lot!
There’s no need to keep a mental checklist running in your head (because let’s be real, something will get forgotten). Write it down, check it off, and let yourself actually enjoy the excitement of getting ready for your trip.
Keep reading for the ultimate pre-vacation checklist to make packing and prepping easier than ever!
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What to Pack & Prep for Vacation
Toiletries & Beauty Essentials
- Organize and refill your toiletry bag
- Clean makeup bag
- Wash Makeup Brushes
- Check what you need for your trip & plan a shopping day
- Makeup refills
- Makeup removing wipes
- Deodorant
- Teeth whitening strips
- Press-on nails
- Pads/tampons
- Small purse items (lip balm, mini perfume, etc.)
Electronics & Tech Prep
- Check all your electronics to make sure they are charged and packed with proper cords
- Charge your headphones and portable chargers
- Download entertainment for flights (movies, shows, music, podcasts)
- Save offline maps if traveling internationally
- Make sure your phone storage has space for new photos/videos
- Pack a power bank, universal adapter (if needed), and extra memory card
Pre-Trip Beauty & Self-Care Routine
- Plan your beauty, pampering, or “glow-up” routine
- Whitening teeth
- Skincare prep
- Hair care & deep conditioning
- “Everything” shower
- Manicure and pedicure
- Eyebrows and lashes
- Schedule any necessary appointments or at-home treatments so you don’t forget
- Shave/wax if needed for your trip outfits
- Exfoliate and self-tan (if that’s your thing)
- Pack travel-size skincare so you don’t have to bring bulky bottles
- Refresh hair with dry shampoo before/after your flight if needed
Outfit & Packing Prep
- Plan outfits by day and see where you can re-wear items
- Check if you’ll have access to laundry on your trip
- Plan travel day outfit (comfortable but cute)
- Check if you need specific outfits for excursions/dinners/events
- Consider packing a foldable tote or small laundry bag for dirty clothes
- Double-check accessories (jewelry, sunglasses, hats, belts, etc.)
- Pack a lightweight, packable rain jacket or poncho if the weather is unpredictable
Home Prep Before Leaving
- Wash dishes & empty the dishwasher (you don’t want things getting smelly)
- Empty the trash
- Wash your bedding (coming home to clean sheets = the best)
- Clean your bathroom (coming home to a fresh shower = even better)
- Have a freezer meal ready for when you return and don’t feel like cooking
- Adjust thermostat/lights (or set up smart home timers if needed)
- Pause mail/package deliveries if you’ll be gone for a while
- Arrange for pet care or house sitter if needed
- Water plants before leaving
- Lock up valuables or put them in a safe spot
Final Packing & Essentials Check:
- Double-check travel documents (passport, ID, VISA, travel insurance, reservation confirmations)
- Print or screenshot important documents (boarding pass, hotel confirmations, etc.)
- Confirm baggage allowance if flying (so you don’t get hit with unexpected fees)
- Use a luggage scale to weigh everything before leaving and repack if necessary
- Refill prescriptions and pack any necessary medications
- Pack a small first aid kit (pain relievers, motion sickness meds, band-aids, etc.)
- Add emergency contacts and medical info to your phone or print them out
- Check the weather forecast for your destination and adjust your packing accordingly
- Set alarms for your departure day (leave enough buffer time)
- Hydrate extra the day before if flying
- Pack an easy-to-access travel day bag with snacks, gum, sanitizer, lip balm, etc.
- Screenshot the address of your hotel/Airbnb in case you don’t have service when you land
Bon Voyage! Enjoy that Vacation Stress-Free
I hope this checklist helps you get organized and takes some of the stress out of packing and prepping for your trip. There’s always so much to think about before a vacation, but having a solid plan makes it so much easier.
Did I miss anything? What’s always on your pre-vacation checklist? I’m always looking for new travel tips and hacks, so drop your must-do prep steps in the comments—I’d love to hear them! Safe travels and happy packing! ✈️✨
XOXO,
Julia
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About the author: Hey there! I’m Julia, a passionate theme park and travel writer. My love for theme parks has fueled my obsession with sharing tips and adventures for years. Join me as I uncover the magic of traveling locally and beyond!
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