Ultimate!! Travel Checklist

Since I recently travelled to visit my ailing grandparents, I took some time to create an ultimate list for travelling. This list is just for travelling by yourself. Kids and babies have a whole other (large) list. 

Some of these items may be overkill for you, but that's why it's called an ULTIMATE list! Pick and choose what you need:

FOR THE AIRPORT

Slip On Shoes (so it's easy to go through security) Make sure they're COMFORTABLE! 

Light Jacket (airplanes are almost always cold, and you can always tie it around your waist or around your luggage handles if you end up not needing it)

Neck Pouch Wallet (I use it to hold my phone, boarding pass, ID, maps of the airports, cash, bus tickets, parking, headphones, etc. I think they're more secure than just using my pockets or my handbag, which is usually buried in my personal item bag. ALSO, I always store some extra cash in one of my socks just in case I'd get pickpocketed or something.)

Passport Wallet: I don't have one of these, actually, because I haven't travelled anywhere that needs one since before 9-11.

TSA Quart sized bag: (Remember that all of your liquids have to be in 3 oz or smaller containers and all fit into this bag. You also have to have this bag available to be taken out and inspected as you go through the checkpoint.)

LUGGAGE

Good set of luggage: (Get a Carry-on size with wheels and handle and personal item with carry strap. Invest in a good set that can take a beating. Also make sure your bag is within carry-on size limits (generally, 9x14x22 inches including handles and wheels, but can vary by airline.) Some airlines have a size and weight limit on your personal item, but as a rule, make sure it's as small as possible and will fit below your seat.)

Laptop Backpack: (This would be if you wanted a backpack instead of a personal item. It has its benefits.)

Cable Organizer: (for chargers, power adapters, headphones, power banks, extension cord, etc.)

Power Bank: (for emergencies when you can't get to a wall charger)

Laptop/Tablet- make sure it's packed securely and safely. TSA might want you to take it out of its sleeve/bag, so be ready for that at the security checkpoint. 

Charging Cables for your computer/phone(s)

Travel Jewelry Box: (I don't travel with much jewelry, but I do like a nice, small container to put it in when I do.)

Pill Organizer: (To be used for prescriptions or OTC pain relievers/stomach aid/cold meds/etc.)

Space Saver Bags: (You can squeeze an extra shirt or pair or pants in there with these!) 

Packing Cubes: I thought these were ridiculous at first, but now that I've tried them I wonder how I ever traveled without them!)

TSA Luggage Lock: (Make sure you get one that's TSA approved, or you may not make it to the other side with your lock intact)

Luggage Clip: These are great for attaching your personal item or another bag to your roller bags. Much easier on your shoulders!

Luggage Tags: Make sure to put your name, address, and phone number on both the INSIDE AND OUTSIDE of your bags. I like to have a luggage tag that's a little different so it's easily identified. 

Luggage Strap: These help keep your luggage secure and also work as an identifier. I also find some ribbon (I have Star Trek on mine right now) and add that to the handle just to make it that much easier to identify and grab out of the overhead bin. 

FOR THE GATE/PLANE

Collapsable Water Bottle: (Obviously, don't fill this before you go through security, but you can easily fill it after you're done and save a few bucks on bottled water.) 

HiChew: (These are a REALLY chewy candy that are the BEST at keeping your ears popped during takeoff and landing. If you don't want to go the candy route, chew on a few pieces of gum.)

Jelly Belly: (These are my snack of choice on a flight. I don't know why. I just love them.)

Protein Bar: (I like to have a few protein bars on hand just in case of flight delays or something. You might want to consider getting one that's peanut free in case of a severe nut allergy on the flight.)

Other Snacks- it's just nice to have something you love that didn't cost $5 in the airport.

FOR COMFORT

Pillow Blanket Set: I have a similar set to this. It's an inflatable pillow with a blanket. I like that this set has earplugs and an eye mask too! I like having a blanket on a plane because they do get cold sometimes, and the inflatable pillow is nice because it doesn't take up any room until I'm using it. They're also nice in the airport, ESPECIALLY if you have a long layover or a delayed flight. Any additional comfort is surely welcome in those situations.

Travel Tissues: (I always need tissues, and planes are so dry and make my nose boogery.)

Saline Nasal Spray: (Make sure to put this in your quart bag. It helps with the dryness of the plane air.)

ChapStick: (I usually stick one of these in my quart bag as well as my neck wallet. It's always good to have on hand.)

Wet Wipes: (These are great to freshen up with after your flight or good to have if you spill some of your drink on you or whatever.)

Hand sanitizer- put a small bottle in your liquids bag. You'll need it, trust me. 

Eye Drops (my eyes get so dry while flying)

Book/Magazine/Games/eReader/something to do on the plane. Or just sleep or watch the in-flight entertainment. Or talk to your neighbor. (I like to bring a book, my phone, a coloring book, and several magazines. I like to read my magazines, then remove my address label and leave them for someone else to enjoy.)

Headphones/ear buds (For music or audiobooks or games or whatever)

FOR HEALTH/HYGIENE

TSA compliant toiletry kit: ( Here's a larger one with more stuff: Oh, and don't forget tampons/pads!)

Hanging Toiletry bag: These are perfect if you're in a motel/hotel and don't have much counter space. They also work well if you need to break into it while at the airport!

Travel first aid/medicine kit:. I always travel with one of these. I like to have basic first aid supplies on me as well as a handful of medicines such as Pepto, asprin, cold meds, cough drops, etc. 

Woolite Kit: (This is a nice way to quickly do laundry in your own motel room for much less than they charge to do it on site). 

FOR THE TRIP

Clothes (Generally, I pack one shirt, pair of underwear, and pair of socks per day, one bra and pair of pants for every 2-3 days, plus an extra change of clothes. If you're checking your luggage, put your extra change of clothes in your carry on. If something happens to your luggage, then at least you have an extra change of clothes. I also try to pack a lightweight dress or skirt just in case.)

PJs

Slippers (I love using one of the small zipper pouch travel cubes for these)

Jewelry (don't forget to put them in your jewelry holder. I'd also pack them in your carry-on if they're valuable or sentimental.)

Prescriptions (Here's where that pill organizer comes in handy- also, I always put these in my carry-on.)

Makeup (Makeup bag optional. I don't bring much, if any, so I just toss it in with my toiletries.)

Makeup Brushes (If you bring lots of makeup.)

If you travel a lot, it might be worth the investment for this travel hairdryer and flatiron set

Are you a seasoned traveler? What snacks do you like to get for your trip?