What to take on a trip: making the right list of things

Ideally, you need to pack everything you need without overloading your suitcase. How to do it:

• Print this article.
• Check the boxes for everything you want to take.
• Think about whether it is possible to replace familiar things with lightweight analogues. Read our tips and lifehacks.
• Add your points if we didn’t take into account −30 ℃ while visiting your grandmother or your passion for diving.
• Eliminate from the resulting list everything that you can do without.
• Collect all your things, put them in a bag and weigh them - and sort out the excess again.

To make it easier to navigate, we have collected things into thematic plates. In each, we highlighted the must-have items and those without which many could easily survive a couple of weeks. If you take only items from the “Definitely Needed” list, they will fit in your carry-on luggage - and you will travel lightly.

Click to go to the desired section and find out more details: Documents Equipment and gadgets Useful little things for comfort Hygiene products and cosmetics Clothes and shoes Things for children

Documents and money for the trip

Exactly needed:

Passport: internal or foreign When traveling around Russia, take an internal passport. Abroad, a passport is sufficient. An internal passport will come in handy if your foreign passport is stolen, but even then you can do without it. Bank card If you are traveling abroad, notify your bank that you plan to use the card outside of Russia. Typically, employees ask for a specific country and travel dates, as well as to set a daily cash withdrawal limit. Also keep in mind that at check-in some airlines ask you to show the card with which you paid for air tickets. Documents for the child: 1) passport, 2) birth certificate, 3) consent to leave Russia if the child is traveling abroad without parents. If children crossing the border with one of the parents, permission to leave is not required. Cash When going abroad, take cash in dollars or euros: unlike rubles, they will be exchanged for local currency everywhere. If you are flying to a country with a paid visa on arrival, take the money for the visa without change.

May be useful:

Airplane, train, bus tickets You usually don’t need to print out your tickets: most airlines will check you in using your passport only; in other cases, a copy on your smartphone will suffice. But sometimes a printout is still required. Check with the carrier or just take it with you just in case. Hotel reservations Most hotels will accommodate you without a “paper” reservation: just show it on the smartphone screen or give your last name. But if you feel safer, print it out. Driving license If you are going to drive a car abroad, check whether the country you want has joined the Vienna Convention. If yes, then you can drive there with a national driver’s license, including Russian. If your country is a member of the Geneva Convention, take two driving licenses: national and international. It is convenient to look at the list of countries under both conventions on Wikipedia. Copy of passport Just in case, print out a couple of copies of the main page of your passport. And also send the scans to yourself by email. Traveler's insurance policy Read how to choose good medical travel insurance and what to insure besides health.

Take essential things - documents, chargers, gadgets - in your hand luggage. Then, if your luggage is delayed or lost, you will not be left with nothing.

Documentation

The main thing is passports and money. In 2021 there will also be a medical mask. If you are traveling abroad, you will definitely need a negative PCR test or a vaccination certificate.

Without documents, your vacation may be ruined already at the airport. Therefore, passports and money should always be in your area of ​​attention, not only during preparations, but throughout the entire vacation.

Therefore, it is better to start packing your suitcase from the most important thing:

• Passports (check the validity period in advance, at least 6 months before the expiration date);
• Vaccination certificate or coronavirus test results;
• Medical mask;
• Tickets or voucher;
• Bank cards;
• Cash in small denominations;
• Medical insurance (if you forgot about it, then here it is);
• Hotel reservation;
• Banking access (pin generator, password cards)
• Driver's license (yours and his, in case you want to rent a car);
• Photocopies of documents (in case of loss and so as not to carry the originals with you);
• Vouchers (agreement with a travel agency);
• Pen and notepad;

It is better to break the money into several parts and divide it among family members. One bank card can be placed in your luggage. In this case, if you lose your wallet, you will not be left penniless.

What equipment to take on a trip

If you don’t want to burden yourself with things, then one smartphone is enough for a short trip. Just make sure that he is a universal assistant. Install on it: 1) a program with maps that work without the Internet, 2) an offline translator, 3) a reader, 4) a convenient notepad, 5) a Skyscanner application to search for air tickets, accommodation and car rentals right on the road. Read more about what useful travel apps can come in handy.

If you understand that you won’t be able to get by with just a smartphone, look at what other pieces of technology will be useful when traveling:

First aid kit

A trip to a foreign country with a different climate and cuisine may be accompanied by unpleasant surprises in the form of various disturbances in the functioning of the body. Therefore, it is better to stock up on a minimal first aid kit that will not weigh down your suitcase and will be able to help at the right time.

What to take with you to the sea from medicines:

• antiallergic;
• analgesic, antipyretic;
• sorbent (for food poisoning);
• from diarrhea;
• antiseptic for wounds, bandage, plaster.

Everyone knows their own body, so the list of necessary medications at sea may vary. If you suffer from any chronic diseases, then your first aid kit will be replenished with other necessary medications.

Equipment and gadgets for the road

Exactly needed:

Smartphone and charging On the road, it is convenient to use a long-lived smartphone with a battery capacity of 4,000 mAh. If your smartphone drains quickly, take a compact external battery for it, for example, Hiper XP10500. Take your smartphone charger in your hand luggage.

May be useful:

External hard drive If you don’t plan to take tons of heavy pictures, excess information can be temporarily recorded on a smartphone, then you won’t need a hard drive. Travel iron Many hotels provide irons or iron things for a fee. If it's important to keep your iron handy, get a compact one like the Philips GC651. You won’t need an iron if you put your things in tight rolls in your suitcase, and immediately hang them on hangers or the back of a chair in a hotel. It is even more convenient to take wrinkle-resistant items on a trip. Small electric kettle Some hotels have kettles in the rooms, and there is also a cooler at the reception. If you want to travel with your own, take a light and compact one - for example, TEFAL KO 1021 weighs half a kilo. You can also replace it with a good old boiler. Headphones For travel, choose headphones with good noise insulation. Laptop and charger Take chargers from your laptop and smartphone in your hand luggage. Then you will recharge your devices at the airport and during the flight, and you will not be left without equipment if your luggage is delayed or lost. Adapter for sockets Find out what sockets are in the desired country and take the correct adapter. When traveling to several countries, it is convenient to take a universal adapter. Player To save weight, leave the player at home and download the music to your smartphone. Tee, extension cord or surge protector Multiple sockets will be needed if you are taking a lot of gadgets. Hairdryer Hairdryer is available in many hotels: check before your trip. If not, or if you want your own, then take a closer look at the travel models. Camera, charger, memory cards, camera bag In addition to basic photographic equipment, photographers may need interchangeable lenses and filters. Tripod, monopod, selfie stick Some airlines do not allow you to take a tripod and selfie stick on board carry-on luggage. Electronic book To avoid taking unnecessary things, install a reading application on your smartphone and download books.

Tips and lifehacks: Useful gadgets for traveling

Technique

• If your vacation is incomplete without a laptop, you should take it with you.
• Photo and video equipment - in cases, optimally - options that are not afraid of water. In addition to them - flash drives or memory cards.
• A mobile phone with a charger, you can attach a small battery to them for recharging.
• An e-book with interesting novels and detective stories - for fun on the beach. It can be replaced with real books.
• Hairdryer, epilator.
• Small iron.

Of the things that do not require a network connection, the following will be useful:

• a thermal mug into which you can pour not only coffee at any time and anywhere;
• corkscrew - better in a multifunctional knife;
• beach tents;
• other things that will help you feel comfortable in any conditions.

It is also important not to forget a compact hand pump for vacuum clothing bags.

Household items and travel comfort

Exactly needed:

Handbag or city backpack for walking To take the necessary little things for a walk around the city or to the beach, a small handbag will come in handy. A compact option is a 10-liter Decathlon backpack weighing 50 g or a simple cotton shoulder bag.

May be useful:

Notepad and penIf you don’t plan to draw city sketches or palm trees at sunset, you can replace a regular notebook with an electronic one in your smartphone. Fork, spoon, plate, cup You can buy disposable plates and spoons on the spot, or take a traveling set of utensils. Umbrella Instead of an umbrella, it is more convenient to take a raincoat or waterproof jacket. Pocket mirror Map Install a map program on your smartphone: it will also show where you are. Book, guidebook, magazine To avoid overdoing it with your luggage, download all the literature into your smartphone. A guidebook - for example, Lonely Planet - can be purchased electronically. Sleep mask, earplugs, inflatable pillow If you fly for more than 4 hours, without a mask, earplugs and a neck pillow it will be difficult. Regular bags Pack your things for the return trip, put away the trash - bags are always will come in handy. They are also convenient for washing clothes while hiking. Towel Most hotels provide a towel. If you want to take your own without overloading your suitcase, take a look at microfiber towels: they are lightweight and dry quickly. Phrasebook A paper phrasebook can be replaced with Google Translator or any electronic phrasebook. Just make sure it works without the Internet.SunglassesToilet paperInstead of a regular roll of toilet paper, you can take a small or used one, or a pack of paper napkins.Sewing kitBuy a ready-made sewing kit or make one yourself: collect needles and threads of different colors. There will be something to sew on a button or mend a pocket on the go. Swiss Army Knife Choose a knife with the right set of tools: with a corkscrew, bottle opener, tweezers, pliers, screwdriver, saw, scissors or an awl. To avoid having your hand luggage taken away during security checks, check it in as your luggage.

What cosmetics and hygiene products to take on a trip

Whether or not to take a tightly packed cosmetic bag on a trip is a controversial issue. It’s easiest for those who have one cream for all occasions: you don’t have to choose, and your suitcase is light. If this doesn't apply to you, check to see if the usual products are available in travel mini versions, such as L'Occitane. And try to take what you really can’t do without.

You are allowed to take cosmetics, hygiene products and other liquids in containers up to 100 ml in hand luggage. Pack all the bottles into one 20 x 20 cm resealable clear bag and place it separately on the scanner belt when you go through airport security. Find out more about liquids in hand luggage.

Shoes

You shouldn’t take all your existing shoes on vacation, but one pair for each occasion will come in handy:

• flip flops or flip-flops for going to the beach;
• rubber slippers for swimming - will be needed if there are corals or a rocky bottom near the shore, as well as if entering the water is uncomfortable;
• sandals or sandals for the street;
• sneakers or light sneakers for hiking excursions and nature trips;
• specialized sneakers for sports;

When it comes to what things a woman should take to the seaside, you can add weekend shoes, but this is not necessary; you can get by with sandals, thereby saving space in your suitcase.

Hygiene and cosmetics for travel

Exactly needed:

Razor You can buy a razor on the spot, but it’s not a guarantee that you will find the right one. Deodorant If you fly only with hand luggage, take solid deodorant, or liquid / aerosol in a container of up to 100 ml. Toothpaste and brush You can easily buy toothpaste and a brush on the spot. If you don’t want to go shopping right after the flight, take a small or half-used tube of paste, and buy a new one after 2-3 days. Comb

May be useful:

Cotton swabs, cotton pads Wet wipes, paper handkerchiefs Take wet wipes in your hand luggage: they are convenient to have with you during the flight. Sanitary lipstick, lip balm If you are going to the sea, take lip balm in a tube: in the heat, regular lipstick can melt. Sanitary pads , tampons Hand sanitizer gel If you forgot the sanitizer, relax and wash your hands often with soap and water. Dental floss, toothpicks Sun cream It is better to choose sun cream in a bottle with a screw cap so that the product does not squeeze out in a tightly packed suitcase. Face and body creams If you can, for a couple of weeks To endure without the usual means, you can take one universal cream or balm. Scissors and a nail file An option for the undemanding is a tiny penknife with scissors and a file: you can cut mangoes and trim your nails. Don’t forget: you cannot carry sharp objects in your hand luggage. Occasionally, you are allowed to take small scissors with blunt ends, but it is safer to check them in your luggage. Glasses or contact lenses with a container and solution. Perfume. You can buy a small bottle of your favorite perfume. Foam for and after shaving. Shaving products can be purchased on the spot. As a last resort, use soap or shower gel. Lipstick, mascara and other decorative cosmetics, makeup remover Gel or milk for makeup removal can be replaced with special wet wipes. Condoms Mosquito repellent Hair styling product Donate mousse, gel or wax for hair styling in luggage. If you want to take them in hand luggage, choose products in containers up to 100 ml. Fumigator If you take a fumigator with liquid, then transport the bottle separately, otherwise the toxic liquid may spill out. Better yet, buy a fumigator with a plate. Shampoo, hair conditioner, soap, shower gel, washcloth Shampoo and shower gel are waiting for you in most hotels, but they are usually of poor quality. You can take your products from home (in hand luggage - only in containers up to 100 ml, in luggage - any); or buy on the spot.

Travel clothes and shoes

Exactly needed:

Blouse / shirt Trousers / jeans / trousers Putting trousers in your suitcase, check whether you have taken a suitable belt. Jacket / hoodie / sweater / warm shirt If you are traveling to warm regions, still take one thing warmer: suddenly a cool breeze blows in in the evening or decide to get out into the mountains for a day .Underwear Socks / tights If you are going on a hike, take socks at the rate of one pair for one or two days. Comfortable shoes for every day Choose familiar, worn-in shoes so as not to rub your feet. Sneakers, moccasins, sandals, boots, sneakers - depending on the weather and terrain. T-shirts with short and long sleeves

May be useful:

Accessories Choose lightweight and versatile accessories like a scarf around your neck. Loungewear / pajamas To feel at home in any hotel, take cozy pajamas. Swimsuit / swimming trunks Jacket A handy thing is a down jacket that folds into a bag: it is light and takes up almost no space. Dressy shoes “on exit"Raincoat or waterproof jacketA raincoat is useful in nature. And also in Asia, where you never know when to expect a tropical downpour. Flip flops / flip flops Flip flops are needed for the beach, pool, and sometimes for taking a shower in the room. In resort areas you can buy on the spot.Hat/baseball cap/panama sun hatShortsChoose shorts with a lot of pockets: this is even more convenient when traveling.Skirt/dress

Men's things

Men are luckier in terms of their vacation wardrobe - the list of what to take to the sea for a man is much shorter:

• socks, panties, swimming trunks;
• T-shirts and shorts, breeches, light trousers for the street;
• trousers, shirt or suit for going to restaurants and entertainment venues;
• sports equipment for excursions or active recreation;
• windbreaker or sweatshirt for cold weather.

Everything else depends on your wishes. The exact list of things to pack at sea depends on your plans and the season. If at the height of July and August there is almost round-the-clock heat, in September-October it becomes cool in the late afternoon, and at night a real autumn chill creeps through. So, if you are planning a vacation in the fall, do not forget to take a warm jacket and raincoat for the trip.

If you are going to have an active holiday - conquer nature trails, mountain peaks, play sports - professional equipment will not hurt. On the spot, the necessary things may simply not be sold or supplied by the wrong company/size/quality/at inflated prices.

What things to take on a trip with children

Put tested clothes and shoes in your suitcase that your child is comfortable in. Whenever possible, choose fabrics that dry quickly so you'll need fewer outfits. Don't forget about supplies: snacks, diapers and baby wipes. Think about what the children will do on the road. And keep everything you need at hand - then traveling with a child will not be so burdensome.

Other useful things to take with you at sea.

If the weight and volume of your luggage does not exceed those allowed for free transportation, fill the empty space in your suitcase with useful things that will definitely come in handy for your vacation at sea:

• Beach towel . It is not always given at the hotel, and spending time on purchasing it instead of immediately enjoying swimming in the sea is not entirely convenient. It is advisable to take not a new towel to the sea, which you don’t mind leaving behind, and the free space can be filled with gifts bought on vacation.
• Reflex camera . If you love photography, it will be indispensable. Taking a good photo at sea using your phone is very difficult because of the bright sun shining on the LCD screen.
• Beach bag.
• Hair dryer.
• Games, notepad, pencils, coloring books to keep your child occupied on the go.
• Laptop and power supply for it.
• Power bank, spare flash drives.
• Favorite coffee.

Things for children on the road

Exactly needed:

Trousers / trousers / jeans Wet wipes Children's travel first aid kit Put in the first aid kit medications that you know how to use and to which your child definitely does not have side effects or an allergic reaction. Read more about how to pack a first aid kit for travel. Children's soap, shampoo, toothpaste and brush, cream Theoretically, all children's cosmetics can be bought on the spot, but for a child it is safer to take the usual ones. Small packages will help lighten the weight of luggage. Spare set of clothes Don't forget to take spare clothes in your hand luggage during the flight: children get dirty at the most unexpected moment. Jacket / sweater / windbreaker / warm shirt Underwear Many take underwear for children according to the number of days of the trip. But there are plenty of parents who make do with less. Socks, tights, even if you’re going to the sea, take a pair of warm socks. Panama / cap / sun hat Children’s panama hats often get lost, it’s better to take a spare one. Diapers for the baby If you don’t want to carry a supply of diapers for the whole trip , find out in advance which ones are sold in the right place. As a last resort, buy “some” diapers - you will find them everywhere. Warm shoes: boots, sneakers, sneakers. Comfortable light shoes, for example, sandals. If your child loves puddles, take two or three pairs of shoes so that you have a dry change at hand. T-shirts with short and long sleevesShortsSkirt/dress/sundressApples, cookies or other snack, bottle of water, baby food for the babyWater and baby food for children under 2 years old are allowed to be taken in hand luggage in the amount necessary for the duration of the flight, including in containers larger than 100 ml .

Medicines

Depending on your vacation, whether you spend time at sea or go skiing in winter, your list of medications should always be complete; from my own experience, I can say one thing - it’s better to take extra medicine than not to find it at hand in a difficult situation. Here I will list the most necessary medications that every tourist should take.

• Medicines necessary for your life prescribed by a doctor.
• Medicines for headaches and painkillers throughout the body.
• Cardiovascular medications.
• Medicines for gastrointestinal disorders.
• Means for restoring gastric microflora.
• Bandage, iodine, adhesive plaster (bactericidal), cotton swabs.
• Nasal drops.
• Sedatives.
• Remedies for insect bites.
• Antipyretics and cold remedies.
• Remedies for motion sickness.
• Broad-spectrum antibiotics.

In a separate item on the list of medicines at sea, I decided to add one more thing, for those tourists who like to have fun and relax to the fullest without thinking about anything - contraceptives.

Complete list of medications