Key Takeaways
- Documents are the only non-replaceable items — triple-check these first
- Pack for 5 days regardless of trip length — you can wash clothes anywhere
- Download the printable PDF version for offline use during packing
Documents (Non-Negotiable)
- Passport (valid for 6+ months beyond travel dates)
- Visa / e-visa printout
- Flight tickets (digital + printed backup)
- Hotel booking confirmations
- Travel insurance policy document
- Photocopies of passport, visa, and insurance (stored separately from originals)
- Digital copies in email and cloud storage
- International driving permit (if planning to drive)
- Vaccination certificates (if required by destination)
Money and Cards
- Primary credit/debit card with no forex markup
- Backup card from a different bank
- Local currency cash ($100-200 equivalent for arrival)
- Forex card (optional but useful for budgeting)
- Notify your bank about international travel dates
Clothing (Pack for 5 Days Max)
- 5 tops/t-shirts (mix casual and smart)
- 3 bottoms (jeans, trousers, shorts)
- 7 underwear and socks
- 1 light jacket or layering piece
- 1 formal/smart outfit (dinner, cultural sites)
- Sleepwear
- Comfortable walking shoes (worn on the plane)
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Rain jacket or compact umbrella
Tech
- Phone + charger
- Universal power adapter
- Portable power bank (under 100Wh for flight carry-on)
- Earphones/headphones
- Camera + memory cards (if separate from phone)
- E-reader (optional, saves space vs books)
- All charger cables
Toiletries (100ml limit for carry-on)
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Shampoo + conditioner (solid bars save space)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Deodorant
- Moisturiser
- Razor
- Any prescription medications (with prescription copy)
Emergency Kit
- Basic first aid: band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relief, anti-diarrhoeal
- Embassy contact number for your destination
- Emergency contact card in wallet
- Photocopy of passport in a separate bag
- Small padlock for hostel lockers