Packing for a vacation, work trip, business trip, or just a family visit can seem like solving rocket science. How do you bring everything you need and still not overpack? Plus, many things can happen while traveling; accidents happen, people lose things, theft and airport charges for luggage are expensive. When it comes to packing, the best way to pack is to save space. Our top tip is to fold your clothes efficiently. Heavy stuff at the bottom, stuff that leak goes in the plastic bag, and things you’ll need as soon as you arrive at your destination (like toiletries) at the top. Plan ahead on the things you’ll need during your stay for a happier journey.

Here is the ultimate guide that will make packing a little less tiresome for you and devised a complete packing list. Use this ultimate guide to remind you of the essentials you need to pack for your travels.

1. Do your research on the place you want to visit, explore more before visiting a new city can give you deep insights into the area, telling you the places you can avoid and places you must visit. You will also have an idea of the different cultures in that area, the type of food to expect and the climate of that area this will influence the clothes you will need to carry for your travel.
2. Any documents you’ll need throughout your trip, of course, keep your passport, wallet, ID, tickets out of your suitcase and in the carry-on bag. Before you travel make sure your passport is valid. It is always good to have at least six months on your passport before it expires. It is a good idea to print out tickets, directions, and itineraries that you’ve store on your phone just in case.
3. Entertainment, bring something you’d enjoy throughout your travel, bring a book, magazine, game, or playing cards. But stay away from hardcovers that will weigh you down, opt to stock your e-reader or carry a short book.
4. Medication, in addition to your prescription, pack any over-the-counter drugs you might want during your flight in your carry-on bag. When packing your medication in your checked luggage you not only run the risk of losing it but should your bag get lost, you’ll also find it nearly impossible to get a refill far from your home.
5. Phone charger/portable power bank, we all know the feeling of your phone running out of battery on the road. No matter how great your phone battery life is, don’t assume it’s going to have enough charge to last you to your hotel. Keep your power bank with you in case your phone needs a boost, especially if all the information you need to get from one point to the other is saved in your phone.
6. Money, always have cash with you some on your phone and some in your wallet. If you are leaving to a different country change to that countries currency, which makes things easy for your stay. Budget how much you’d need for each day and work from there.
7. Toiletries, keep a small selection of toiletries in your carry-on prevents you from having to rummage through your suitcase in public. Deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, hairbrush, sunscreen, soap, towel, and moisturizer are some basic toiletries you must have during travel.
8. Flip flops or sandals, pack comfortable footwear especially if you are going to a hot place. Make sure you get a good quality pair that will last you the whole trip.
9. Carry different types of clothes, this is something we all don’t remember but carrying an extra warm cloth or light cloth will help in case of weather change you did not expect.
10. Spare phone, buy a cheap phone ahead of your trip, if you are going for a long journey and far from home. An extra phone will help if you lose your main phone or if the main phone is off and you need to communicate.

Travelling can be an intriguing time to enjoy and see new things. But if you don’t have a checklist to ensure everything is in order before the due day your trip might not happen.