International Travel Packing List & Calculator: Plan Every Essential with Ease

Discover how many items you can take on your next vacation using a handy vacation packing calculator.

Packing can turn an exciting vacation into a game of guesswork—what to bring, what to skip, and how to keep your bag under the limit. A smart plan makes all the difference. Start with a simple checklist, edit for your itinerary and weather, and lay everything out before it goes in the suitcase. Aim for mix-and-match outfits, pack shoes that pull double duty, and decant liquids to travel sizes. Weigh your bag at home so airport scales don’t surprise you.

Use our helpful Wayfairer packing list for any trip. We developed this based on airline rules that might affect baggage size or weight. We’ll help you decide what’s essential for your destination and season, and what can stay home. If you like tools, we also include a quick packing calculator and a printable checklist to keep you on track. You’ll find these helpful if you’re close to the weight limit or traveling with kids.

Take the stress out of packing, and you’ll start your vacation lighter, organized, and ready to go.

Luxury Vacation Packing Checklist

Click Here For a Printable Checklist

[ ] Passport (valid 6+ months) / IDs

[ ] Wallet (credit/debit cards, cash)

[ ] Travel insurance details

[ ] Flight/train/hotel confirmations

[ ] Itinerary + emergency contacts

[ ] Driver’s license / International Driving Permit

[ ] Vaccination card / health documents

Baggage Prep

[ ] Weigh checked bag (target 50 lb unless your fare differs)

[ ] Measure carry-on (airline size rules)

[ ] Liquids: 3.4 oz (100 ml) bottles, 1 quart bag, 1 per traveler (TSA liquids rule)

Clothing (adjust by trip length + laundry access)

[ ] Underwear / socks

[ ] Base layers / sleepwear

[ ] Tops (casual + dress)

[ ] Bottoms (pants/shorts/skirts)

[ ] Light sweater / fleece

[ ] Weather layer (rain jacket / windbreaker)

[ ] Hat / gloves / scarf (seasonal)

[ ] Swimwear / cover-up

[ ] Packable down / warm layer (seasonal)

Shoes

[ ] Comfortable walking shoes

[ ] Dress shoes / sandals

[ ] Water shoes / flip-flops

[ ] Hiking/active shoes (trip-specific)

Toiletries (less than 3 oz to carry on)

[ ] Toothbrush / toothpaste

[ ] Deodorant

[ ] Shampoo / conditioner / body wash

[ ] Razor / shaving kit

[ ] Skincare / sunscreen

[ ] Makeup / remover

[ ] Hairbrush / ties

[ ] Personal hygiene items

[ ] Contacts / solution / glasses

Health & Safety

[ ] Personal meds + copies of prescriptions

[ ] Pain/fever reliever; motion-sickness tabs

[ ] Bandages / blister care

[ ] Insect repellent

[ ] Hand sanitizer / wipes

[ ] Water bottle

Electronics

[ ] Phone + charger

[ ] Power bank

[ ] Headphones/earbuds

[ ] Camera + batteries/memory cards

[ ] Laptop/tablet + charger

[ ] Travel adapter / converter

Documents (extras)

[ ] Copies (digital + paper) of passport, cards

[ ] Local transit passes / tickets

[ ] Activity confirmations / vouchers

For Kids (if applicable)

[ ] Favorite snacks (TSA-friendly)

[ ] Entertainment (books/activities/tablet)

[ ] Comfort items (stuffed animal/blanket)

[ ] Diapers/wipes/cream (if needed)

[ ] Lightweight stroller / carrier

[ ] Car seat (if required by rental)

Flight Day

[ ] ID/passport handy

[ ] Liquids bag accessible

[ ] Empty bottle to fill after security

[ ] Layered outfit (cabin temps vary)

[ ] Essential meds in carry-on

[ ] Downloaded maps/playlists/tickets

Using a Vacation Packing Calculator

We love this Vacation Packing Calculator from Travel Closely, which calculates everything you’ve added, estimates the weights, and shows whether you’re under or over your allowance. Handy, right? The calculator looks at all the big airlines in operation currently, from American Airlines to West Jet, British Airways to Virgin Australia, and there’s also an option to choose ‘Other’, which lets you input your weight allowance.

It’s smart to set your own targets by airline and route (50 lb. checked bag limits are standard in economy, but always check with your airline). The Department of Transportation guides baggage/optional fee disclosures so you know what to expect before you book.

The calculator is divided into adults’ and children’s items and includes clothes, shoes, accessories, toiletries, electronics, and entertainment, so you can quickly see how much your bag likely weighs.

Everything is calculated as averages*. Women’s jeans weigh around 0.5 lbs, while men’s are typically 0.6 lbs. On the other hand, a woman's jacket weighs 1.1 lbs, while a man’s jacket weighs 1.3 lbs. So, if you pack jeans and jackets for an adult man and woman, your total weight would be about 3.5 pounds.

Remember the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule for your carry-ons! Each traveler can bring 3.4-oz containers that fit in one quart-size bag. Carry-ons are the most common thing to repack at the airport.

*Note that every care has been taken to gather an accurate average weight for each item listed. The weights of specific individual items may vary from the listed weights.

Wayfairer Trip Ideas You're Going to Love

If you're looking for travel inspiration, check out our selection of the most popular destinations and trip ideas our customers are raving about. We tailor-make all our trips according to your needs, so get in touch today. Tell us where you dream of going, and our Luxury Travel Specialists will make it all happen for you with no fuss.

Have a look at some of our fantastic trip ideas:

What to Pack on Your Vacation

Our Wayfairer concierge service will provide a comprehensive packing list tailored to your destination, season, and activities, and flag any airline-specific baggage rules (size/weight limits can vary by fare and route). For peace of mind, confirm fees and limits before you fly.