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Travel packing list: What to pack for any vacation

A couple rolls their suitcases down the cobbled streets of a European city.

Worried you’ll forget the essentials for your upcoming holiday? We’ve pulled together the ultimate packing list you’ll need for your next vacation. Whether you’re a family of four or solo backpacking, keep this list handy.

Travel insurance and other essentials for your next trip

  • Travel insurance, and your documents: If you’ve got your policy already, keep a copy of nib’s international assistance emergency contact details, and remember you can claim online, on the go via your member account.

  • Passport and visas: Before you book a last-minute trip, check your passport has at least six months validity. Depending on where you are travelling, you may need a visa – check the visa requirements for all destinations you’re visiting.

  • Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state-issued photo ID card) for domestic travel.

  • Valid driver’s licence and/or international drivers permit: Check to see if the destination you’re visiting requires an international drivers permit if you’re road-tripping or riding a scooter or motorcycle.

  • Vaccinations before you go: See a travel doctor before you leave, and make sure you and the family are up to date with routine vaccinations. Pack your vaccination certificate if required.

  • Emergency contacts: Carry a list of emergency family contact details, and your local embassy number.

  • Copies of important documents: Digital and physical copies of your passport, travel insurance and itinerary are always a good idea.

  • Credit cards and cash: Multiple payment options and local currency are a must.

Safety and medication

  • First-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, gauze).

  • Prescription medications (enough for the entire trip plus extra) with original labels.

  • Pain relievers, antihistamines, and motion sickness medication.

  • Copies of your prescriptions and a doctor’s letter for any critical medications. Check to see if any of your medications require a doctor’s letter at Customs in the country you’re travelling to.

  • Hand sanitiser and face masks (if required for your destination – and still a good idea on flights).

  • A TSA-approved travel lock for your luggage and a portable safe for valuables.

  • Spare contact lenses and travel-sized contact solution.

Clothes and accessories

  • Weather-appropriate clothing (layering for colder climates and lightweight clothes for warm destinations). Choose clothes that mix and match so you can avoid packing too much.

  • Packing cubes in a range of sizes to keep clothes organized and make repacking easier.

  • Comfortable walking shoes and waterproof footwear.

  • A lightweight, waterproof jacket.

  • Travel-sized toiletries (no more than 100 millilitres or 100 grams) in a clear, resealable bag.

  • Power adapters and chargers for your devices.

  • Lightweight travel towel.

  • Reusable water bottle (filtered options if visiting areas with unsafe tap water).

  • A money belt, money pouch, or small crossbody purse to keep money and other valuables secured close to your body.

  • Sunglasses and a sun hat or beanie, depending on your destination.

Children and baby travel essentials

  • Baby formula, snacks, and age-appropriate food.

  • Nappies, baby wipes, and a portable changing mat.

  • Stroller or baby carrier.

  • Favourite toys, books, or comfort items.

  • Portable crib or travel bassinet.

  • Sunscreen and baby-safe insect repellent.

Sports and adventure activities essentials

  • Activity-specific gear (e.g., snorkel gear, hiking boots, or snow gloves).

  • Appropriate clothing for outdoor or extreme sports.

  • Waterproof dry bags for valuables.

  • Helmet for riding a scooter or motorbike, cycling, or rock climbing (if not provided at your destination).

Useful flight and airport travel items

  • Noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs.

  • Travel pillow and blanket.

  • Sleep mask.

  • Refillable water bottle (empty it before passing through security).

  • Snacks for long flights.

  • E-reader or compact book for entertainment.

  • Compression socks for long-haul flights.

Key travel items for over-50s

  • Reading glasses or spare prescription glasses.

  • Copy of important medical records, including allergies and pre-existing conditions.

  • Lightweight, comfortable clothing and walking shoes.

  • Travel-friendly support aids (e.g., walking stick or back brace).

  • Medication organiser for longer trips.

  • Emergency contact information card.

Traveller tip: Lock in the right nib travel insurance plan before you go. Once your trip begins, you won’t be able to switch from Essentials to Comprehensive.

Travelling soon? Consider nib Travel Insurance and get a quote.*

To learn more about what’s covered, see nib travel insurance. nib health insurance members get a 10% discount off their travel insurance.*

nib Travel Insurance Distribution Pty Limited, ABN 40 129 262 175, AR 336467 is an authorised representative of nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (nib), ABN 81 115 932 173, AFSL 308461 and act as nib's agent and not as your agent. This is general advice only. Before you buy, you should consider your needs, the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determination (TMD) available from us. This insurance is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193. *The discount applies to the total nib travel insurance premium and is for customers that currently hold an Australian health insurance product, an Overseas Student Health Cover product or an Overseas Visitors Health Cover product with nib. Discounts do not apply to the rate of GST and stamp duty or any changes you make to the policy. nib has the discretion to withdraw or amend this discount offer at any time. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer or discount.