Things to Pack for Vacation

Worthy Items For Your Travel Packing Checklist

Including these versatile items on your travel packing checklist will prepare you for dozens of situations no matter where you travel.

On this page we've listed those invaluable, easy-to-pack items that step up to the plate when you need them but take up very little room in your luggage.

Not what you were looking for? Try Vacation Packing Checklists for a complete list of things to pack for vacation.

To earn a spot on this page an item must perform at least 2 tasks. We have some real overachievers on our list that fulfill a number of duties and ask for very little space in your luggage in return.

Duct Tape

Duct Tape 2 x 50-inch Rolls

No surprises here, but did you know that duct tape is sold in traveler sized rolls now?

You can easily make your own travel roll by wrapping duct tape around a pencil, pill bottle or film container.

Here are just a few things duct tape can do.

• Hem clothing
• Repair luggage, purses, shoes, umbrellas, rain gear
• Seal leaks
• Stop drafts
• Plug a drain
• Secure splints

Sarong or Pareo

Women's Pot Luck Grab Bag of Sarongs - 1 Sarong picked in Black

We can't speak highly enough of the lowly sarong. A bright length of fabric that you'll see on beaches around the world.

Just look at the things it can be...and the list goes on.

• Dress, skirt
• Beach blanket
• Bathing suit cover-up
• Table cloth
• Baby carrier
• Sun shade
• Privacy curtain
• Infant hammock
• Laundry bag
• Crib sheet
• Towel

Bandana

Navy Blue Trainmen Paisley Jumbo Bandana (27" x 27")

A mini sarong, the bandana has been carried by survivalists and travelers for centuries.

It's because a bandana can be used for so many things and it's easy to bring it along in a pocket, bag or tied around your leg, arm or head.

• Sweatband
• Tourniquet
• Strainer
• Bundle
• Handkerchief
• Bug swatter
• Small sun shade
• Washcloth
• Napkin
• Bandage

Conditioner

Hair conditioner (rinse out or leave in) is good for more than conditioning your hair. Use it as:

• Hair conditioner.
• Shaving cream for her or him.
• Skin conditioner.

A Swimsuit

• Bodysuit.
• Tank top.
• Teamed with shorts or skirt.
• Chemise, under a jacket.
• Swimsuit

Swiss Army Knife

Victorinox Swiss Army Tinker and Classic Knife Combo

Choose a Swiss Army Knife that has the features that best reflect your lifestyle.

If you never drink wine, nix the corkscrew - if you have a Leatherman tool dispense with the pliers on your Swiss Army Knife.

Keep your knife as compact as possible while covering all of your needs.

• Toothpick
• Knife
• Screwdriver
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Saw
• Awl
• Can opener
• Corkscrew
• Bottle opener
• Compass
• Magnifying glass
• Pliers

And tons more ~ the variations of this knife are mind boggling.

Leatherman Multi Tool

It's all in the name. The multiple tools in this compact and well designed unit perform countless tasks.

• Pliers
• Knives
• Screwdrivers

You name it and it's available on one of the multi tools.

Inflatable Pillow

• Adjustable travel pillow for neck or knee.
• Beach pillow.
• Cushion for packing fragile souvenirs

Daypack

• Day trips
• Market days
• Beach bag
• Picnic basket
• Bus trips
• Overnight excursions

More Vacation Packing

Mother Packing List

Packing Light

Best Books List