The complete travel packing checklist: items you can't bring on a plane, plus 3 tips to pack with ease

Still stressing over what to put on your travel packing checklist? Forgetting something not only costs you money — it can ruin the mood and eat into your precious vacation time too~ A well-organized packing checklist makes your trip go far more smoothly. Let DJB show you how to build your travel checklist and what to pack — a few simple steps and your worries are solved! You'll fall in love with travelling all over again~ ✈️

Image source: pexels

What should you pack? 6 categories and you're done

How many outfits should you bring? How much toiletries do you need? Trying to picture it all in your head usually leaves you dizzy and forgetting things — so what's the trick to a foolproof packing list? It's actually simple~ just sort your items into 6 broad categories, and packing becomes so much easier 😉

Category
DocumentsFlight tickets, ID card, credit cards, international driver's license, car rental proof, passport (original + copy, valid for at least 6 months),
2 passport-sized 2-inch photos (in case you need an emergency replacement passport), hotel booking confirmation, digital PCR proof
ClothingUnderwear, outerwear and pants, socks, shoes
💡 To avoid packing clothes that are too thick or too thin, double-check the weather forecast for your travel days right before you leave!
Toiletries　Toothbrush, toothpaste, facial cleanser, body wash, shampoo, makeup remover
💡 Some hotels provide guests with a toothbrush and toothpaste — check with the hotel first, and bring your own if you have specific preferences~
MedicationMotion sickness pills, headache medicine, cold medicine, pain relievers, personal medication
💡 Some countries regulate medication more strictly — for example, in the US and Canada, even seeing a doctor for a minor cold can be expensive. Bringing your own pain relievers and cold medicine ahead of time can save you money!
ElectronicsCharger, universal adapter, power bank, camera, headphones, memory card, data SIM
Everyday itemsTravel-size hand sanitizer, anti-theft pouch, hand cream, eye mask, neck pillow
Image source: pexels

What can't you bring? Watch for carry-on and checked baggage restrictions

Many people aren't clear on the restrictions for carry-on versus checked luggage — every airline has its own rules on size, weight, and what items are allowed, and if a prohibited item turns up in your bag, it's typically just confiscated on the spot~ To avoid unnecessary hassle, pay close attention while packing! Let's take a look at the rules~

Carry-onChecked baggage
LightersXX
LiquidsO
Each item under 100ml, packed in a clear zip-lock bag,
total under 1000ml including the bag		O
Each item under 100ml, packed in a clear zip-lock bag,
total under 1000ml including the bag
24%-70% alcoholic beveragesO
Combined with checked baggage, under 1000ml total; must be declared to customs if exceeded		O
Combined with carry-on, under 1000ml total; must be declared to customs if exceeded
Electronics
e.g. watches, drones, cameras		O
Must be powered off to ensure they can't activate		O
Must be powered off to ensure they can't activate
Power banksO
Must not exceed 160Wh		X
Sports equipmentXO
Baby itemsO
Must be removed from carry-on and declared to security staff		O
Must be removed from checked baggage and declared to security staff
MedicationO
Must have matching prescription documentation		O
Must have matching prescription documentation
Contact lensesO
Limited to 1 brand, 2 prescriptions, no more than 60 lenses per prescription,
exceeding this requires applying to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Food and Drug Administration for a "medical device for personal use" permit and declaring it to customs		O
Limited to 1 brand, 2 prescriptions, no more than 60 lenses per prescription,
exceeding this requires applying to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Food and Drug Administration for a "medical device for personal use" permit and declaring it to customs
UmbrellasXO
Folding umbrellasOO
Sharp objects
(including nail clippers)		XO
Gun-shaped items, handcuffsXX
Perfume, hairsprayO
Each item under 500ml, total under 2000ml		O
Each item under 500ml, total under 2000ml
Pepper sprayXX
Fragile itemsOX
DocumentsOX

Luggage overweight? 3 tips every shopaholic needs to know🤩

Want to bring everything but ended up over the weight limit? How do you decide what to leave behind? Master these 3 tricks and you'll magically create extra space, bringing all your loot home with ease!

1. Sort by importance and frequency of use — pack important, frequently used items first

ImportantNot important, or available locally
Used oftenA
e.g. clothing, documents, personal medication, charger		C
e.g. slippers
Used rarelyB
e.g. eye mask, neck pillow, toiletries, sleep aids		D
e.g. hangers, pajamas

First, use this chart to sort your items and clarify what you want versus what you actually need~ For example, based on the chart, pack A and B first, then C and D, and if you're overpacked, cut D first. Everyone's ABCD categories will differ, so feel free to build your own personalized checklist based on your own situation!

2. Share a suitcase with a travel companion

If you really can't cut anything, consider splitting shared items with your travel companion — things like toiletries, a curling iron, or makeup — one person brings it, and you both share it, saving luggage space~

3. Whip out your wallet 💸

Already pulled out everything that shouldn't be there, but still overweight? Don't worry! The last resort is simple — just pay the overweight baggage fee 🤑

Now that you know how to build a travel packing checklist, follow DJB's lead and write your own! To make your trip even more convenient, ditch that bulky pocket Wi-Fi router and grab a DJB no-throttle guaranteed data SIM instead — quick and simple, ready the moment you buy it, so you can stay connected anywhere with peace of mind~ Let DJB keep your travels safe and secure!

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