Travel Checklist: 7 Tips for a Stress-Free Trip

There’s nothing better than heading off on a getaway—but getting there can sometimes be the most stressful part. Between packing, making sure everything at home is taken care of, and finalizing your itinerary, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before your trip even begins.

The good news? A little planning goes a long way. With just a few simple systems, traveling can feel so much easier. Here are a few of our favorite tips for staying organized before, during, and after your trip.

1. Start with a packing list. One of the easiest ways to avoid forgetting the essentials is to create a list beforehand. Try organizing it into categories like:

• Clothing

• Shoes

• Toiletries

• Accessories

• Medications

• Chargers & electronics

• Travel documents (if going international)

• Entertainment 

Pro tip: Save your packing list in the Notes app so you can update and reuse it for future trips.

2. Pack for your itinerary. Instead of packing for every possible scenario, stick to the plans you actually have. Planning outfits ahead of time helps prevent overpacking and makes getting dressed on vacation a breeze. Choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to get the most out of your suitcase space.

Want to make packing even easier?

Download our Summer Travel Checklist for a printable packing list, pre-trip reminders, and home prep checklist you can use before every vacation.

3. Use simple organizing systems. A few small tools can make a big difference while traveling. Some of our favorites are:

• Packing cubes to separate clothing by category or person (these are great and inexpensive)

• Zippered pouches for everything from chargers to electronics and snacks 

• A leak-proof toiletry bag (we use these!) for sunscreen, shampoo and anything that could leak 

• A jewelry case to keep accessories together

• A pill case that fits everything — we just got this one and are obsessed with how efficient it is 

Keeping everything in its place means less time searching and more time enjoying your trip.

4. Get kids travel-ready. Traveling with kids comes with a few extra logistics, but a little organization makes all the difference. Here are a few ways to keep things running smoothly: 

• Pack each child’s clothing in packing cubes in a different color so it’s easier to tell whose is whose. If you’re tight on space, opt for compression cubes!

• Have kids pack their own backpacks and commit to carrying them throughout the trip — this is our favorite junior backpack. Include a light refillable water bottle! 

• Keep snacks, a treat or two and some secret activities in your carry-on for emergencies, meltdowns and bribes. We are big on travel kits for screen-less activities for planes or road trips. Here are some of the best toys for kids ages 2-6! I like to make them feel special for each trip with something relevant to the location we’re going — like diving toys for a pool vacation or themed activity books for a city we’re visiting to get them excited for the trip! 

• If your child is old enough, involve them in the packing process! Let them help choose outfits or check items off the packing list. 

5. Prep your home before you leave. An organized vacation starts before you even walk out the door. Before leaving, take a few minutes to:

• Empty the refrigerator of anything perishable (or give to family and friends)

• Take out all trash and recycling 

• Run the dishwasher

• Water plants or arrange for someone to do it

• Set lights on timers if you’ll be away for several days

• Confirm pet care and mail/packages arrangements 

Coming home to a tidy house after a trip is one of the best feelings!

6. Leave a little extra space. Try not to completely fill your suitcase to the brim. Leaving a little extra room makes it easier to pack vacation purchases (it’s okay to treat yourself!) or anything else you bring home. Plus, it’ll make repacking for the trip home much faster, too.

7. Make the return home easier. Consider planning a grocery delivery, unpacking within a day or two, and starting a load of laundry right away. Traveling can be exhausting, but jumping back into these small habits helps you settle into your routine without adding unnecessary stress.

The goal isn’t to pack perfectly—it’s to create simple systems that make travel easier from start to finish. With a little preparation, you’ll spend less time worrying about what you forgot and more time having fun and making memories. 

Ready for your next trip? Download our Travel Checklist to keep all of your packing, travel, and home prep to-dos in one place. Save it to your phone or print a copy to use again and again.