Whether you are going on vacation or traveling for work, it can be helpful to prepare ahead of time. If you have not gone anywhere in a while, your initial packing list may be short.

Although whatever you end up bringing is ultimately up to you, having a pre-made list in front of you can help you better prepare. If you need some direction on what to bring, consider these items. Chances are, you will be glad you remembered them.

1. Appropriate Clothing

Depending on where you are going and your personal style, the list of appropriate clothing can vary. Think about the essentials such as socks, underwear, sleepwear and T-shirts. Then consider the weather for choosing shorts, sweaters, or jackets. Also, keep in mind the activities you plan on doing. Do you need sandals, hiking boots or both?

2. Necessary Toiletries

Next, you need to this about your daily hygiene routine and everything you need to get ready in the morning as well as at nighttime. For example, remember your toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, hair care products, soap, deodorant and sunscreen. There are cases you can buy that are specifically made for toiletries such as these. Read about travel must haves.

3. Useful electronics

If you are going on a business trip, you will likely need a cell phone, laptop and maybe a tablet. Depending on your personal preferences, you may also want to bring along a smartwatch or camera. Whatever you do, do not forget to pack the adapters for every electronic that you bring.

4. Daily Medications, Vitamins and Supplements

In addition to necessary clothing and toiletries, it is also essential to pack any daily medications, vitamins or supplements that you take. Whether you consume a coq10 supplement, Vitamin C, or some kind of prescribed medication, you do not want to be without it during your trip. Coq10 can support your heart health. 

5. Reading Material

Depending on the length of your trip, it can also be a good idea to include one or two books in your suitcase. Magazines allow for quick and easy reading, too. During travel, there is often a lot of downtime between airports, bus stations and time in the hotel. You can make good use of it by exercising your mind with an informative or entertaining read.

6. Healthy Snacks

If getting to your destination takes awhile, it is smart to also pack healthy snacks that can tide you over between meals. When you are on the road or on an airplane, it can be expensive to purchase meals. Considering bringing convenient items such as pretzels, granola bars and bottled water. 

7. Necessary Tickets, Passes and Confirmations

When traveling, it can be easy for the number of tickets and email confirmations to stack up. For this reason, you should prepare ahead of time by organizing all of this essential information and packing it away safely in a place that you will remember. If possible, store them somewhere that you can easily access.

8. Required Identification

Speaking of essential information, you also want to remember any necessary identification you will need for your trip. You may need a passport, driver’s license or some other type of permit or ID for whatever reason you are traveling. Double check with your employer if you are planning a work trip.

9. Bank and Insurance Cards

Small amounts of cash work well when traveling, but often bank debit and credit cards do as well. You should never have one money source when you go on a trip, just in case of emergencies. If emergencies do occur, you want to make sure you pack your insurance cards, too.

10. Emergency Contact InformationAlthough you never want something bad to happen when you go somewhere, it is better to prepare ahead of time. It can be helpful to bring along emergency contact information. Think about at least two people that hospitals or government officials can call if the unexpected happens while you are away. 

Figuring out how to pack before traveling can be overwhelming. Let this list make things a little bit easier for you. Safe travels!