I don’t usually plan ahead of what to pack before traveling. In fact I don’t usually pack until a night before the trip, except a few occasions when I traveled with a man that I liked for the first time causing me overly excited and started packing few weeks before.

Last minute packing isn’t a good habit as we tend to leave behind some important/necessary items. Few years ago during my trip to Jiu Zhai Gou, China, I left my winter jacket (the only winter jacket that I had) at home. I only realized it when I reached airport. I quickly made my way back to KL Central by taking the train. Thank goodness it was only 35 minutes ride from KL Central to KLIA airport. So I wasted 1 hour and 10 minutes on the journey back and forth in the train, not to mention having to trouble my dad to bring my jacket from home to the KL Central.

Thus, I decided to make a general packing list, a list that can be used for any travel destination. It would be very useful as a checklist when last minute packing is inevitable.

Wardrobe:

Shirts/blouses/tops – For outdoor activities.

Pants/Jeans – For outdoor activities.

Dresses/Skirts – For casual wear. Bring one or two formal dresses in case attending any formal banquet during tour.

Swimsuit – It’s a must since most of the hotels have swimming pool.

Socks, athletes shoes, sandals – For casual wear and outdoor activities.

A pair of high heels – To match with the formal dress.

Jacket/Sweater – Depend on the weather of the destination. I always bring at least a pair as it’s extremely cold in KLIA airport.

Hairband, cap, hat and other matching accessories.

A medium size towel

Sunglasses

Tools:

Flashlights – It’s just my habit to bring flashlights. I found it very useful to navigate dark streets and to cope with power failures.

Swiss Army Knife – It’s a very useful multipurpose tool and to protect myself from any unexpected attack as well.

Sleeping bag – Depend on the type of accommodation. If I opted for budget hotel, I will always bring along my sleeping bag.

Toiletries:

Toothbrush, cap, tooth cleaner, floss, contact lens solution

Shampoo, hair conditioner, shower gel, lotion, comb

Sunblock, lip balm and shaver

Facial cleanser, moisturizer and other facial treatment products

Facial masks – It’s very important to always take care of our skin especially during the trip when we are exposed to the hot sun almost everyday.

Health:

Antibacterial wipes/facial wipes/hand wash solution – It’s not fun to fall sick during the trip.

Water purifier (optional) – only when we’re traveling to countries like India.

Insect repellent

First aid kits

Vitamins

Paperwork:

Guidebook, map, researched notebook, pen

Reading material – A reading book is a good companion when you don’t feel like doing anything

Documents:

Passport, visa, vaccination certificates, travel tickets

ATM card, credit card, cash

Specialty Items:

Camera, camera charges, cellphone charges, tripod

Laptop, laptop charges, download adapter – So that I can blog on the go!

Hair straightening iron – My hair is always messy, just can’t live without hair straightening tool.

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The list above will be served as my blueprint for what to pack and what not to pack in order to travel light.