Essentials
Start off by listing the things you would need to bring on any trip. Pack toiletries, medications you need, sunblock, bug spray and a small first aid kit, along with books, a music player and other entertainment. Don't forget supplies that will make you more comfortable on the trip. For example, if you are going to be traveling by plane, you might want to bring earplugs, a portable blanket, a neck pillow and herbal tea bags to help you fall asleep.
Pack for the Climate
Research seasonal weather in your destination. Find out how warm and how cold it gets, how wet and how dry it could be. Then, calculate how many days your clothes need to last you. If you are going to be staying in a city, you may want to pack light and bring only about five days worth of clothing. When you run through it, you can find a laundromat and do a quick load.
Pack for Special Occasions
If you plan on eating in a fancy restaurant, put dressy clothes on your list and a means to keep them neat. You will probably want to bring a garment bag to keep your clothing in good shape. Knowing about local customs will help you determine how many and what sorts of nice clothing you need. For example, many restaurants in Bermuda require men to wear a sport coat and shirt at night, whereas very few do in Hawaii, so you would need to list these things for a Bermuda trip packing list. In Bermuda, you can also wear a nice shirt and jacket with Bermuda shorts, which would look tacky anywhere else. Also, remember to pack special clothing for any outdoor activities that require it. Pack sandals for beach combing, hiking boots for strenuous trails and, of course, golf shoes for your game.
List all Important Documents and Information
Put any documents and information you need on your packing list. Don't just remember to bring things like your tickets, credit cards and passport; also bring reservation numbers and contact info for any activities or destinations on your trip. It's helpful to put all your information and tickets together in one binder or notebook to make it easier to keep track of. Alternately, you can keep reservation numbers on a PDA, or use both a notebook and a PDA for added security.
About The Author
Isaiah David is a freelance writer and musician living in Portland, Ore. He has nearly five years' experience as a professional writer and has been published on various online outlets. He holds a degree in creative writing from the University of Michigan.
