Packing Lists For Every Vacation Destination In The World (2020)

Updated on June 10, 2020 by Asher Fergusson

Since 2009, we have helped almost 10 million people prepare for their vacation whether locally or overseas. Our goal is to make sure every traveler, like you, knows exactly what to pack for a trip and is fully ready with the right knowledge and gear for their next adventure of a lifetime. We’ve put together packing lists for destinations on all continents (except Antartica) to help you explore the world! We are also continually adding more lists so be sure to bookmark this page for future reference. 🙂

These articles linked below all include sections on the 17 essential items to pack, what to wear, what NOT to bring, and answers to your top destination FAQs.

Table of Contents

North America Packing Lists

fergusson family in santa barbara california

Our family in Santa Barbara, California.

Home to a variety of landscapes, cultures, cities, and geographical wonders, North America offers a fantastic mix of experiences to have as a traveler. From the marvelous glaciers of Alaska to the gorgeous beaches of Mexico, you’ll never run out of things to explore in North America. Take a look at the following packing lists to help you prepare for your North American adventure!

Memorable travel experiences from North America: Waking up before dawn to drive up 10,000 ft to the summit of the dormant volcano, Mount Haleakala on Maui, to watch the sunrise over the ocean was definitely an unforgettable experience. Also watching our two toddlers have their mind-blown by the baboons at the San Diego Zoo was pretty cool!

Europe Packing Lists

Our family on our most recent trip to Europe.

Europe has always been a popular hot spot for tourism, largely due to its picturesque cities and towns and the way it uniquely blends the modern with the ancient. From the timeless architecture of Rome to the trendy streets of London, Europe is filled with exciting things to discover. Check out our Europe Packing Lists to get ready for your trip to this incredible region!

Memorable travel experiences from Europe: Eating at a Michelin-rated Parisian dégustation restaurant during the Europe leg of our honeymoon was absolutely incredible. We both felt like it was the first time in our lives that we truly tasted food. Seeing our 10-month-old son, Kingsley, enjoying his first day at the gorgeous beaches of Sardinia, Italy was heart-warming.

Asia Packing Lists

lyric fergusson at an ancient temple in india

Lyric at an ancient temple in India during our honeymoon trip!

Rich with ancient traditions, customs, and culture, there is truly no other place on earth like Asia. Travelers will be delighted by the region’s foods, landscapes, and religions as they explore this unique part of the world. Take a look at our comprehensive Asia Packing Lists to help you assemble what you need for your Asian adventure!

Memorable travel experiences from Asia: Having profound meditative experiences in the many Hindu temples of India was life transforming. The history and power that pervades the land there seems out of this world and makes us keep going back for more.

Middle East Packing Lists

asher fergusson meditating hagia sophia in istanbul turkey

Asher meditating at the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey.

The history of the Middle East is truly mind-boggling. Known for being the birthplace of Islam and Judaism as well as where Jesus was born. Many great civilizations (such as the Persian Empire) have risen and fallen here and it’s cultural diversity is a travelers delight. Check out these Middle East Packing Lists to prepare for the trip of a lifetime.

Memorable travel experiences from the Middle East: Swimming more than a mile off the coast of Bodrum, Turkey to chill on a deserted island was exhausting but exhilarating. The sights and aromas at the local fresh product markets in Bodrum made our mouths water and the taste of the food was surely some of the best we’ve ever had.

Central America Packing Lists

fergusson family at beach in cancun mexico

Our family enjoying the beach in Cancún, Mexico.

This gorgeous part of the globe is bustling with history and countless things to do. From the sun drenched Caribbean islands that offer some of the best snorkeling in the world to the ancient Mayan ruins dotted throughout the region, there is something for everyone in Central America. This subregion of North America is also fantastic for hiking, wildlife, colonial cities, volcanoes, beaches, and yoga. See our location specific Central America packing lists below.

Memorable travel experiences from the Central America: Our most recent trip to the Ritz-Carlton Cancun was the most relaxing vacation we’ve ever had. All we did was lounge on the beach, eat scrumptious Mexican food, and sleep all day. The kids utterly loved it too and keep saying, “when can we go back to Mexico?!”.

South America Packing Lists

Sunrise at Machu Picchu ruins in Peru.

South America is one of the most fascinating places on earth, brimming with rich history, natural wonders, and a mix of modern and ancient Latin cultures. From the bustling streets of Buenos Aires to the glorious Andes Mountains in Ecuador, you’re sure to be delighted at every turn. Check out our South American Packing Lists to help prepare you for your trip!

Oceania Packing Lists

lyric and asher fergusson at palm beach in sydney

Lyric and Asher at Palm Beach in Sydney, Australia.

Australia and Oceania have so much to offer, from extraordinary wildlife to some of the world’s best beaches. In this region, you’re sure to experience your share of kangaroos, koalas, and marvelous scenery, and you may even have the chance to explore the Great Barrier Reef! Take a look at our Australia/Oceania Packing Lists to best prepare you for your trip.

Australia | Hawaii | Kauai | Maui | New Zealand

Memorable travel experiences from Oceania: Surfing on Sydney’s Northern Beaches at sunrise is always an revitalizing experience. But the most memorable trip was to Australia’s outback with 4WD vehicles where we explored the awe-inspiring Uluru and crossed the one thousand sand dune, Simpson Desert. The stars are so bright out there that they light up the night time landscapes and the silence is so deafening that you feel like you’re alone in the universe – pure magic!

Africa Packing Lists

Bullock pulling a cart in Tanzania, Africa.

From Cape Town in the south to Morocco in the north, Africa is the world’s second largest continent and is home to a wide variety of cultures, animals, and landscapes. Here you can enjoy safaris to experience animals in their natural habitat or explore the ancient pyramids along the Nile River. These Africa Packing Lists will help you discover exactly what you need to make the most of your African vacation!

Other Useful Packing Lists

Asher and Lyric Fergusson camping on Molokai Hawaii

Asher and Lyric camping on the remote island, Molokai, in Hawaii.

We’ve decided to include this list of Other Useful Packing Lists to help you with more specific elements of travel, including things like summer camp, flights, and international trips. Check out these lists to find out what you need for any type of trip you find yourself taking!

Another memorable travel experience: Road tripping from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Fe, NM with a stop off at the Grand Canyon National Park was breathtaking. There is something about traveling by road that makes you really appreciate the land much more than with flying. Since it’s a much slower way to adventure you’re able to see so many more details. And being stuck in a car with our family for a few days was a bonding experience with countless unforgettable moments.

Packing Lists For Almost Every Vacation Destination In The World

North America Packing Lists

Europe Packing Lists

Asia Packing Lists

Middle East Packing Lists

Central America Packing Lists

South America Packing Lists

Oceania Packing Lists

Africa Packing Lists

Other Useful Packing Lists

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