With everything happening in the world today, everyone deserves a little time off. But chances are it’s been a while since your last vacation. As a result, your vacation packing skills might be a little rusty.

The last thing any traveller wants is to arrive at their scenic destination and realize they forgot essential items back home. While you might be able to track down substitutes and replacements, that’s contingent on where you are and what you plan to do during your trip.

With this in mind, let’s go over packing essentials for your next trip:

Documentation

Which travel documents you need will depend on where you’re from and where you’re going. Generally speaking, international travellers will need an up-to-date passport. With this in mind, make sure you remember to bring your passport! You may also need to bring proof of vaccination against COVID-19. It’s also smart to bring a copy of your passport and any other documentation you need to bring. That way in the event one or more documents are lost or stolen, you have backups to take to the nearest embassy.

Clothing

Chances are you won’t forget to pack clothes for your trip. But what about the right clothing? Something as simple as forgetting to pack socks can cause major disruptions to your long overdue vacation. There’s also the matter of comfort; pack clothing you not only want to wear but like to wear. From mens loungewear for him to comfy sundresses for her, the key is packing clothes that not only look great but feel great as well. Check your destination to narrow down the list of must-have clothing in order to suit the climate upon arrival; you don’t want to bring a wool sweater to Tahiti or Bermuda shorts to Moscow.

Footwear

Most travel plans involve a lot of walking. All those steps add up to lots of foot pain if you’re wearing the wrong footwear. Rather than choosing which shoes you bring based on style, make a point to pack shoes you know won’t kill your feet. Sneakers, sandals, and flats for the win! Consider packing a pair of espadrilles if you’re planning on going somewhere nice during your stay, as they’re the perfect blend of formal and functional.

Technology

You probably won’t make it out the front door before realizing you left your iPhone on the bedside table. But what about chargers, adapters, and your Apple Watch? Write a list of all essential technology and check them off one by one as they make it into your luggage. The list should include every powered device you plan to bring on your trip, whether it’s a sound machine, laptop, or e-reader.

Self-Care

What counts as self-care varies from one person to another. However, it’s safe to say the list includes toiletries, medications, and anything else you plan on keeping on and around the hotel bathroom sink. It might be a good time to think about self-care products you don’t normally use but sound ideal for vacation. Examples include bubble bath mix, melatonin gummies, and detoxifying cleansers. You may even want to buy a face mask kit for the trip.

Distractions

Long-distance travel is a mix of excitement and tedium. The lulls come in the form of long flights, layovers, and waiting for the train to pull into the station. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to pack plenty of distractions. Books, mobile video game consoles like the Nintendo Switch, and access to your favorite streaming services are just some examples to consider. It might seem like a waste of space when you’re still home imagining all the fun you’ll be having in the days ahead, but distractions will prove their worth when the realities of travel set in.

Many people have put their vacations on hold for the past two years. But with the pandemic waning and borders reopening, now’s the time to book your next travel experience. But before you head off to the airport, remember to pack everything you need. Once you’re on the other side of the world, it’s too late!

Julie Steinbeck is a freelance writer from Florida. She enjoys covering topics related to business, finance, and travel.