Best Packing List for Teens: Mom-Approved!

Basic Packing List for Teens

No matter where you go, there is a core set of items you’ll definitely want to pack in your bag.

Then you’ll need to consider the season and destination to be sure you’ll have everything you need.

But the basic list of items that every teen should remember to bring includes:

Clothing:

Pack at least 1 outfit per day of your trip. This includes 1 top and 1 pair of pants, shorts, or a skirt, or 1 dress.

Some items like jeans or khaki pants can be worn more than once but consider how dirty your planned activities might be. It is better to be prepared with at least one change of those core items just in case.

Also consider whether you will be needing to dress in something different in the evening during the day. Do you plan to go out to a nice restaurant?

You may need a couple extra changes of clothes so you can switch from a t-shirt and shorts to a nicer pair of pants and a collared shirt or a dress.

When packing your underwear, our family rule of thumb is to multiply the number of days of your trip by 1.5 and that’s how many pairs of underwear and socks you should bring.

No matter when or where you are going, always pack a jacket, sweater, or hoodie. Even in hot locations, air conditioning can get quite chilly.

Plan for at least one pair of casual shoes for walking and one pair of presentable shoes for a nicer restaurant.

Pack one pair of pajamas or a night gown for every 4 days you’ll be gone. You might also want a small pair of travel slippers or flip flops for wearing in the hotel room.

Accessories:

• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Jewelry
• Watch

Toiletries and Styling Needs:

Bring along your basic toiletries:

• Toothbrush and Toothpaste, Floss
• Deodorant
• Face Wash/Cleanser
• Acne Cream as Needed
• Shampoo, Conditioner, Styling Products: Hotels often have these but you may prefer travel sizes of your own
• Razor and Shaving Cream
• Body Wash or Soap
• Lotion
• Feminine Care Products: Even if you don’t expect your period on your trip, travel can throw your cycle out of whack. Always be prepared
• Contacts and Contact Solution if needed
• Make-up and Make-up Remover/Cleanser
• Lip Balm or Chapstick
• Nail File or Clippers
• Hair Ties or Headbands
• Comb and/or Brush
• Hair Dryer and/or Curling Iron: Most hotels will have a hair dryer but if you need a curling iron you’ll want to pack your own
• Perfume, Body Spray, Cologne if you use them
• Travel Sized Hand Sanitizer for your bag
• Your Retainer or Orthodontic Care Items: rubber bands, wax, special flosser tools, etc.

And if your teen is flying, you may be particularly interested in these solid toiletries for travel.

Medicines and Prevention:

• Vitamins, especially Vitamin C tables
• Pain Reliever: Advil or Tylenol for headaches or other pains
• Immodium and Heartburn Tablets: In case of indigestion
• Allergy Medications if needed
• Your Prescription Medicines as needed
• Sunblock for both face and body
• A Few Spare Bandaids for Blisters

Devices and Entertainment:

• Your Phone and Charging Cord
• Your Tablet and/or Laptop and Charging Cord
• Headphones
• A Book or Magazine for times you might be out of cell service

Winter Packing List Considerations

If you’re traveling during winter or to a winter-like destination where it could be snowy or very cold, you’ll also want to add to your packing list:

• Warm Hat, Gloves, Scarf
• Winter Jacket
• Extra Sweaters, Hoodies, or Layers
• Thick Socks
• Boots

Summer Packing List Considerations

If you’re traveling during the summer or you’re heading to a summer-like destination where it will be very warm, you’ll also want to add to your packing list:

• Shorts and Tank Tops or Extra T-shirts in case you get super sweaty. For tropical destinations, our family takes 2 tops per day so you have a fresh top to change into for dinner at night.
• Sandals
• Swimsuit, A Cover-Up (to be worn between your hotel room and the pool or ocean, required by almost every hotel), Waterproof sandals
• Extra Sunblock and Aloe Vera for burns

Beach Packing List Considerations

If you’re traveling to a beach destination in specific, you will want to add to your packing list:

• Shorts and Tank Tops or Extra T-shirts in case you get super sweaty. For tropical destinations, our family takes 2 tops per day so you have a fresh top to change into for dinner at night.
• Sandals
• At least 1 Swimsuit but a few extras are ok, a Cover-Up (to be worn between your hotel room and the beach, required by almost every hotel), Waterproof sandals
• Extra Sunblock and Aloe Vera for burns
• Baby Powder to help remove sand from your skin
• A Sun Hat

Printable Packing List for Teenage Girl

I took all the information above and preloaded a printable packing list for teenage girls for your convenience.

You can print your copy here.

Printable Packing List for Teenage Boy

I took all the information above and preloaded a printable packing list for teenage girls for your convenience.

You can print your copy here.

More Packing Tips for Families

Traveling with your teens or younger kids? Don’t miss these helpful packing tips: