Holiday Packing List Generator
By Trip Length, Kids, Flying or Driving
lists.soakout.com/packing-list/
Documents and money
Medication and health
Clothes (per adult)
Toiletries
Electronics
Kids
Car kit
Holiday extras
Before you leave home
How to use this list
Answer three questions and the list rewrites itself: how many days you will be away, whether children are coming, and whether you are flying or driving. Clothing quantities are calculated from the number of days, with a cap for longer trips, because past about a week it is easier to do one load of laundry than to carry more. Flying adds the airport items and the security rules that catch people out: liquids in your carry-on must be 3.4 ounces or less and fit in one quart-sized bag, spare batteries and power banks go in your carry-on only, and adults need a REAL ID-compliant license or another accepted ID such as a passport. Driving adds the car kit instead, which matters more in winter. Kids add their own section, including what TSA allows for formula and baby food. Pack in this order: documents and medication first, since they are the only things you cannot buy at your destination; then what you will wear on the first day; then everything else. Before you leave, read the "common misses" at the bottom of the page. Your ticks are saved in this browser, and Share sends this exact list, with your answers, to the person you are traveling with.
Most often forgotten
- An ID that will get you through airport security. Since May 7, 2025, TSA wants a REAL ID-compliant license or another accepted ID such as a passport.
- A power bank in the checked bag. FAA rules say spare lithium batteries and power banks travel in the cabin only, including when a carry-on is checked at the gate.
- Wrapped gifts in airport luggage. If one sets off an alarm, TSA has to check it; use gift bags or wrap at your destination.
- Phone chargers. Count them per person, plus one for the car.
- Medication packed in a checked bag that then goes missing. Keep it with you.
- Downloading kids' shows and maps before you leave home.
Sources
- Carry-on liquids 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less in one quart-sized bag; larger containers in checked baggage; medications and infant nourishment are exemptions. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-aerosols-gels-rule (checked 2026-10-19)
- REAL ID enforcement began May 7, 2025; passport accepted; $45 ConfirmID fee without acceptable ID. https://www.tsa.gov/real-id (checked 2026-10-19)
- Adults 18+ must show ID; children under 18 do not need ID for domestic travel; airlines may have their own rules. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification (checked 2026-10-19)
- Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby food over 3.4 oz allowed in carry-on, outside the quart bag; car seats and strollers are X-rayed. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares/traveling-children (checked 2026-10-19)
- FAA does not require child restraint systems on commercial flights but strongly recommends them. https://www.faa.gov/faq/does-faa-require-children-commercial-flights-be-child-restraint-systems-crs (checked 2026-10-19)
- A car seat used on the plane must carry the motor vehicle and aircraft certification label. https://www.faa.gov/travelers/kids-corner (checked 2026-10-19)
- Spare lithium batteries and power banks in carry-on only, including when a bag is gate-checked; 100 Wh limit without airline approval. https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/lithium-batteries (checked 2026-10-19)
- Pack gifts unwrapped or in gift bags; wrapped items that alarm are unwrapped. https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2023/12/12/tsa-urges-passengers-pack-unwrapped-gifts-arrive-early-when (checked 2026-10-19)
- Solid foods may go in a carry-on; liquid and spreadable foods such as wine, maple syrup and preserves go in checked bags. https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2024/12/13/tsa-prepared-christmas-and-end-year-travel-out-dulles-airport (checked 2026-10-19)