Sometimes it seems like no matter how carefully you pack, you always manage to forget something. If you're lucky, that something is a non-essential item you can either buy a replacement for or go without. If you're not lucky, you may find yourself headed back home much earlier than you planned. Focusing your packing plan on including these essential items can make your traveling experience more stress-free.

Medications

If you forget your medications, you may be forced to scramble to get them filled at an unfamiliar pharmacy or end your trip early. If you have prescription medications that you take regularly, making sure you pack your medications should probably be your top priority.  It can be a good idea to pack more than you think you’ll need, just in case your trip lasts longer than planned. Consider also packing common over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers, antacids, motion sickness and allergy medication.

Clothing

Clothing can take up a lot of space in your luggage, but it’s a good idea to make sure you are prepared for changing weather conditions. Being miserably hot or cold because you didn't pack clothing appropriate for the temperature can quickly ruin your day. Make sure you bring enough changes of socks and underwear. You may want to pack some of each in your carryon, along with a change of clothes, so that you’re not stuck in the same outfit if your luggage gets lost. If you’re traveling for fun, or anticipate you’ll have some leisure time on a business trip, consider adding in some fun options such as whimsical patterned socks. If you’ll be staying somewhere with a pool or access to a beach, be sure to pack your swimwear.  

Important Documents

Everything from your plane tickets to the code to unlock your hotel room door can be stored on your smartphone now, but it’s still a good idea to have hard copies of vital documents, just in case you can’t access your phone for some reason. Documents to consider packing include any tickets you have purchased, your passport, addresses of the places you plan to stay and a list of important phone numbers, such as your doctor, the babysitter and contact information for whoever you plan to stay with at your destination.

Electronics

This one is particularly important if you’re on a business trip, but electronics can make traveling a lot more pleasant for leisure travelers as well. Items you’ll probably want to consider packing include your cell phone, camera, laptop, tablet, headphones, portable games and an e-reader. Even if your travel schedule is packed, you’ll probably have some downtime at some point and being able to read a good book or check your social media can help pass the time. Internet access is a common feature in most modern accommodations, so having your electronic devices with you can also make it easier to research things to do and places to eat and get directions while you are traveling.  

Chargers

All those devices you packed won’t do you any good if you have no way to power them up. One good way to avoid forgetting your chargers is to pack them with the devices they belong to. Put your camera charger in your camera bag and your laptop charger in your laptop bag. You may want to put your phone charger in a bag you can keep with you so that you have access to it should you need to charge your phone before you reach your destination. Consider bringing a portable charger, so you can more easily charge your devices while you are out and about if necessary.

Traveling light can be a good tactic, particularly if you are going to have to carry your luggage a long-distance or pay by the pound to have it checked. However, leaving essential items behind can ruin your trip. Aim to find the right balance between being prepared and not weighing yourself down with unnecessary items.