Look up your destination using the Internet or a guidebook. Note particularly the climate, terrain and what you plan on doing, as these affect what you pack. For example, if you are visiting a rural setting, you bring different clothing items than if you stay in a city. Write down the things that you plan to do on a piece of paper.
Take out a separate piece of paper. Write "Clothing" at the top of the page. List the clothing items you need on your trip, beginning with leg wear and moving up to shirts and sweaters. Include socks, swimsuits and undergarments under this heading.
Write "Shoes" below the last item of clothing. List the pairs of shoes you need on your trip, limiting yourself to as few as possible. Keep in mind how much the shoes weigh and how much space they take up in your suitcase.
Write "Toiletries" beneath the last pair of shoes. List the items that you need on your trip. Include any destination-specific items, such as bug spray if you are going to the jungle or a forested area. Include any items that you may need that are not available at your destination and any make-up or prescriptions that you need during your stay.
Write "Electronics" under the last toiletry item. List only the electronics that you cannot live without on your trip. For example, if you need an alarm clock, camera or an electric razor, include these.
Cross check your list against the list of things you plan to do on your trip. Make sure that you have the correct apparel and devices for each of these activities.
