If you ask most frequent travelers, the process of packing for a trip scores pretty low on the enjoyment meter—probably just above unpacking, which we can all agree is the actual worst. Most of us wait until the last minute to pack, and a surprisingly high percentage of people throw their stuff together without the aid of a packing list. It’s ironic, really, because the quality of your packing has a DIRECT relationship to the quality of your trip.
And, while it’s easy to replace a toothbrush or other minor items you might forget, if your trip requires a certain wardrobe or specialized gear, leaving home without “the right stuff” CAN really put a damper on your adventure. Sure, you could just Google “what to bring to Kuala Lumpur” and hope for the best…or you could trust the experts at PackPoint to get it right. This indispensable new app is already generating buzz, and with good reason—it takes the risk out of travel prep by helping you keep your packing on point. Here’s how.
What It Is
PackPoint is a smartphone app that helps you generate and share customized packing lists for virtually any trip. After receiving well-deserved write-ups in the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, Lifehacker, Fast Company and other outlets, the app is now officially sponsored by Sheraton Hotels—so users can upgrade to PackPoint Premium for free. With just a few taps, you can determine what you’ll need to bring on your trip, based on WHERE you’re going, WHAT you’re planning to do while you’re there and HOW LONG you’re planning to be there.
How it Works
Using the user-friendly, icon-based interface, start by simply telling PackPoint about your trip! The app will automatically check the weather forecast at your destination, and base its packing recommendations around anticipated temperatures and precipitation. It will also recalibrate based on the kind of trip you’re taking (business vs. beach) and what you plan to do during your stay (drop your awesome Prezi in the boardroom or pound pilsners on the patio). The app will customize its recommendations based on each data point you supply, whether you’re traveling with your beagle or taking a romantic trip with your boyfriend. If you don’t agree with every single recommendation, simply hide those recs to remove them from your list.
Our Favorite Part
It’s hard to have just one favorite here. We love that PackPoint has engaged in savvy partnerships with other apps; for example, you can auto-create your packing lists via TripIt, or share packing lists across all your devices with Evernote. We really love the app’s new “Travel Smart” podcasts, with exclusive tips and tricks for all kinds of travelers and trips. But we really love the fact that you can share your packing list with anyone who might be coming along. That’s one less person who will need to borrow your favorite…whatever!
Get it Now
Apple
While pursuing her graduate degree in Creative Writing at CU Boulder, Staci took a part-time job crafting trip itineraries for an extreme travel company—and so embarked upon an adventure that continues to this day. In the ensuing two decades, her passion for journey and destination alike took her everywhere from the Far East (backpacking in Cambodia) to the Wild West (wrangling horses in Colorado). Work and family permitting, Staci is devoted to her ongoing quest to find the perfect taco and the perfect point break. Fair warning: if she finds them in the same place, she’s probably not coming back.
