Make a packing list for the trip and the weather

Tell the AI where, how long, who and what you're doing and get a checklist by person and bag, adjusted for the forecast.

The problem

Packing for a family gets rebuilt from memory every trip, and the thing that gets forgotten is always the phone charger, the kid's medicine or the rain jacket. Weather changes the list, and so does flying vs. driving.

Step by step

1. 1Check the forecast for your destination in your weather app a few days before you go.
2. 2Paste the prompt below with your trip details and the forecast into ChatGPT or Gemini.
3. 3Copy the list into Google Keep or your phone notes as a checklist, with one list per person if kids are packing for themselves.
4. 4If you're flying, check your airline's carry-on and liquids rules on its website; the AI's list is a guide, not the rules.
5. 5Save the list. Next trip, paste it back and ask the AI to adjust it instead of starting over.

Copy-paste prompt

Make me a packing checklist. Trip: [destination], [number] nights, traveling by [car/plane]. Who: [adults, kids and ages]. Activities: [beach, hiking, wedding, ballgame, etc.]. Forecast: [highs/lows, rain]. Laundry available: [yes/no]. Give me: (1) a checklist grouped by person and by bag (carry-on vs. checked or car); (2) quantities based on the number of nights and laundry; (3) a "don't forget" section for medicines, chargers, IDs, documents and kid comfort items; (4) a short list of things to do before leaving the house (trash, thermostat, mail, pets). Keep it to a printable page.

Tips and watch-outs

• Check airline baggage and liquids rules on the airline's own site.
• Keep medicines and anything you can't replace in your carry-on.
• Save the list and reuse it; it gets better every trip.

Review AI output before using it. Don’t paste confidential, customer or patient data into tools your company hasn’t approved.