The essential packing list
Get organised with our essential packing list.
Whether you plan to ski, hike or lie by the pool, check out our packing list below so you don’t forget anything. Plus, we’ve got some insider packing tips to maximise your space and make your trip as smooth as possible.
The absolute packing essentials:
Don’t forget anything on this list
Tick these packing essentials off the list as you go and check out our handy tips to help you along the way:
| Passport Visa | Check your passport is valid before you go. British travellers with seemingly valid passports are not being allowed to travel because of a change in rules following Brexit. Read about the 10-year passport rule to avoid getting caught out. Save your passport and visa details on your phone and print out copies of both to take with you. |
| Travel insurance documents | Make sure your travel insurance is in date and covers the country you’re visiting, and the activities you plan on doing. Bungee jumping on the agenda? You may want to check if you’re covered for ‘extreme’ sports. |
| Boarding pass/ Tickets | Whether you’re going by plane or train, it’s best to print it all out or load it as PDFs on your phone (we’d advise doing both in case you run out of phone charge or can’t log on to the WiFi). Check with your airline whether you have to check-in online before you arrive at the airport. |
| Currency/ Cards | Even if you’re planning on using your card abroad it’s always a good idea to keep some currency and change on you for cash-only situations, like your first taxi from the airport. It’s best to let the bank know if you’re travelling abroad, too, and for how long. |
| Emergency contact | No matter how many people you’re travelling with, make sure you have contact details for someone back at home in case disaster strikes. Keep a copy in your suitcase and your hand luggage in case you get separated from either. |
| Devices | No doubt you’ll have your phone on you at all times, but don’t forget your camera if you have one, a tablet or kindle for the journey and headphones, too. |
| Chargers | Forgetting your phone or laptop charger can be a nightmare. You can pick up one at the airport but they can be pricey! |
| First aid kit | It’s worth packing some different-sized plasters, insect repellent, painkillers, wipes and antibacterial hand gel. |
| Medication | Make sure you get any prescribed medication before you travel and that it’s enough to last for longer than your planned trip, in case you find yourself delayed or stuck abroad for longer than expected. |
| Glasses/ Contact lenses | Make sure to pack extra pairs of contact lenses and spare glasses if you have them. And don’t forget any prescription sunglasses. |
| House keys | We have a feeling you’ll be wanting these at the end of your trip. |
What else do I need to pack?
Example: 1-week holiday packing list
Now you’ve got the essentials, we’re guessing you’ll want some clothes, shoes, and a other few luxuries to go with them. But you’ll need to be mindful of your suitcase weight limit to avoid costly excess baggage fees for taking too much.
For a one-week holiday, we’d suggest packing the following amount of clothes, toiletries and extras if you have space.
1 x jacket or coat (depending on the temperature – check the weather forecast before you pack)
6-7 tops (for daytime and evening)
2-3 pairs of shorts/trousers/skirts/dresses
1 pair of pyjamas
7-8 pairs of underwear (plus 1-2 bras)
7-8 pairs of socks (if you’re not wearing sandals and flip flops all the time)
Toothbrush and toothpaste (plus floss and mouthwash if needed)
Deodorant
Moisturiser
Soap
Body wash
Shampoo and conditioner (go for a 2-in-1 to save on space)
Brush or comb
Contact lenses and solution, plus glasses
Make up and make-up remover
Small pair of scissors or nail clippers
Suncream (plus lip balm with SPF)
After sun
Sunglasses
Hat or visor
Insect repellent
Bag or rucksack to transport all your beach gear
Small bag to keep valuables safe and separate from wet or sandy towels
Flip flops or lightweight sandals
Swimwear
Travel towel – look out for a towel made from microfibre which is lightweight and dries quickly
Essential packing for the great outdoors
If you’re jetting off somewhere a less snowy but just as active, your packing list will change all over again. Swap the thermals for more lightweight clothing, keep your toiletries to a minimum and if you’re planning any overnight treks you’ll need your sleeping bag, mat and tent too. Add these items to the list depending on what your activities are.
Clothing and accessories for 1-week adventure:
- Waterproof jacket
- Walking boots or shoes – wear these in before you travel to avoid blisters
- 4 x pairs of hiking socks
- 2 x pairs of lightweight walking trousers
- 1 x waterproof trousers
- 6-7 short-sleeve, mid-length and long-sleeve lightweight tops
- 1 x fleece
- Water shoes – if you’re planning on doing a lot of canoeing and kayaking
- Dry bag – to keep your belongings dry, no matter how wet you get
- Waterproof rucksack cover
- Torch
- Portable charger
- Insect repellent
- Water bottle
- Medical kit – with a more active holiday you may want to increase your supplies. For extreme hikes, make sure you’ve got altitude sickness tablets to hand and do your research before setting off
Essential packing tips and hacks
Now you know what you’re taking, and it’s all laid out next to suitcase, what’s the best way to pack to save space?
Start by placing shoes at the bottom so dirt doesn’t transfer to your clothes. (You could even place them in plastic bags which will come in handy for laundry while you’re away.) Fold or roll your tops so they’re thin and compact and can fit into small spaces. And put your underwear in a mesh compartment or side pocket. For your accessories, why no get creative and re-use an envelope or place them in one of the handbags you’re already taking with you.
Read out top three tips on how to pack your bags like a pro:
- Watch your valuables: Keep any expensive items or treasured possessions in your hand luggage so they’re always in sight. If you’re taking a lot of currency with you, split it between your suitcase and your hand luggage.
- Roll, don’t fold: Rolling your clothes is a tried-and-tested packing method which takes up less space, and it means you won’t spend the whole holiday ironing your clothes.
- Pack a spare: Make sure you’ve got a spare change of clothes in your hand luggage just in case your luggage goes missing. You don’t want to be stranded at an airport in only the clothes on your back.
- Use packing cubes: Make packing and unpacking easy with a set of these. In a normal set, you’ll get a variety of sizes and shapes so they fit neatly into your suitcase.