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Holiday packing and pre-travel checklist

So, you’ve booked your flights, accommodation and activities. What next?

Let’s make sure you’re not leaving anything out – from what to book and arrange upfront to the essential items to pack when you go.

a person sitting on a bed packing a suitcase

Packing essentials and tips

A well-planned holiday starts long before you step onto a plane, train or climb into the car. Organising your travel documents and packing the right essentials can help make your trip stress-free.

Here, we’ve shared checklists for both travel in general and specific types of holidays. Use them to easily tick things off, no matter where you’re going. Whether you’re relaxing on a beach, exploring a bustling city, hitting the slopes or trekking through nature, this guide will help you avoid forgetting something important.

What’s in this guide?

There’s a lot here. So use these quick links to get to what you need faster.

Before you go

There are a few things you should do to get your house in order before you leave for your holidays.

A couple reviewing their finances on an ipad

Organising your home and finances

Before you leave, make sure your home and finances are secure.

  • Notify your bank: Avoid transaction issues by informing your bank or credit card company you’ll be using your card abroad
  • Pay bills in advance: Cover utilities and subscriptions that might be due while you’re away
  • Unplug unnecessary devices: Save energy and reduce fire risks by switching off non-essential appliances, except your fridge/freezer
  • Set timers for lights and devices: This can make your home look occupied to deter burglars. And it’s easy using modern smart plugs and bulbs
  • Arrange pet care: Make sure a trusted friend, family member or a reputable boarding service can care for your pets. Or, if you’re travelling with pets, give yourself plenty of time to plan

Practical preparations

  • Empty the fridge: Clear out anything that will go off while you’re away
  • Leave a key with a neighbour: Provide emergency contact details and ask them to check in occasionally
  • Pre-book airport parking: Reserving a spot makes sure you have one and can save you money. Especially if you book reputable services a bit further away and catch a shuttle bus to the airport. You can often combine airport hotels and parking, if needed
  • Check roaming charges: Consider a travel eSIM or affordable roaming plan to avoid surprises on your phone bill while you’re travelling

Travel documents and insurance

It's important to plan ahead for the travel documents you might need.

  • Passports: Check when your passport expires. Most countries want at least six months on passports. It can take at least six weeks to renew a passport or three weeks to apply for one. So don’t leave it too late
  • Visas: Apply well in advance for any visas you’ll need for the countries you’re visiting. This includes getting an ESTA if you need one to travel to the USA
  • Vaccinations: Check official travel advice on any jabs needed for your destination and how far in advance of your visit you’ll need them. Read our vaccinations guide
  • Driving permits: If you’ll be driving abroad, check if you need an international driving permit for your destination
  • Travel insurance: Protect against cancellations, missed or delayed flights, medical emergencies and lost, stolen or damaged belongings with travel insurance. Some policies also include outpatient support services for non-emergency medical assistance
  • UK Global Health Insurance Card: In EU countries, a Ghic gives UK travellers free or low-cost emergency and state medical care. Unlike travel insurance, it won’t cover if you need to be airlifted or flown back to the UK, or accommodation or transport costs for family members if you have a long hospital stay abroad

We’ve shared a full list of travel documents for your packing list later.

Travel money

  • Exchange currency early for better rates. Don’t pay over the odds at the airport
  • Carry multiple payment cards, including a prepaid travel card and at least two different debit or credit cards. Keep one in a safe place as an emergency backup
  • Take some local currency for small purchases and leaving tips
  • Use money or travel apps to monitor spending and calculate exchange rates while abroad

Read more

Travel money tips

The savvy way to spend on holiday

Choosing the right card for spending abroad

Put protection for your trip in place today

Your travel itinerary

Find out your flight times, including departure time and when to check in by, and add in plenty of extra time to get to the airport and for unexpected delays.

Check in online the night before if you can and print off your boarding passes. Many airlines now let you download your boarding pass to your smartphone. Printing off an extra copy to keep separate is a good idea, just in case.

Double-check your accommodation check in times. If you get there early, you may need to wait for them to get your room or whatever you’re staying in ready.

Find out if they’ll hang onto your luggage in the meantime. Then you can explore without carrying your bags around with you. Just remember to take any valuables with you or ask to leave them in the reception safe.

a person organising accessories for packing

Packing essentials

In the following checklists, we cover off the essentials you’ll need wherever you’re going, and whatever type of holiday you’re going on. And we answer the question “what documents do I need for my holiday?”

Remember to pack a pen and paper. They’ll be useful in all kinds of situations, especially if your electrical gear fails you.

When you’re packing, make sure you know the airline’s weight limits for hand luggage and checked bags. Weigh your luggage on the bathroom scales before you go. If your hand luggage is too big, you’ll have to check it in and that usually means an extra charge.

Travel documents

  • Your booking details, boarding passes and ATOL certificate, if you have one
  • A detailed itinerary with addresses, contact numbers and accommodation details
  • Passports, visas if needed and ESTA if you’re travelling to the USA
  • Travel insurance documents and a Ghic if you’re travelling in the EU
  • Details of any bookings for transport, such as rail journeys, car hire plus booked excursions
  • Permits or licences for what you’ll be doing: like PADI certificates for scuba diving
  • Driving licence and international driving permit if you’ll be driving abroad
  • Home address details in the UK
  • Contact details for your bank, travel agency and emergency contacts
  • Details of the British embassy or consulate in your destination

Take physical copies of key documents with you and save digital copies to your phone as a backup. You could also share copies with someone at home. Take photos of any valuable items and their serial numbers, to store digitally too.

Toiletries

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, shower gel and deodorant
  • Makeup, if you use it
  • Sunscreen and aftersun for sunny places

Pack liquids in small bottles (under 100ml) to pass airport security. This isn’t always required, so check with your airline or airport. If you're packing for several people, using smaller bottles anyway can help avoid heavy luggage. You can buy more toiletries at your holiday spot if needed.

two people on a plane, one wearing heaphones, the other looking at a laptop

Electronics, entertainment and accessories

  • Mobile phone
  • Universal plug adapter
  • Chargers for all devices you’re taking
  • Portable power bank
  • Smartphone maps and travel guide apps you can use offline
  • Headphones (noise cancelling are great for flights)
  • Tablet or portable games console
  • Books, magazines or an e-reader
  • Games, pack of cards, etc

Make sure your travel insurance policy has enough gadget cover for the devices you’re taking.

Clothing

We haven’t added an exhaustive listed of clothing here. Just take what’s appropriate for the climate in your destination and any activities you’ll be doing. If it’s sunny, don’t forget sunglasses and a hat.

A mix of folded and rolled clothing is often best when packing, to save space and reduce wrinkles.

Read more in our guide to how to pack a suitcase

Medication, vaccinations, etc

  • Prescription medicines with a doctor’s note for customs checks
  • Painkillers, antihistamines and insect repellent
  • Vaccination records, if needed for where you’re going
  • Medical bracelet, if you wear one
  • Travel-size first-aid kit with essentials like plasters, antiseptic cream and rehydration sachets
  • Glasses or contact lenses if you wear them
  • Organ donor card, if you carry one

Don’t forget, you need to declare any pre-existing medical conditions to your travel insurer for your cover to be valid. And make sure you're clear on what you’re allowed to take on a plane.

Checklists for different holiday types

Each type of holiday comes with unique requirements. Here are some tips on how to tailor your packing.

Beach holiday

A relaxing beach trip requires sun protection and gear for outdoor fun:

  • Sun protection: Sunscreen (SPF 30+), aftersun and UV-blocking sunglasses
  • Clothing: Swimsuits, lightweight clothing, sun hats and flip-flops
  • Gear: Beach towels, snorkelling kits and waterproof cases for electronics
  • Extras: Refillable water bottles, anti-theft bags and books or magazines
a child piggybacking a ride on a sunny beach

Family holiday

Packing for a family holiday depends on the ages of your children. A checklist for toddlers and babies will be longer than for older kids. Remember, they have their own luggage allowance. Here are some packing essentials for young families. You’ll find a detailed list in the ‘common questions’ section.

  • For babies and toddlers: Nappies, changing mats, milk or formula and bottles
  • Travel equipment: Strollers, travel cots and baby carriers
  • Health and safety: Baby sunscreen, Calpol, antihistamines and nappy cream
  • Entertainment: Toys, books and snacks for the kids

Read our guide to travelling with a baby or toddler

City break

City trips often involve walking and sightseeing:

  • Comfortable shoes: Essential for exploring on foot
  • Day gear: A lightweight daypack for carrying water, snacks and essentials
  • Navigation: Map translation apps you can download to your phone to use offline
  • Evening wear: Smart casual outfits for dining or nightlife

Read about how to take city break on a budget

a family of four in a mountain landscape with winter sports gear

Ski holiday

A packing list for a skiing break or other winter sports trip could run into many pages. Here are some of the essentials. And you’ll find a more detailed list in the ‘Common questions’ section later.

  • Clothing: Thermal layers, waterproof jackets and ski gloves
  • Gear: Helmets, goggles and ski/snowboard locks
  • Extras: High-SPF sunscreen, hydration packs and muscle pain relief cream

Remember, you’ll usually need extra cover for winter sports on your travel insurance.

Camping holiday

Camping trips demand preparation for outdoor living:

  • Sleeping gear: Tents, sleeping bags and pillows
  • Cooking supplies: Portable stove, matches, utensils, cutlery and washing-up gear
  • Clothing: Weather-appropriate layers and waterproof outerwear
  • For your comfort: Camping chairs, eye masks and ear plugs
  • Essentials: Torches, batteries and wet wipes
a couple hiking with backpacks in the woods

Backpacking holiday

Backpacking is all about lightweight, multifunctional gear:

  • Backpacks: One large for main luggage and a smaller daypack
  • Bin liners: For waterproofing, dirty laundry and rubbish
  • Hygiene: Water sanitisers, travel towels, dry shampoo and wet wipes
  • Hydration: Rehydration sachets and a hydration bladder for your backpack
  • Gadgets: Bring a torch (eg head-mounted) and a portable charger
  • Extras: Compact first-aid kit, insect repellent and laundry detergent for cold water

You can get travel insurance for backpacking holidays to cover this type of trip.

Read more: Packing for a backpacking holiday

Cruise holiday

A mix of luxury and adventure, cruises need versatile packing:

  • Clothing: Formal wear for evenings, casual outfits for day trips and lounging on deck
  • Layers: Even in warm months and places, you may need a jumper, jacket or warm coat on evenings at sea
  • Footwear: Take something that can grip well when wet
  • Local currency: Travel money for each of the destinations
  • Health supplies: Prescription medications and motion sickness tablets or wristbands
  • Gear: Daypack for excursions and non-slip shoes for the ship

Remember, you’ll usually need extra cruise cover on your travel insurance.

Walking holiday

For walking holidays focus on comfort and durability:

  • Footwear: Sturdy walking boots with ankle support
  • Clothing: Breathable layers for varying weather
  • Food and drink: High-energy snacks, water bottle and hydration pack
  • Essentials: maps, sun protection, torch and batteries, first aid kit

Make sure cover for your trip is top of your pre-travel prep list

More packing tips

    • Clothes: Pack a change of clothes and something warm to wear. This will help you stay comfy on the plane and be ready for different temperatures when you arrive or come back home
    • Liquids: At some airports there’s still a limit on liquids of 100ml, including toiletries and drinks. If you pack more, you’ll need to throw them away when going through security. But you can buy drinks after security to take on the plane. Packing snacks should be fine, and bringing your own can save money
    • Essentials: Don't forget a pen for filling out forms. A head pillow and eye mask can help you sleep on the flight
    • Electronics: You can bring electronics like your phone, laptop, tablet, electric shaver, hairdryer, straightener. But they must be charged and able to switch on if asked. Don't forget headphones. Airline rules vary on some electronic items, such as e-cigarettes
    • Medication: Essential medication over 100ml is allowed if you have a prescription or doctor's note

    Check with your airline on the number, size and weight of hand luggage they allow per passenger.

    And read more about hand luggage dos and don’ts on the FCDO hand luggage page.

  • Some airlines allow you to take a small extra bag, such as a handbag, on board in addition to their hand luggage allowance per person. This isn’t the case for all carriers, though, so you should check with yours to be sure. Details will usually be available before, during or on confirmation of your booking, and when you go to check in online.

  • When you fly from the UK, there are rules about what you can bring in your hand luggage. Check the government guidelines before packing to make sure you follow the rules. Remember to also check with your airline the number, size and weight of hand luggage allowed for each passenger.

    Some airports require liquids to be in containers of 100ml or less, even if they aren't full. Exceptions are made for essential medicines, special dietary needs or baby food and milk.

    Sharp items aren’t allowed in hand luggage, but you can bring personal items like tweezers, nail clippers and small scissors with blades no longer than 6cm. You can carry one lighter in a plastic liquids bag you keep with you during the flight.

    Read the government guidance on hand luggage allowances and restrictions

  • A good first-aid kit is one of the most essential travel items to take with you. Besides your prescription medication, include a small amount of any of the following normally kept in your medicine cabinet at home:

    • Painkillers (ibuprofen, paracetamol)
    • Indigestion tablets
    • Antihistamines (for insect bites and minor allergic reactions)
    • Travel sickness tablets
    • Plasters and bandages
    • Cotton wool
    • Antiseptic cream and wipes
    • Infant or child's medication (if needed)
    • Insect repellent
    • Safety pins
    • A pair of tweezers
    • A pair of scissors

    If you or one of your family take regular prescription medications, pack enough in your hand luggage to last you more than the length of your holiday, including potential delays. Include a recent prescription and letter from your GP explaining what the condition is and what you’re taking for it. If you take liquid medication or need extra medical equipment such as syringes, you’ll be required to prove why you need them to travel at airport security.

  • Show more
  • There are different schools of thought but often a combination of rolling and folding works.

    • Try rolling smaller items like shorts or dresses that could crease more easily if folded
    • Fold bulkier items like jumpers and jeans to maintain their shape
    • Flat packing items can be more effective and can help free up extra space too

    Read our guide to how to pack a suitcase.

  • Here are some things you may want to take along if you’re travelling with a baby or toddler, especially if it’s to somewhere warm.

    • Nappies
    • Changing mat
    • Teething ring
    • Milk / powdered milk
    • Food and snacks
    • Wet wipes
    • Dummies
    • Toys
    • Blanket
    • Cotton wool
    • Books
    • Pram/stroller/bassinet
    • Car seat
    • Water sterilisers
    • Bottles
    • Muslins
    • Travel cot
    • Clothes (for you both)
    • Rusks (if you need them)
    • Nappy bags
    • Calpol
    • Antihistamines
    • Nappy cream
    • Moisturising cream
    • Sheet for travel cot
    • Bibs
    • Baby cutlery
    • Beaker
    • Nasal aspirator
    • High factor sun cream
    • Sun hat and suits
    • Umbrella or sun shield for pushchair
    • Comfortable clothing
    • Travel pillow
    • Earplugs
    • Headphones
    • Snacks
    • Drinks to stay hydrated (you’ll need to buy these after security)
    • Entertainment
    • Essential toiletries to freshen up mid-flight
  • Here’s an expanded list of items to think about.

    • Thermals and ski socks
    • Sun cream and sunblock to protect your skin from sunlight, which reflects off the snow
    • Lip balm and chapstick, to prevent chapped lips from wind and sun
    • After sun and moisturiser to soothe your skin after a day on the slopes
    • Muscle pain relief (eg Deep Heat) to ease sore muscles after skiing
    • Salopettes and ski jacket to keep you warm and dry while skiing
    • Lift pass: Access to ski lifts (you may need spare passport pictures)
    • Ski hire details: If you’re renting equipment
    • Skis or snowboard and boots
    • Ski lock to secure your equipment
    • Ski gloves and normal winter gloves
    • Helmet to protect your head
    • Sunglasses and goggles to shield your eyes from UV rays and snow glare
    • Warm hat
    • Snow-resistant boots/shoes for après-ski activities
    • Walking boots for off-slope activities
    • Multi-purpose toolkit for kit adjustments and repairs
    • A daypack, backpack or rucksack, to carry essentials on the slopes
    • Hydration bladder to keep you hydrated without carrying bottles
    • Resort map to navigate the ski area
    • GPS tracker, important for off-piste skiing

    Some other tips are:

    • Ski gear can be expensive, so borrow from friends or family if possible
    • Wearing bright clothing helps you stand out in case of emergencies
    • If you’ll be skiing off-piste, make sure your travel insurance covers it and stick to recognised routes
  • It’s important that your travel insurance covers you for everything you’re doing. Activities you might want to get involved in spontaneously may not be covered and you could be putting yourself at risk without making sure before you book them. You can also invalidate your policy by drinking excessively, so know your limits.

    Sunbathing and tanning are what lots of us go on beach holidays for, so it’s important to remain hydrated while you’re there. It’s not always easy to buy lots of bottles of water when you’re at the beach itself, so make sure that your shops include enough bottled water. You lose lots of moisture just sitting out in the sun, so you might need to drink more water than you think in order to stay properly hydrated. Failing to do so can contribute to things like sunstroke, which can be deeply unpleasant.

    And it goes without saying that you should protect yourself against the sun with a combination of high-factor sun protection for sensitive areas and clothing.

    Avoid taking your valuables to the beach. Keep them in a safe in your accommodation. Or see if nearby establishments have a secure locker service. Don’t leave valuables unattended or try burying them in the sand as they risk being lost or stolen, and it might void your claim.

    Read more: 10 ways to look after your valuables at the beach

  • First, make sure they’re insured. Travel insurance will typically include a base level of cover for some devices but you’ll usually need to add extra gadget cover for the range of devices that travel with most us these days.

    Bring mains plugs for chargers, don’t just rely on USB. And remember the right international plug adapter for your destination. If you don’t have one, buying one before you get to the airport will save you paying over the odds there. Portable USB charging packs are a handy backup for phones and other devices when you’re on the move.

    Wi-Fi in your destination may be slow, expensive or non-existent when you travel to your destination. Download all the music, books, games, guides, maps, films or TV box sets you’ll need to entertain the whole family, especially the children.

  • If you’ve lost your passport and need to travel from abroad urgently, you can request an emergency travel document. If it’s not an emergency and you need a replacement passport for travel at a later date, you can renew both adult passports and child passports.

  • If your destination has different power sockets, bring an adapter that plugs into them. Even better, get a universal adapter so you can charge your devices anywhere you go.

    Some countries have a different mains voltage power supply to the UK. Check the appliances you're taking are dual voltage (eg 110-240V) and that the range stated includes the mains voltage for your destination. If not, your devices may not work or you might need a voltage converter which can be expensive.

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