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Packing may not be the highlight of any holiday, but getting it right makes for a stress-free break. Check out our holiday packing list to make sure you have everything you need.
- Pack to maximise space and cut down on costs
- Think about any dress codes or special activities
- Don’t forget your other essentials
Sun, sea and sand? Or a snowy winter break? There’s nothing quite like heading off on holiday. When it comes to packing, we’ve all left it to the last minute at some point in our lives – but that’s a sure-fire way to forget some holiday essentials.
Thinking ahead about what you’ll need while you’re away can also help you avoid packing too much and getting caught out by weight limits, and any airline charges that come with them.
So, although it won't help you know what to do about cancelled or delayed flights, at least our packing list will make sure you have all the holiday essentials with you when you get there.
The holiday essentials when packing for a holiday
Some things are more important than others, but these are the items you wouldn’t want to forget before setting off:
Passports
Everyone needs their own individual passport, even babies, and new ones can take up to 10 weeks to arrive so be sure to plan ahead.
Flight tickets and boarding passes
These may be on your smartphone or emailed to you so it’s best to check with your airline if you’re not sure what you need.
Travel insurance
Do your research and check what’s included before taking out a policy. Whether it’s one big trip or a year of mini breaks - our single trip and annual multi trip policies have your travel covered.
Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
Don’t forget your GHIC. This card lets you get state healthcare in many EU countries at a reduced cost or sometimes free. And with LV= travel insurance, you won’t have to pay a medical excess when a claim’s reduced thanks to your GHIC or any other reciprocal health agreement! Take a look at our handy guide for more details about GHICs.
Find out more or apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card at GOV.UK
Money
You can change currency at most banks, post offices and even the airport. The rates usually differ so you might want to shop around a bit to get the best deal. It’s also worth letting your bank know you’ll be using your card abroad.
Additional details
Depending on where you’re going, you may also need the address of where you’re staying, transfer information and an emergency contact’s details.
These holiday essentials should be top of your packing checklist. You’ll need most of them to hand at the airport, so why not pop them in a secure envelope in your carry on?
Holiday packing list
Once your must-haves, like, passports, tickets, travel insurance and GHIC are sorted, you can get started on your packing checklist for your holiday.
When packing, make sure you know exactly how much your travel insurance covers you for. Some items may not be covered within your baggage limits so think what it’s worth before adding it to your bag.
Write down what you’ll need for your break and tick them off as they’re packed. This will vary depending on where you’re going but here are some things to get you started:
- Toiletries – not forgetting your toothbrush and sun cream
- Medication – if needed, or first aid kit
- Chargers – and any adaptors for where you're going
- Headphones – and a good book!
You’ll obviously be packing something to wear, too. Remember to include appropriate clothing if you’re visiting different cultures or any religious sites; and don’t forget these everyday essentials:
- Pyjamas
- Shoes – think sandals, flip flops, walking shoes, etc.
- Swimwear and towel – if there's a beach, pool or spa
- Sunglasses and sun hats
Exactly what you deem essential will depend on the type of holiday you’re going on. For example, if you’re hitting the slopes on a skiing holiday, you might not want a swimsuit.
What else should you consider when creating a holiday packing checklist?
- Do the restaurants you’re planning to visit have a dress code? Even an all-inclusive resort may have rules as to what you can wear, so pack accordingly.
- Are you planning any activities that may require other clothing or equipment?
- How long are you going for? A two-week trip will obviously require more than a short city break.
We’ve broken down a general holiday checklist below to help you pack everything you need to enjoy a stress-free trip.
What to pack in your hand luggage
Your hand luggage should have the things you may need to grab quickly, so save yourself hassle at the airport and pack wisely:
Include:
- Everything in the ‘holiday essentials’ list
- Debit cards and credit cards
- A small amount of cash
- Medication if you’ll need it during the flight
- Glasses or contact lenses
- Phone and portable battery bank
- Valuables
What not to take
As tempting as it is to bring everything but the kitchen sink, you could free up some space by leaving these items behind:
- A different outfit for every single day – maximise space and bring a mix of clothing
- Your entire makeup bag – only bring essential pieces, as you’re unlikely to need it all
- Too many pairs of shoes – realistically, you’ll only need two or three pairs, consisting of sandals (or boots if it’s a winter holiday), formal shoes and comfortable trainers
- Items that the hotel provides – check the website in advance, but typically hotels will have hair dryers, towels, irons and certain toiletries
- Heavy or expensive jewellery – wear some versatile jewellery instead
- Guidebooks and maps – your hotel will likely have some, or you can do some research online
Remember to check what items you’re not allowed to take into the airport. These include lighters, electric cigarettes, and liquids over 100ml in hand luggage. Don’t forget to check your travel insurance documents before you fly. Insurers usually have limits for the cost of lost or stolen baggage and limits on valuables, so it’s good to know what will be covered if the worst happens so you can pack accordingly.
Top holiday packing tips
If you’re taking two cases or travelling with a friend, it’s a good idea to pack your clothes between each other’s bags. In the unfortunate event one of your bags get delayed or lost, at least you’ll have something to wear.
To maximise space and make the most of any weight limits, you should also think about how as well as what to pack.
Our top tips for packing for a holiday will help you nail this without having to sacrifice any essentials:
- Decant toiletries into smaller bottles
- Wear heavier items on the plane
- Roll your clothes rather than folding them
- Use a bright or recognisable tag for your suitcase
- Put small items such as jewellery and charger cables in sunglasses cases to prevent them getting lost or tangled.
And remember, before you get started on your packing make sure you find suitable travel insurance so you can have the stress-free break you deserve.