Holiday packing list: Your big guide to everything you need to remember
As the holidays approach, the mental checklist begins: Have we remembered passports? Sun cream? Charger for the mobile phone? And what if we forget something important?
This is exactly where a good and structured packing list becomes indispensable. Whether you're heading south, on a self-drive holiday, travelling with your children - or just want to be well prepared - we've put together the ultimate holiday packing list to get you out the door with confidence.
And remember: If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you may be entitled to compensation.
The general holiday packing list
This list covers the essentials for a typical holiday - and is a good starting point for any trip.
Documents & Important papers
Passport
Flight tickets / boarding passes (printed and digital)
Travel insurance
Health insurance card (blue card in the EU)
Visa (if required)
Clothing & Shoes
Underwear and socks
Trousers/shorts/dresses
T-shirts and tops
Sweater or jacket (also for summer evenings)
Sleepwear
Shoes, sandals and possibly shower shoes
Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, soap (in travel size)
Shaving equipment
Sunscreen and aftersun
Hairbrush
Nail clippers and tweezers
Electronics
Mobile phone and charger
Powerbank
Adapter (if needed)
Camera / GoPro
Other useful things
Sunglasses and hat
Swimwear and towel
Travel pillow
Book, magazines or e-book reader
Packing list for holidays with kids
Travelling with children requires extra planning and patience. Therefore, a thorough and well-thought-out packing list may be necessary to get the whole family off to a good start on your holiday.
Whether you're going on a beach holiday or city break, it's important to make sure you have everything you need without overpacking. Children have different needs than adults and it's important to find the right balance between what's necessary and what's practical.
Below you'll find an addition to the above packing list that can be useful when going on holiday with children.
Extra for children:
Nappies and wet wipes
Pushchair/stroller
Pacifier, soft toy or blanket
Child passport / health insurance card
Entertainment: books, comics, iPad
Children's sunscreen and sun hat
Travel food/snacks
Travel pharmacy with pain killers, plasters, nasal spray, etc.
Packing list for your holiday in the south
Sun, beach and relaxation - when packing for a holiday down south, it's important to consider both comfort and safety to avoid sunburn, heat stroke or forgotten essentials on the beach.
Here's the ultimate packing list for holidays in the south so you're prepared
To sunny destinations:
Light, airy summer clothes
1-2 sets of swimwear
Flip flops and shower shoes
UV clothing for kids
High sun protection factor (SPF 30-50)
Aftersun and aloe vera
Beach bag and books
Cap/hat and sunglasses
Travel fan or blower
Insect repellent
Packing list for self-drive holidays
A self-drive holiday is a great way to experience the world at your own pace. You can avoid airport queues and take spontaneous trips at your convenience.
Here's the ultimate self-drive holiday packing list so you don't forget anything important - whether it's a holiday home in the UK or a road trip in Europe.
For the car and the road:
GPS or Google Maps
Vignette/road tax for countries like Austria, Switzerland
Reflective vests, warning triangle, first aid
Snacks and drinks in a cooler bag
Blankets and pillows
Children's entertainment
Chargers and power banks for all devices
Car and insurance papers
Tips for packing efficiently
Roll clothes instead of folding - save space.
Use packing bags or cubes.
Make a digital packing list and print a copy if needed.
Pack well in advance - preferably 2-3 days before.
Put important items on top and removable items on the bottom.
Make a special 'carry-on list' for air travel.
Flight delay or cancellation? Know your rights
Did you know that if your flight is delayed or cancelled, you can get up to €600 in compensation? Knowing your rights can really pay off.
At Refundmore we help you get the compensation you're entitled to. It only takes 2 minutes to check if you're eligible - click here to see what you can get.
