Before you start packing…

Make sure you’ve:

• Arranged travel insurance
• Got a valid passport(s)
• Had any necessary vaccinations (ask your GP if unsure)
• Planned transport to and from the airport, and at your destination.
• Arranged airport parking if necessary

Now, let’s get packing.

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And how about:

• Electronic plug converter
• Electronics (tablet, iPad, iPod, computer) and charger
• Earphones or headphones
• Camera and camera charger
• Wet wipes
• Scarf, shawl or blanket
• Tampons and sanitary towels
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• A lockable case for any valuables
• Jewellery
• Book or magazine
• Pen to fill out landing cards if needed
• Snacks or treats for long flights
• A bottle of water once you've passed through security

Is a handbag classed as hand luggage? 

This can vary between different airlines, so it’s important you check beforehand, but, generally, most airlines will let you take a handbag on board, as well as your dedicated hand luggage. 
 
A good general rule to follow, would be for your handbag to fit easily beneath the seat in front of you, while your hand luggage fits the airline’s standards and is stored in the overhead storage compartments. 

Practical items for my checked bags

Or hand luggage if you prefer a travel size (under 100ml for liquids):

• Hand cream
• Hand sanitiser
• Batteries
• First aid kit
• Contraception
• Sun cream
• After sun
• Mosquito repellent and bite cream
• Hairdryer
• Deodorant
• Antibacterial hand gel
• Face and body moisturiser
• Lip balm
• Tissues
• Hair brush
• Hair clips and ties
• Contact lens solution
• Face wash
• Soap and/or shower gel and shampoo
• Razor and shaving gel

What should I pack for a beach holiday? 

• Sun cream 
• Beach towels 
• Sunglasses 
• Hat 
• Swimwear 
• Swimming goggles 
• Armbands for young children 
• Flip flops 
• Insect repellent spray 
• Fan 
• Books and magazines 
• Music, podcasts and audiobooks downloaded 
• Inflatables, pool and beach toys 

What should I pack for a walking holiday? 

• Walking shoes or boots 
• Walking poles 
• Suitable clothing – think about layering 
• Waterproof clothing 
• Backpack 
• Camera 
• Maps or map apps 
• Local guidebook 
• Water bottle or thermos  
• Portable battery charger 

What should I pack for a camping holiday? 

• Tents 
• Sleeping bags 
• Sleeping mats or inflatable mattresses 
• First-aid kit 
• Food and drink supplies 
• Cooking equipment 
• Map or map apps 
• Backpack 

Is it better to fold or roll clothes? 

Different people will swear by each method, but your best bet is a combination of the two. 
 
Folding is best for heavier or better structured clothes, such as trousers, jeans, shirts and jumpers. These are easy to fold along certain lines, and are less likely to crease. 
 
Rolling is better for saving space with light clothes such as t-shirts, socks and underwear, because you can make them more compact and stack them more efficiently. It also helps prevent creasing, which is common when folding thinner materials. Rolling can also make certain clothes fit in more unusual spaces in your case. 
 
However, there’s also a third technique. Commonly referred to as bundling, this is when you create one large pile, by folding your clothes inside each other. You start with the largest and heaviest clothes, such as a jacket, and then build up by layering lighter clothes on top, shirts, trousers, then t-shirts, before finishing with underwear. You then wrap the smaller items in the larger ones, finishing with the jacket, to create one tight and single bundle. It takes a lot more effort than simple folding, but it is very efficient if you are travelling for a longer period.