Your Ultimate Holiday Checklist

Packing doesn’t have to mean panic – let us do the hard work. All you have to do is follow this catch-all checklist of holiday essentials, then start focusing on putting your feet up.

Patrick Ikhena

From the Travel team

minute read

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Posted 15 JANUARY 2021

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.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

Following new restrictions implemented on 5 January 2021, you can only travel internationally or within the UK if you're legally permitted to do so while the UK is under full lockdown restrictions.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), currently advises British nationals against all but essential international travel. See latest FCDO advice for further information.

Any insurance policy purchased to cover a trip to a destination where the local authority, or the FCDO, has instructed citizens not to travel, will not be valid.

For more information, please see our coronavirus and travel insurance page.

Until then, stay safe.

Customers with more serious pre-existing medical conditions

Our panel includes insurance providers who quote cover for all medical conditions declared on our website, with no exclusions.

The Money and Pensions Service (MaPs) has also launched on its Money Advice Service website a directory of insurance providers who may be able to provide quotes over the phone, if you have more serious medical conditions. Find more information at the Money Advice Service or by calling the British Insurance Brokers’ Association on 0370 950 1790.

Printable holiday checklist

Simply download and print the holiday checklist to use as a guide for your next trip away.

Download

What documents do I need for my holiday?

Passport – email yourself a photo of it too, just in case
Visa documents if needed, plus a photo copy
Driver’s licence (and car hire details if using)
Travel insurance documents, including your EHIC/GHIC card if travelling in Europe.
Airline tickets, hotel bookings, train tickets
Your ATOL certificate, if you have one

What should I pack in my hand luggage?

The essentials:

Mobile phone and charger
Keys
Wallet/purse (with credit cards, local currency and/or a travel money card)
Essential medication
Copy of your prescription(s)  
Glasses/case/contact lenses
Hearing aid

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

What is not allowed in carry on?

Liquids in any container over 100ml in size
Sharp objects including knives, razors or scissors
Weapons or ammunition
Lighters, flammable liquids and fuels
Aerosol based insect repellant
Sports equipment and gear
Tools

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.

If travelling with children:

something to keep them amused such as toys, games and books
nappies if necessary
change of clothes
dummy or comforter
favourite toy
baby food, if needed

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 family holiday?

Backpack
Painkillers
Plasters
Nappies
Baby wipes
Games and toys (don’t forget their favourite cuddly animal!)
Beach toys and inflatables
Books and magazines
Music players

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 city break?

Local guidebook
Map or map app
Comfy shoes
Suitable clothes for different types of weather
Backpack
Camera
Portably battery charger

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 skiing holiday?

Skis
Snowboard
Protective equipment, helmets and clothing
Ski goggles
Extra socks
Suitable clothing for warmth and layers
Walking boots
Woolen hat
GoPro or other camera
Thermos
Sun cream

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

What is the 311 rule?

This rule relates to the liquids that can and can’t be taken on a plane. The three refers to the 3.4oz (100ml) rule, the maximum amount of liquid you can take on board. The two ones refer to the liquid being stored in one clear plastic bag, and that there should only be one plastic bag per passenger. 311.

This is just a general rule however, so it’s important you check any specific limits to your airline.

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.

Other useful bits and bobs for travelling

Neck pillow
Blanket
Eye mask
Ear plugs
Phrase book and guidebook or apps for the country
you're visiting
Reading material – on your device or paper copies
Playing cards
Umbrella
Sealable plastic bags for toiletries
Extra plastic bags for dirty laundry
Pen knife
Mini sewing kit

That’s it. Print out one of these handy checklists for your holiday and stick it to your fridge. Don’t forget our useful travel insurance comparison service. And the last thing to remember? Enjoy yourself.