At a glance
Before you start packing, get your travel insurance sorted.
Have all your important documents ready, including your passport, GHIC, and visa paperwork.
Typically, you’ll pack essentials and valuables in your carry-on, but restrictions do apply.
Your packing list can depend on who you’re going on holiday with and what you have planned.
Before you start packing
Make sure you’ve:
Arranged travel insurance
Got a valid passport(s). For travel to Europe and the Schengen countries your passport must be valid for at least three months after your return date. Your passport also needs to have been issued less than 10 years before the date you leave for your trip. Some countries require your passport to be valid for six months.
Have checked entry requirements and travel advice for the country you’re visiting on GOV.UK
Had any necessary vaccinations (ask your GP if you’re unsure at least eight weeks before you set off)
Planned transport to and from the airport, and at your destination
Told your bank if you’re going to be using your card abroad (not all banks need you to do this)
Looked up roaming charges for using your mobile abroad
Sorted out any pet or plant care for while you’re gone
Booked airport parking, if necessary.
Customers with pre-existing medical conditions
If you have a serious health condition, your travel insurance is likely to be more expensive.
Whatever happens, tell your insurance provider the truth. If you give false information or miss something out, your claim could be rejected.
When you declare any medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers that will cover them with no exclusions.
If your condition is more serious, MoneyHelper has a directory of insurance providers who may be able to provide quotes over the phone. You can call them on 0800 138 7777.
Printable holiday packing checklist
Everyone loves a freebie, so here’s ours. Simply download and print the holiday checklist to use as a guide for your next trip away.
Download (PDF)What documents do I need for my holiday?
Passport – email yourself a photo of it too, or keep a copy on your smartphone, just in case
Visa documents if needed, plus a photocopy
Driver’s licence (and car hire details, if necessary), plus an International Driving Permit (if required for driving in your destination)
Travel insurance documents
Your GHIC/EHIC card if travelling in Europe
Proof of vaccination, if you need one for entry to your holiday destination
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
Travel plug adapter
Electronics (tablet, laptop) and charger
Earbuds or headphones
Camera, if you’re taking one, and camera charger
Keys
Wallet/purse (with credit cards, local currency and/or a travel money card
Essential medication
Copy of your prescription(s)
Travel insurance details
Glasses/case/contact lenses
Hearing aid
An empty water bottle to fill once you’ve passed through security
An extra layer in case it’s chilly on the plane
Book or magazine.
For long-haul flights, add the following:
Wet wipes
Scarf, shawl or blanket
Tampons or sanitary towels
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Lip balm and moisturiser
A lockable case for any valuables
Jewellery (if you’re taking items you’re not already wearing)
Pen to fill out landing cards, if needed
Snacks or treats
A change of clothes, in case your checked luggage is delayed.
What isn’t allowed in carry-on bags?
Sharp objects including knives, razors and scissors
Weapons or ammunition
Flammable liquids and fuels
Some sports equipment – check with the airline for details
Tools.
Top tip
Make sure electronic devices like your smartphone, tablet or laptop are fully charged before going through security.
If devices don’t switch on when you’re asked, you won’t be allowed to take them on the aircraft.
If travelling with children
If you’re travelling with a baby, toddlers or children, make sure you have the essentials to hand, including:
Toys, games and books
Nappies, if necessary
Wet wipes
Bib
Change of clothes
Dummy or comforter
Favourite toy
Baby milk or food, if needed, and snacks – you may be asked to taste these items as you go through security.
Top tip
Download a few of the kids’ favourite TV shows and movies onto a tablet, so they can watch them offline during the flight.
Practical items for checked bags
Or hand luggage if you prefer a travel size (under 100ml for liquids):
Hand sanitiser
Batteries (check whether your origin and destination countries allow loose batteries to be carried in baggage, as not all do)
First-aid kit
Contraception
Sun cream
After sun
Mosquito repellent and bite cream
Hairdryer
Deodorant
Face and body moisturiser
Lip balm
Tissues
Hairbrush
Hair clips and ties
Contact lens solution
Face wash
Soap and/or shower gel and shampoo
Razor and shaving gel
Bag for dirty laundry.
What should I pack for a family holiday?
Backpack or day rucksack
Travel equipment, like strollers and baby carriers
Painkillers, including children’s liquid painkillers
First-aid kit, including children’s thermometer
Nappies and wipes
Sun hats (or warm hats)
Games and toys (don’t forget their favourite cuddly animal)
Books and magazines
Music players/speakers.
Top tip
Check your destination’s rules on bringing in medicines. Even some over-the-counter medicines aren’t allowed in some countries. If in doubt, you can check with the embassy of the country you’re travelling to.
What should I pack for a beach holiday?
Sun cream and after sun
Beach towels
Beach bag
Sunglasses
Hat
Swimwear, including rash tops/wetsuits, if needed
Swimming goggles
Lightweight clothing
Armbands for young children, if normally used
Flip flops
Insect repellent spray
Fan
Books and magazines
Downloaded music, podcasts, audiobooks and TV shows/movies
Pool and beach toys
First-aid kit.
Top tip
If you’re holidaying with young children, don’t forget to pack them UV sun protection swimwear and rash-guard T-shirts – made with SPF50+ materials.
These can offer additional protection for delicate skin against the harsh rays of the sun. Experts recommend staying out of the sun in the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm.
What should I pack for a city break?
Local guidebook
Map or map app
Comfy shoes
Suitable clothes for different types of weather
Smart clothes for dining out
Backpack
Camera
Portable charger
First-aid kit.
What should I pack for a walking holiday?
Walking shoes or boots
Walking poles
Suitable, waterproof clothing – think about layering
Sun cream and hat if walking in the summer
Backpack
Camera
Maps or map apps
Local guide book
Water bottle or thermos
High-energy snacks
Portable charger
First-aid kit – including blister pads, pain relief cream or spray to soothe aching muscles.
What should I pack for a skiing holiday?
Ski boots, poles and skis/snowboard if you’re not hiring on arrival
Helmet, goggles and ski gloves
Sunglasses
Extra socks
Suitable clothing for warmth and thermal layers
Walking boots
Warm hat
Camera
Thermos
Hydration bladder
High factor sun cream
Muscle relief cream
First-aid kit
Insurance that covers you for skiing and any other snow sports you have planned.
What should I pack for a camping holiday?
Tents
Sleeping bags
Sleeping mats or inflatable mattresses
Weather-appropriate layers and waterproof outerwear
First-aid kit
Insect repellent
Food and drink supplies
Cooking equipment
Portable stove
Map or map apps
Backpack
Headtorch and batteries.
Top tip
Don’t leave packing until the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time, so any clothes that need to be washed will have time to dry properly before you pack them in the suitcase.
Looking for a quote?
Don’t forget to compare travel insurance to find a great deal for your trip away.
That way you can enjoy yourself knowing you’re protected as soon as your holiday’s booked.
Looking for something else?
With more than eight years’ experience in writing and sub-editing content, Karen started her career in fashion before making the move to insurance. She now specialises in producing clear, engaging content that helps people make better financial decisions.
Karen’s areas of expertise include insurance products, such as car insurance, travel insurance and life insurance, as well as utilities such as energy comparison.
Stephen Maunder is an experienced personal finance editor, having spent more than a decade working for consumer print and online titles. He won several industry awards for his personal finance features at Which?, before becoming Deputy Editor at Compare the Market.
An experienced commercial leader with nearly 20 years’ experience in digital comparison and consumer services, Tom Lyon is a trusted voice in industries that affect millions of households. Tom’s made appearances on BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky News, as well as programmes such as Watchdog, The One Show and Good Morning Britain.
Tom’s areas of expertise include travel insurance, as well as utilities and digital products such as energy, broadband and mobile.
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