Your Ultimate Holiday Checklist

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.  

Wouter Van Rijn Travel Expert
2
minute read
posted

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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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 card if travelling in Europe.
  • Airline tickets, hotel bookings, train tickets
  • Your ATOL certificate, if you have one
What documents do I need for my holiday?

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What should I pack in my hand luggage?

The essentials:

  • Mobile phone and charger
  • Keys
  • Wallet/purse (with credit cards and local currency)
  • Essential medication
  • Copy of your prescription(s)  
  • Glasses/case/contact lenses
  • Hearing aid
What should I pack in my hand luggage?

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
And how about

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
If travelling with children

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
Practical items for my checked bags

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
Other useful bits and bobs for travelling

That’s it. Print out this handy checklist 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. 

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