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

posted 20 NOVEMBER 2019

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

As of 23rd Match 2020, the UK Government announced a series of restrictions to travel, public spaces and gatherings. For a minimum of three weeks, people are being instructed to stay at home whenever possible. For this reason, travel insurance policies purchased from this date, for trips within the UK with a start date before 13th April 2020, will not be valid.

The UK Government also instructed all British tourists and travellers, that are currently abroad, to return to the UK as soon as possible.

As of 17th March 2020, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) have advised against all non-essential travel abroad for an initial period of 30 days. This means that any travel insurance purchased from this date, for trips outside of the UK with a start date before 16th April 2020, will not be covered by the provider.

Coronavirus was declared a pandemic on 11th March 2020, so this may also affect your policy, particularly those taken out on or after that date. Please check any existing policies carefully, to find out what you’re covered for.

For more information please see our travel insurance and coronavirus pages.

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 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 and local currency)
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

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

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 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.