You've got your holiday booked and you've memorised the weather forecast for every hour you're there, so now there's just the small matter of what to pack – and how to fit it all into your suitcase! Whether you're jetting away for a family holiday, a trip with friends or a romantic break with your other half, we've done the hard part for you by compiling your need-to-know packing guide.
Travel documents:
These are the items you can't afford to travel without. Make sure you have your passport and various travel documents safe in your hand luggage. It’s also worth making a copy before you travel in case anything goes missing.
Valuables, tech and entertainment:
From the all-important phone and charger to your travel currency and camera, you're going to want to save plenty of room in your hand luggage for these valuables and entertainment. Make sure you take an appropriate plug adaptor for your destination, and download some of your favourite films or TV shows to watch on the flight if you have a long journey. Picking up a phrase book or travel guide to the country you're visiting will prove invaluable in helping you to find your way around and impress the locals with your lingo – or at least try.
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These are the essentials you can't forget in your hand luggage or suitcase:
1) Passport
2) Insurance documents
3) Boarding pass
4) Visa documents
5) Any other holiday documentation
6) Driving licence
7) Phone
8) Phone charger
9) Plug adaptors
10) Purse and travel money
11) Keys
12) Laptop or tablet
13) Charger for laptop
14) Headphones
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15) Camera
16) Camera charger
17) Portable phone charger
18) Pen and notebook
19) Books or magazines
20) Phrase book or travel guide to country you're visiting
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Essentials:
These essentials will help to make your journey more comfortable, and will also come in handy once you arrive. Save money (and single-use plastic) by taking your own refillable water bottle that you can fill up after passing through security, and don't forget your sunglasses if you're travelling somewhere hot.
21) Refillable water bottle
22) Glasses or contact lenses
23) Sunglasses
24) Tissues
25) Antibacterial hand gel
26) Wet wipes
27) Any medication you need (plus prescription)
28) A sealable clear plastic bag for any toiletries
29) Hand cream (under 100ml)
30) Moisturiser (under 100ml)
31) Sleep kit for longer flights with eye mask, ear plugs and travel pillow
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If travelling with children:
Keep little ones comfortable and entertained on your travels with snacks, toys and games. Don't forget a spare change of clothes for the journey, as well as any nappies, wet wipes and medication you may need.
32) Change of clothes for the journey
33) Nappies/ underwear
34) Wet wipes
35) Snacks and enough baby food/ milk for the journey
36) Medication
37) Dummies or comforters
38) Toys, games or books
39) Clothes
40) Sun hat
Hold Luggage:
It goes without saying that you're going to want to pack beachwear, swimwear and lots of sun cream if you're going somewhere hot. Make sure you take enough sun cream and after sun to see you through at least the first few days, and pack bug repellent, antiseptic cream and a first aid kit to keep your family happy and healthy throughout your trip.
While you can pick up many toiletries and emergency supplies close to most resorts, taking your own will give you peace of mind that you have everything you need on hand, while saving valuable time to enjoy by the pool or on the beach. Fingers crossed everything will be perfect on your trip, but it’s important to prepare for all eventualities – from packing an umbrella for any sudden downpours to taking a small sewing kit for any clothing malfunctions.
41) First aid kit
42) Toothbrush
43) Toothpaste
44) Mouthwash
45) Dental floss
46) Face and body lotion
47) Cleanser
48) Deodorant
49) Perfume
50) Bug repellent
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51) Antiseptic cream
52) Shampoo and Conditioner
53) Hair styling products
54) Hair brush
55) Hair bobbles
56) Hair dryer
57) Hair straighteners or curlers
58) Makeup
59) Sun cream
60) After sun
61) Razor
62) Umbrella
63) Spare plastic bags for laundry
64) Mini sewing kit
65) Sewing kit
66) Underwear
67) Pyjamas
68) Handbag
69) Beach bag
70) Sandals and trainers
71) Swimwear
72) Jewellery and accessories
73) Beach towel
74) Clothes
75) Hat
