Packing can be difficult to get right. The downfalls include over packing, under packing, or not packing the right things, so every expert packer starts with a good holiday packing list to make sure you have everything you need and to reduce last-minute stress. It helps to do the thinking in advance, so that when the time comes you can simply gather your stuff, add it to your case and tick it off. Answer the following questions first and the list almost writes itself.
Before you write a single item down, answer these twelve questions about the trip: where, how long, how you are getting there, what you are doing and who you are taking. The answers decide most of the list for you. There is a fill-in worksheet at the end.
If your trip is international then the first thing on your packing list is your passport, plus any visas or visa waivers required for your trip. Check the passport’s expiry date now rather than the week before; some countries want six months left on it.
If your trip involves a flight then packing will vary depending on whether it is a short or long haul flight.
You might want to put luggage in the hold for either short or long haul, depending on the nature of the trip. Go skiing in the Alps from the UK, a short haul trip, and you will almost certainly check a bag because a ski kit takes up so much room. Fly long haul for work and you might manage with hand luggage only.
You will have hand luggage whether you fly short or long haul. Generally the shorter the flight, the less you need in it, as it is more like going out for the day. On a long haul flight the number of things you want access to in the air is much higher, and needs more thought.
If your flight is long haul you will want to be comfortable, so loose clothes are preferable, with layers in case the cabin is hot or cold. Technically this is not packing, as you will be wearing them, but it belongs on the list.
This depends on which airline you fly with and whether the flight is long haul, short haul or domestic. Check your bag size and weight allowance on the airline’s website before you travel, every time, because they change.
Fly long haul with British Airways in economy and you will usually be allowed up to 23kg per case; in business the allowance is higher, at 32kg per case. Budget airlines such as Ryanair may be more restrictive and charge for each bag you want to take, and they tend to be strict about hand luggage sizes, charging for the bag if it does not fit the size. In our experience they check hard cases against the sizer more often than soft bags.
Are you checking a suitcase into the hold? If so, you do not need to worry much about liquids, as they can all go in the hold luggage. If you are travelling hand luggage only, you need to limit liquids to containers of 100ml or less, in a clear plastic bag if the airport requires one.
Some airports now have scanners that do not need liquids separated into a bag. Others do not, and scanners break, so be prepared to separate your liquids if asked.
Any device containing a lithium battery, such as an electric toothbrush or a stand-alone power bank, must go in your hand luggage, not the hold.
If yes, have your booking reference handy and, most importantly, pack your driving licence. You may also want a physical road map or a sat nav, and a phone mount for the car.
The predicted and seasonal weather at your destination dictates a large proportion of your luggage: whether you need wet weather gear (cagoules, umbrellas or ponchos), sun protection (sunglasses, hat, sun cream) or warmer clothes for cold weather (woolly hat, gloves, base layers, coat).
Research the average temperatures for the time of year, then check the 14-day forecast close to your travel date to see whether it looks typical, and pack accordingly.
If the place you are visiting calls for it, pack any advised precautions for malaria or other diseases such as dengue fever: tablets, DEET spray, long-sleeved tops and trousers, or a net for a hat or a bed. Similarly, if you are visiting an area with poor water quality, think about water purification tablets or a filter bottle. Our Travel First Aid Kit covers what else to take.
An obvious factor, and it influences how much luggage you need more than anything else.
Packing is not much of a challenge, as you generally will not need very much. The exceptions are travelling for work with equipment, or planning activities that need a sports kit, at which point the luggage starts to pile up.
This is where it gets harder, particularly if the weather is likely to vary or you are planning outdoor activities. You can reach your luggage allowance quickly. Give careful thought to items that are versatile, light to pack and travel well without cre
Few people like doing chores on holiday, but sometimes washing is required, especially on a long trip. In short, if you can wash your clothes, you do not need to pack as much.
In a villa or self-catering apartment you will probably have a washing machine, or access to one in the complex.
On a road trip you might schedule a launderette stop, perhaps at the halfway point or after an activity when your kit smells. We spent three days wild camping in Algonquin National Park and afterwards our shoes smelt like swamp water, which nothing but an emergency trip to the launderette could shift.
Some of your usual detergent, enough for one or two washes, so you are not buying a whole box at your destination. I always pack a Vanish bar to deal with stains when they happen; leave them until you get home and the item is written off.
Think about what you are likely to do while you are away and what kit each thing needs: walking boots or running trainers, gym kit, cycling kit, swimming costumes and rash vests, dry bags for kayaking. Watch your packing list get a lot longer once you add outdoor activities than if the week involves a sun lounger. Either is fine, but one needs far less packing.
If you are visiting a conservative country, take clothing and scarves to cover up in public or religious places: shoulders, arms, legs and hair.
In some countries it is sensible to take extra precautions, such as a money belt or a bra pocket, and locks for your bags. If so, rather than packing jewellery, do the opposite and leave valuable jewellery and watches at home.
Things get a lot more complicated with young children. You will need to think about feeding, nappies, changes of clothes and entertainment to keep them occupied. Chances are you will have a small bag and they will have a very large one, plus pushchairs and car seats.
If you reflect the answers to these twelve questions in your packing list, you will be well on the way to calm and collected packing closer to the trip. The worksheet below has the twelve questions with space to answer each one.
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Your step-by-step framework for stress-free, unforgettable trips — from first idea to final itinerary.
Your step-by-step framework for stress-free, unforgettable trips — from first idea to final itinerary.
Join thousands of travelers looking for inspiration from our FREE Planet Travel newsletter!
