Including a travel checklist PDF
Table of Contents
It’s not easy to know what to pack as a solo traveller or as a family. We all know that you need different things depending on the type of holiday that you are going on.
It’s not just about clothes either, it’s about the kind of travel gear you may need or other essentials that you might not have even thought about yet.
Keep reading down for our travel packing checklist PDF that you can print off and tick off as you pack.
Knowing how to pack and what to pack is an essential skill that none all of us are taught, and let’s be honest, there is only so much room in our brains.
Saving space is really important when you are packing. Try and fold clothes efficiently so that you can fit more in. Try and put the heavy items at the bottom of the suitcase and any spaces put add your toiletries bag then put things you’ll need straight away when you get to your destination at the top. Things like your swimming costume or clean underwear. Think about rolling up your underwear and putting it in your shoes to save room too.
Before you pack anything make sure you have some really good suitcases for your travels. It pays to have good ones!
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Essential things to pack for travelling
These are the essentials that you’ll need for every trip. Keep reading down this post for more packing tips depending on your vacation trip.
Arrange holiday insurance
Once you’ve decided where you are going, its now time to arrange your travel insurance. You have a range of options with insurance that means that you are either covered for your health while away, something happening to your holiday before you go, and something happening while you are on holiday.
The amount of cover you decide is completely up to you. Make sure that you compare prices and check what is covered and what isn’t.
Check your passports and visas
Wherever you decide to go, you’ll are not going to get very far without your passport. Check that it has at six-months left on the date as many countries will not accept entry without it. Make sure you fill out the correct visas before you go. You can now do this online from home before you travel.
Research and book vaccinations
Depending on your vacation destination, you may need to update your vaccinations and have proof that you’ve had them. It’s best to check this on the countries official website before you travel. Many private clinics and high street pharmacies offer holiday jabs at very competitive prices so it pays to shop around.
Book transfers, hire cars or parking
Make sure that you book any transfers that you need before you go, especially if you’ve never been to the country before. You can normally do this when you book your holiday trip.
If you need to hire a car then shop around before you go as booking last minute doesn’t normally pay.
If you are flying then it may be cheaper to drive your own car and book a space for it. Do this as soon as you book your holiday as the prices normally rise the closer you plan to use it. Many airport parking also offer transfers to your airport of choice within the price.
Check if you need local currency and buy it
Do you need local currency? Check the best rates and keep an eye on what the price is doing. Shop around and see what deals you can get. We buy our local currency online but it may be worth just using your credit card. Check the exchange rate and work the maths out now.
Credit card and debit card if needed
Even if you don’t think you’ll need them, take them. Even if it’s just one. This covers you for any emergencies that may happen that you can’t foresee.
Set up data roaming
This will save you money when you use your phone abroad. You may not think you’ll need it but it could come in handy as a navigation tool or even as a phone in an emergency.
Phone charge, portable phone charger and adapters
We personally use our mobile phones for everything from a camera to our foreign exchange calculator. Make sure that you bring the charger to keep it full.
Research the current power adapter that you need as different countries have different needs. We buy three of each one as we normally bring a lot of technology with us that needs more than one plug.
We like the iBlockCube® Universal Travel AC Power Plug Adapter with International Socket & 4 USB*. It covers over 150+ countries and can charge most items.
Arrange a pet holiday or passport
If you plan on bringing your pet along then you will need to get through some tape. Make sure that you research exactly what your pet needs to be allowed into each country.
Digitalise your travel documents
Having them in more than one place is a good idea anyway but making them digital means that you have access to them wherever you are.
We scan and take photos of our important travel documents then email them to ourselves. That way, if our bags are stolen with our documents in we have copies in our email to show the correct authorities.
Up your home security
This is a must. It doesn’t matter how many days or weeks you plan on going away for, knowing that your home is safe is key.
We have the Ring Doorbell* and security sensors that mean we can look at our home at any time, anywhere, and know that it is safe. It also means that if the worst happens we have it all on CCTV ready for the police.
Flip flops
We buy a pair of cheap bathroom flip-flops for every trip. This is for hygiene reasons especially if we are camping or staying in an Airbnb.
Water bottle
We all have our own water bottles to drink from. This is great for those long days out on holiday and means that you know you have fresh clean water to drink.
Underwear and socks
Everyone needs to pack more socks, right? They help yo keep your feet warm and extra pairs can always be stuffed in shoes with underwear.
Sun cream and other medicines
Sun cream does depend on where you are going but always buy more than you think you’ll need. We buy ours in bulk from Amazon and use NIVEA SUN Protect & Moisture Sun Spray SPF50* for us and the roll-on for the children while at the beach.
Medicines, painkillers and first-aid kits
If you use any medicines on a daily basis then make sure you pack them. You may need a doctor’s letter if you need them in your flight back so make sure you research this first.
Pack the normal painkillers like paracetamol and make sure that you have a full first-aid kit which includes:
gauze dressings in all shapes
4 sterile eye dressings
triangular bandages
crêpe rolled bandages
safety pins
disposable sterile gloves
tweezers
scissors
alcohol-free cleansing wipes
sticky tape
digital thermometer
skin rash cream
insect bite cream
antiseptic cream
cough medicine
antihistamine cream
distilled water
eyewash and eye bath
Clothes
Think about how long you are going to be away? What are you really going to use? How many shoes do you need? Do you need coats and hats? What are the washing facilities like?
Carry-on packing list
If you are going on a long flight then you need to remember the carry-on items you’ll need for the flight too. Think about the items that you use every day that you may need to make yourself more comfortable. Our carry-on packing list suggestions are:
Passport and visa
You need to keep these items handy as you’ll need them multiple times throughout the day.
Toiletries
We have a huge list below but we pack our toothbrush, deodorant, and hand sanitizer. They help to wake you up after a long flight.
Guidebook
Having a guidebook not only helps to answer any questions you have about the country you are visiting but also makes for great reading material on your long flight.
If you prefer fiction books then have a look at our top selection here.
Maps and directions
Have all your travel information to hand. We keep ours on our phone and print it off so we have it in at least two places.
Phone, wallet, and keys
Make sure that you have all the basics on you. Is your wallet empty apart from the essential cards that you need? Do you have some spare cash in case you need it?
List of medications
Keep the list handy in your bag in case you or someone else needs it. Keep it with any doctor’s letter you may have.
Chewing gum
This helps to stop your ears from popping on the flight.
Ear Plugs
In case you want to get any sleep.
Snacks
Pack energy bars and other snacks that will keep you full.
Eye mask
Having your own comfy eye mask can you get some sleep on a long flight.
Headphones
Listening to your own music is a great way to relax on a long flight.
Lip Balm
Always lip balm as your lips are more likely to get dry during a long flight.
Toiletries packing list
This is our huge toiletries packing list. Use this to make sure that you have everything you need.
Toothbrushes and paste
Baby wipes
Make up
Make up remover
Shower gel
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash, including wash for sensitive skin for tiny children
Deodorant
Razors
Shaving gel
Sun cream and after sun
Hand sanitizer
Tweezers
Nail scissors or clippers.
Travel first aid kit list
This is a complete list of the items you’ll need for your travel first aid kit. Pack everything to cover for whatever happens.
gauze dressings in all shapes
4 sterile eye dressings
triangular bandages
crêpe rolled bandages
safety pins
disposable sterile gloves
tweezers
scissors
alcohol-free cleansing wipes
sticky tape
digital thermometer
skin rash cream
insect bite cream
antiseptic cream
cough medicine
antihistamine cream
distilled water
eyewash and eye bath
Beach packing list
This is your complete beach packing list that you can use so you don’t forget anything.
Towels
Swimming costumes
Beach shoes
Sun cream
Buckets and spades
A windbreak or beach tent
A picnic blanket.
Self-catering holiday packing list
Self-catering holidays are a great way to have a flexible holiday. You can do whatever you want and eat whenever you want. This does come with a little extra packing though. Our recommendations are:
Kitchen essentials
Washing up liquid
Washing powder
Tea towels
Kitchen roll
Scrub brush
Tinfoil or sandwich bags
Bin bags
Cleaning products like multi-surface cleaner and antibacterial wipes.
Bathroom Essentials
These are bathroom essentials that you may need if you are staying in a caravan or glamping. We also used these for our chalet holiday.
Toilet roll
Foldable washing basket
Hand soap
Camping packing list
This is the ultimate travel packing list if you are camping for the first time.
Shelter checklist
Tent
Our top five tents that we have brought ourselves over the years are:
GEERTOP 4 Season 2 Person Waterproof Dome Backpacking Tent for Camping Hiking Travel Climbing
This is a portable tent that has aluminum poles. It’s waterproof with tape-sealed stitching to keep water out. It’s really stable and great in all weather, including the wind.
Naturehike Cloud Peak 4 Season Backpacking Tent for 2-3 Person Hiking Camping Outdoor
This two persons tent is great for backpacking. It’s easy to pitch and includes pegs and ropes. this has a ventilation opening at the top to help stop condensation.
FE Active 4 Person Camping Tent – Four Season 3 to 4 Man High-End Waterproof Rip-Stop Tent Compact
This 6-pound tent is great for four people and makes a great emergency tent if needed. This is great for strong winds and really sturdy if you get caught in a storm.
Asteri Lightweight Camping Tent 2-4 Persons Double Layers Waterproof Backpacking Tent With Fly & Floor Mat Easy Setup Hiking Tent
This durable tent has steep walls and with an adaptable rain-fly and mesh to help let condensation out. it’s heavy-duty too so great in the cold winter months.
GEERTOP 1 Person Backpacking Tent 4 Season Single Outdoor Lightweight Waterproof Camping Tent
All packed away, this tent only weighs 1kg and can fit into a backpack perfectly. With just two tracking poles, this tent can be put up quickly then rolled to close.
Sleeping bag
This needs to match the kind of weather that you’ll be sleeping in. Read as many reviews as you can to find the right ones for you.
You’ll also need:
Pillow
Sleeping mat or camp bed if tent camping
Table and camping chairs
Mallet, spare pegs and puller
Spare batteries, portable charger and cables
Torch and head torch
Tent repair kit, paracord, gaffa tape, cable ties, sewing kit
Air pump if needed for an airbed
Windbreak
Air beds
Clothes packing list
Waterproof jacket, trousers and umbrella
Clean and dry clothes to sleep in
Woolly hat, gloves and sunhat
Suitable footwear
Spare underwear and socks
Lightweight and fast drying materials
Sun protection and sunglasses
Kitchen essential list
Camping stove
Fuel
Firelighters
Chopping board
Dishcloths and sponge
Tea towels
Washing up liquid and bowl
Rubbish bags
Tin & bottle opener
Water container
Cool box
Kettle and pans
Cooking utensils
Plastic bowls and plates
Cutlery
A sharp knife
Camping chairs
Camping table
Other camping items:
Any toiletries like soap, shampoo, and conditioner
Medicines
First aid kit like above.
Hand sanitiser
Insect repellent
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Towels
Caravan packing list
This covers everything you’ll need to make sure the caravan holiday the best one ever.
Kitchen roll
Toilet roll
Toiletries
Tea towels
Tea and coffee
Condiments and fridge basics
Easy cook meals
Cooking oil spray
Squash
Antibacterial wipes
Bin bags
First aid kit.
Glamping checklist
Bedding
Cooking equipment
Toilet and shower facilities
Food storage
Heating
Power points.
Festival packing list
Head torches for kids
Waterproof trousers and coats
Wellies
Toilet roll
Fancy dress
Face paint and glitter
Camping trolley
Picnic blanket
Plus the camping essentials that are above.
Chalet packing list
Towels
Bedding
A bath mat
A torch
Hairdryer
A portable barbecue
Folding chairs for sitting outside
Bottle opener
plus items from the caravan packing list.
Cruise packing list
We use the pack from our essential things to pack for travelling list above.
Here’s what to pack for a cruise with babies and toddlers:
Baby formula
Nappies
Wet wipes
Yoys for your cabin
A compact pushchair or travel stroller
A baby or child carrier for excursions
Washing liquid
Here’s what to pack for a cruise with kids:
Colouring books and crayons to use at dinner
Snacks
Pool toys and swimming aids
Here’s everything else for your cruise packing list:
A torch for your room in case it’s dark
Reusable drinks bottles for those days off the ship
Magnets for putting things up on your cabin walls/door
Pegs so you can dry things in your shower
Power adaptors
A lanyard for your cruise card
Sun cream
A rucksack for shore days
Medication
Your travel documents and digital copies.
Related Posts:
- 41 Family Fun Travel Tips For Beginners
- Long Haul Flight Essentials You Need to Pack for 2021
- Travelling Alone for the First Time: Here’s How to do it
Travel checklist for city breaks
Any city maps you need
Sensible shoes
Comfy backpack
Snacks
Reusable drinks bottles
Light waterproofs.
Laura x
If you enjoyed this post and would like some more travel tips then have a look at our section here for our full guide to what you need for the perfect holiday. You could also pop over to our Pinterest boards for lots more travel tips on Travel Tips for Beginners and Beginner Travel Guides.
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