The Ultimate Packing List for Every Holiday
Never forget anything again! Our packing list covers everything – from beach holidays to long-haul travel.
12 minutes · By the HolidayGenie editorial team · Updated:
What do I need to pack for a holiday?
Every suitcase needs clothes for each day (underwear plus two spares), toiletries in travel sizes, your smartphone with charger, a power bank and a travel adapter, your ID, booking confirmations, travel health insurance and a credit card, plus a small first-aid kit with painkillers, anti-diarrhoea medicine and plasters. Depending on the trip, add swimwear and SPF 50 sunscreen (beach), comfortable shoes (city break) or broken-in hiking boots and a rain jacket (hiking). Rolling clothes instead of folding them saves up to 30 % of space.
Which clothes should go in my suitcase?
Always pack: Underwear (1 per day + 2 extra), Socks (1 pair per day), T-shirts / tops, Trousers / shorts, Sleepwear, Comfortable shoes.
Always pack
- Underwear (1 per day + 2 extra)
- Socks (1 pair per day)
- T-shirts / tops
- Trousers / shorts
- Sleepwear
- Comfortable shoes
Beach extra
- Swimwear (2 sets)
- Beach dress / sarong
- Flip-flops
- Sun hat
City extra
- Evening outfit (1 set)
- Light jacket
- Sturdy shoes
Hiking extra
- Hiking boots (broken in!)
- Performance clothing
- Rain jacket
- Fleece pullover
Which toiletries do I need when travelling?
Always pack: Toothbrush & toothpaste, Shampoo & shower gel (travel sizes), Deodorant, Hairbrush / comb, Razor.
Always pack
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Shampoo & shower gel (travel sizes)
- Deodorant
- Hairbrush / comb
- Razor
Beach extra
- Sunscreen (SPF 50!)
- After-sun lotion
- Insect repellent
City extra
- Perfume / aftershave
- Hand cream
Hiking extra
- Blister plasters
- Lip balm with UV protection
- Wet wipes
Which tech should I take with me?
Always pack: Smartphone + charging cable, Power bank, Headphones, Travel adapter (check the plug type!).
Always pack
- Smartphone + charging cable
- Power bank
- Headphones
- Travel adapter (check the plug type!)
Beach extra
- Waterproof phone case
- Bluetooth speaker
City extra
- Camera + memory card
- E-book reader
Hiking extra
- GPS watch / offline maps
- Head torch
Which documents do I need on holiday?
Always pack: Passport / ID card, Flight tickets / booking confirmations, International health insurance, Credit card & some cash, Driving licence (if hiring a car).
Always pack
- Passport / ID card
- Flight tickets / booking confirmations
- International health insurance
- Credit card & some cash
- Driving licence (if hiring a car)
Hiking extra
- Hiking map (offline)
- Hut reservations
What goes in a travel first-aid kit?
Always pack: Painkillers (ibuprofen / paracetamol), Anti-diarrhoea medication, Plasters & wound disinfectant, Personal medication, Motion-sickness tablets (if needed).
Always pack
- Painkillers (ibuprofen / paracetamol)
- Anti-diarrhoea medication
- Plasters & wound disinfectant
- Personal medication
- Motion-sickness tablets (if needed)
Beach extra
- Jellyfish-sting gel
- Antihistamine (allergies / stings)
City extra
- Throat lozenges
- Nasal spray
Hiking extra
- Blister plasters (extra!)
- Electrolyte powder
- Tick remover
How do I pack my suitcase the smart way?
- Roll, don't fold: Rolling clothes saves up to 30 % of suitcase space and reduces creasing.
- Use travel sizes: Decant liquids into 100 ml bottles. Hand luggage allows a maximum of 1 L in a zip-lock bag.
- Outfit system: Take clothing that can be mixed and matched. 5 tops + 3 bottoms = 15 outfits.
- Wear the heavy stuff: Wear your heaviest shoes and thickest jacket on the plane – it saves suitcase weight.
- One outfit in your hand luggage: If your suitcase goes missing, you will at least have something to wear.
Planning your holiday right now?
