Travel Guides

Holiday packing tips

Every time you set off on holiday there should always be the same fundamental items in your suitcase - the bare necessities for a successful trip…

This guide is designed to help you prepare for a great holiday, so here is a list of the essential things to pack in your suitcase before you set off on your travels.

It’s best to start packing a few days before you leave if you can, to spare yourself any last minute dashes to the shops.

You’ll want to write your own list of everything you need to pack, but here’s our checklist to get you started:

1. Passports and visas
2. Travel documents (including insurance policy) and European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you’re going to Europe
3. Tickets or print outs of e-ticket email confirmations with reference numbers
4. Credit cards/Debit cards
5. Cash (some sterling for the airport as well as foreign currency)
6. Mobile phone
7. Keys
8. Medication (and documentation if it’s prescription)
9. First aid kit
10. Important phone numbers, ie bank and credit card plus family numbers
11. Itinerary of your trip including hotel addresses and contact numbers
12. Guide book/phrase book – you may need this to help you from the minute you land.

First aid kit

As well making sure you have packed your regular medication, you should put together a first aid kit to take with you on holiday.

This should help you cope with minor accidents and sickness and avoid having to buy medication abroad. Here are a few examples of what to pack:

• Plasters and dressings for small wounds
• Painkillers
• Antiseptic wipes
• Antiseptic cream
• Diarrhoea and constipation treatment
• Antacid (to cure indigestion and heartburn)
• Insect repellent
• Antihistamines for insect bites
• Travel sickness tablets
• Scissors and tweezers
• Sunblock and aftersun lotion

Other essentials

1. Travel plug and various chargers
2. iPod (or equivalent)
3. Camera
4. Glasses/Contact lenses and solution
5. Spare plastic bags for wet towels, shoes and laundry

Hand Luggage

All the other things that get remembered at the last minute end up in hand luggage, but be aware of the current rules around what can and can’t be carried on to the plane.

For example, don’t take sharp objects (e.g. scissors) in your hand luggage, and remember any liquids or creams taken on to the plane with hand luggage must be in containers of no more than 100ml, and placed in a small, clear plastic bag.

It is also worth checking beforehand what the weight allowances are – again these will differ depending on the airline. Be warned, if you go over the permitted allowance you will probably still be able to check your luggage in, but it could end up costing you extra.

Finally - Protect your luggage

It’s best to label your luggage yourself, both inside and outside, as airline labels can get torn off during their transportation to the plane.

The label should ideally state your name and address, as well as your destination airport.

Also, leave some space for holiday purchases.

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