Packing for a holiday is one of the last things you do before travelling, but it’s also one of the easiest things to get wrong. Forgetting your passport, medication or phone charger can quickly turn an exciting trip into an expensive and stressful experience.

This comprehensive holiday packing checklist has been created to help travellers stay organised before they leave home. Whether you’re taking a weekend city break, a family beach holiday, a cruise or a long-haul adventure, you’ll find practical advice, expert travel tips and printable checklists to make preparing for your trip much easier.

You’ll also find useful advice on airport security, hand luggage rules, travelling with medication, family travel and accessible travel, together with links to helpful airport guides from the APH Community.

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Contents

• Before You Travel
• Essential Travel Documents
• Money & Insurance
• Airport Preparation
• Hand Luggage Checklist
• Checked Luggage Checklist
• Electronics Checklist
• Clothing Checklist
• Toiletries & Medication
• Family Travel Checklist
• Business Travel Checklist
• Beach Holiday Checklist
• Winter Holiday Checklist
• Packing Tips
• Printable Master Checklist
• Frequently Asked Questions

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Before You Travel

Before you even open your suitcase, there are several important tasks to complete. Spending a little time planning your trip can save money, reduce stress and help avoid problems at the airport.

Task	Why it matters
Check passport validity	Many countries require at least six months remaining before expiry.
Check visa requirements	Some destinations require an ESTA, eVisa or visitor visa before travel.
Arrange travel insurance	Protects against cancellation, lost luggage and medical emergencies.
Book airport parking	Booking early usually secures the lowest prices.
Download airline app	Access mobile boarding passes and flight notifications.
Check baggage allowance	Avoid expensive excess baggage charges.
Check travel advice	Review the latest GOV.UK travel guidance before departure.
Arrange travel vaccinations	Some countries recommend or require vaccinations.

Essential Travel Documents

Your travel documents are the most important items you’ll pack. Keep them together in a travel wallet or document organiser so they’re easy to find at airport security, check-in and boarding.

Money & Payment Checklist

Although contactless payments are widely accepted around the world, it’s still worth carrying a small amount of local currency for taxis, tips or places that don’t accept cards.

• Debit card
• Credit card
• Travel money
• Emergency cash
• Currency card
• Mobile payment app
• Bank notified of travel (where required)

Prepare for the Airport

A little preparation before arriving at the airport can make your journey much smoother.

• Check-in online where available
• Download mobile boarding passes
• Charge your devices
• Label your luggage
• Weigh your suitcase before leaving home
• Allow extra time during busy holiday periods
• Check your terminal before travelling
• Review your airline’s baggage policy
• Pack liquids in accordance with airport security rules
• Keep passports and boarding passes easily accessible

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Hand Luggage Checklist

Your hand luggage contains the items you’ll need during your journey and anything you couldn’t easily replace if your checked baggage is delayed. Always keep valuables, medication and important travel documents in your cabin bag rather than your suitcase.

Essential Item	Recommended?
Passport	✔ Always
Boarding Pass	✔ Always
Wallet & Payment Cards	✔ Always
Phone	✔ Always
Phone Charger	✔ Always
Power Bank	✔ Recommended
Medication	✔ Essential
Travel Insurance Details	✔ Recommended
Water Bottle (empty before security)	✔ Recommended
Book or Kindle	Optional
Headphones	Recommended
Travel Pillow	Optional
Eye Mask	Optional
Snacks	Recommended
Pen	Useful

Checked Luggage Checklist

Your checked luggage should contain everything you’ll need during your holiday, while avoiding valuable or irreplaceable items. Packing efficiently also helps prevent excess baggage charges.

• Clothing
• Underwear
• Pyjamas
• Shoes
• Swimwear
• Jacket
• Toiletries
• Hairdryer (if required)
• Travel adapters
• Books
• Beach towels (if needed)
• Sports equipment
• Laundry bag
• Reusable shopping bag

Electronics Checklist

Most travellers rely heavily on electronic devices while away. Make sure you pack all the accessories you need before leaving home.

Clothing Checklist

Item	Suggested Quantity
T-shirts	4-7
Shirts	2-4
Shorts	2-4
Trousers	2-3
Underwear	One per day
Socks	One pair per day
Sleepwear	2
Swimwear	2
Light Jacket	1
Evening Outfit	1-2

Shoes

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals
• Flip-flops
• Evening shoes
• Sports shoes
• Beach shoes (if required)

Toiletries Checklist

Travelling with Medication

If you take prescription medication, pack enough for your entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Always carry essential medication in your hand luggage.

• Prescription medication
• Prescription copy
• Doctor’s letter (where required)
• Pain relief
• Travel sickness tablets
• Plasters
• Antiseptic cream
• Thermometer
• Insect bite cream
• Allergy medication
• Rehydration sachets

Airport Security Tips

Airport security rules can vary slightly between airports and airlines, but following these simple tips will help your journey run more smoothly.

• Keep passports and boarding passes easily accessible.
• Place liquids in your security bag if required by your departure airport.
• Remove laptops and larger electronic devices if instructed.
• Empty your pockets before reaching security.
• Wear shoes that are easy to remove if requested.
• Arrive at security with plenty of time before boarding.

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Beach Holiday Packing Checklist

Whether you’re heading to Spain, Greece, Portugal or another sunny destination, packing the right beach essentials will help you make the most of your holiday. Many items are expensive to replace at tourist resorts, so it’s worth checking you’ve packed everything before leaving home.

City Break Packing List

City breaks often involve plenty of walking, changing weather conditions and limited luggage space. Pack light but make sure you have comfortable clothing and everything you need for sightseeing.

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Lightweight waterproof jacket
• Cross-body bag
• Portable charger
• Guidebook or travel app
• Reusable water bottle
• Travel umbrella
• Smart outfit for evenings

Winter Holiday & Ski Trip Checklist

Winter holidays require more specialist clothing. Layering is usually the best approach, allowing you to stay warm without carrying unnecessary bulk.

Clothing	Equipment
Thermal base layers	Ski goggles
Waterproof jacket	Ski helmet
Waterproof trousers	Ski gloves
Fleece	Hand warmers
Thick socks	Neck warmer
Snow boots	Backpack

Business Travel Checklist

Business travellers often have different priorities from holidaymakers. Make sure work essentials are packed alongside your personal belongings.

• Laptop
• Laptop charger
• Presentation materials
• Business cards
• Notebook and pens
• Portable mouse
• USB memory stick
• Smart business attire
• Travel receipts folder
• Noise-cancelling headphones

Family Holiday Packing Checklist

Travelling with children requires extra planning. Having entertainment, snacks and spare clothing easily accessible can make long journeys much more enjoyable for everyone.

Baby Holiday Checklist

• Nappies
• Baby wipes
• Changing mat
• Bottles
• Formula or baby food
• Bibs
• Dummy
• Muslin cloths
• Baby carrier
• Pushchair
• Baby blanket
• Baby sunscreen
• Favourite comfort toy

Accessible Travel Checklist

If you or someone you’re travelling with requires additional support, planning ahead can help ensure a smoother airport experience.

• Book airport special assistance at least 48 hours before departure.
• Carry a list of medication.
• Pack mobility equipment chargers.
• Take spare batteries where required.
• Carry emergency contact information.
• Bring copies of relevant medical documents.
• Allow extra time at the airport.

Expert Packing Tips

Packing Tip	Benefit
Roll clothes instead of folding	Saves space and reduces creases
Use packing cubes	Keeps luggage organised
Wear bulky clothing while travelling	Creates more suitcase space
Pack heavier items at the bottom	Improves suitcase balance
Leave room for souvenirs	Avoids buying an extra suitcase
Photograph your luggage	Helpful if it is delayed or lost

10 Common Packing Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving packing until the night before.
• Forgetting travel insurance.
• Not checking passport validity.
• Ignoring airline baggage limits.
• Packing valuables in checked luggage.
• Taking too many shoes.
• Not carrying medication in hand luggage.
• Packing prohibited items.
• Taking too many “just in case” clothes.
• Not weighing your suitcase before leaving home.

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Printable Holiday Packing Checklist

Use this master checklist before leaving home. Tick each item as you pack to reduce the chances of forgetting something important.

Category	✓
Passport	☐
Boarding Pass	☐
Travel Insurance	☐
Accommodation Details	☐
Airport Parking Booking	☐
Phone & Charger	☐
Power Bank	☐
Medication	☐
Travel Money	☐
Debit/Credit Cards	☐
Clothing	☐
Shoes	☐
Toiletries	☐
Travel Adapter	☐
Sunglasses	☐
Sunscreen	☐
Headphones	☐
Water Bottle	☐
Travel Pillow	☐
House Keys	☐

Destination-Specific Packing Advice

Different destinations have different entry requirements, climates and cultural expectations. Checking these before travelling can save unnecessary stress once you arrive.

European Holidays

• Take your GHIC (or valid UK EHIC if eligible).
• Carry some local currency where useful.
• Pack a European plug adapter where required.
• Check local driving rules if hiring a car.

USA Holidays

• Apply for an ESTA before travelling if required.
• Carry a suitable travel adapter.
• Review airline baggage rules for domestic flights.
• Keep travel insurance details easily accessible.

Dubai & UAE

• Check medication restrictions before travelling.
• Pack lightweight clothing suitable for hot weather.
• Respect local customs when choosing clothing.
• Carry plenty of sunscreen and stay hydrated.

Australia & New Zealand

• Be aware of strict biosecurity regulations.
• Avoid carrying prohibited food products.
• Complete arrival declarations accurately.
• Pack high-SPF sunscreen.

Cruise Holidays

• Passport
• Cruise documentation
• Formal evening wear (if required)
• Lanyard for cruise card
• Small day bag for excursions
• Motion sickness medication

Items You Shouldn’t Pack in Checked Luggage

Some belongings should always remain in your cabin bag to reduce the risk of loss, damage or delay.

• Passport
• Boarding pass
• Medication
• Cash
• Credit cards
• Laptop
• Camera
• Jewellery
• Travel documents
• Power bank
• Spare lithium batteries

Common Airport Baggage Mistakes

Mistake	How to Avoid It
Overweight suitcase	Weigh your luggage before leaving home.
Forgotten passport	Pack travel documents first.
Loose liquids	Use a clear waterproof toiletry bag where required.
Unlabelled luggage	Add luggage tags inside and outside your suitcase.
Late airport arrival	Allow extra time during busy holiday periods.

Useful APH Travel Guides

If you’re planning your next holiday, you may also find these APH Community guides useful:

• Autism-Friendly Airport Guide
• What Assistance Can Airlines Provide?
• Browse All APH Community Travel Guides

Make Your Airport Journey Easier

Getting to the airport is one of the most important parts of your holiday. Booking airport parking or an airport hotel in advance can help reduce stress on the day of travel while often saving money compared with paying on arrival.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Related APH Travel Guides

If you found this guide useful, you may also enjoy these travel resources from the APH Community:

• Airport Assistance Guide for Travellers with Autism
• Airline Assistance Explained
• Browse All APH Community Travel Guides

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Start Your Holiday the Easy Way

Once you’ve finished packing, let APH help make the rest of your journey easier. Compare trusted airport parking, convenient Meet & Greet services and airport hotels with parking across the UK’s major airports.