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Are you planning a holiday soon? Whether you’re heading to a sunny beach, a hiking trip, or a bustling city, you’ll need to pack smartly and efficiently.

Packing for a holiday can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you don’t know what to bring. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you pack the essentials for some of the most popular types of holiday. Follow these tips and you’ll be ready to enjoy your trip without any worries!

Before You Start Packing

Before you start filling your suitcase, there are some important things you need to prepare before you leave that will help get you to your destination. Forget these and your trip is a non-starter. Below, some of the travel essentials that will make your journey smoother and safer.

Flights. If you’re heading abroad on a flight, download digital copies or if you must, print out copies of all your flight tickets, as you might be required to display a return ticket when you check in.

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Passport. This then leads on to the most important document if you’re travelling abroad as you’ll need a valid passport to travel overseas. Check that your passport is valid for at least one more year and that there are enough blank pages to cover your entire trip. To protect your passport from damage, keep it in a passport cover while you travel.

Visas. Some countries require that you have a visa to enter, while others offer visa-free travel to specific nationalities. Check if you need a visa before you book your flight and apply as early as possible to avoid any issues getting into your destination. You can use VisaHQ to check if you need a visa for any of your destination countries.

Bus, Train and Boat Tickets. If you’re travelling by public transport on either side of your journey, again make sure you’ve got any tickets ready and keep them in your suitcase or day bag. This is especially important if you’re travelling to a country you’re not familiar with. Arranging travel tickets in advance can help relieve any stress trying to find where to buy tickets when you arrive.

Itinerary. If you’ve prepared an itinerary for your trip, download it so that you have a copy with you wherever you go. This will help you stay organized and keep track of your activities and reservations.

Digital Copies Of Your Documents. Scan or photograph your passport, any relevant visas, your driving license, credit cards, insurance information and other relevant documents before your holiday, then save them in your email account. This way, if you lose any of your documents overseas, you’ll have a secure digital copy that only you can access. Also, prepare a list of important phone numbers for your credit card issuer, bank and other essential contacts that you can call if you run into any money issues overseas.

Hotel Bookings. Book your hotels ahead of time and keep a note of your reservation and the address details. There can often be more than one hotel belonging to different hotel chains and so make sure you know the correct hotel or accommodation you’ve booked.  

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Vaccinations. Before you pack anything, check if you need any injections before you visit your destination. Some countries may have health risks or diseases that require vaccinations or preventive medication. You can check the latest travel health advice on the NHS website. Make sure you do this well ahead of time.

Ok, now the serious stuff is out of the way. On to the fun stuff. What to pack!

What to Pack for a Beach Holiday

If you’re heading to a sunny beach destination, you’ll want to pack light and breezy clothes that will keep you cool and comfortable. Here are some of the items that should be on your packing list for a beach holiday.

T shirts: A t-shirt is a fashion staple that deserves a place in your suitcase as it’s easy to layer up and light to pack. T shirts can be paired with jeans, shorts or skirts, usually a winner for a casual and chic look.

A pair of denim shorts. Denim shorts are another must-have for any beach holiday. They’re easy to throw on over your swimwear or wear with a top for exploring the town.

Swimwear.  Of course, no beach holiday is complete without swimming gear. Brining a couple of different options is usually a good idea so that while one is drying from the previous day you have another option.

A sarong. A sarong is a versatile accessory that can be used as a cover-up, a towel, or even a blanket.

A pair of sunglasses. Sunglasses are not only stylish but also essential for protecting your eyes.

A sun hat or baseball cap. A hat is another must-have for shielding your face and scalp from the sun. Opt for a wide-brimmed hat that can fold easily into your bag.

Open footwear / sandals. Sandals are the perfect footwear for a beach holiday. They’re comfortable, easy to slip on and off, and go with almost anything.

Sunscreen and after sun. Sunscreen is vital for preventing sunburns and skin damage. Choose one that has at least SPF 30 and is water-resistant. Don’t forget to apply often!

What to Pack for an Active Holiday

If you’re planning an active holiday where you’ll be hiking, biking, skiing or doing other outdoor activities, you’ll need to pack accordingly. Here are some of the essential items that should be on your packing list for an active holiday.

A waterproof jacket. A waterproof jacket is essential for keeping you dry and warm in case of rain or snow. Choose one that’s lightweight and breathable for optimal comfort.

A backpack. A backpack is the most versatile and suitable type of luggage for an active holiday. It’s easy to carry around and has plenty of space for all your gear. Look for one that’s waterproof and with hidden pockets so that you can keep any documents secure if needed while you’re on the go.

A fleece jacket. If you’ll need something warm, a fleece jacket is another layer that can keep you warm in cold weather.

A pair of hiking boots. Hiking boots are crucial for providing support and traction on uneven terrain. Make sure they’re broken in before your trip to avoid blisters and discomfort. Also buy hiking socks to help with the comfort when earing these.

Layers. Bring a base layer, mid layer and outer layers. So that you can layer up or down depending on the weather. Look for synthetic or wool material that can wick away sweat and keep you warm. An outer layer should be waterproof or windproof material that can protect you from the elements.

A hat and gloves. These can make a big difference in cold weather. They can prevent heat loss from your head and hands and keep them warm.

What to Pack for a City Break

If you’re going on a city break where you’ll be sightseeing, shopping and dining out, you’ll want to pack stylish and practical clothes that will suit different occasions. Here are some of the essential items that should be on your packing list for a city break.

A jacket. This can be lightweight jacket, or even a leather jacket – anything that can be worn from day to night and that is versatile enough to wear with multiple outfits.

A pair of jeans. Jeans are another classic item that are perfect for any city break. They’re comfortable, durable and easy to mix and match with different tops.

A pair of trainers. A must have. City breaks are all about walking and so a good pair of trainers with good support are vital. They’re the ideal footwear for exploring a city on foot and so invest in a good comfortable pair.

That’s our roundup of essential holiday items. What are we missing? If there’s an item you can’t travel without, let us know in the comments!