Packing for a holiday is all part of the fun. No, honestly it is! Whether you're hoping to jet away for a family holiday, a trip with friends or a romantic break with your other half, we've done the hard part for you by compiling your need-to-know packing guide - so now there's just the small matter of how to fit it all into your suitcase!
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© Photo: iStockDiscover your ultimate guide to holiday packing
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Travel documents
These are the items you can't afford to travel without. Make sure you have your passport and various travel documents - such as your travel insurance - safe in your hand luggage. It’s also worth making a copy before you travel in case anything goes missing.
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Valuables, tech and entertainment:
From the all-important phone and charger to your travel currency and camera, you're going to want to save plenty of room in your hand luggage for these valuables and entertainment. Make sure you take an appropriate plug adaptor for your destination, and download some of your favourite films or TV shows to watch on the flight if you have a long journey. Picking up a phrase book or travel guide to the country you're visiting will prove invaluable in helping you to find your way around and impress the locals with your lingo – or at least try.
These are the essentials you can't forget in your hand luggage or suitcase:
1) Passport
2) Insurance documents
3) Boarding pass
4) Visa documents
5) Any other holiday documentation
6) Driving licence
7) Phone
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10) Purse and travel money
11) Keys
12) Laptop or tablet
13) Charger for laptop
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15) Digital camera
16) Camera charger
18) Pen and notebook
19) Books or magazines (or a HELLO! magazine subscription!)
20) Travel phrasebook or travel guide to the country you're visiting.
Essentials:
These essentials will help to make your journey more comfortable, and will also come in handy once you arrive. Save money (and single-use plastic) by taking your own refillable water bottle that you can fill up after passing through security, and don't forget your sunglasses if you're travelling somewhere hot.
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21) Disinfectant wipes. You probably touch your phone as much as you touch your face. Clean your phone and other belongings with a disinfectant wipe. Keep a pack handy for any surface you might need to clean as you move through public spaces.
22) Glasses or contact lenses
23) Sunglasses
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24) Pocket tissues
25) Antibacterial hand gel or hand santitiser
26) Face mask
27) Any medication you need - a personal pill organiser will come in handy
28) A clear sealable bag for your liquids
29) A container for your cosmetics - we love this ultra portable one from Amazon.
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30) Reusable water bottle - take it through security empty and fill it up once you're through
31) Hand cream (under 100ml)
32) Face moisturiser (under 100ml)
33) Travel sleep kit for longer flights with eye mask and earplugs
34) Travel pillow
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If travelling with children:
Keep little ones comfortable and entertained on your travels with snacks, toys and games. Don't forget a spare change of clothes for the journey, as well as any nappies, wet wipes and medication you may need.
35) Change of clothes for the journey
36) Nappies (including swim nappies for the pool) and/or underwear
37) Baby wet wipes
38) Travel snacks and enough baby food/ milk for the journey
39) Medication
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40) Dummies or comforters
42) Clothes
43) Sun hat
44) Bucket and spade for beach entertainment
45) Specific toiletries for children such as sensitive shampoo
Hold Luggage:
It goes without saying that you're going to want to pack beachwear, swimwear and lots of sun cream if you're going somewhere hot. Make sure you take enough sun cream and after sun to see you through at least the first few days, and pack bug repellent, antiseptic cream and a first aid kit to keep your family happy and healthy throughout your trip.
While you can pick up many toiletries and emergency supplies close to most resorts, taking your own will give you peace of mind that you have everything you need on hand, while saving valuable time to enjoy by the pool or on the beach.
Fingers crossed everything will be perfect on your trip, but it’s important to prepare for all eventualities – from packing an umbrella or waterproof jacket for any sudden downpours to taking a small sewing kit for any clothing malfunctions.
46) First aid kit
47) Toothbrush
48) Toothpaste
49) Mouthwash
50) Dental floss
51) Face creams
52) Body lotions
53) Cleanser
54) Deodorant
55) Perfume or fragrance
56) Bug repellent
57) Travel hairdryer
58) Shampoo and conditioner
59) Hairstyling products such as hairspray or gel
60) Hairbrush
61) Hair bobbles
62) Silk pillow case and face mask for sleeping
63) Antiseptic cream
64) Makeup
65) Makeup remover
66) Sun cream
67) After sun
68) Razor
69) Beach umbrella
70) Umbrella
71) A steamer
72) Waterproof jacket
73) Mini sewing kit
74) Underwear
75) Packing cubes with a laundry bag
76) Clothes
77) Sandals and trainers
78) Swimwear
79) Pyjamas
80) Handbag
81) Beach bag
82) Beach towel
83) Goggles or snorkelling mask
84) Fabric spray
85) Belts
86) Jewellery and accessories
88) Laundry bags
89) Handheld fans
This fan is a dream. It has a powerful three settings option and is extremely quiet and lightweight so you can take it anywhere. With a handy USB charging point, too!
90) Your copy of HELLO! Magazine for the plane - obviously.
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