A family holiday packing checklist
Packing is easier when you work from a list. Use this one as a starting point, and add what is special to your trip.
Documents and money
- Passports (check the validity rules for your destination), tickets and booking confirmations.
- Travel insurance details, including the emergency contact number.
- Bank cards, some local currency if you need it, and a note of your accommodation address.
- For the UK, check whether you need anything extra for your destination on GOV.UK foreign travel advice.
Clothes
- Plan outfits by day, not by item, and aim to mix and match.
- Pack for the weather you expect, plus a layer and something waterproof.
- Spare clothes for little ones, in your hand luggage if you are flying.
Health and toiletries
- Regular medication in your hand luggage, with a note of what it is.
- Sun cream, plasters, pain relief and anything the children usually need.
- Toiletries, with liquid limits in mind for hand luggage.
Tech and travel comforts
- Chargers, a plug adaptor if you need one, and a power bank.
- Headphones, books, downloaded films and games for journeys.
- Snacks and a refillable water bottle.
Travelling with children
- Let them choose a few favourite things to carry.
- Keep entertainment and snacks easy to reach.
- Pack a night-before bag so the last day is simple.
Before you leave the house
- Check the list one last time.
- Switch things off, lock up and put the bins out.
- Tell someone you trust your plans and how to reach you.
InYourSuitcase (coming soon) makes shared trip packing lists, with suggestions based on the weather and the length of your trip. More at kwe.life.
About these guides. They are general information for people in the UK, not financial, legal or regulated advice. Prices, rules and providers change, so check official sources and the provider's own terms before you decide. Some links to other companies may in future earn KWE a commission if you choose to use them. That never changes what we write, and we only link to services we think are useful. KWE also makes the InYourHands app, which helps you keep track of dates like these.