You're packing wrong – this checklist fixes every holiday
Packing is boring. Our tips will help you pack like a pro.
Whether you're heading to the beach, the city, the slopes or the countryside — we've built the ultimate set of checklists to help you pack fast, pack light, and pack right. Here are all the tick-and-go essentials for every kind of trip.
Smart packing strategies
Cut it down by a third. Lay everything out before you pack it and, if you can bear it, get rid of a third of it. It sounds like a lot, but seeing it all laid out like that might be just what you need to realise that actually you don't need that 4th pair of shorts or that spare shirt.
Make (and stick to!) a packing list. This has the double benefit of making sure you remember the essentials and don't pack what you don't need.
Leave some space. You might be tempted to fill every inch of your case, but put those extra flip-flops down. It's a good idea to leave a bit of space in case you want to bring something back – think souvenirs or a bottle of local tipple for your cat sitter.
Use vacuum bags or packing cubes. Keep things organised and save space, just remember to keep an eye on the weight. You can even get some that don't require the use of an actual vacuum cleaner – you can use your hands to push the air out or use a mini USB pump – we really are living in the future.
Roll, don't fold. Where possible, roll your clothes instead of folding them. It saves space and reduces creases. Bonus points for shoving your undies in your shoes.
Towel on top. Lay your towel over the top to help keep everything in place. Plus you've got easy access to it when you land if you want to skip straight to the pool.
Wear the bulky stuff. People don't have weight limits on a flight, so wear the heavier stuff to save space in your case.
Tips and advice
Whether you've already booked your next three trips or you're still planning where to go for the summer, we've got the perfect solution.
Find out more...Holiday fit check
Keep it versatile. Go for mix and match vibes instead of packing specific outfits. If you want to fancy up your fit for dinner or a night out, you can do that with accessories. If the hotel insists on trousers at dinner time, pack a pair of linen ones. They're not as bulky as jeans and go with pretty much anything.
Accessorise. Bring some little extras to smarten up your looks without taking much space. Jewellery or some sparkly sandals can be the difference between beachwear and barwear. For men, tucking in your shirt and adding a belt can transform casual poolside to smart-ish in seconds.
Lose the shoes. Two pairs max (flip flops don't count). A pair of smarter shoes and some comfy trainers for when you're out and about. Even better if you can find some smart-looking comfy trainers that you can wear on the plane. Any shoes you do pack, put them in a plastic bag and keep them close to the wheels – it will help keep your case stable.
Keep it fresh. If you're genuinely worried you won't have enough clothes, why not pack some dissolvable laundry sheets? You can cut them any size and use them to wash your clothes in the sink – leave them out in the sun and they'll dry in no time.
The essentials
Travel-size everything. Prioritise what you actually need and decant it into smaller bottles. Sun cream, contact lens solution are a must. Shower gel, shampoo and conditioner? Find out if the hotel provides them. They may not be your favourite brand but if you can go a few days without it's definitely worth it. If you do want to bring your own, soap and shampoo bars are infinitely more packable, don't count as liquids, and aren't at risk of exploding under cabin pressure.
First aid. Pack yourself a mini first-aid kit or pill box with some painkillers, antihistamines, ginger capsules for motion sickness, any personal medication you need and maybe some gastrointestinal remedies. Just in case. Keep it in your carry-on so it's there whenever you need it.
Organise your documents. If you're one to print things, make a little space in your carry-on for a travel wallet to put things like your ABTA certificate, insurance details and any confirmations you need. Or organise it all into a neat little folder on your emails.
Charge on the go. We don't just mean your charger and adaptor. Take a fully charged power bank with you as well in case of emergencies.
What are you packing for?
We've created some handy check-lists for all kinds of trip. What sort of holiday are you going on?
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