The short answer: pack by category rather than room by room: documents first, then tech, clothes, toiletries and extras. Keep the list somewhere you can reuse, and tick items off as they go in the bag.
Documents and money
- Passport (check the expiry date well before you travel)
- Boarding passes or tickets
- Travel insurance details
- Accommodation confirmations
- Driving licence, if you're hiring a car
- Bank cards and some local currency
- Health card, such as a GHIC for travel in the EU
Tech
- Phone and charger
- Travel adapter
- Power bank
- Headphones
- E-reader or tablet
Clothes
- Tops and T-shirts
- Trousers, shorts or skirts
- Underwear and socks
- A jumper or light jacket
- Nightwear
- Swimwear
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Something smarter for evenings
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Sun cream
- Any medication, in original packaging
- Travel-size shampoo and shower gel (check airline liquid rules)
Extras
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Day bag
- Book
- Small first-aid kit
Tips for a reusable list
- Keep a master list and copy it for each trip.
- Add a quantity column so you know how many of each.
- After the trip, note what you didn't use and cut it next time.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start packing?
Many people check documents a few weeks ahead and pack the rest a day or two before.
How do I avoid overpacking?
Plan outfits around the days on your itinerary rather than packing "just in case".
Use a ready-made list
Our Trip Itinerary & Packing template includes this checklist with tick boxes and a progress bar, plus a day-by-day itinerary and a key info page for flights, bookings and emergency numbers.
Important: This article is general information to help you plan. It is not financial, legal or travel advice. Always check official travel, passport and airline requirements before you go, for example on GOV.UK foreign travel advice.