Holiday packing and travel tips

Who said packing has to be stressful? Explore everything from practical travel advice and suitcase and hand luggage tips to our helpful holiday checklist in this guide for organised packing each time you set off.

Keep things easy and focus on a few key things to begin with, so you can pack faster and avoid any last-minute hassle.

Quick tips to make packing easier:

• Create a simple packing list. Plan it once and then you can reuse it for every long trip or holiday.
• Think outfits, not just clothing. Go for basics and pieces that you can keep wearing in different combinations.
• Don't overpack. Limit your shoes to a maximum of 2 or 3 pairs (a comfy pair for travel, a smart one to go out, and an activity-specific pair if you need one). For clothes, stick to one or two extras in case of accidents, spills, or emergencies.
• Keep essentials together. Store your passport, chargers, phone, and other must-have items in one designated and accessible spot. This'll prevent you from rummaging in your bag when you need them.
• Leave some room. It'll keep repacking easier on the way back and be useful for any souvenirs.

What is the 5-4-3-2-1 packing rule?

Use this simple method to guide you and prevent overpacking:

• 5 tops
• 4 bottoms (jeans, skirts, shorts, trousers)
• 3 shoes (or fewer)
• 2 layers (hoodie, jumper, light jacket)
• 1 item for occasion wear (smart outfit, dress, gym kit, or swimwear)

This is not an exhaustive list, rather just a way to keep your packing organised and realistic.

Use the table below as a reference for any journey. You can add items that are specific to your trip if necessary.

Note: Specific airport and airline guidelines may differ, so it's best to check your airline baggage regulations and airport security rules before you travel.

Here's a packing list for a typical 7 day trip that you can adjust if needed, to suit your plans.

• 5 - 7 tops
• 3 - 4 bottoms
• 1 - 2 layering options (jacket, jumper, cardigan)
• 1 special/occasion wear outfit (if needed)
• Underwear and socks for each day (and a spare)
• 2 - 3 pairs of shoes
• Swimwear and sun cover-ups (if needed)
• Travel-size toiletries

A well-packed suitcase helps you stay organised and make the best use of luggage space. Follow these steps for efficient and space-saving packing:

1. Lay everything out: This makes it easier to see if you have everything and spot anything you might not really need.

2. Segregate by category: Organise clothes, tech, toiletries, and other items separately, so you can pack each type one-by-one in specific parts of your bag. Keep a set of travel clothes outside for you to wear when you leave, considering space for where it'll go when you're on your way back.

3. Pack heavier items at the bottom: Start with heavier items like bulky clothes and jackets, that go at the bottom so you have space to safely store smaller things at the top.

4. Use packing cubes or storage bags: These'll keep individual categories separate and make things easy-to-find.

5. Roll or fold clothes (depending on the fabric): Rolling clothes saves space when it comes to casual wear, while folding helps maintain the shape of more structured pieces.

6. Fill in the gaps: Socks can go inside shoes, while belts and small bits and bobs can go around other items.

7. Final checks: If you see something that's taking up too much space or that you haven't used in a while, consider removing it from your packing list.

• Packing too many outfit options or 'just in case' items
• Lots of shoes
• Forgetting chargers or adaptors
• Not considering the weather forecast or approximate temperatures of where you're going
• Waiting for the last minute to pack
• Packing liquids improperly
• Not checking luggage restrictions in advance
• Not leaving room for anything you might carry on your way back

Hand luggage will include items you'll need during your travel and anything essential you may require if your checked-in bags are delayed.

• Travel documents and important papers
• Phone, charger, cables
• Essential personal items
• A light jacket
• Snacks (if appropriate for your journey)
• Anything fragile or valuable (if allowed by airline baggage rules)

Packing liquids in hand luggage

Most airports allow liquids in containers only up to 100ml. Some may require these to be in resealable transparent bags. Read more about guidelines for carrying liquids on flights and also check current rules at both your departure and arrival airports to plan accordingly.

Batteries and power banks

For devices with batteries like phones, tablets, power banks, consider the airport rules when you are packing and check with your airline if you are unsure of anything.

Tip: To save time, have a 'flight essentials' pouch in your hand luggage, with documents and other items you might need at the security check.

• Use a travel checklist and tick off things as you pack.
• Check baggage rules in advance and plan accordingly.
• Use a luggage scale to make sure you're under the weight limit. Aim to stay below the limit to avoid stuffing your bags and to leave space for any additional items you may bring back.
• Keep one extra set of clothes, spare cables, and other essentials easy-to-access in case of emergencies or delays.
• Label your bags clearly with luggage tags. You can also use Bluetooth luggage trackers to prevent any lost baggage.
• Pack a small laundry bag on the way home so you can carry clean and worn clothes separately and unpack easily.