There’s nothing more exciting than going on holiday and exploring new places whilst enjoying a well- earned break, but packing to go away can be a work of art! Here are some top tips and key lists to make sure you don’t forget anything you’ll need for the perfect get away.

Top 5 packing tips

  • Wear your heaviest clothing to travel in, such as trousers and a jumper or jacket to keep you warm on cooler evenings and save space in your suitcase.
  • Invest in a lightweight suitcase or bag – that way you’ll have more spare luggage weight so you can pack a bit more.
  • Pack travel size bottles of toiletries. Don’t take anything you won’t need such as a hairdryer or towels as the place you stay may provide these essentials (check before you travel).
  • Be ruthless with your clothing. Whatever clothing you think you’ll need you’ll probably only wear about a third of it, so pack light!
  • Roll, don’t fold. Not only does it save space but it avoids creases too. Tuck underwear into left over gaps and stick socks inside shoes.

 

Packing for a week in the sun

Essentials

  • Passport (remember it needs to be in date and if you’re travelling outside of Europe to the Middle East & Asia you’ll need at least 6 months validity)
  • Travel insurance documents (including EHIC card if necessary)
  • Tickets and booking conformation for flights and accommodation
  • Bank cards and foreign currency
  • Depending on where you go you may also need a holiday visa

Tip: Take photocopies of all important documents such as your passport and insurance documents in case of any emergencies.

Hand Luggage

  • Your valuables
  • Magazines and books
  • Notebook and pen
  • A change of clothes and toothbrush in case of a change in plan
  • Money (Sterling while you’re in the UK and foreign currency for when you arrive)
  • Any prescribed medication 


Clothing

Make a list of all the clothes you’d like to take with you, so you have everything you’ll need for during the day (including swimwear), and the evening.

Remember to pack a jumper or light jacket for cooler evenings – you could travel in this to save space in your case!

Tip: Make sure your case has a lock on it. This will be good for the journey but also means you can lock valuables in your case while you’re away. Also make sure you have a luggage label on your case, and for extra safety pop your details inside your case too, as a label could easily come off.


 

Toiletries and Medication

Make a list of all the essential toiletries you’ll need while you’re away, and a list of any prescribed medication or over-the-counter items that could come in handy – plus a trusty first aid kit!

And don’t forget your sun cream or after sun, as these can be very expensive when you’re at your destination.

Everything Else

  • Mobile phone/ charger/ headphones
  • Camera/charger
  • Travel adaptor
  • Sunglasses
  • Reading material
  • A day bag/ rucksack
  • Possibly a phrase book if you are travelling to a foreign country

 

Packing for children too?

If you’re heading off on a family holiday then it’s likely you’ll need more space for their clothes and shoes and lots of food for the journey. Make sure you have plenty of sun protection including a sunhat and some waterproof factor 50+ sun cream. You might want to pack some toys to keep them entertained on the flight or car journey too!

Tip: Buy a Thomas Scoot Case or a Peppa Pig Scoot Case for your little ones and they can have some fun in the airport to pass some time, as well as carrying some of the weight for you.

If you’re planning a holiday in the future and you budget with Park why not order a Love2shop Holiday Gift Card so you’ll be able to look forward to your trip knowing it’s been paid for in advance.

Happy holidays!