Holiday Nerd

Packing can either set the tone for a smooth, enjoyable trip—or become the first source of stress before you’ve even left home. The key is striking the right balance: bringing what you need without overpacking.

This guide covers the essentials to help you travel lighter, smarter, and with confidence.

How to pack

Before thinking about what goes into your suitcase, it’s worth considering how you pack. A little organisation at this stage can save time, space, and frustration throughout your trip.

We’ve all had that moment on holiday: struggling to force the suitcase shut, while knowing it closed easily when you first packed it. How you pack matters just as much as what you pack. A simple, organised approach makes items easier to find and helps avoid wasted space. Packing cubes or travel organisers are particularly useful for keeping things tidy and separating clothing types.

Delayed or lost luggage is more common than most people expect. To reduce the impact:

• Keep valuables, medication, and essentials in your hand luggage
• Pack at least one change of clothes (even just underwear and a spare top) in your carry-on
• Consider placing an AirTag or similar tracker in your suitcase
• Add a luggage tag and a piece of paper inside your bag with your name and contact details

These small steps can make a frustrating situation far easier to manage.

What to pack

What you pack will depend on where you’re going, the time of year, and what you plan to do — as well as whether you’ll have access to laundry facilities. There’s no one-size-fits-all list, but a little planning goes a long way.

Start by checking the weather forecast and average temperatures for your destination, and think realistically about your activities. Planning outfits that can be mixed and matched will help keep your luggage light and flexible.

Clothing: Versatile and Weather-Ready

Clothing is usually the biggest contributor to overpacking. The goal isn’t variety — it’s versatility. Choose items that suit the climate, layer well, and work across multiple settings.

Always tailor clothing to where you’re going. In some destinations it may be warm during the day but cold in the evenings. If you have activities planned — such as walking, hiking, or trekking — appropriate footwear and layers are essential. Waterproofs you can easily put on or take off are particularly useful in unpredictable weather.

Essentials to consider:

• Everyday outfits that layer well
• One warmer layer (jumper, fleece, or light jacket)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Smart-casual option for evenings or restaurants
• Sleepwear and underwear
• Socks suitable for the climate
• Swimwear (even if “just in case”)

Stick to neutral colours and fabrics that don’t crease easily. If you can wear each item at least twice, it earns its place in your bag.

Toiletries and Personal Care

It’s easy to overpack toiletries “just in case,” but most destinations sell the basics. Focus on essentials and items you genuinely rely on.

Most destinations sell toiletries, so don’t pack your entire bathroom cabinet.

Must-haves:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant
• Sunscreen and moisturiser
• Any skincare you use daily
• Razor or hair removal essentials
• Minimal makeup or grooming kit

If you’re flying with hand luggage only, remember liquid restrictions.

Travel Documents and Money

These items are non-negotiable and should always be treated as your highest priority. If everything else goes missing, these are what allow you to keep travelling.

All travel documents and valuables should be kept in your hand luggage — no exceptions.

Pack securely:

• Passport (and visas if required)
• Travel insurance details – worth having these easily accessible whether hard copy or digital 
• Boarding passes and accommodation confirmations
• Payment cards and some local currency
• Driving licence (if hiring a car)
• ID you can carry round with you if you are a student or senior as many places may offer discounts.

Keep digital copies backed up on your phone or cloud storage for peace of mind.

Tech and Entertainment

Technology keeps you connected, organised, and entertained, but it’s also an easy area to overpack. Bring what you’ll realistically use — and leave the rest behind. Many people bring both a laptop and a tablet and use neither.

Some items, such as spare batteries for cameras or drones, must be carried in hand luggage. It’s also wise to keep at least one charger and plug adaptor with you in case of delays.

Useful items:

• Phone and charger
• Power bank
• Headphones
• Plug adaptor
• E-reader, tablet, or book
• Downloaded maps, playlists, and shows
• Camera (with charger and memory card)
• Drones (where legal and permitted)

For road trips:

• Car charger (cigarette lighter adaptor)
• Phone holder (depending on location and vehicle setup)

Health and Safety Items

A small, well-thought-out health kit can save a lot of inconvenience — especially in places where pharmacies are limited or language barriers exist.

Tailor this to your destination, activities, and length of trip.

Consider including:

• Prescription medication (with copies of prescriptions)
• Basic painkillers
• Plasters and blister pads
• Hand sanitiser
• Insect repellent
• Anti-diarrhoea medication
• Sleeping aids, if you use them

Day-to-Day Extras

These are the items that often make travel more comfortable — and are frequently overlooked. They can make exploring easier, help you handle minor inconveniences, and improve downtime.

A lightweight rucksack can double as hand luggage and then be used for day trips. If you’re in busy or built-up areas, make sure it’s secure and not easy to pickpocket. Basic necessities matter too: toilets aren’t always well equipped, and weather can be unpredictable.

Entertainment for evenings or airport downtime — such as a good book or compact card games — can also be surprisingly enjoyable.

Useful extras:

• Reusable water bottle
• Sunglasses and a hat
• Lightweight day bag (such as a rucksack)
• Foldable tote or laundry bag
• Snacks for journeys
• Tissues (many public toilets don’t provide toilet paper)
• Books or e-reader
• Travel games
• Small amount of washing powder (if using laundry facilities)
• Compact umbrella

They’re small additions that can make a big difference.

Final Packing Tips

Before zipping your bag closed, take a final pause. A few last checks can make travel far easier.

• Lay everything out first — then remove at least 20%
• Roll clothes to save space and use packing cubes
• If very short of space wear your bulkiest items in transit (you can always take a folder out bag in your hand luggage which you can then delayer and put these items in)
• Leave room for souvenirs

Packing doesn’t need to be complicated. With a thoughtful list and a bit of restraint, you’ll arrive prepared, organised, and ready to enjoy the trip — not manage your luggage.