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Holiday checklist – what should I pack?
That pre-holiday buzz is kicking in. You’re practicing how you’ll ask for a cocktail at the bar, and your finger is hovering over the Out of Office button. You’ve checked in for your flight, and have your spending money ready. There’s just one last thing to do – attempt to fit half your wardrobe into your suitcase. But it’s not always as simple as that. What are the essential items that should be on your packing list? That’ll depend on what kind of holiday you’re going on. We’ve broken down your holiday essentials, based on the type of trip you’ve got booked …
The good thing about a beach break is that you can pack light. You’ll need your swimming costume, a beach towel, and flip flops – but even if you don’t fancy living in your bikini all week, the rest of your clothes won’t take up much space either. You’ll be wearing just half of the material you’re usually in – think shorts and t-shirts, or dresses and sandals. Pop in sunglasses, a beach bag, a hat to protect you from the sun, and a thin scarf – useful for extra sun protection and covering up if you’re visiting a religious country. Your heaviest items are likely to be your SPF 30, toiletries, and the books you’ll be reading all week. Essentially, beach holidays are the best kind of holiday to pack for. You’ll have no trouble sticking within the limits of the TUI luggage allowance.
Top tip: Pack a waterproof bag for your damp swimsuit, so you don’t soak everything else in your case on your way home.
Family holidays are a bit trickier to prepare for, because you’re packing for a group – and you may feel you need to pack everything but the kitchen sink. But don’t panic. Infants under two get their own 10kg luggage allowance on TUI flights, so you won’t need to make everything fit in your own case, and we carry pushchairs free of charge. You can bring baby food with you, and if you’re in a TUI FAMILY LIFE resort, you can heat up baby milk in the dedicated baby food preparation area at meals, or in the Baby Lounge, usually located near the pool. If you’re flying with a different airline, remember to check their rules. When it comes to packing for little ones, think practical – don’t forget SPF 50 and bite cream to protect sensitive skin, baby-wipes for cleaning up sandy fingers, and light, breathable clothing. Make sure to also include kid-sized sunglasses and hats, and comfy shoes for all the running around they’ll be doing.
Top tip: If you’re staying in a TUI FAMILY LIFE hotel you won’t need to pack too many toys, as the Kids’ Clubs will keep them occupied when they’re not in the pool.
Top tip: If you’re staying in a TUI FAMILY LIFE hotel you won’t need to pack too many toys, as the Kids’ Clubs will keep them occupied when they’re not in the pool.
If you’re on the kind of holiday where you’ll be constantly on the go, make sure your travel insurance documents are packed. The other items you’ll need will depend on what your plans are while you’re away. If you’re at one of our ROBINSON hotels you could spend your afternoon playing tennis, so pack your gym gear, including a water bottle and towel. Or, you could get out onto the water and go sailing or diving. Wetsuits and life jackets are both available to borrow at ROBINSON hotels, so you won’t need to fit them into your case. The best thing to do is to research what you can do while you’re away and make a plan so you have everything you think you'll need. And don’t forget your GoPro, so you can look back on your holiday memories once you’re home.
Top tip: Don’t forget about sun protection for any outdoor activities.
Top tip: Don’t forget about sun protection for any outdoor activities.
Cold destinations, like where you’ll head to for your winter ski holiday, are probably the most challenging holiday destinations to pack for because you’ll be wearing much heavier clothing. You can take your own equipment, but most resorts rent out their ski boots, helmets, and skis for a fee, so check before you go. Handily though, with our sister company Crystal Ski, if your ski boots fit within the restrictions on a TUI flight you can take them as
your item of hand luggage. Once you’ve sorted your equipment, consider the other practicalities. Don’t be fooled into thinking you won’t need protection from the sun – bring your sun cream and sunglasses as well as your hat, scarf, and gloves. After that, it’s all about layers – pack your salopettes, jumpers, and a clean pair of ski socks for each day. And, just like with an activity holiday – make sure you’ve got appropriate travel insurance.
Top tip: Wear your ski jacket on the plane to save space in your suitcase.
Top tip: Wear your ski jacket on the plane to save space in your suitcase.
Packing for a city break can be as easy as packing for a beach break if you’re off for just a few days. You’ll need your comfy shoes for all the exploring you’ll be doing – or, if you’re off to somewhere like New York, take advantage of local transport options like the Hop On - Hop Off Downtown tours to make the most of the city, whatever the weather. A waterproof jacket is essential, as is a backpack or bag you can put across your body, to keep your valuables safe. Sun protection is also required, as it’s easy to get burnt while running around a city. Planning to go out on the town? Stick to flats to dance in if you can, as they can double as daywear too.
Top tip: Check the weather report before you start to pack – it could change what you include.
Top tip: Check the weather report before you start to pack – it could change what you include.
