We spend the entire year looking forward to our fantastic summer holiday away in the sun. Don’t let anything spoil your hot weather getaway, especially not something as silly as forgetting to pack those essential items you swore to yourself you wouldn’t leave behind. Writing a holiday checklist is the easiest way of ensuring you have everything you need safely packed away. With that in mind, here is a helpful prompting guide that will help you create a detailed checklist with everything you could possibly need.
Start with the Basics
While forgetting your shampoo or flipflops isn’t necessarily the end of the world (every corner shop will sell a replacement), you don’t want to leave these basic and essential things behind. Make sure your holiday checklist includes:
Identification documents (passport and driver’s licence)
Travel documents (travel tickets and any required visas)
Travel insurance details (nothing spoils a holiday more than not being covered for delayed flights, lost luggage or medical issues).
You may also want to bring copies of relevant documents, like a photocopy your passport, insurance policy and spare copies of your travel tickets.
Pack to Perfection
Once you’ve got everything you need to get you onboard your flight to your summer destination, it is time to add the other items you’ll need to your holiday checklist.
Clothes
You will want the basic underwear, shorts, tops and nightwear. Thinking in terms of daily outfits is the easiest way of planning what to bring. You should probably pack a jumper in case the evenings get cooler, as well as something nice to wear out.
Beachwear
Don’t forget your swimming costume, a towel, goggles and flipflops. If I were you, I would also pack an inflatable for the pool.
Accessories
In hot weather, you will need a sunhat or cap and sunglasses. Any required jewellery, hairbrushes, toothbrushes or tweezers should also go on the list.
Toiletries
Obviously, you will be taking the basic shampoo, soap, deodorant and toothpaste, but you’ll also need suncream and aftersun to protect your skin, as well as insect repellent and bite cream. Things like razors and shaving foam or makeup and remover should also be considered for your holiday checklist.
First Aid
It is also useful to pack basic medication, like paracetamol, ibuprofen and plasters. If you suffer from hayfever, don’t forget some antihistamines, and if you have asthma don’t forget your pump. Contraception may be required too.
Technology and Entertainment
You will hate yourself if you forget your phone or charger. A camera is always a good idea, as is an MP3 player. I would also recommend packing a book and a deck of playing cards.
Though a holiday checklist helps you to be a thorough packer, it is also an opportunity to make sure you haven’t over prepared. If you are catching a flight to your destination, remember to check your prescribed baggage allowance and ensure that you won’t go over the weight limit by taking all the items on your list.
Patrick Chong is the Managing Director of InsureMore, an award-winning team of specialists in global single trip, family and annual travel insurance. Besides offering great deals on the best travel insurance for your needs, Patrick also shares valuable tips to help you tick off your holiday checklist and plan for a hassle free business or leisure trip.
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