Holiday Packing

Which sort of holiday packer are you? Are you the person that starts writing lists weeks before, then starts putting things in the cases at least a week before? Then takes them out again because you realise you still need them. Or do you race around the house at the last minute, wildly picking things up and flinging them into the case while simultaneously discovering that half the stuff you want is still lying wet in the bottom of the washing machine?

those two extremes there's a happy medium which will ensure you arrive on your holiday relaxed, unstressed and with everything you need. The key is a good list, and then you can do the actual packing in the last few hours before you leave home. Do check the list a couple of days before though to make sure that clothes are washed, batteries are charged and there won't be any last-minute surprises.

When it really comes down to the critical travelling essentials, there are only three things you absolutely must have:
1. Passport
2. Tickets
3. Money
Anything else that may have been forgotten can be solved by copious use of no 3. You won't have to fall back on that rather painful solution though if you follow our advice below.

Clothing

Choice of clothing will depend entirely on where you're going, the time of year, the length of stay and the degree of formality of the places you'll visit. Just remember, you almost certainly will need less than you think. If your wife insists that she will need a different dress for each day and another different dress for each evening and a different swimming costume for each day, just say that's fine but she'll have to carry the suitcase.

A light sweater or cardigan will be really useful of you're going out in the evenings or the weather turns a touch less warm than you were expecting.

You'll probably spend a lot of your holiday in shorts. Try to choose shorts with deep pockets and perhaps a button to close them.

Try to pick clothes that won't crease too easily. If they do come out of the case looking crumpled, hang them on a hanger in your bathroom while you take a shower. Most creases will just drop out that way.

Documents

Passport. Surely we don't need to remind you! Unfortunately a surprising number of people turn up at the airport without it. The inconvenience will be exceeded only by the embarrassment, so double-check before you leave home.

Tickets. With the rise of e-ticketing, be sure you have printed everything you need and make use of online check-in if possible to smooth your path at the airport.

Cards. Most people will be using their plastic on holiday so make sure you know which of your cards will give you the best exchange rate, and preferably no premium for use abroad. You can also get prepaid cards which are generally better value than using your "normal" credit card.

Cash. Plan your currency requirements well beforehand and then research the best exchange deals. Don't buy your currency at the airport unless you absolutely have to, because they have the worst exchange rates.

EHIC and Travel Insurance. Carry your insurance documents at all times. If the worst comes to the worst, flashing the insurance docs will smooth the way to quick and effective treatment. Your European Health Insurance Card is useful of course (in an EU country) but it only gets you the same level of treatment as a local resident, which may not be as good as you would like.

Driving Licence. If you're hiring a car, make sure you have a driving licence for each person who might drive and also the new DVLA code that replaces the old paper counterpart. For more info, see here. And of course, print out and bring your car hire confirmation.

Hotel Confirmation. Print out the confirmation e-mails that we sent you. They're not essential at reception, but they will give you information about the hotel location, check-in times and so on.

Toiletries

Wash-bag. Bring all your usual essentials but remember the airport security rules on liquids. It's probably best to use small bottles of shower gel, sunscreen, etc and put them in clear plastic bags. You can easily buy more on your holiday if you need it.

Medication. Make sure you have any personal medicines; enough for the time you'll be away, and in their original packaging.

Beach towel. Unless the hotel info specifically says that they provide beach towels, then they don't. If you're going on that sort of holiday, bring your own. You might find that a microfibre towel is better than a huge fluffy terry towel. They're much lighter and dry quickly too.

Electronics

In this modern world, you'll probably be bringing several bits of electronics: mobile phone, iPod, tablet, laptop. Remember the chargers, and an adaptor to plug them in in whichever country you're visiting.

Mobile phones. Extra charges for data roaming haven't been eliminated yet, although things are getting a lot better. Check your contract before you go, and adjust your phone settings and perhaps your usage habits to suit. Nearly every hotel offers free wi-fi, so you really shouldn't need to use mobile data.

Satnav. If you're going be doing a lot of driving around, it might be better to bring your own satnav. It will be cheaper than hiring one from the car hire company and you'll be more familiar with it. Just be sure that you have detailed maps for where you're going and not just a basemap.

E-Reader. If you're a fervent reader when on holiday, an e-reader can save a lot of weight. Download the e-books before you leave home.

Checklist

Our friends at Zest Car Rental have produced this handy little checklist. Print it out, then tick things off as you pack them.

Or you could make your own checklist and store it on your computer. Pull it up each time you go on holiday, and keep it updated whenever you think of something new that should be on there.

17 Jul 2015, 18:11