Last reviewed: October 2026
Whether you’re travelling for a weekend city break, a family beach holiday or the trip of a lifetime, a good holiday checklist can help you stay organised from the moment you book until the moment you leave home.
From checking your passport and travel documents to packing your suitcase, preparing medication and arranging travel insurance, there can be a lot to remember before you travel.
A little planning can help reduce the chances of common last-minute problems. Use the checklist below to work through the essentials before you head to the airport, station or ferry terminal.
Before You Start Packing
Travel insurance tip:
Consider arranging your travel insurance after booking your holiday rather than leaving it until departure day. Where cancellation cover applies, arranging your policy earlier may mean eligible cancellation protection is in place sooner, subject to the policy terms, conditions and exclusions.
Travel Documents
Before leaving home, check that you have all the documents you may need for your journey and destination.
- Passport
- Boarding passes or travel tickets
- Travel insurance documents
- Accommodation confirmation
- Flight, rail or ferry confirmation
- Visa or travel authorisation where required
- GHIC or EHIC where applicable
- Driving licence if hiring a car
- Car hire confirmation
- Excursion or attraction bookings
- Emergency contact details
Keep secure digital copies of important documents where practical. These can be useful if an original is lost or stolen while you’re away.
Passport reminder:
Passport validity requirements vary by destination. Some countries apply rules relating to remaining validity, issue date or blank pages, so check the exact requirements for your destination through UK Government Foreign Travel Advice well before departure.
Hand Luggage Essentials
Your hand luggage should contain the important items you’ll need during your journey, along with anything that would be difficult to replace if your checked baggage were delayed.
- Passport and travel documents
- Wallet, cash and bank cards
- Mobile phone and charger
- Boarding pass
- Essential prescription medication
- Prescription information where required
- Glasses or contact lenses
- Headphones
- Travel pillow or eye mask
- Book, Kindle or other entertainment
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks for the journey
- A lightweight layer
- Valuables such as laptops, tablets or cameras
Cabin baggage and airport security rules vary between airlines and airports, including rules around liquids. Check your airline and departure airport’s current guidance before travelling rather than relying on older airport-security rules.
Checked Luggage Essentials
What you pack will depend on your destination, weather and type of holiday, but the lists below cover many of the essentials.
Clothing
- T-shirts, tops and shirts
- Trousers, shorts or skirts
- Dresses where required
- Underwear and socks
- Sleepwear
- Jumpers or lightweight layers
- Jacket or waterproof coat
- Comfortable shoes
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Smart outfit where needed
- Swimwear and beach cover-up
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Shower gel or soap
- Deodorant
- Moisturiser
- Hairbrush or comb
- Razor and shaving products
- Makeup and skincare products
- Sun cream and aftersun
- Lip balm with SPF
Electronics
- Phone charger
- Camera and charger
- Power bank
- Plug adaptor suitable for your destination
- Smartwatch charger where needed
Useful Holiday Extras
- Sunglasses
- Hat or cap
- Reusable water bottle
- Beach towel if not provided
- Laundry bag
- Small backpack or day bag
Packing tip:
Check your airline’s baggage size and weight allowance before you travel. Packing cubes and a simple list can also make it easier to stay organised without overpacking.
Health & Medication
If you take regular medication, make sure you have enough for your trip and consider allowing for unexpected delays where appropriate.
Keep essential medication accessible, preferably in its original packaging where possible, and take any supporting prescription information required by your destination.
Travel health kit ideas:
- Prescription medication
- Prescription information where needed
- Pain relief
- Antihistamines
- Plasters and blister plasters
- Antiseptic wipes or cream
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen and aftersun
- Hand sanitiser
- Travel sickness medication where needed
- Diarrhoea relief medication
- Rehydration sachets
Some countries restrict certain medicines, particularly controlled drugs, so check destination-specific rules before travelling.
When arranging travel insurance, complete the medical declaration accurately and declare any medical conditions required under the policy’s medical screening rules. Additional premium or special terms may apply where cover is offered.
Read about Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Cover →
GHIC & EHIC
If you’re travelling to an eligible European destination, a valid UK GHIC or eligible UK EHIC may give you access to medically necessary state-provided healthcare on the applicable local terms.
A GHIC or EHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance and does not provide the same protection for private medical treatment, repatriation, cancellation, baggage or other insured travel events.
Check or apply for a UK GHIC →
Before You Leave Home
With your bags packed and documents ready, work through these final checks before setting off.
Why Travel Insurance Matters
Packing your suitcase is only part of preparing for a holiday. Travel insurance can provide financial protection for certain unexpected insured events before or during your trip.
Depending on the policy and cover level selected, this may include eligible cancellation, emergency medical treatment abroad, repatriation, baggage and travel disruption.
When choosing cover, consider your destination, trip duration, holiday cost, belongings, medical circumstances and any activities you plan to take part in.
Covered2Go Travel Insurance
- Silver, Gold and Platinum cover levels
- Up to £10 million emergency medical expenses on selected cover levels
- Cancellation cover available, subject to the selected cover level and policy terms
- Baggage and personal belongings cover available
- Single Trip and Annual Multi-Trip options
- Cover for many pre-existing medical conditions, subject to eligibility and medical screening where required
- Sports & Activities Level 1 included as standard, with Levels 2, 3 and 4 available for an additional premium where required
Sports and activities can have individual conditions or exclusions. Check every activity you plan to take part in and make sure the appropriate level appears on your policy schedule where required.
Check Sports & Activities Cover →
Holiday Checklist FAQs
When should I buy travel insurance?
Consider arranging travel insurance after you book your holiday rather than waiting until just before departure. Where cancellation cover applies, eligible protection may then be in place earlier, subject to the policy terms and the policy start date.
What should I pack in my hand luggage?
Keep your passport, boarding pass, travel documents, essential medication, valuables and electronic devices in your hand luggage. Check your airline and departure airport’s current cabin baggage and security rules before travelling.
Do I need a GHIC or EHIC?
If you’re travelling to an eligible European country, a valid GHIC or eligible EHIC may provide access to medically necessary state healthcare on the applicable local terms. It does not replace travel insurance.
Can I take prescription medication abroad?
Usually, but rules differ by destination and some medicines are restricted. Keep essential medication accessible, carry prescription information where required and check destination rules before travelling.
What if I have a pre-existing medical condition?
Complete the medical declaration accurately when arranging your policy and declare any conditions required under the applicable medical screening rules. Eligibility, additional premium and special terms may apply.
What documents should I take on holiday?
Depending on your destination, you may need your passport, boarding passes, insurance documents, accommodation and transport confirmations, visa or travel authorisation and GHIC or EHIC. Secure digital copies can also be useful.
Does travel insurance cover lost luggage?
Covered2Go policies can include baggage and personal belongings cover, depending on the product and cover level selected. Benefit limits, single-item limits, excesses, conditions and exclusions apply.
Should I keep my passport in my hand luggage?
Yes. Keep your passport and other documents required during your journey easily accessible rather than packing them in checked baggage.
Ready for Your Next Adventure?
Once your documents are checked, bags are packed and final jobs are ticked off, you can focus on looking forward to your trip.
If you’re arranging travel insurance, choose cover that suits your destination, trip, medical circumstances and planned activities rather than simply choosing a policy based on price.
🏆 Which? Best Buy Travel Insurance 2026
Covered2Go Silver, Gold and Platinum cover levels have all achieved Which? Best Buy status for 2026.
Nearly Ready to Go?
Explore Covered2Go travel insurance and choose cover that suits your destination, trip and individual needs.
This article is for general information only. Entry requirements, passport rules, airport security procedures, health guidance and travel advice can change. Travel insurance cover is subject to eligibility, benefit limits, excesses, terms, conditions and exclusions. Always check current official guidance, the latest Policy Wording and your Certificate of Insurance before travelling.
